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Banff to Jasper – Driving The ICEFIELDS PARKWAY (for 2024)

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Compiled by the Road Trip Alberta team

Last updated on March 12, 2024

So many people ask us if Jasper is worth the drive from Banff. Short answer: YES! Alberta is a province with immeasurable beauty, as seen while cruising the highways. The stretch from Banff to Jasper (or, in reverse, from Jasper to Banff!) might be the corridor that tops it all. Otherwise known as the Icefields Parkway, it ranks as one of the most beautiful drives in the world, and it makes for an ultimate Canadian Rockies road trip. It’s no wonder we include it on our list of the best things to do in Alberta !

The Icefields Parkway: Get from Banff to Jasper

About the route.

To start your adventure, you must take the highway AB-93 North, with the total distance from Banff to Jasper is 288 km. Breaking up the trip – the distance from Banff to Lake Louise (a MUST stop along the way) is 57 km and the distance from Lake Louise to Jasper is 233 km. The trip should take up to 4 hours if driving with minimal stops.

But we would never recommend driving the Icefields Parkway in a straight shot. There are so many things to see along the way, and a whole day should be set aside for this drive. Don’t want to drive? You can also get a one-way (or return) tour so that you can just kick back and enjoy the views. (Make sure to check into their scheduled stops, so that you’ll get to see exactly what you want.) Don’t miss a thing on this once-in-a-lifetime drive!

Be forewarned though, that because this road is smack dab in the mountains, and it is susceptible to inhospitable weather. There are even frequent closures during the winter months due to avalanches and dangerous conditions. If driving, it is important to be properly equipped. In the winter months, your vehicle will require mandatory winter tires, and be sure to keep your eye on road reports before you set out. If you’re taking a tour or are riding with someone else, build some flexibility into your plans just in case.

Best Time to Drive the Icefields Parkway

It’s always magical to drive from Banff to Jasper, but during the winter months, it can get dicey. We know that the best time is from mid-June through September. Outside of these months, you risk storms and avalanches, which could lead to road closures. But that’s all part of the adventure, right?

Park Pass Needed

Note that you will need a National Park Pass for the Icefields Parkway! You can buy the pass at the park gates or order it in advance online.

Effective January 1, 2024 daily fees are:

• Adult: $10.50
• Senior: $9.00
• Youth (up to 17 yo): FREE
• Family/group (up to 7 people): $21.00
• Commercial group (per person): $9.00

The daily passes expire at 4 pm the following day. If you’re looking to enter multiple times or staying longer, consider the Parks Canada Discovery Pass . It gives you unlimited admission for a year to all the national parks in Canada.

Discovery Pass fees are as follows:

• Adult: $72.25
• Senior: $61.75
• Family/group: $145.25

For more information, visit the Parks Canada website .

Fun fact: it used to take three weeks to make the trip by horse!

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Driving from Banff to Jasper

Take your Banff to Jasper experience into your own hands by driving yourself on this scenic route! Before departing from either Jasper or Banff, make sure to check the Icefields Parkway road conditions before getting in the car. Curate your road trip ahead of time so that you know exactly what you want to see and do along the way.

Tip: If you are driving the Icefields Parkway in winter (between November 1 and March 31) or any other period during which the highways are snow-covered, winter tires or chains are mandatory and required by law .

While driving, be sure to pay close attention to the stretch between Lake Louise to Jasper as the potential wildlife sightings are plentiful. If you do see wildlife and want to take a picture, we recommend finding a safe place to pull over to do so. No need to cause unnecessary accidents due to a sudden stop on the highway!

Note that there is only one gas station along the Icefields Parkway – at the Saskatchewan Crossing (almost exactly halfway between Banff and Jasper) – so make sure you top up your tank before the drive. Plan for food because the only food stops are in Saskatchewan River Crossing, the Icefields Visitor Center, and the Sunwapta Falls Resort. Packing your own meals and snacks is recommended.

The most common direction is to leave from Banff and drive to Jasper. If you took a shuttle from Calgary to Banff and require a rental car, there are a few car rental companies in Banff to choose from:

• We recommend booking via  RentalCars.com to select the cheapest rate or to book with whichever company you prefer.

Banff to Jasper by Tour

We’d hate for you to spend all that time behind the wheel without really appreciating the scenery around you! If you are in Banff without your own wheels and need to get to Jasper, consider this one-way tour that lets you enjoy the sights but will also stop for the Columbia Icefields along the way (you won’t get that with a regular transfer).

Viator Shuttle

Viator offers to you pick up from any hotel in Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary or Kananaskis, and customers can expect a worry-free ride to their next stop, with drop-off at most major hotels and resorts in the region.

SunDog Tours

SunDog Tours has a one-way Banff to Jasper tour running in the summer months from May thru October. It makes stops in Lake Louise and includes a four-hour stop at the Columbia Icefield. There is also a stop at the iconic Athabasca Falls. This tour lasts for approximately 12 hours and is an incredible way to sit back and enjoy seeing the Icefields Parkway. The tour costs approximately $280 for adults and $140 for children.

In the winter months, SunDog also has a direct route between Banff and Jasper that is part of their Calgary Connector which is a daily winter service between Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary. This service operates from October to April.

Banff to Jasper by Shuttle

Sit back and relax in the comfort of a private vehicle with an experienced driver at the wheel, and enjoy one of the most scenic drives of your life.

Banff to Jasper by private transfer is the most leisurely and relaxed way to travel between the two National Parks. This option also offers a built-in guide to explain points of interest during your journey. The options mentioned below also work in reverse from Jasper to Banff.

• SunDog Tours offers a private journey option for a sedan, SUV, and shuttle rates between Banff and Jasper depending on the size of your group.
• Banff Tours offers different vehicle options based on group size with a capacity of up to 24 people. You can customize your itinerary as much as you please.

Banff to Jasper by Bus

This is by far the best way to experience the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. Taking a bus from Banff to Jasper (or vice versa!) is highly recommended to really soak in the sights.

Here are some options:

Brewster Express

Brewster Express offers a more direct route with a shuttle service right from Banff to Jasper. Bus departure and drop-off locations can be conveniently customized to your hotel stays, and keep in mind that you can save more if you book a return trip instead of just one way.

Banff Tours

Banff Tours also provides a coach shuttle service between Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise and Jasper in the Canadian Rockies. Pick-up points are at select hotels within each destination.

Banff to Jasper by Train

Unfortunately, no direct train goes just between Banff and Jasper. However, many train options include the Icefields Parkway in their itinerary but are part of a bigger multi-day route. Some examples are:

• Canada By Design Icefield Discovery – Tour leaves from either Vancouver or Calgary and explores the landscapes of western Canada, including time in Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.
• Rocky Mountaineer has multiple route options including both Jasper National Park and Banff National Park.

Banff to Jasper by Rideshare

With the number of rideshare options nowadays, finding a ride from Banff to Jasper can be as simple as searching for a ride on Kijiji. However, with the complexity of the roads, it may be useful to use a rideshare option that allows you to read reviews on the drivers to ensure that their skill level is adequate to comfortably travel between Banff and Jasper. With Uber not currently available in the parks at this time, there is one option that allows you to see driver reviews before booking:

• Poparide.com – You can select your driver based on your luggage and equipment requirements if you are travelling with skis, bikes, etc. Poparide charges per seat so you can meet other visitors if you travel solo between the parks. Prices vary depending on the day but the average is between $25-44 CAD.

Fun Things to Do Along the Way

Taking the Icefields Parkway is all about the beautiful stops and sights. Here are some of the many fun things to do along the way, told in order from Banff to Jasper (just reverse the list if starting the other way!)

Vermillion Lakes (2 km from Banff, 286 km from Jasper)

Just five minutes west of the Banff townsite are the stunning Vermilion Lakes. Enjoy lake views and Mount Rundle and Sulphur Mountain in the background. The area also has a short 2 km boardwalk loop – a great way to stretch your legs before a long drive. Hit it at sunrise for some spectacular shots of the sun breaking over the ridgeline.

(**Be sure to read our guide to the best photo spots in Banff National Park. You will get equipment tips and more to ensure you take the best photos on this drive!)

Johnston Canyon (25 km from Banff, 263 km from Jasper)

Every time we drive the Icefields Parkway we make a stop here. Johnston Canyon is one of our favourite places to go for a hike is a popular day hike from Banff for good reason. Well-maintained trails and catwalks take you into the canyon and lead you to two impressive waterfalls. The return trip is up to 2.5 hours, so note that this will eat up a good chunk of your driving day (but is well worth it).

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake ( (57 km from Banff, 231 km from Jasper)

Stopping at Lake Louise might be your most memorable stop along the way. Admire the beautiful, impossibly blue lake and the mountains towering above. Go up the Lake Louise Gondola or go on a guided Lake Louise hike for prime mountain views. There are opportunities for dining, hiking, easy walks, and good ol’ sightseeing! It is one of the best places to spot wild grizzly bears, too. At the top of the gondola, the Wildlife Interpretive Centre offers interactive presentations, guided hikes and more for guests.

If you’re in Lake Louise, you are very near Moraine Lake, which is a CANNOT miss spot (just look at the image on any Canadian $20 bill and you’ll see why)! However, note that starting in 2023, Moraine Lake will be closed to personal vehicles. You can take a Parks Canada shuttle, but we highly recommend booking a shuttle from Banff or the Lake Louise Summer Gondola with the Moraine Lake Bus Company – not only are they the only company to offer sunrise shuttles (gotta get those epic shots for the ‘Gram!) but they are also the only company that lets you pre-book your return journey (so that you don’t have to wait). It may seem a bit of a hassle to make this stop, but we promise you, it’s worth it (and easier than you think if you plan it right).

Tip: If you’ve got the time, we highly recommend at least one overnight stay at the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as well. It is another once-in-a-lifetime experience that will also allow you to fully appreciate all there is to do in the area.

Bow Glacier Falls / The Lodge at Bow Lake (95 km from Banff, 193 km from Jasper)

This picturesque lodge on the shores of Bow Lake is a center for storytelling in the Rockies. It is a hub for hiking and sightseeing with Bow Lake, Bow Glacier Falls and Peyto Lake nearby. The lodge has a restaurant with hearty food to enjoy too.

Bow Summit and Peyto Lake (100 km from Banff, 188 km from Jasper)

This is a perfect day hike to take while touring the Icefields Parkway! The return time on the Summit Lookout is only 2.5 hours. This easy hike is 40km North of Lake Louise and offers a gorgeous view of Peyto Lake.

Mistaya Canyon (130 km from Banff, 158 km from Jasper)

Mistaya Canyon is a scenic gem that is definitely worth stopping for. Often overlooked, this canyon is a short hike to see the sculpted canyon and rushing water.

Big Bend Viewpoint (171 km from Banff, 118 km from Jasper)

This is a stop that is a DO NOT MISS ( click here to find the exact spot ). Pullover atop the pass, and from the viewing platform, you will have your eyes set on some of the most beautiful scenery along the Icefields Parkway. We don’t even want to show you a photograph from here, so you will be surprised at the stunning scenery once you arrive. You’re welcome.

Columbia Icefields (185 km from Banff, 103 km from Jasper)

This is one of Canada’s most impressive sights, as it is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. If you’re looking to get up close and personal – take a tour to walk right on the Athabasca glacier, and/or visit the Columbia Icefield Skywalk .

The glass-floored lookout and interpretive walk take you through the story of the Icefields and give you a unique perspective on the Sunwapta Valley. (Note that you will save money if you book in advance and book both experiences together!) There are two dining options at this stop – one casual and one fancier, local-dining experience.

Sunwapta Falls (234 km from Banff, 54 km from Jasper)

Fed by the Athabasca Glacier, the Sunwapta Falls is a stunning place to stop. This site is good for a quick stop – the upper falls can be viewed from the viewpoint parking lot – or a long one! There are opportunities for white-water rafting, hiking and staying overnight .

Athabasca Falls (257 km from Banff, 32 km from Jasper)

This waterfall stemming from the Athabasca River drops 23 metres to where it is known as Athabasca Falls . There are a number of lookout points where you can see the power of the falls. The falls themselves are not very high compared to others in the Canadian Rockies, but the size of the river makes these falls one of the most powerful in the Canadian mountain national parks.

This is another one of our favourite places to stop and witness the sheer power of the water as it rushes through the rocks. We do have to give warning to stay behind the barriers . The rocks can be very slippery and there have been a number of cases of people falling into the falls and not coming out.

Arriving in Jasper

You made it!

If you would like more information useful on local attractions, check out our Jasper destination guide (we also have an itinerary for three days in Jasper , and a list of great Jasper tours to take, which should help you plan your stay). Be sure to pay a visit to the visitor centres in each town:

• Jasper Visitor Center at 500 Connaught Drive.
• Banff Visitor Centre at 224 Banff Ave.
• Banff Visitor Information Kiosk at the Banff Railway Station

Top Things to Do in Jasper

There is so much to do in Jasper for all activity levels. But if we had to choose a couple of things to do in Jasper, we would recommend taking a hike through Maligne Canyon, booking a cruise on Maligne Lake to see Spirit Island, or spending a day in a canoe (or night) at Pyramid Lake Resort.

