Banff & Jasper 7- Day Itinerary
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies is the Icefields Parkway, a 140-mile stretch of highway that connects two iconic destinations, Banff and Jasper. The Icefields Parkway has been named one of the most beautiful drives in the world. In all of our travels, this is one of the most awe-inspiring road trips we’ve ever taken. We love it so much we’ve done this same trip twice! You’ll see glaciers, snow-capped mountains, glacier-fed lakes, lush meadows, and tons of wildlife! Prepare to be blown away by what you’ll see in Banff, Jasper, and on the Icefields Parkway!
Moraine Lake
The Icefields Parkway is open all year unless avalanche conditions are too high during the winter. We’ve been in May and June. The nice thing about arriving in the summer is longer days, wildflowers blooming, and warmer temperatures. In late September, you’ll get hints of fall colors.
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Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Calgary, drive to Banff
Day 2: Banff
Day 3: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
Day 4: Icefields Parkway & Colombia Icefield
Day 5: Jasper
Day 6: Jasper
Day 7: Depart
Tips
You will need a car for this itinerary. We rented ours at the Calgary Airport.
Book your hotels in advance, especially during the summer.
Stop at a grocery store and buy snacks, water, and meals. You’ll want to get a cooler. This is the perfect trip to have picnics.
Purchase bear spray! Know what to do if you encounter a bear while hiking.
Get this Icefields Parkway Self-Guided Driving Audio Tour
If you visit during the summer you’ll have longer days. It doesn’t get dark until 10 pm… More time to play and explore!!
Day 1- drive to Banff
The drive from Calgary to Banff National Park will take about 90 minutes.
Banff
The journey begins in the charming town of Banff, surrounded by towering peaks, turquoise lakes, and lush forests.
Banff Avenue, the main street in town, is lined with shops, cozy cafes, and galleries showcasing local artwork. It’s a great place to browse for souvenirs, sample local cuisine, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in town.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
After getting some grub, we headed to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. After a full day of traveling, we were ready to unwind in the relaxing natural hot springs. The spring’s mineral-rich waters offer a rejuvenating experience against the mountain backdrop.
Day 2- Banff
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
The Banff Springs Hotel is renowned for its stunning architecture. It resembles a grand European castle set against the backdrop of the Canadian Rockies. We loved exploring this hotel!
Get Your Guide offers a tour of this castle (hotel). Learn the history and secrets of the castle. You’ll enjoy Alberta’s signature foods and mingle with their culinary team.
Book this tour here.
We went on a 1-hour horseback ride in Banff National Park along the Bow River. It was a beautiful ride! Unfortunately, Charlotte's eyes swelled up, and we realized Charlotte was allergic to horses. 😦
Click here to check availability and book your Banff horseback ride.
Banff National Park-
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is a must-visit destination in Banff National Park. We loved this trail! You can see seven waterfalls along the way.
There are two main hiking trails at Johnston Canyon, the Lower Falls Trail and the Upper Falls Trail. Both of these meander along the canyon's narrow pathways and catwalks, providing breathtaking views of waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and lush forest scenery.
The Lower Falls Trail is a relatively easy walk that takes you to the base of Johnston Canyon's Lower Falls. Follow the well-maintained pathway through a forested canyon, crossing steel catwalks and footbridges suspended above the rushing waters of Johnston Creek. We reached the lower falls in about 20 minutes. The girls loved the cave and close-up view of the falls.
For a more challenging adventure, continue along the trail to Johnston Canyon's Upper Falls. The path becomes steeper as it climbs higher into the canyon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Arrive at the Upper Falls, where you can witness the impressive waterfall cascading over the edge of a sheer limestone cliff.
Beyond the Upper Falls, the trail continues to a series of natural mineral springs known as the Ink Pots. These colorful pools bubble up from deep underground, surrounded by meadows and mountain scenery. The hike to the Ink Pots is longer and more strenuous but rewards you with a unique and serene natural oasis.
Banff Gondola
Next, we experienced panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies from the summit of Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola. At the top of the mountain, are interpretive exhibits, and scenic walking trails. Tonight dine at the Sky Bistro atop the Banff Gondola for amazing views!
Get your Banff Gondola tickets here.
Stargaze
The skies above Banff and Jasper National Parks come alive with millions of twinkling stars. Find a secluded spot away from city lights and marvel at the beautiful sky.
Or join this sunset walk and watch the stars come out on remote trails. You’ll be escorted by professional mountain guides.
Popular Activities In Banff:
Kananaskis River Whitewater Rafting Tour
Beginner Canyoning Half-Day Tour
Wildlife & Sightseeing Minibus Tour
Evening Wildlife Safari Guided Tour
Day 3- Lake LOuise & Moraine Lake
Begin your adventure at the world-renowned Lake Louise, famous for its turquoise waters set against the backdrop of rugged mountains. Take a stroll along the shoreline or rent a canoe to experience the beauty up close.
Parking is difficult to find at Lake Louise and parking isn’t available at Moraine Lake. You can drive to Lake Louise and hope to find parking but Moraine Lake is no longer accessible by car. A reserved ticket is now required on the Parks Canada Moraine Lake Shuttle. You can take a shuttle from Banff to Lake Louise on Roam Public Transit. Then get tickets for the Moraine Lake shuttle.