Where to Stay in Jasper

Luxury – Although not quite as jaw-dropping and impressive as its Banff neighbour, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is notable in its own right. With impressive lakefront views of Beauvert Lake, eight on-site restaurants, a spa, and an award-winning golf course, this resort is worth the splurge.

Mid-Range – For a unique accommodation experience in Jasper National Park, we recommend renting a cabin at Jasper East Cabins . They are more budget-friendly than Jasper Park and you get to stay in your very own wood cabin that has all the amenities like a fireplace and kitchenette.

Budget – Jasper is a year-round camping destination with campground options for every level of camper from rugged backcountry to family-friendly with easy access to amenities. Parks Canada allows you to book a site online to reserve your spot ahead of time for camping in Banff and Jasper. And if camping is not your cup of tea, Maligne Lodge is a Jasper hotel that won’t break the bank.

We’ve published an entire guide for accommodations in Jasper if you want a few more options. And we also have a guide for Cabins in Jasper and Camping in Jasper to help you find the perfect place to stay.

Jasper Airbnb and Rentals

Whether it’s just two of you or a whole family, there are plenty of B&Bs in town and many Jasper Airbnbs to choose from. We love finding an Airbnb in the mountains so we can have our own kitchen after a long day of hiking or skiing.

Arriving in Banff

If you drove the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff, welcome to Banff! Here are a few of our recommendations for staying in the small mountain town.

Where to Stay in Banff

Luxury – We cannot mention hotels in Banff National Park without presenting the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel . This is a once-in-a-lifetime type of stay that is totally worth the experience. This stunning and historic hotel is full of shops, a world-class spa, and amazing restaurants that offer breathtaking views of notable peaks. The Bow Falls are also right on site.

Mid-Range – As the Fairmont can run many hundreds of dollars a night, a more budget-friendly option is the Canalta Lodge . Recently renovated, we really enjoyed our stay amid its eclectic design. With a hot tub, free breakfast, and underground parking, this property has been recognized as the best value in Banff.

Budget – If your budget is better spent exploring all that Banff has to offer and you don’t want to splurge on accommodations, then look no further than the Banff International Hostel . The hostel is located on the beautiful property of the Banff Centre. It’s easily walkable to downtown Banff, has a fully equipped kitchen for all to use, free breakfast, and is highly rated.

To see all the recommended places to stay in Banff, see our Where to stay in Banff guide , plus this smaller guide to Banff cabins .

Banff Airbnb and Rentals

There are options to find a Banff Airbnb . Be aware that the town does not allow Airbnbs to operate in the townsite, but there are options just outside to accommodate.

Don’t Forget!

Need some help planning your itinerary? Check out our guides for all the things to do while visiting Banff or Jasper .

ALSO, don’t forget that while you’re on the road, you can download our FREE Road Trip Alberta bingo cards , to make it just that much more fun!

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The Best Banff Itinerary: A 1 Week Road Trip from Banff to Jasper National Park

Post summary: A  complete  travel guide for Banff National Park and the perfect Banff itinerary for a 1 week Banff to Jasper road trip 

This post contains affiliate links, which means that I will make a small commission of the purchase you make using my links – at absolutely no cost to you! 

Maybe you’re planning your trip to Banff or you’re already there and trying to find the best things to do. Either way – you’re in the right place!

Banff is a truly jaw dropping travel destination with so many things to do that it can be hard to decide what to include in your itinerary. To help you narrow it down, we put together the best things to do in Banff National Park and the best itinerary for a Banff to Jasper National Park road trip. While 1 week is hardly enough time to scratch the surface of all the incredible things to see here, this 1 week Banff itinerary does the best job at squeezing in all the highlights – and then some!

This 1 week Banff to Jasper road trip has it all: towering ice-capped peaks, icy-blue glacial lakes, castles, hot springs, glacier hikes and more.

In this post, we’re covering the best way to spend a week in Banff National Park and Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada on an epic 7 day Banff to Jasper road trip.

Here’s what  you’ll find in this post:

• A day-by-day road trip itinerary from Banff National Park to Jasper National Park
• Tips for how to save money
• A full budget breakdown for this Banff itinerary
• What to pack for a Banff road trip

Table of Contents

Posts to help you prepare for your Banff to Jasper road trip!

How to Travel Banff on a Budget

How to Use Google Maps to Plan Your Next Road Trip (Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples)

15 Useful Apps to Download Before Your Next Road Trip (for Free!)

What to Pack for a Day Hike: Essential Gear and Complete Packing List

Banff to Jasper: The 1 Week Road Trip Overview

The Canadian Rockies are mesmerizing and encompassed within the westward provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. Much of the range is protected within National and Provincial parks, which just so happen to make the perfect escape for anyone in need of some inspiration, soul searching, or just a serious reset.

This itinerary gives you a total of 3 days in Banff, 1 day exploring the Icefields Parkway and 2 days in Jasper National Park. It’s based on several of my own road trips through Banff and Jasper National Parks over the years, places I know you’ll love, and things I wish I would have done differently.

This itinerary starts and ends at Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Calgary, Alberta Canada. From Calgary, head north to explore Banff National Park and then drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park, before heading back for one more day in Banff.

The best way to get around on this Banff to Jasper itinerary is with a rental car or a camper van. You can rent a car when you land at the Calgary airport. If you prefer to live the #vanlife , you can browse a huge selection of camper vans for rent through RVezy .

Here’s a quick overview: Click here to view the interactive map in Google Maps.

Day 1: Arrive in Canmore near Banff National Park

Day 2-3: Banff National Park

Day 4: Drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

Day 5: Jasper National Park

Day 6: Athabasca Glacier and drive back to Banff National Park

Day 7: Johnston Canyon via Bow Valley Parkway

Estimated total drive time:  17 hours

Estimated total miles for this route:  569 miles (915 km)

Banff Itinerary Day 1: Arrive in Canmore

This 1 week Banff itinerary starts in Canmore, a small town about 20 minutes south of Banff National Park.

Some people prefer to be close to the action and stay directly inside Banff National Park. However, Canmore is actually the perfect home base to explore Banff on this Banff itinerary because it’s a lot more affordable and much less touristy than downtown Banff. By staying in Canmore, you will have a much more authentic experience without the hustle and bustle of staying in Banff.

Another thing that’s super convenient is that you can leave your car parked at your hotel in Canmore while you explore Banff. Simply take the  Canmore-Banff Regional Service , which provides quick and convenient transport between Canmore and Banff town. That way you don’t have to worry about finding parking in Banff town, which can be a serious nightmare sometimes.

If you arrive early and want to stretch your legs, pick from this list of the best things to do in Canmore:

• Stop by Lake Minnewanka
• Hike the Grassi Lakes Trail
• Drive the Smmith Dorrien Trail
• Walk Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk
• Drive the Three Sisters Parkway for amazing views of the Three Sisters

Where to stay in Canmore

There are tons of hotels, lodges, and Airbnb’s clustered around the town. A night at a hotel in Canmore during the high season typically costs around $200 – $300 per night and goes up from there. If you book ahead of time, you shouldn’t have any problem finding a place to stay in and around Canmore.

Lodging prices skyrocket the closer you get to Banff National Park. If you do prefer to stay in the town of Banff instead, book your accommodation well in advance. I’m talking like 6-8 months out. Even for hostels, like Samesun Banff and Banff International Hostel !

View all stays in Canmore here.

• Splurge ($$$): The Malcom Hotel ; Fairmont Banff Springs
• Moderate ($$): Basecamp Resorts Canmore ; Tamarack Lodge ; Stoneridge Mountain Resort
• Budget ($): HI Canmore Hostel

Budget travel tip: For ultra-budget travel, check out Airbnbs in the town of Cochrane, Alberta. It’s about an hour south of Banff, which adds a bit of a drive. But if you are on a really tight budget, it might be worth it because you can find cozy Airbnbs for about $100 per night in the high season.

Camping in Banff National Park

Camping is the most affordable option for lodging in Banff National Park. If you don’t mind roughing it, camping is the best way to save money, surround yourself with nature, and enjoy incredible views of the Canadian Rockies.

There are 13 campgrounds in Banff National Park. Most of them are first-come-first-serve but it’s possible to reserve some sites online on the Parks Canada website .

Most of the campgrounds are only open mid-June to October. The campgrounds fill up incredibly fast, especially between June – September, so make any reservations well in advance. If you don’t have a reservation, make sure to show up early to find a spot as people are leaving.

View all Banff campsites here.

Day 2: Lake Louise in Banff National Park

Banff National Park was established in 1885, making it Canada’s oldest national park. Its home to almost 3000 square miles of breathtaking, pristine mountainous wilderness, teeming with wildlife.

Day 2 of your Banff itinerary brings you to Lake Louise.

If you’ve ever seen pictures of Lake Louise, you’ve probably seen the view looking out from shore. The water rippling over white rocks, fading seamlessly from the palest blue to a deep turquoise at the foot of the surrounding mountains.

What you probably didn’t see were the crowds of tourists and the massive luxury hotel situated on the shore. It’s the textbook example of Instagram vs. Reality – so be prepared! But the lake is breathtaking and an absolute must-see, nonetheless.

Parking for Lake Louise is available in the lot by the resort. While the lot is large, it usually completely fills up by 7:30AM, so get there as early as you possibly can.

Stop 1: Little Beehive via the Lake Agnes Tea House

No Banff itinerary is complete without a hike up Little Beehive. Little Beehive is one of the best hikes in Banff and leads to jaw dropping views of Lake Louise.

Little Beehive Hike details:

• Distance: 5.7 miles RT (out and back)
• Elevation gain:   1,955 ft
• Difficulty: moderate
• Time to hike:  3.5-4 hours
• This hike is recommended between mid-October and mid-June due to risk of avalanches. Tea house is closed from October – June.

The trail to Little Beehive is well maintained through dense coniferous forest. It’s a pretty steady climb the entire way up, but there are several scenic stops where you can take a break, like Mirror Lake and Lake Agnes.

Frequent breaks in the treeline give you small glimpses of the lake below as you climb in altitude.

At the summit, you’re rewarded with unspoiled views of Lake Louise and the surrounding peaks in Banff National Park. From above, the color of the lake turns a brilliant opaque turquoise, appearing as though someone colored it with a crayon.

On the way back down, stop for a light lunch at the Lake Agnes Teahouse. The line to the teahouse starts getting long around 11AM, so if you get there around lunch time, prepare to wait.

Here are some other amazing hikes around Lake Louise:

• Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
• Big Beehive
• The Plain of Six Glaciers Trail
• Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass

Tip:  Up for a challenge? Combine Lake Agnes Tea House, Big Beehive, The Plain of Six Glaciers (via the Highline trail), and the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail for one epic full day hike that has a little bit of everything! This route clocks in at roughly 22km with 1,030m (ft) elevation gain.

Stop 2: Canoeing on Lake Louise

A visit to Banff National Park is hardly complete without a paddle across Lake Louise!

When you’re done exploring Lake Louise from above, head down to the dock at the lake shore to explore it from down below. The view from the water is absolutely magnificent as you paddle across the turquoise water with views of Victoria Peak and the Victoria Glacier out in front of you.

The dock is run by Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and is open daily (in-season) from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. The price to rent a canoe on Lake Louise in 2023 is $145 per hour / $135 per half hour (+tax).

Budget Tip: While Lake Louise is the quintessential place to rent a canoe in Banff. But there’s no denying that its super pricey. If you’re on a budget, rent a canoe or kayak at Vermillion Lakes or Lake Minnewanka for about $50 per hour.

Day 3: Moraine Lake and Downtown Banff in Banff National Park

There are new restrictions for getting to Moraine Lake in 2023. Read below for more details.

Stop 1: Breakfast at Trailhead Cafe

Grab breakfast and lunch-to-go at the Trailhead Cafe .

It opens at 7am, which is the earliest you’ll find in the area. It’s a place we just so happened to stumble in on, and we ended up loving it so much that we stopped two days in a row!

I highly recommend their breakfast sandwiches and wraps, which are hearty and perfect for fueling up for a full day of hiking.

Stop 2: Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

Moraine Lake is one of the most photographed lakes in the world and one of the best stops on your Banff itinerary. The water is a brilliant blue and surrounded by the mountains of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Its rocky shoreline is bordered with dense stands of conifers and colorful canoes.

There are several hiking trails that start right from Moraine Lake and lead to jaw dropping views of glaciers, turquoise lakes and dramatic mountains.

First, an elevated view of the scenery from atop the Moraine Lake Rock Pile and then take your pick from this list of the best hikes at Moraine Lake:

• Moraine Lake Shore Trail
• Consolation Lakes Trail
• Larch Valley
• Eiffel Lake Trail
• Paradise Valley Trail (connects moraine Lake to Lake Louise)

How to get to Moraine Lake in 2023

Although half the size of neighboring Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is arguably even more beautiful (if you can believe it!). For this reason, tourism has gotten out of control in recent years. And, as of 2023, you can no longer drive yourself to Moraine Lake. In 2023, Parks Canada decided to close the road to Moraine Lake to personal vehicles in an attempt to protect the environment amid the growing number of visitors.

Here’s how you can visit Moraine Lake in 2023:

• The easiest way to get to Moraine Lake is by taking the Parks Canada shuttle bus. Moraine Lake Shuttle Tickets must be booked online in advance. Reservations open on April 14 for June 1 – October 9, 2023 or you can book 48 hours before you visit. 40% of tickets for the entire season will be released at 8AM Mountain Time on April 14, and 60% will be released on a rolling 48 hour window so that you can book 2 days ahead of time. Tickets cost $8/adult, $4/senior, $2/children 7-17 years old, and free for kids 6 & under. . The Moraine Lake Shuttle leaves from the Park & Ride at the  Lake Louise Ski Resort every 20 minutes between 6:30AM – 6PM. However, your outbound shuttle ticket assigns you a 1 hour departure window, so you can only take the shuttle between the times assigned to you. You don’t need to schedule your return trip. Return shuttles run every 20 minutes on a first-come-first-serve basis until 7:30PM. . The Lake Connector Shuttle from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake is also included with your Moraine Lake Shuttle ticket. So you can hop off the Moraine Lake Shuttle to visit Lake Louise on your way to Moraine Lake if you want to and then take the Lake Connector Shuttle Fromm Lake Louise to Moraine Lake. .
• Use Roam Transit’s Super Pass to go from Banff to Lake Louise via Lake Louise Express Route 8X and then transfer to the Lake Connector Shuttle to Moraine Lake. Book your pass online or visit Roam Transit for more information. .
• Book a guided tour, take a taxi from Banff, or book a shuttle via Mountain Park Transportation . This is also the only way you’ll be able to get to Moraine Lake for sunrise or sunset. .
• Bikes and e-bikes are allowed on Moraine Lake Road, but the trip is 25km round trip with 385m elevation gain. .
• The most expensive option is to shell out upwards of $1000 per night to stay at Moraine Lake Lodge , which is right on the shore of Moraine Lake.

Visit Parks Canada for the latest information on visiting Moraine Lake

Stop 3: Downtown Banff

The town of Banff is a charming little tourist town right at the foot of the mountains in Banff National Park. It’s essentially a very small collection of quaint little shops, lodges, and rustic restaurants. The town is alive with people window shopping, admiring the scenery, meeting for coffee, and browsing the farmers market, which attracts local artisans and live music.

While you’re there, I recommend taking a stroll down Banff Avenue around and grab something to eat.

If you worked up a big appetite after your hike at Moraine Lake, check out The Eddie Burger + Bar, Farm & Fire or The Bison Restaurant for hearty fare like steaks, seafood, burgers, and pizza. Make your reservations online.

For smaller plates and an eclectic Asian-inspired menu, head straight for Block Kitchen + Bar. They don’t take reservations, so try to get here before the dinner rush.

Day 4 of the best Banff itinerary: Drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park

Day 4 of your Banff itinerary takes you for a drive down the Icefields Parkway. The Icefields Parkway is the only highway that connects Banff to Jasper National Park, 230km to the north.

This highway twists and turns along the Continental Divide, through valleys of dramatic rocky peaks, thick coniferous forest, aspen stands, expansive ice fields, and lakes the color of blue Gatorade. It’s also been rated one of the Most Beautiful Drives in the World and one of the Top 20 Drives of a Lifetime (you’ll quickly see why!).

The drive from Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway takes about 3.5 hours. But it’s undoubtedly an all day affair because you’ll make several tops to take pictures, explore roadside lakes, and pick your jaw up off the ground.

Budget travel tip:  Gas stations are few and far between once you leave Banff, so make sure you fill up in Lake Louise. Halfway between Banff and Jasper, you’ll find gas at the Saskatchewan River Crossing. Stop here if you need to fill up and grab coffee or a snack, but be warned that the gas station is full-service only and everything inside is very expensive.

Stop 1: Peyto Lake

If you thought Moraine Lake and Lake Louise were breathtaking…just wait until you see Peyto Lake.

Peyto Lake is a brilliantly blue, fox-shaped lake that’s fed by the Peyto Glacier. Peyto Lake is best viewed from one of the popular viewpoints, where you can get a birds-eye view of Peyto Lake and part of the Wapta Icefield. The view of Peyto Lake is quite possibly the most magnificent in all of Banff National Park.

To get there, follow the Icefields Parkway about 44km northeast of Lake Louise to the Bow Summit and Peyto Lake Lookout parking lot.

The hike to the Peyto Lake Lookout starts at the parking lot. It’s a short but steady uphill walk that takes about 10-15 minutes. The trail leads to a wooden viewing platform overlooking the lake. This is the most popular lookout and gets CROWDED during the day, especially in peak season. To avoid the crowds, try to get here as early as possible or continue past the platform into the rocky clearing.

Find alternate views of Peyto Lake by hiking the Bow Lookout Trail, Observation Point, Caldron Peak and the Peyto Glacier.

Stop 2: Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is a powerful waterfall that’s formed by an enormous volume of strikingly blue water rushing through a narrow limestone canyon. The canyon was carved out by the mighty Athabasca River, which begins at the Columbia Glacier in Jasper National Park.

It’s definitely one of my all time favorite stops along the Icefields Parkway. It’s also a great addition to any packed Banff National Park itinerary (like this one) because it doesn’t take too long to see. Allow yourself about 30 minutes to explore the different viewpoints and take photos of the gorge.

Stop 3: Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls is a series of several waterfalls that are fed by the Athabasca Glacier. They are easily accessed and make a great quick stop along the Icefields Parkway.

You can see the upper falls from a viewpoint that is only a short distance from the parking lot. The upper falls are most recognized because they encircle a small island in the Sunwapta River before crashing 18m (59 ft) into the water below.

You can stop here or follow the path 0.8 miles (1.3km) through the pine forest to reach the lower falls.

Where to stay in Jasper National Park

The biggest thing to consider when choosing a place to stay in Jasper is how much driving you’re willing to do to get to the shops and restaurants in downtown Jasper.

There are hotels right in the heart of town if you like the convenience of being able to walk to the shops, bars, and local restaurants. There are also some serene lodges and rustic hostels further out if you prefer to be surrounded by nature. Some hotels are just on the outskirts of town, while more secluded wilderness lodges are located up to an hour away.  Keep in mind that if you choose a more secluded lodge, you’ll have to do a bit of driving if you want to check out a restaurant or head to the bars in town.

View all stays in Jasper National Park here.

• Splurge ($$$): Pyramid Lake Resort ; Glacier View Lodge
• Moderate ($$): The Crimson Jasper ; Mount Robson Inn
• Budget ($): HI Jasper Hostel ; Jasper Downtown Hostel ; HI Athabasca Falls

Last time we were in Banff, we stayed at Jasper Downtown Hostel and it was honestly one of the nicest hostel experiences I’ve had so far. If you’re just looking for somewhere cheap and close to town, I definitely recommend checking it out.

Camping in Jasper National Park

Camping is permitted at designated campsites in Jasper National Park.

There are 14 campsites in Jasper National Park and 9 of them are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Most sites are only open May or June through September.

The majority of campsites in Jasper National Park are unserviced, so if you need electric hookups for an RV, you will want to reserve a spot well ahead of time because they fill up fast.

View all campgrounds in Jasper here.

At the northern end of the Icefields Parkway lies Jasper National Park. More wild, isolated, much less populated than Banff, Jasper is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the “wildest” and largest of the Rocky Mountain parks.

Jasper National Park park is filled with expansive glaciers, tons of wildlife, and impressive waterfalls. Its also home to the world-famous Columbia Icefields, one of the world’s only Icefields accessible by road. Grizzly bears, moose, caribou, elk, and wolves roam freely. Its truly a backcountry paradise.

Stop 1: Half day hike in Jasper National Park

You only have one full day in Jasper National Park on your Banff to Jasper road trip – and you’ll want to make the most of it! So wake up for sunrise and lace up your hiking boots.

Before you hit the trails, fuel up at WickedCup in downtown Jasper. They open at 7:30AM, which is the earliest you’ll find in the area.

Choose one of these scenic hikes in Jasper National Park (open July – early Oct): 

Lake Annette Loop : Easy, 1.7 mile loop, 285ft elevation gain

Mt Edith Cavell Meadows Trail : Moderate, 5.1 mile loop, 1870 ft elevation gain

Sulfur Skyline Trail : Difficult, 4.9 miles RT, 2142 ft elevation gain

Stop 2: Lunch in downtown Jasper

If you got an early start on your morning hike, you should be done by lunch time – and likely starving!

Head into downtown Jasper for a wood fired pizza at Jasper Pizza Place. I love this place because most of their ingredients are locally sourced and they have a roof-top patio with great views of Jasper. If you’re in the mood for something a bit fancier than pizza, the Fiddle River Restaurant never disappoints.

I highly recommend walking down the street after to grab a local craft brew at Jasper Brewing Co.

After lunch, continue to Maligne Lake, which is about a 45 minute drive southeast of downtown Jasper.

The road to the lake is long and winding, guiding you past Medicine Lake and through thick forests that showcase the scars of previous prescribed burnings. Sections of forest in the park are selected year-round to be set ablaze, with the goal of restoring and improving the park’s biodiversity and keeping mountain pine beetles at bay.

Stop 3: Spirit Island, Maligne Lake (accessible June – October)

You’ve probably seen this iconic spot somewhere before, thanks to Kodak and Apple skyrocketing it to international fame. Spirit Island is now the most photographed island in all of Canada and one of the most photographed islands in the world.

But, if you can even believe it, all of those photos don’t even do this place justice. It’s even MORE magical in person, which is why taking a Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park.

Boat cruises to Spirit Island depart from the dock at Maligne Lake, which is about a 1 hour drive north of Jasper town. 

There are two options for a Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island :

• 1.5 hour Classic Cruise; 15 minutes at Spirit Island
• 2 hour Premium Cruise; 30 minutes at Spirit Island and a stop at Pincushion Bay

If you want to take a sunset walk around Maligne Lake after your cruise, book a tour that leaves about 3-4 hours before sunset .

If you’re ultra adventurous, a strong paddler, and have two days to spare, it’s possible to canoe or kayak out to Spirit Island. Visit this post for more information.

No one is certain where the name “Spirit Island” came from, but one theory is that it’s so named because it embodies the spirit of the Canadian Rockies. I’d say that’s pretty accurate, would you?

Stop 4: Sunset at Maligne Lake 

After your visit to Spirit Island, I suggest meandering along the shore of Maligne lake for sunset.

Follow the Mary Shäffer Loop Trail through moss-covered forest and along pebble beaches to an open viewpoint of Mt. Edith Cavell.

Our visit there was one of my favorites. The setting sun cast a pink glow on the mountains surrounding us while the moon rose overhead. I took a deep breath and couldn’t help but feel so lucky to be there. We sat on the shore in silence for awhile while we admired our surroundings, but I could have easily sat there all night.

Here’s an overview of all the hiking trails at Maligne Lake .

DAY 6 of 1 Week Banff to Jasper Road Trip: Drive back to Banff National Park

It’s Day 6 of your Banff to Jasper road trip and its time to head back down the Icefields Parkway toward Banff National Park.

On your way out of Jasper, take a few hours to explore the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier.

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the best things to do in Jasper National Park. It’s definitely a must-see on your Banff to Jasper road trip because it won’t be around for much longer. Due to global warming, the Athabasca Glacier has shrunk by almost 50% in the last 125 years and continues to shrink by another 16 feet every year.

Stop 1: Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the six main ‘toes’ of the Columbia Icefield, which sits on the border of British Columbia and Alberta, Canada. This enormous Icefield was formed over 240,000 years ago and was only discovered in the 1800’s.

The Athabasca Glacier is just one of six major glaciers in the Columbia Icefield and is flanked by two mountains: Mount Columbia to the west and Mount Athabasca on the east. This glacier is unique because it’s the most accessible glacier in North America. In fact, you can almost drive right up to the base of it!

Located at the southern end of Jasper National Park, there are two ways to see the glacier on you own:

• Toe of the Athabasca Glacier Trail: Easy 0.8 mile walk to the base of the Athabasca Glacier on a well marked trail
• Wilcox Pass Hike: Moderate 5.8 mile hike; 1712 ft elevation gain

You can’t actually walk on the glacier without a guide. The best way to explore the Icefield and see the glacier up close is to plan well ahead of time and book a tour.

The Athabasca Glacier tours only operate from May until October and start at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Some tours also include the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, which is a glass walkway that hangs out over the Sunwapta Valley.