I think it would be easier to book this tour: Half-day Sightseeing Tour from Banff to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
We walked along the shoreline around Lake Louise. After our walk, we treated the girls to ice cream at the Amazing Fairmont Chateau.
Moraine Lake
Near Lake Louise lies the stunning Moraine Lake, often called the "Jewel of the Rockies." This picturesque lake is a photographer's paradise, surrounded by towering peaks and fed by glacial waters. It has equally beautiful views!
DAy 4- Icefields Parkway & Colombia Icefield
The drive time from Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) is about 3.5 hours, but it's an all-day drive with all the stops you'll want to make. We got an early start since we had lots on our list to see. Tip: Fill your gas tank before leaving. You won’t find gas stations along the way,
Right as we left Banff a bear walked right in front of our car. Keep an eye out for wildlife throughout your journey, including elk, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even grizzly bears. Remember to observe wildlife from a safe distance and adhere to park regulations to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals.
Best Stops along Icefields Parkway:
Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint
Bow Lake
Peyto Lake
Saskatchewan River
Weeping Wall
Big Hill & Big Bend
Parker Ridge
Athabasca Glacier
Sunwapta Falls
Athabasca Falls- Save this for Day 6
Many of these stops are close to the parking lot, and no hiking is required to see them. If you would like to hike, there are options available. Spend as much time as you need. Many stops have picnic tables, so have lunch and soak up the views.
Peyto Lake
As you continue north, stop at Peyto Lake, known for its striking blue color and unique shape resembling a wolf's head. A short hike to the Bow Summit lookout offers panoramic views of this natural wonder.
Colombia Icefield
We didn't reach the Colombia Icefield until later in the day... We took one of the last tours available. From June 1- September 2, hours of operation are 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The tour takes you to the massive Athabasca Glacier. We were able to get out and walk, touch the ice, and fill our water bottles from the glacier. Don’t miss this tour, it’s worth the $. Take a coat since it’s cold up there. We had to get a picture In front of the Glacier bus... The tires are massive!
Colombia Icefield Skywalk
You’ll find a combo ticket for the Colombia Icefield and the Colombia Icefield Skywalk. The Skywalk is a walkway along a cliff edge that leads to a glass-floored viewing platform 918 feet over Sunwapta Valley. The Skywalk has panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies, the Colombia Icefield, and the Athabasca Glacier.
After visiting the Colombia Icefield, we headed to Jasper. It was a long day, and we were ready to get dinner and relax.
Day 5- Jasper National Park
Jasper offers a plethora of activities to satisfy every adventure seeker. Hike through lush alpine meadows, paddle across crystal-clear lakes, or embark on a scenic gondola ride for panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Maligne Lake
We love Maligne Lake! In the summer bears, wolves, caribou, and moose can often be spotted nearby.
You can take the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island. The cruise takes 1.5 hours and visits many of the highlights on the lake. Spirit Island is one of the most photographed locations in Jasper National Park.
Click here to book a Maligne Lake Cruise with a guide,
The best free way to enjoy the views is to walk along the Mary Schaeffer Loop (1.8 miles) or rent a canoe and enjoy the views of mountains and surrounding glaciers.
More beautiful views!
Miette Hot Springs
We loved the hot springs in Banff so much that we decided to visit the Miette Hot Springs in Jasper. The four pools have different temperatures, and the views were fantastic. Summer hours (June 14-September 2) are 9 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Day 6- Jasper
Athabasca Falls
We started our day at Athabasca Falls. There are a few viewing areas along the falls. The Athabasca Falls are considered the most powerful falls in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a powerful display of nature's force with the water thundering through narrow canyon walls. Hearing the water crashing over the rocks and feeling the mist of spray on our faces was amazing.
The walkways and bridges give you a great view on both sides of the Falls. We enjoyed the different trails, especially the trail leading to the river.
We drove to Jasper and had lunch at Harvest Food & Drink. The food was some of the best we had on our trip!
Maligne Canyon
Hiking is one of the most popular activities in Jasper National Park. The deepest canyon in the park, Maligne Canyon is perfect for hikers of all abilities. You’ll cross six bridges, each bridge allows you to stop, take in the views, and snap a photo.
Jasper Planetarium
In the evening, check out the Jasper Planetarium. View the stars through the largest telescopes in the Canadian Rockies.
Jasper Planetarium & Telescope Combo Tour Ticket
Popular Activities In Jasper:
Jasper National Park 2-Hour Whitewater Rafting
Jasper Downtown Foodie Tour
Athabasca Falls: Class 2 White Water Rafting Adventure
Scenic Helicopter Tour
Easy 2-Hour Rafting Trip
Day 7- Depart
You’ll take the Icefields Parkway back towards Calgary. We stopped at Laggan's Mountain Bakery and Deli in Lake Louise for lunch. They have picnic tables out back near the river. It was the perfect stop before we headed back towards the airport.
The journey from Banff to Jasper will leave you with memories to last a lifetime! Our girls loved this vacation, and the Canadian Rockies didn't disappoint. This is one of the most beautiful road trips I've been on, and I can't wait to return!