Stop 2: Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax at the end of the day by treating yourself to a relaxing soak in Banff Upper Hot Springs . The hot springs are the only springs in Banff National Park and are a favorite among both locals and visitors. Click here for all the details.

One of the most iconic places to visit on a Banff National Park itinerary is Johnston Canyon and the Bow Valley Parkway.

The Bow Valley Parkway (Route 1A) is another scenic route to add to your Banff itinerary. The parkway is 50km long and connects the town of Banff and Lake Louise. The drive takes you by meadows of wildflowers, meandering streams, dramatic cliff faces, and scenic views of the Bow River.

Best roadside viewpoints (from Banff town to Lake Louise):

• Backswamp pull off
• Hillsdale Meadows
• Castle Mountain Lookout
• Storm Mountain Lookout
• Morant’s Curve

In 2022, Parks Canada approved a 3 year pilot project that closes off the eastern 17km section of the Bow Valley Parkway to vehicle traffic every day between May 1 – June 25 and again from September 1 – 30 each year. The road is closed between the Fireside Day Use Area and Johnston Canyon to allow for vehicle free cycling. If you want to go to Johnston Canyon during this time, you can cycle in or drive to Johnston Canyon via the Castle Junction exit.

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of the most famous stops on the Bow Valley Parkway and one of the best easy hikes on this Banff itinerary.

The views through the canyon are magnificent – emerald green pools, roaring waterfalls and the peaceful sound of the creek running through it all make it an incredible experience. What’s more, the hike is shorter than many other hikes in Banff while still offering plenty of stunning scenery along the way. Because it’s so accessible, Johnston Canyon tends to be pretty touristy. Parking is limited, so get here before 8AM to avoid the crowds or take the public shuttle.

The hike through Johnston Canyon is short, easy, and one of the most beautiful places to explore in Banff. The trail is well-maintained and leads you through lush forest and over catwalks suspended along the side of the river canyon.

The walk from the parking lot to Johnston Canyon Lower Falls is about 1.2km. The hike to Johnston Canyon Upper Falls is an additional 1.3km, one way. It takes most people about 1-2 hours to complete the Johnston Canyon hike.

Extend your Banff itinerary

Extend your Banff itinerary to include Yoho National Park.

Yoho is a small national park located about 2 hours west of Banff in the neighboring province of British Columbia. This place is truly a hidden treasure. Far less crowded than Banff, and even Jasper, but equally as beautiful.

You only need 1 day to see the highlights in Yoho. I put together this guide on exactly how to spend 1 day in Yoho National Park .

Have even more time? Tack on an extra week to explore the beautiful pacific coast of British Columbia with a   5-day Vancouver to Whistler road trip.

Getting to Banff National Park

The closest international airport to Banff National Park is Calgary International Airport (YYC), which is about a two-hour drive from the park.

To save money on your flight, you should try to book at least three months in advance – and avoid the peak season and any major holidays.

Flights are generally most expensive around Christmas and New Years, as well as between June and August due to summer vacation.

Here are the best ways to get to Banff National Park if you don’t have a car:

• From Calgary International Airport: There are a few different shuttle options, but The Banff Airporter offers cheap and flexible service from Calgary International Airport to the town of Banff.
• From Canmore: If you’re already in Canmore, you can just park there and take Route 3 on Roam Transit for a few dollars.

Parks Canada Entrance Fees

A National Park Pass is required to enter national parks in Canada, including Banff and Jasper National Park. It’s good for entry into all of Canada’s national parks.

You can purchase a Day Pass or an annual Discovery Pass. Here’s the price for adults:

• Day Pass: $10.50 per day
• Discovery Pass: $72.25 per year

You can buy a park pass online , at the park gate when you enter Banff National Park, or at the visitor Centers in Banff and Lake Louise.

The Park Pass doesn’t cover camping fees, backcountry permits, Banff shuttle fees, or day parking fees at Lake Louise.

The Best Time for a Banff to Jasper National Park Road Trip

The best time to take a Banff to Jasper road trip is June – September. These months have the nicest weather, longest days, and the most sunshine.

But be warned: this is the ultra-high season. Everything is super expensive and crowds around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are absolutely insane after about 8AM. However, this is my favorite time to visit Banff and we never really have a problem with the crowds on longer hikes or at lesser known spots.

Shoulder season in September and October is a great alternative with lower prices, fewer crowds, but still a fair chance of decent weather. Late September – early October is the best time to see the larches turn gold. However, many places in Jasper National Park are inaccessible between October – June, so do your research ahead of time.

The best time for winter activities is December – February.

Just be aware that many facilities close October – May, so double check before you go if there’s something specific on your to-do list.

The worst time for a Banff to Jasper road trip is early spring because attractions are mostly closed and the weather is still cold and unpredictable.

Tips for avoiding the crowds in Banff National Park

Be warned that with pretty views and striking alpine lakes come the crowds. Lots and lots of them.

So, mentally prepare yourself to share popular the most popular spots on this Banff itinerary – like Peyto Lake, Moraine Lake and Lake Louise – with literal hordes of tourists flooding off tour buses, wielding selfie sticks. Sometimes the crowds get so bad that it can be hard to enjoy the views.

The best advice I can give is to arrive early in the morning or wait until around sunset to visit these attractions.

If you’re more of an early riser, arriving before 8AM will definitely give you a head start on crowds and tour buses. Don’t forget that even in midsummer, the sun sets at 10PM so that’s also a good time to go explore the park without as many people.

Another great option is to visit in the shoulder season (late September – November), when there are far fewer crowds.

If all else fails, try venturing off the beaten path and opt for longer hikes instead – this will definitely help you escape the worst of the crowds.

You might like:  How to Find Secret Spots and Hidden Gems (9 Resources to Help You Find Adventure Off The Beaten Path)

What makes the water in Banff so blue?

One of the biggest draws to the Canadian Rockies is the unique color of the lakes and rivers. In Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Park, many of the lakes turn a brilliant opaque turquoise, appearing as though someone colored it with a crayon.

The color of the lake is surreal, but the explanation lies in the geology of the Rockies. Long ago, the Rockies were shaped by glacial activity. As they moved, the glaciers eroded rock underneath them, creating fine rock silt, which remains suspended in the water column. And it’s the sunlight reflecting off the rock silt in the water that creates the iconic water of the alpine lakes.

The water is at its bluest in the summer months, as the snow melting off the glaciers carries the glacial sediment into the lakes.

How much does a 1-week trip to Banff cost?

Banff National Park tops the list as Canada’s most expensive vacation destination. So, how much money will you need for 1 week in Banff?

On average, you should plan to spend about $170 per day in Banff National Park, which totals $1190 per person for a 7 Banff National Park itinerary. This does not include the price of flights and travel insurance.

The most expensive part of your Banff itinerary is going to be lodging and your rental car.

If you want the convenience of staying at a hotel in the middle of Banff, expect to pay for it. Hotels in Banff cost between $200 – 500 per night in the low season, while hostels run a little bit cheaper at about $100 per night. However, those same hotels skyrocket in price to $350-$800+ per night in the high season.

You can save a ton of money on lodging if you stay outside of Banff, even if it’s for a few days during your Banff itinerary. Check for lodging in Canmore for a mix of affordability and convenience.

The price of rental cars average roughly $80 per day in the low season and $160 per day in the high season. Save money by booking your car about 6 months in advance.

You can expect to spend about $20-$50 on a typical meal in Banff, with food prices being the highest in Banff town.

How much I spent on a 1 week Banff to Jasper road trip in early October

• Round trip flights to YYC: $262.44
• Travel insurance: $94
• Rental car: $57.32*
• Airbnb and hostels: $113.50*
• 1 night of car camping: $0
• Activities: $0
• Parks Canada Discovery Pass: $72.25
• Food: $187.89

GRAND TOTAL: $887.40 USD

*This total was for one person . It’s worth noting that the price of the rental car, gas, and Airbnb was split in half because there were two of us on the trip.

I’ve been to Banff several times and we chose to do this particular trip on an ultra shoe-string budget. To save as much money as possible, we didn’t treat ourselves to any splurge stays, fancy meals, or paid tours.

To keep the cost of lodging down, we stayed in hostel dorms and booked a very small Airbnb in Cochrane, which was about an hour from Banff. We also spent 1 night car camping for free at the Saskatchewan Border Crossing on the Icefields Parkway.

For food, we stocked up on groceries at Save-On-Foods before we got to Banff, which included everything we needed to make lunch almost every day – plus snacks, fruit, and protein bars. We signed up for the grocery story club card which gave us a pretty good discount.

Did you find this 1 Week Banff Itinerary and Travel Guide helpful? Let me know in the comments!

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From Banff to Jasper: 4 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Michael Law and Lana Law Updated May 11, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Authors Michael and Lana Law have made the journey from Banff to Jasper many times, in summer and winter.

The trip from Banff to Jasper is just 288 kilometers along the Icefields Parkway and is one of the most scenic drives in Canada . Sharp peaks, hanging glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and the massive Athabasca Glacier line the road, and have a tendency to turn what is normally about a 3.5-hour non-stop drive into an all-day road trip.

A variety of transport options are available and include self-drive, tours, shuttles, and private guided transfers. The drive itself is relatively easy along well-marked and maintained highways; however, this is mountain driving, so be prepared for all types of weather, even in the height of summer. Also, be on the alert for "bear jams." These occur when animals make an appearance beside the highway, and drivers stop to take a look.

If you want to spend time stopping off to do hikes or random sightseeing, it's best to drive this route yourself. If you'd rather sit back and let someone else do the driving, and stop at a few of the key highlights, tours are a great option. Below are the best ways to get from Banff to Jasper.

On This Page:

• From Banff to Jasper by Car
• From Banff to Jasper by Tour
• From Banff to Jasper by Shuttle
• From Banff to Jasper by Private Luxury Shuttle with a Guide

1. From Banff to Jasper by Car

Although the mileage from Banff to Jasper is relatively low, count on a full day of travel. The sheer number of incredible sights along this stretch of highway make driving straight through a near impossibility. The lure of stunning alpine lakes washing up against the shores of massive mountains will have you pulling over to gaze out in wonder in no time flat.

Leaving Banff and heading west, you'll pass the turnoff for world-famous Lake Louise , where you'll find, not only the lake itself, but great hiking trails . At this point, you made decide to explore the area, camp , or stay the night at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Assuming you keep going, continue heading straight west on the Trans Canada Highway until you reach the turn north on Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway. Grab a map at the park entrance and take note of the mile markers, all the key sights are referenced to these numbers.

You'll start a slow and steady ascent from the gates. Your first stop will likely be at the stunning Bow Lake . A large turnout and parking area provide incredible views over the lake to the Crowfoot Glacier. Continue on a steeper ascent, and be sure to pull off and check out Peyto Lake , shining like an aquamarine jewel.

Continue onwards and upwards past signs for hikes and campgrounds until you eventually reach the Athabasca Glacier Visitor Center. Grab a bite or a coffee and then walk to the toe of the glacier. Or, if you prefer, a three-hour tour out onto the top of the glacier on a Guided Glacier Hike .

After the glacier, the road twists and turns for a while and straightens out as it descends towards the town of Jasper , passing several stunning waterfalls along the way, including the lovely Tangle Falls . Finding Jasper is easy, the highway continues right into downtown Jasper, where you'll find hotels and restaurants.

One note about winter travel on this route: The road passes through high alpine areas, where snow is frequent and conditions change rapidly. Be prepared for all eventualities if you venture out between November and March. The road is lightly traveled; there's no cellular coverage; and if you get into trouble, things can get serious quickly.

2. From Banff to Jasper by Tour

One of the best reasons to take a Banff to Jasper One-Way Tour is the knowledge and insight that your guide will provide. All you need to do is show up at the appointed time and be prepared to be transported to all the best sights that this route has to offer.

Another major reason to take a tour is that parking is a problem. The lots are small and fill up fast, and once they are full, no further admissions are allowed. In the summer, it's more than likely that you will not be able to get into Lake Louise if you arrive after 9am. The Moraine Lake road is permanently closed to private vehicles. Taking a tour gets you past the congestion and guarantees entry.

Tour transport is in a modern coach with large windows that allow you to see high up into the mountains. The fully guided tour stops at six of the most spectacular spots in the Banff and Jasper National Parks. These include: Lake Louise, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefields, the Weeping Wall, and Athabasca Falls .

Along the way, you'll have an excellent chance of spotting wildlife. Since you don't need to pay attention to the driving, you'll have a good chance of spotting a grizzly bear eating by the roadside, mountain goats high along the ridges, or herds of elk in open fields.

One of the highlights of the tour is the four-hour stop at the Colombia Ice Fields. Here, your Glacier Adventure tour allows you to walk out on the surface of the Athabasca glacier and explore this icy wonderland. Also part of your tour is a walk on the Glacier Skywalk, where you'll be treated to incredible views of the Sunwapta Valley.

You'll likely work up an appetite from your adventure; fortunately, a picnic lunch is provided with this tour, and one of the highlights is dining out in the open with mountain vistas as your backdrop.

This option is only available in the summer. Generally, the tours run from the first week of May until mid-October.

3. From Banff to Jasper by Shuttle

If you are only interested in getting from Banff to Jasper and not looking to sightsee along the way, a shuttle is the quickest and cheapest option. Shuttles run between Banff and Lake Louise on a regular basis and provide an easy and economical way to transit the two locations.

Shuttles pick you up at your hotel in Banff and drop you at your chosen hotel in Jasper. A range of operators offers this service, including SunDog Transportation Connector . The

Note that these are shuttles only, not tours — they do not stop at all the scenic stops like the tours mentioned above. One large suitcase, a carry-on, and a personal item are included in the fare, additional checked bags are charged a supplemental fee of $15. Sports equipment, including skis, snowboards, and bikes are charged an additional $30.

The shuttles run year-round.

4. From Banff to Jasper by Private Luxury Shuttle with a Guide

If your budget allows it, the most luxurious way to get from Banff to Jasper is to hire a private shuttle from Discover Banff Tours . You'll be transported in a top-end vehicle, usually a large SUV, and your routing and stops are yours to decide. A driver and guide are provided, along with hotel pickup and drop-off, water, and snacks.

Not only will you see all the best sights at your own pace, you will also gain the insight and knowledge of your personable local guide. Your luxury shuttle will ensure you gain access to all the sights and even take you to a few locals'-only secret scenic spots.

You'll arrive rested and relaxed at your final destination. Private shuttles run year-round.

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The Complete Icefields Parkway Itinerary – Banff to Jasper

Icefields Parkway Itinerary

Driving the Icefields Parkway has long been a bucket list item for us. Called one of the most scenic drives in the world, how could we, as Canadians, NOT add this Icefields Parkway itinerary to our to-do list when travelling to Alberta!

What is the Icefields Parkway?

The Icefields Parkway is a 232-kilometre (144 miles) stretch of highway which runs through the Canadian Rocky Mountains, taking you past incredible mountain views, iconic lakes, and seemingly-endless photo opportunities.

How Many Days Do You Need to Experience the Icefields Parkway?

Unfortunately, with all the incredible vistas that you will find along the Parkway, they end up posing a problem to most travellers! In order to stop at every point of interest along the Icefields Parkway, and do all of the hikes, you would most likely need at least 2 full days!

While this may not seem like an issue when taking such a scenic road trip, the unfortunate fact is that there are very limited accommodations available. And the accommodations that are available, book up pretty far in advance, and come with pretty inflated price tags!

As a result, most people look for a one-day Icefields Parkway itinerary. With careful planning, you can actually take in quite a bit, including all the major sights, in one FULL day!

This Icefields Parkway itinerary gives all the best points of interest when travelling from one end to the other. We chose not to include the start and endpoints (Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper), as those places truly need full days each to explore.

Note:  This Icefields Parkway itinerary gives points of interest in order when travelling from Banff to Jasper. You can also easily complete the drive in the reverse direction, starting in Jasper, and still have an amazing experience.

1. Herbert Lake

The very first stop on our incredible Icefields Parkway itinerary is Herbert Lake. Located shortly after passing through the park gates, this lake is a favourite with the locals for swimming during the summer.

The nice thing about stopping at Herbert Lake is it is only a few short steps from the parking lot. From there, you are greeted with amazing lake views, as well as views of Mount Temple in the background.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 5.7 km
• Distance from Jasper:  226 km

2. Hector Lake

The next stop on our itinerary is Hector Lake. There is a place to pull over on the roadside, however, this stop is still pretty easy to miss.

Hector Lake is one of the less-visited stops on our Icefields Parkway itinerary. This is because the roadside area only offers partially obstructed views of the lake.

If you are looking for the full experience, you will need to hike the 2.2 km to reach the lake. The hike is easy and well worth it, but it does require extra time out of your day.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 21.5 km
• Distance from Jasper:  210 km

3. Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint

This stop along the Icefields Parkway offers spectacular views of the Crowfoot Glacier. The glacier, so named because it was once the shape of a crow’s foot, is wedged between two mountains and feeds the Bow River as it melts.

And although the glacier has been receding (and changing shape) over the years, it is still quite large and easily visible from the Icefields Parkway.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 37.2 km
• Distance from Jasper:  196 km

4. Bow Lake

One of our favourite stops on this Icefields Parkway itinerary is Bow Lake. As one of the largest lakes in Banff National Park, Bow Lake sits at an elevation of 1,920 m (6,300 ft).

Bow Lake lies at the base of Bow Summit and is fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier in the Wapta Icefield. The gorgeous turquoise waters perfectly reflect the surrounding mountains on a calm day.

This incredible viewpoint makes a great place for a nice picnic, canoe, stand-up paddleboard, or a hike to Bow Glacier Falls. Unfortunately, this stop is incredibly popular for tour buses, so expect crowds.

Insider Tip: If the parking lot closest to the highway is full, just head further up the road. There is a big parking lot at Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge, and it affords you a completely different view of the lake. The lot also has several pit toilets and garbage cans.

• Distance from Lake Louise:  38.7 km
• Distance from Jasper : 194 km

5. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake (PEE-toh) is definitely a must-stop on our Icefields Parkway itinerary. Considered one of the most popular lakes to visit in Banff National Park (after Moraine Lake and Lake Louise), it boasts jaw-dropping turquoise water and is nestled amongst the mountains and lush forests.

The scenic overlook is about a 10-minute walk from the parking lot and is easily accessible for most people. In fact, it is one of the few stops on our Icefields Parkway itinerary that has a handicap-accessible section.

Insider Tip  – It’s really easy to miss the Peyto Lake viewing point! Watch for the  Bow Summit sign  where you will turn left. Driving from Jasper to Banff there is proper signage for Peyto Lake, but unfortunately, no signage exists on the Banff to Jasper route.

• Distance from Lake Louise:  43.9 km
• Distance from Jasper:  188 km

6. Waterfowl Lake Viewpoint

The Waterfowl Lakes are two glacial-fed lakes that are quite popular with canoers, kayakers, and stand-up paddleboarders. This is because there is no hiking involved if you want to see the two lakes; the parking area is lakeside!

If you are interested in hiking, the Waterfowl Lakes Trail is an easy and family-friendly hike that can be picked up from the same trailhead as Cirque and Chephren Lakes.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 58.2 km
• Distance from Jasper : 173 km

7. Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon is definitely one of the more popular points of interest along the Icefields Parkway. Unfortunately, the parking area is pretty limited, so it does get busy during the peak summer season.

The canyon is located down a short .5 km trail, where you will come to a well-maintained fenced bridge. The path is mostly packed dirt but has plenty of rocks that might make it difficult for some.

Mistaya Canyon is incredible! Watching the powerful water as it roars through the rock canyon beneath your feet is absolutely mesmerizing!

• Distance from Lake Louise : 73.5 km
• Distance from Jasper:  158 km

8. Saskatchewan River Crossing Café and Gas Station

The Saskatchewan River Crossing is the only stop on our Icefields Parkway itinerary that may be a necessity, rather than a must-see. This is the last place you can get gas before Jasper!

So even though the prices are extremely inflated, if you need to fill up, you should do it here. The River Crossing also has public restrooms, a small cafe, and a convenience store/souvenir shop.

Outdoors, you will find a seating area with pretty nice views of the mountains, as well as some really interesting and informative plaques about the history of the area. We learned that the site is pretty significant, in that it is where three rivers meet: the North Saskatchewan, the Howse River, and the Mistaya.

And just a heads-up, the River Crossing can get pretty busy during the high season, with many of the coach tours using this as a rest stop.

• Distance from Lake Louise:  78.7 km
• Distance from Jasper:  153 km

9. The Weeping Wall

The Weeping Wall is a set of 1,000-foot tall cliffs, located at the base of Cirrus Mountain. You will see them on your right side as you are driving from Banff to Jasper.

During the warmer months, you will notice a series of small waterfalls that are caused by the melting snow and ice. Because of this, the cliff face appears to “weep” (hence the name), with the largest waterfall being called the “Teardrop.”

During the winter months, the waterfalls freeze and the cliffs become a popular spot for ice climbing.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 107 km
• Distance from Jasper:  124 km

10. Big Bend and Big Hill

One of the points of interest along our Icefields Parkway Itinerary is one that you have no choice over! Big Bend is the name of a gigantic curve in the road, that you need to drive along.

And trust us, you will know it when you see it! Unfortunately, there is no real place to pull off the road safely at Big Bend, so if you plan to stop, please be very careful!

Once you make your way around Big Bend, the Parkway will start to climb up the mountain, or “Big Hill.” At the top, you will find a pullover bay on your right side.

The pullover bay is pretty large, allowing you to safely get off the road and get out of your vehicle. This is the perfect spot to grab a photo of the Icefields Parkway below (provided it is a clear day).

• Distance from Lake Louise:  115 km
• Distance from Jasper:  116 km

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11. parker ridge trail.

Parker Ridge Trail is another one of the longer hiking stops on this Icefields Parkway itinerary. This 2.5 km hike has a gradual incline to the ridge, is well-marked, and is easy enough for families with younger children to accomplish in 2-3 hours.

Considered one of the best hikes on the Icefields Parkway, the vistas from the ridge are absolutely spectacular! You will be rewarded with incredible views of the Saskatchewan Glacier, as well as the massive Icefields and turquoise waters of the glacier lakes.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 119 km
• Distance from Jasper : 112 km

12. Wilcox Pass Lookout

Wilcox Pass is another one of the longer hiking stops on our Icefields Parkway itinerary. The hike is 9.3 km long with a 522 m elevation gain and will take you 3-5 hours to complete.

Wilcox Pass offers incredible views of Mount Athabasca and Mount Andromeda, which are two of the tallest mountains in the Canadian Rockies. The hike runs along the border between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.

• Distance from Lake Louise:  126 km
• Distance from Jasper:  105 km

13. Athabasca Glacier and the Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is the perfect addition to any Icefields Parkway itinerary. Not only can you book some really cool excursions here, but you can also grab a bite to eat, stretch your legs while shopping in the gift shop, or enjoy the luxury of indoor public restrooms.

If you are interested in seeing the Athabasca Glacier without having to trek it yourself, hop onboard the Ice Explorer! This rugged vehicle takes you on an exciting trip up the mountain, where you will actually be able to get out and walk on the glacier.

The tour also includes admission and transportation to and from the Columbia Icefields Skywalk.

• Distance from Lake Louise:  130 km

Click here to book your own COOL Ice Explorer Glacier Tour and Glacier Skywalk adventure.

14. Toe of the Glacier

If an organized tour is not your thing, but you still would like to get a closer glimpse of the Athabasca Glacier, then you may want to consider a short hike! And the best part is, the hike is open year-round and is absolutely FREE!

The hike to the base of the Athabasca Glacier, or the ‘Toe’ as they call it, is an easy 1.4 km (a little less than 1 mile). But just be warned, it is uphill the whole way!

You can find the dirt parking area for the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier hike directly across from the Discovery Centre. The trailhead can be found adjacent to the parking area.

From there, walk across a small footbridge and then start climbing the fairly steep incline to the base of the glacier. As you ascend, you will see a few panels along the hiking pathway that provide you with a ton of knowledge related to glaciers.

Sadly, today the Athabasca Glacier is only half the size it was 125 years ago; receding at a rate of approximately 5 m (16.5 ft) per year. In fact, to help illustrate this point, year markers have been placed along the hiking trail indicating where the Athabasca Glacier used to reach at that time.

One word of caution, once you reach the Toe of the Glacier, you will find a rope marking the trail. It is extremely dangerous to proceed outside of the specified trail area or beyond the rope marking. Kids should be supervised carefully.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 130 km
• Distance from Jaspe r: 105 km

15. The Columbia Icefields Skywalk

One of the most popular attractions at Athabasca Glacier is the Columbia Icefields Skywalk. The Skywalk features a glass floor that juts out of the cliffside, 280 m (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley below.

The Columbia Icefields Skywalk not only features the glass platform but also highlights waterfalls, local wildlife, fossils, and more on a 1-kilometre interpretive walkway. You even have the option of picking up a free listening device that will tell you all about the things you are seeing along the interpretive trail.

This attraction is family-friendly, and a great way to learn some information about the area. The glass floor, on the other hand, is not for the faint of heart!

The Glass Floor

The platform can be a little intimidating to walk on, whether or not you have a fear of heights! It does provide incredible opportunities for some jaw-dropping views, so definitely give it a try.

Just a heads up though, the platform does move and sway slightly, so keep that in mind!

The Columbia Icefields Skywalk is only available through a tour. Tickets must be purchased from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre (or online).

You will be bussed from the Discovery Center to the Skywalk at a pre-arranged time. Once you are finished at the site, the shuttle will return you back to the main building.

The return shuttles are on a first come first served basis, so keep that in mind if you are on a schedule.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 134 km
• Distance from Jasper:  97.3 km

Click here to book your own Columbia Icefields Skywalk adventure!

16. Tangle Creek Falls

Just down the Icefields Parkway from the Skywalk, is Tangle Creek. The waterfall is located on the right side of the road, while the small parking area is on the left.

The waterfall is not very grand, but it is very picturesque and definitely worth a quick stop! You can even climb up part of the way to get some awesome photos.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 135 km
• Distance from Jasper : 96 km

17. Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls is another easy stop on our Icefields Parkway itinerary. The turn-off is well marked, with plenty of parking available.

Sunwapta Falls consists of upper and lower falls. Both are fed by the Athabasca Glacier, so the water has the wonderful vibrant shades of blue you have probably come to expect in Alberta.

The upper falls are easily accessible, with only a quick walk from the parking area along a packed dirt walkway. The lower falls are significantly less busy but require a 1.3 km hike to get there.

Both falls are worth a look, whether you are visiting in the summer or the winter.

• Distance from Lake Louise:  177 km
• Distance from Jasper : 55.4 km

18. Goats & Glaciers Lookout

The Goats & Glaciers lookout is another quick stop along the Icefields Parkway that is pretty easy to miss. This viewpoint overlooks the Athabasca River and Mount Kerkeslin and features more gorgeous shades of blue water.

Also called ‘Goat-Lick Viewpoint,’ the area attracts mountain goat herds who come to lick the salt from the side of the river bank.

After the Goats and Glaciers sign, keep your eyes open for the pull-off on your left. There is a small lot with a short path that takes you to the lookout.

• Distance from Lake Louise:  194 km
• Distance from Jasper:  38 km

19. Athabasca Falls

One of the top items on our Icefields Parkway itinerary is Athabasca Falls. With plenty of parking, several short trails to hike, and a thunderous waterfall, this location is definitely a popular stop.

The .8 km out-and-back hiking trail to the waterfall is easy. You get to walk alongside the river, before crossing a bridge to the other side of the falls.

Here, you can take a stairway down to the gorge, or hike alongside the opposite riverbank. There are several viewing areas that get you pretty close to the 75-foot tall waterfall, giving you plenty of opportunities for epic photos!

Many of the walkways are fully accessible, although we did find many areas to be muddy, slippery, and flooded during our visit. You will also find that this stop is VERY crowded, even in the off-peak season.

Athabasca Falls is a main stop for the coach tours, so visiting early or later in the day is your best bet. And given that this is the second last stop on our itinerary, you may get lucky!

• Distance from Lake Louise : 201 km
• Distance from Jaspe r: 32.1 km

20. Valley of the Five Lakes

The Valley of the 5 Lakes is a scenic family-friendly hike that takes you in a loop past 5 different emerald-coloured lakes. This 4.5-kilometre-long hiking trail is easy and relatively flat, but very popular so expect crowds during the peak season.

The only downside to adding the Valley of the 5 Lakes hike to your Icefields Parkway itinerary, is that you may actually be running out of daylight by the time you reach the trailhead! Of course, this amazing trail is only a short 10-minute drive from Jasper, so you could always come back later to hike it.

• Distance from Lake Louise : 224 km
• Distance from Jaspe r: 9.9 km

Read more on the Valley of the Five Lakes Hike here.

Where Can You Stay on the Icefields Parkway?

As we mentioned previously, there are not a lot of options available for staying along the Icefields Parkway. But the accommodations that are available, tend to book up really quickly.

Camping is a great option for people who like to ‘rough it’ and want to sleep under the stars. Whether you are travelling in an RV or are planning on sleeping in a tent, the Icefields Parkway has a few great campsites available.

Most of the campsites along the Parkway operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You may want to double-check online, however, as some sites are now allowing people to make advanced reservations due to the increase in demand over the last couple of years.

During the summer months, campgrounds book up really quickly, especially on the long weekends. Try to arrive at the campgrounds before noon, for your best chance at finding a vacant campsite. If you aren’t lucky enough to find an available spot, there is also overflow camping at the Icefield Discovery Centre for trailers and camper vans.

Banff National Park has a couple of campsites that are located off the Icefields Parkway. Rampart Creek and Upper Waterfowl Lakes are family-friendly and offer some pretty great hiking trails.

You can find a complete list of campgrounds in Banff National Park here .

Jasper National Park also has some pretty nice campgrounds available close to the Icefields Parkway. Again, these are first-come-first-served.

The Columbia Icefield Campground is tent-only with just 33 sites that are pretty secluded, perfect for those looking for a little more privacy. The Wilcox Creek Campground is larger with 46 sites, that can accommodate both tents as well as trailers up to 27 feet.

Both campgrounds are family-friendly with lots of trails to explore and beautiful views of the glacier-capped mountains.

You can find a complete list of campgrounds in Jasper National Park here .

Hostels are a very budget-friendly option when looking for accommodations along the Icefields Parkway. And they can be a great choice for single travellers, as well as families looking for an overnight stay.

The hostels feature rustic wilderness settings, with amazing opportunities for wildlife sightings and hiking. They offer shared facilities and dormitory rooms with basic bunks, but some do not have electricity, and you will need to provide your own bedding.

Other hostels may offer a limited number of private rooms, including perks such as snowshoes in the winter, as well as proximity to some of the best attractions on the Parkway.

You will find several Hostels available in both Banff National Park and Jasper National Park that may work for your needs.

Hotels and Lodges

Simpson’s num-ti-jah lodge.

Simpson’s Num-Ti-Jah Lodge sits right on the shores of Bow Lake and is considered one of the Canadian Rockies’ most picturesque locations. Not only do you have stunning lakeside and glacier views, but access to some of the nicest hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and photography in the area.

This picturesque lodge has 25 rustic rooms with shared or private washrooms. But just be warned, there are no phones or TVs in the rooms!

The restaurant has a large stone fireplace where you can enjoy a wonderful experience. The Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is open from May until the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October.

The Crossing Resort

Located at the Saskatchewan River Crossing, The Crossing Resort is a motel-style lodging that is available from March through to October. The Crossing Resort sits on a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is nestled at the base of Mt. Wilson.

The accommodations include 66 rooms, most with two double beds, a bathroom, satellite TV, and a telephone. There are also Family Suites, Executive Rooms, and pet-friendly rooms available.

As far as amenities go, The Crossing Resort has a spa, cafeteria, dining room, pub, gift shop, and service station.

The Glacier View Lodge

The Glacier View Lodge is located on the 3rd floor of the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre , approximately 1 hour south of Jasper and 2.5 hours north of Banff on the Icefields Parkway.

This Glacier View Lodge has 32 guest rooms each with a comfortable living room with satellite TV, telephone, sofa bed, and balcony or terrace. But the best part of staying here is waking up to the incredible views of the Athabasca Glacier and the Canadian Rockies !

As part of the Columbia Icefield Center, the Glacier View Lodge offers a gift shop, restaurant, cafeteria, and plenty of free parking. You are also right across the street from the Toe of the Glacier Trail which is convenient for the tours offered by the Discovery Centre.

The Glacier View Lodge is open from mid-April through to October.

Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge

The Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge offers cabin-style accommodation from May through to October. Located between the Columbia Icefields and Jasper townsite in Jasper National Park, the resort sits on the edge of a forest and is only a short walk to the Sunwapta Falls.

There are three types of suites available. The standard room consists of two double beds, a fridge, a private bathroom, and a sundeck. Pets are also allowed at the Rocky Mountain Lodge at an additional cost.

Amenities include a restaurant lounge with a fireplace, a cafeteria, and a gift shop. You can even pre-arrange for a picnic lunch to be made to take with you on your Icefields Parkway adventure!

Where Can You Eat on the Icefields Parkway?

On any Icefields Parkway itinerary, you will find all of your food options within the Hotels and Lodges we mentioned above. Food on the Icefields Parkway is generally overpriced, so you should definitely consider packing a lunch ahead of time for your day (or more) of adventure!

Canmore, Banff, and Jasper all have grocery stores where you can purchase everything you need at reasonable prices. Lake Louise Village also has a small convenience store where you will find some necessities.

The Parkway Pub

The Parkway Pub is more of an experience than a grab-your-food-and-go kind of place. This is because every day at noon (between mid-June and mid-September) the Pub fires up their grill, and invites guests guest to show off their culinary skills and cook their own food!

Guests choose their entrée of steak, burger, or jumbo dog, which then arrives at their table fresh and on a platter with accompaniments. They then head to the grill where everyone is provided with a variety of seasonings and sauces to customize the flavour of their meal selection.

Staff are on hand to suggest cooking times, or to offer any assistance if needed.

Mt. Wilson Restaurant

The MT. Wilson Restaurant offers a casual dining experience and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The restaurant offers an all-you-can-eat lunch which includes a fresh salad bar and classic hot entrées.

For dinner, The Mt. Wilson Restaurant offers a full-service a la carte menu and bar, in addition to the extensive dinner buffet.

The Crossing Cafe

The Crossing Cafe offers a variety of menu options perfect for lunch or just a snack. You can find coffee, soups, sandwiches, or burgers. Box lunches and picnic fare can also be ordered in advance to take with you for a day of sightseeing on the Parkway.

The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

Chalet offers a casual family-friendly atmosphere that features freshly prepared food with grab-and-go service. This cafeteria-style restaurant offers snacks like chilli, pizza, burgers, and sandwiches. ($8-14). Both places can get mobbed with tour groups.

Altitude restaurant provides incredible glacier views as the backdrop to your dining experience. They offer a buffet breakfast and lunch, as well as boasting a Canadian-inspired and locally sourced à la carte menu for dinner and cocktails.

Yes, you read that right! You can actually grab a cup of your favourite coffee concoction in the Discovery Centre! Perfect for warming up after a chilly excursion out on the Athabasca Glacier.

The Starbucks in the Discovery Centre is only a small kiosk, so they may not have all the items that a full location would. But it is definitely sufficient!

Keep in mind, that the Discovery Centre is a huge hub for tourists and tour busses! All three of these establishments tend to get quite busy during peak times!

The Restaurant at Sunwapta Falls

The Restaurant at Sunwapta Falls offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their rustic dining room. Not only do they offer awesome health-conscious and vegan dishes, but the food is fresh and delicious.

You can also request freshly made lunches to go anytime after 8 am! This is the perfect way to prepare for your day’s adventure, and exactly what we opted for.

During our trip along the Icefields Parkway, we chose a Roasted Yam Soup and a Butter Chicken with Rice Wrap. The food was ordered to go and took maybe 15 minutes for it to be ready.

The soups were very creamy, and the wraps were flavourful, filling, and absolutely delicious! We would definitely recommend a stop here if you find yourself in need of a quick bite!

What Wildlife Can You Spot on the Icefields Parkway?

The Icefields Parkway is filled with opportunities to spot wildlife! Black bears, grizzly bears, mountain goats, deer, caribou, mountain lions, big-horned sheep, moose, as well as hundreds of different birds, call the Parkway their home.

And the best times to enjoy the wildlife is either at dawn or dusk when they are most active. This is also the time when you need to be most vigilant when driving along the Parkway!

If you do see any wildlife, especially bears or elk along the road, be sure to give them plenty of space. And whatever you do, DO NOT attempt to feed them or get out of your vehicle for a closer look!

Not only is this incredibly dangerous, but it could also either land you with an eye-watering fine for feeding the animals, or get the animal killed as any bears that have contact with humans are put down.

Our most memorable moment was having to stop in the middle of the Icefields Parkway to allow a herd of elk to cross the road… at a CROSSWALK no less!! These majestic creatures were mesmerizing to watch!

Even though they caused quite a traffic jam, not one person could be heard complaining! Everyone just stopped and enjoyed the moment.

Final Thoughts on the Icefields Parkway Itin erary

Our Icefields Parkway itinerary is the perfect guide to help you traverse one of the most scenic roads in the world. With so many wonderful sights and things to experience, this bucket list item should be on everyone’s list when visiting Alberta.

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Related Posts:

• The Best Things to Do in Canmore Alberta with Kids
• The Complete Icefields Parkway Itinerary – Banff to Jasper
• The Icefields Parkway Driving Guide – Know Before You Go
• 23 Incredible Things to Do in Alberta with Kids

Marianne Giordano is the founder and writer for The Journeying Giordano's. Together with her husband, John, and their children, the family has travelled to all 10 Canadian provinces. Marianne is responsible for planning all of her family's travel itineraries and dreaming up new adventures. A Canadian native, Marianne shares all her favourite family-friendly things to do in Canada.

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Banff To Jasper: 11 Stops Along Canada’s Gorgeous Icefields Parkway

Adam Cegledi / Shutterstock

• Activities and Interests
• Canada National Parks
• Destinations
• Lake Louise
• National Parks
• Road Trips In Canada
• Types of Travel

The Icefields Parkway in the Rocky Mountains is one of Canada’s most famous scenic road trips.

I’ve extended the route here by starting in the town of Banff, taking the Trans-Canada Highway for 57 km (36 miles) to Lake Louise, and then turning north on Highway 93/Icefields Parkway to go a further 230 km (140 miles) to the town of Jasper.

The trip is inside two national parks, Banff and Jasper , and can be done in either direction. It can also be enjoyed as an extension of this scenic Alberta road trip: Calgary to Banff .

This is a land of raw geology. The glaciers on the mountaintops carve the rocks into great bowls, their meltwater feeding the mirror-like lakes below. Avalanche paths and thundering waterfalls show the force of nature. Even the air is sharp and crisp. It’s invigorating to be here.

Most people visit between May and mid-October, and July and August are especially popular. September mid-week offers smaller crowds and some fall colors.

From October through April, the few businesses between Lake Louise and Jasper, including the Icefields Discovery Centre, close. The exact opening and closing dates may vary slightly from year to year and from one business to another.

The highway is open year-round. Parks Canada provides winter driving advice . You need a park pass to travel the Icefields Parkway at any time of year.

The visitor information centers in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper are worth stopping into for advice about hikes, ski trails, animal sightings, accessibility, and anything else you’d like to know about travel in the parks.

Nick Fox / Shutterstock

The resort town of Banff is the main service center in Banff National Park. Stock up on gas and necessities here or in Lake Louise.

Spend at least a few days in Banff. Take in the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel , the calm water and marshland boardwalks of the Vermilion Lakes, and the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Not far from town, there are boat rides on Lake Minnewanka, a gondola to the alpine meadows of Sunshine Village, and easy, scenic hiking in Johnston Canyon.

Banff is a base for adventure travel and sports, like climbing, rafting, cycling, golf, and backpacking. The winter downhill skiing is world-famous.

The Upper Hot Springs is a naturally heated mineral water pool open daily till late in the evenings.

As far as wildlife viewing goes, elk sometimes wander in town. On the Trans-Canada Highway leaving Banff, bighorn sheep might cross your path.

Don’t stress the animals by feeding them or trying to get up close. If you see a bear, stay in your car with the windows up.

The speed limits in the national parks are meant to protect the animals. There are also a few special bridges to help them cross the highway.

Looking for more to do before driving out of Banff? Banff and Lake Louise Tourism is a great source of information on available activities, including Icefields Parkway tours.

Sopotnicki / Shutterstock

2. Lake Louise

The famously photogenic lake and the world-class ski resort of the same name are on opposite sides of the Trans-Canada Highway at Lake Louise.

In the winter, you can skate , ski, or snowshoe on the lake, all while admiring the glacier at one end and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at the other. There’s an easy walking trail up the side of the lake in summer. For more of a challenge, put on your backpack and make it a full day of hiking.

Moraine Lake is especially popular in the fall when the needles of the larch trees turn gold.

From Lake Louise, head north on Highway 93/Icefields Parkway toward Jasper.

Michelle A Rusk Fine Art And Photography

3. Bow Lake

Bow Lake , Bow Glacier, Bow Glacier Falls, and Num-Ti-Jah Lodge are about 30 minutes north of Lake Louise. Bow Summit, the highest point on the Parkway, is a popular spot for taking pictures. There’s an easy hike here.

Ron Brittany via The Crossing Resort

4. Saskatchewan River Crossing

About 80 km (50 miles) from Lake Louise is the junction with Highway 11/David Thompson Highway. It runs parallel to the North Saskatchewan River, going east to beyond Red Deer.

The Crossing Resort has a gas station, the General Store and Gift Shop, a dining room, a cafeteria, a pub, and accommodation. This is a popular stopping place. (Remember: It’s closed in winter.)

Half an hour east is Abraham Lake, often photographed in winter when methane bubbles form tubes in the thick winter ice.

Rocky Mountain House National Historic Site is two hours east of The Crossing. This site features archaeology and stories of the fur trade.

Timothy Yue / Shutterstock

5. Parker Ridge

Parks Canada rates the Parker Ridge hike as easy, with a 2.5-hour round trip time. You may see small animals that look a bit like hamsters but are actually related to rabbits. These are pikas, and they only live at high elevations.

There are great photo opportunities, including a view of the Saskatchewan Glacier. The glacier’s meltwater feeds the North Saskatchewan River, eventually reaching Hudson Bay.

Arlene Waller / Shutterstock

6. Sunwapta Pass

Sunwapta Pass, about 5 km (3.1 miles) south of the Icefields Discovery Centre, is the second-highest point on the Parkway. It’s a major watershed divide and the boundary between Banff and Jasper National Parks.

7. Columbia Icefield Centre And Athabasca Glacier

The big man-made tourist attraction on the Icefields Parkway is the Columbia Icefield Centre, with Parks Canada’s interpretive theater and displays.

The process of alpine glaciation is nicely described in this pamphlet about the Athabasca Glacier (PDF).

In addition to the free offerings, you can buy tickets for private motorized tours of the Athabasca Glacier and the 1-km- (0.62-mile-) long glass-floored Skywalk high above the ground. These are both accessible to people using wheelchairs, but please check with the operator ahead of time. The current advice is that you need to book at least 72 hours in advance.

To see the ice up close without paying, follow the trail to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Signs show how much the glacier has receded in recent years.

There’s a hotel and restaurant at the Icefield Centre. (Note that it’s closed in winter.)

People are surprised how cold it can be at the glacier, even in summer. This is a vast sheet of ice. Being near it is literally like standing in a freezer. To enjoy yourself longer and in comfort, wear sturdy, warm boots and winter clothes, even in July.

Chill Chillz / Shutterstock

8. Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta Falls is about 50 km (30 miles) north of the Icefields Centre. People like the easy access to the Upper Falls from the parking lot and the short hike to the Lower Falls. Nearby Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge has accommodation and a restaurant.

Mike Trachtenberg / Shutterstock

9. Athabasca Falls

Another 20 minutes toward Jasper brings you to Athabasca Falls, another favorite spot for its natural beauty. Like Sunwapta Falls, there is reasonably easy access from the parking lot.

Robert Bohrer / Shutterstock

10. Mount Edith Cavell

One of my friends loves this mountain so much he drives up from Calgary just to see it and walk up to the toe of the glacier. Not many mountains are named after women. Edith Cavell was a British nurse who helped around 200 British, French, and Belgian soldiers escape to safety from Belgium in the First World War. She was caught and executed by a firing squad.

i viewfinder / Shutterstock

The town of Jasper has about half the population of Banff. I agree with those who say it feels less commercial. Like Banff, it has a range of accommodations, dining, and activities in all seasons. You can easily spend a few days here, enjoying a range of outdoor activities in summer and skiing (both kinds) in winter.

The Jasper Sky Tram is an easy way to get up high for some alpine hiking, followed by a meal at the top or bottom station.

Jasper National Park is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, perfect for stargazing.

Maligne Lake, 45 minutes away, is stunningly scenic and popular for paddling.

I asked my friends for their favorite places along this route. They were all different — something for everyone. They included geocaching (lots of places), the Fireside day-use area near Banff, combining a Parkway trip with a ride on the Rocky Mountaineer train, Pyramid Lake in Jasper, going from Jasper to Banff in an RV , and enjoying the view from the Big Bend. You can also combine this road trip with my recommendation for a scenic Alberta road trip: Calgary to Banff to enjoy more of what Alberta has to offer.

Writer Candy Harrington has described wheelchair accessibility in Banff and the Icefields here .

The websites for Parks Canada , Banff and Lake Louise Tourism , The Icefields Parkway , the Banff-Jasper Collection , and Tourism Jasper are good information sources. And each of the two parks ( Banff and Jasper ) has specific information about its operations.

Canadian writer Jill Browne lives in Calgary, Alberta, not far from Banff National Park. She travels regularly to London, England, often solo, and has lots of tips for walking and sightseeing there. Jill blogs about London history on LondonHeritageHotspots as well as on Instagram . She loves to plan family history trips for people, especially when their roots connect them to the British Isles. Her website, Genealogy And Travel is devoted to genealogy travel and family history tourism, no matter where you are. You don't have to fly to get in touch with your ancestry.

An experienced road tripper, Jill has driven across Canada and the U.S. multiple times. She and her geologist husband have explored some of Australia and the North Island of New Zealand by car, and are hoping to go back for more. Jill likes gardens, forests, and anything with plants, really. "Adventure without risking life and limb" is her travel motto, and the byline for her blog, Middle of the Road Less Travelled .

Banff to Jasper: 15 Best Stops on the Icefields Parkway, Canada

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A road trip from Banff to Jasper, along Canada’s Icefields Parkway, is said to be one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Having grown up in Alberta, I would have to agree.

Many articles say that you can do it in a day.  On that, I disagree.

The distance of the Icefields Parkway is 233 kilometres (144 miles). It’s certainly doable within four hours.  But I don’t recommend it, unless you’re just planning to snap a quick photo at a few roadside stops.

My advice?  Take your time, maybe up to 3 days, but a minimum of 2.  Take a walk.  Soak in the beauty.

To help plan your trip, here is a suggested Icefields Parkway itinerary, with my recommendations on the best stops for your trip from Banff to Jasper.

See recommendations for where to stay along the Icefields Parkway. or search availability for hotels in Banff and Jasper .

What is the Icefields Parkway?

To be specific, the Icefields Parkway refers to the north/south Highway 93 in Alberta.  It connects Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.  The two-lane highway (one each way) winds along the Continental Divide through the spectacular Rocky Mountains.

You can get on the Icefields highway by heading west on the TransCanada Highway #1.  You’ll see the exit for the Icefields Parkway/Hwy 93N just three kilometres past the village of Lake Louise.  (That’s about 2.5 hours drive from Calgary).

The Icefields Parkway is so named because there are more than 100 glaciers along this stretch of roadway.  Most notable is the Columbia Icefield, the largest mass of glacial ice in the Canadian Rockies.

For this Icefields Parkway road trip itinerary, we’ll start at Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

See practical tips for the drive from Banff to Jasper, along the Icefields Parkway, below .

Banff to Jasper: Best stops on the Icefields Parkway, Canada

1.  lake louise & moraine lake.

Lake Louise is quite possibly the most iconic and well-known photo spot in Canada.

It’s best known for the vivid turquoise colour of the glacier-fed lake.  The colour is caused by light reflecting off glacier silt in the water.  The colour changes depending upon the light and season.

Take a classic canoe ride across the lake, or get the bird’s eye view by hiking the 5.5 kilometre trail up to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House.

Early morning view of Lake Louise

Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is one of the most stunning views in the Rockies. It’s a must-see when you’re in the area.

Moraine Lake is 14 kilometres (8.7 miles) southeast and up an incline from Lake Louise.

Note that Moraine Lake is only accessible from about the end of May to the second week in October, depending upon conditions.  The ice on these two lakes doesn’t start to melt until June.  If you want to see the gorgeous aquamarine colour, it’s best to wait at least until the end of June.

Moraine Lake

Tip:  As of 2023, you can no longer drive up to Moraine Lake.  Parks Canada has limited the route to public transportation because the traffic was out of control.

The best option to get there is to reserve a seat on the Parks Canada shuttl e from the Park & Ride at the Lake Louise Ski Resort to the Lake Louise lakeshore and Moraine Lake.  The shuttle runs from June to early October every 20 minutes from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  It’s a good idea to book well in advance.

You can also go to Lake Louise on a local bus, Roam Transit, and then connect to the Moraine Lake shuttle if you buy a Roam Super Pass.

Finally, you can take a tour that stops at Moraine Lake .  Or this Hop on/Hop off Bus from Banff to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon is really popular.

See this post for more details on how to get to Moraine Lake .

2.  Herbert Lake

This is the first stop on the Parkway, just a 10 to 15-minute drive from Lake Louise.

Herbert Lake is a small lake that can have great reflections of Mount Temple when the water is calm.  You can get good shots from the viewpoint or the day use area along the lakeshore.

There is a 1.6 kilometre hiking trail around the lake that starts from the picnic area.  There’s no real elevation gain on the trail, but it’s not well maintained.

The stop:   Roadside viewpoint 7.4 kilometres from Lake Louise

Tip:  The best times for photos here are sunrise and sunset.

3.  Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint/Bow Lake Viewpoint

View from the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint

The giant Crowfoot glacier is nestled into the northeastern side of Crowfoot Mountain above Bow Lake.

It was named for its three bird-like toes, but one of the toes has since melted.

Just over a kilometre down the road from the Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint, you’ll come to the popular Bow Lake Viewpoint.  From here, you’ll  get a nice view of Bow Lake and its incredible reflections, although I think the view is even better at the next stop.

The stop: The Crowfoot roadside viewpoint is 37 kilometres from Lake Louise.  The Bow Lake roadside stop is 1.4 kilometres past that.

Tip: The reflections on Bow Lake are best from morning to mid-day.

4.  Bow Lake/Lodge at Bow Lake

Shortly after the viewpoint, turn left into Bow Lake and the Lodge at Bow Lake (formerly Num-Ti-Jah Lodge) for one of the most beautiful spots along the Icefields Parkway.

In the summer, Bow Lake turns a beautiful aquamarine colour and makes a dramatic statement against the backdrop of the imposing Crowfoot mountain and glaciers hanging above.

Walk along the easy lakeshore trail for some different views and don’t miss the classic shot looking across from the footbridge.

One of the largest lakes in Banff National Park, Bow Lake sits at an elevation of 1920 metres and is frozen most of the year.  It thaws around mid-June.

The Lodge at Bow Lake is a historic site built by one of Banff’s early mountain guides.  It has a big stone fireplace, cozy duvets and rustic decor.  It’s a great place to stay if you want to see the stars at Bow Lake at night.

Type of stop: A turnoff from Highway 93, with parking near the Lodge at Bow Lake. It’s 40 kilometres from Lake Louise.

Tip:  There are a number of good hikes in this area, including the one to Bow Glacier Falls.  This is also a nice picnic spot, but you will have to bring your food.  There are public restrooms near the parking lot.

5.  Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is one of the classic postcard shots along the Icefields Parkway.  It looks like the silhouette of a dog or a wolf and it really is that colour!  This also makes it one of the busiest spots.

The lake is located at the Bow Summit – – the highest point on the Parkway at 2088 metres.  Turn off the Parkway at the Bow Summit signs and you’ll see the lower parking on your right.  From there, it’s about a 15-minute hike up to the Peyto Lake Lookout.  If it’s too steep for someone in your group, you can drop them off up at the second parking lot which is used for tour buses and access for the disabled.

To avoid the tour buses, it’s a good idea to get here early or later in the day.  For photographers, sunrise or mid-afternoon is the best light.

The stop: The turnoff is 45 kilometres from Lake Louise.  There is a 15-minute uphill hike from the parking area.

Tip: The viewing platform can get really crowded.  There is a trail to the right of that platform that leads to another viewing area.  But don’t step close to the edge here.

6.  Waterfowl Lake

The lesser-known roadside stop at Waterfowl Lake offers nice reflections of Howse Peak and Mount Chephren.  The best time for this is in the early morning when the water is calm.

There’s an easy 1.4 kilometre hike to Upper Waterfowl Lake for some great lakeside views.  There are plenty of wildflowers here in early summer.

The stop: The roadside stop is 62 kilometres from Lake Louise.

Tip: Waterfowl Lakes Campground is a good spot to stay overnight.  It has amenities like flush toilets and hot running water.  Getting a campsite, however, is on a first-come, first-served basis.

7.  Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon is a hidden gem where the powerful Mistaya River carves through a canyon.  The water is so strong that it creates a rumbling sound that echoes off the canyon walls.

There’s a 10-minute walk from the carpark to a bridge over the canyon where you can watch the water swirling beneath your feet.

Photos are best shot in the morning or when it’s overcast to avoid harsh shadows.

The stop: Roadside pull-out on the west side, 75 kilometres from Lake Louise, plus an easy half-kilometre trail to the canyon.

Tip: Be very careful walking near the canyon or river because the rocks are quite slippery and there are no barriers.

8.  Saskatchewan River Crossing

Saskatchewan Crossing is a junction of the North Saskatchewan, Howse and Mistaya rivers. It was originally a settlement for fur traders.

This is not a “best stop” on the Icefields Parkway in terms of scenery.  But, it’s worth mentioning because it’s the only gas station along the Icefields Parkway.  There’s also a small restaurant and convenience store.

The stop: This stop is 80 km from Lake Louise.

Tip:  While this is the only gas station between Lake Louise and Jasper, it is also the most expensive.  Avoid filling up here if you can.

9.  Parker’s Ridge

The Parker Ridge trail is at the midway point of the Parkway. It’s popular because of the stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.

The hike begins at a pullout from the Icefields Parkway.  It’s a 5.9 kilometre hike (round-trip) to the Saskatchewan Glacier viewing platform, with an elevation gain of 269 metres.  I would describe it as an easy to moderate hike that can be done within 2.5 to 3 hours.

The stop: This is a hiking stop, 118 km from Lake Louise.

Tip:  Take a jacket because it gets windy on the ridge.  Although it’s a fairly popular hike, it’s a good idea to have bear spray for this one.

10.  Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is the largest set of glaciers in the Canadian Rockies (200 km 2 ).  However, the glaciers are shrinking steadily due to climate change.  I can see the difference in the Athabaska Glacier from when I first visited as a kid.  It’s retreating by 5 metres per year!

You can see the Athabasca Glacier from the Glacier Discovery Centre.  It has an interpretive exhibit, hotel, restaurant and gift shop.

You can also buy tickets at the Centre for a 90-minute glacier tour.  It takes you right onto the glacier in a giant 6-wheeled all terrain vehicle.  There’s a chance to walk on the glacier itself, but be sure to stay within designated areas.  Chances are you will get a first-hand look at the glacier melting.

If you don’t want to do the tour, you can walk closer to it on your own.  Due to the many deep crevices, don’t walk on the glacier by yourself, but you can opt for a guided walking tour.

The stop: The Glacier Discovery Centre is 130 km from Lake Louise.

Tip:  Wear an extra layer if you walk or take the tour to the glacier.

Tour:   Take a guided 3-hour walk on the Athabaska glacier (this is separate from the all-terrain vehicle tour).

Stay :  Check prices and availability at the Glacier View Lodge .

11.  The Columbia Icefield Skywalk

The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is a semi-circle bridge that extends out from a cliff almost 300 metres above a valley.  Its big feature is a glass-bottomed floor that makes for a thrilling stroll seemingly in the air.

While it’s a cool experience, it’s not one of the best views in the area and you can only see the glaciers in the distance.

The stop:  Note that you can not actually stop here.  You have to buy a ticket at the Glacier Discovery Centre and take a bus from there,

Tip:  If you do the glacier vehicle tour, a visit to the Skywalk is included.

11.  Tangle Creek Falls

Just past the Skywalk, Tangle Creek Falls is worth a quick stop.  The small parking lot is on the left side of the road while the falls are on the right.

The waterfall has several tiers as it flows down the rock face.  You can also climb up to get a closer look, but take care on the wet rocks.

The stop:  Pull-out with a small parking lot 137 km from Lake Louise.

Tip:  Be careful when you cross the highway from the parking lot to the falls.  There is a bend in the road just before that, making it difficult for cars to see you.

12.  Sunwapta Falls

Sunwapta means “turbulent river” in the local native language and that’s exactly what you’ll find at this stop.  To see the falls, turn off the Parkway to the Sunwapta Resort — there’s a short access road to the parking lot for the falls.

From there, it is a short walk to the viewing bridge for the falls.  There’s also a viewing spot from the left side.

This is the main event, but there’s also a pleasant 1.3 km hike to the lower Sunwapta Falls.

The stop: This stop is 179 km from Lake Louise.

Tip:   The water changes colour with the colour of the sky, so a sunny day in the morning is ideal for photos.

13.  Athabaska Falls

At 23 metres, the Athabaska Falls isn’t the highest waterfall in the Rockies.  But it carries the most water volume of any of the rivers.  Its power and roar make for an impressive sight.

You can reach the falls by a short paved trail from the parking lot.  There’s a path along the waterfall and its gorge with viewing points and interpretive signs along the way.  The whole thing is only about one kilometre long.

The stop: This stop is 202 km from Lake Louise.

Tip:  This is a very popular spot for tour buses, so it’s best to go early in the morning or later in the day.  Don’t stray from the path onto the treacherous rocks.  This has resulted in some serious accidents.

14.  Horseshoe Lake

Shortly after Athabaska Falls, you’ll see the trailhead for Horseshoe Lake on the right.

One of the deepest lakes in Jasper National Park, it’s a gorgeous deep green with good reflections of the interesting textures of the cliffs.  A short trail on the right will take you to the highest cliffs.  To the left, you can follow a trail closer to the water.

The stop: This stop is 205 km from Lake Louise.

Tip:  In the summer, this spot can get busy with cliff jumpers – – something Parks Canada strongly recommends against.

15.  Jasper

Maligne Lake

Welcome to Jasper – – your final stop on the Icefields Parkway!

This is the heart of Jasper National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  Its breathtaking sites are perfect for relaxed scenic drives or adventurous hiking and paddling.  The park is also the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world.

The stop: The town of Jasper is 233 km from Lake Louise.

Tip:  There are so many things to do in Jasper that it’s worth spending a few days here.

Tour:  Book a boat cruise on Maligne Lake , with a visit to Spirit Island

Stay:  Check pricing and availability at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Common questions about driving the Icefields Parkway

Do I need a pass to drive from Banff to Jasper?

The Icefields Parkway crosses two national parks – – Banff and Jasper.  Parks Canada passes are required and can be obtained online , at the entrance gate of the park or at tourist information centres.

You can buy a day pass ($10.50 per adult or see the group option).  If you’re planning to spend more time in national parks, you may choose a Discovery Pass, which is good for a year.  The Banff – Lake Louise tourism site has a calculator to help get the best value when buying a pass.

What is the best time of year to for an Icefields Parkway road trip?

The Icefields Parkway is open all year-round, although there may be temporary closures due to weather conditions.

It’s stunning in the winter, however, I don’t recommend it unless you’re a very experienced winter driver.  Road conditions deteriorate rapidly and it doesn’t get as much attention from road crews as a major highway does.  As such, winter tires are required on your vehicle.

As well, many of the services along the Parkway, including the only gas station, close from November to March.

Although I have seen snow in every month in the mountains, the Icefields Parkway weather is much nicer in the summer.  And by this, I mean July and August.  However, this is also the busiest time on the roadway.  And forest fire smoke has increasingly become a problem, particularly in August – – you can see it in some of my photos here.

If you want to avoid the worst of the crowds, my recommendation is to go toward the end of June (when most lakes should be thawed) or early September (before regular snow falls).

What services are available along the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper?

Another important thing to know is there is no cell signal along most of the drive along the Parkway.  It drops shortly after Hebert Lake and picks up again just before Jasper, although you may get a signal at the Columbia Icefields Discovery Centre.

As mentioned, there is only one gas station (Saskatchewan Crossing), so be sure to fill up in Lake Louise or Jasper.

There are also a limited number of food options along the way.  There are restaurants at the Bow Lake Lodge, Saskatchewan Crossing (also a small convenience store here) and the Glacier Discovery Centre. It’s best to pack the water, food and snacks that you’ll need for your trip.

What is the road like on the Icefields Parkway?

The road is fully paved and in good condition.  There is one lane each way, with designated passing lanes from time to time.

Will I see wildlife on my drive from Banff to Jasper?

It’s fairly likely that you’ll see some deer, elk or mountain goats along the way.  Perhaps even a bear.

Parks Canada recommends against pulling over and stopping to look at wildlife.  This creates dangerous traffic jams along the roads, which is hazardous for the animals as well.

You’ll receive information about wildlife when you pass through the park gates.  Always keep your distance from animals – – remember, they are wild.  Also, never ever feed the wildlife.  This makes them think humans are attractive, which often ends very badly.

Finally, if you plan to do some hiking anywhere but the busiest of places, you should take bear spray with you.

What airport do I fly into to do this trip?

If you want to drive from Banff to Jasper  (and, perhaps back), you should fly into Calgary International Airport.  It’s 127 kilometres (79 miles) from Banff.   For an overnight hotel at the airport, I suggest the Calgary Mariott In-Terminal Hotel or the Applause Hotel by Clique .

If you’re planning to go from Jasper to Banff, you may want to fly into the Edmonton International Airport.  It’s 365 kilometres (226 miles) from there to Jasper.  Check pricing and availability on Edmonton airport hotels here .

Icefields Parkway Tours from Banff to Jasper

If you would prefer to take an Icefields Parkway tour, rather than drive yourself, there are many options.

This day trip by Discover Banff Tours departs from and returns to Banff.  It stops at several lookouts, including Bow Lake, and includes an Athabaska Glacier tour.

If you want to go one-way, this tour by SunDog Tours takes you from Banff or Lake Louise to Jasper.  It stops at many of the sites listed above and includes an Athabaska Glacier Adventure.

Travel Essentials

At any time of the year in the mountains, you should dress in layers appropriate to the season.  In the summer, this would include a T-shirt layer, a warm layer and a wind/rain jacket . I always wear a merino wool base layer , which is comfortable in any situation.  Also, waterproof hiking shoes or boots are also a good idea.

Even in the summer, the temperature can dip close to zero degrees Celsius at night at higher elevations.

Note that if you need bear spray for hiking, you can’t take it on a plane.  You can buy it at most sports stores in Calgary, like Canadian Tire.  In Banff, you can get it at any outdoor goods store or rent it at Ultimate Sports or in Lake Louise, at Wilson Mountain Sports .

Where to stay – Icefields Parkway camping and hotels

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

There isn’t much accommodation along the Icefields Parkway.  If you prefer a hotel, you can stay in Lake Louise or Jasper. My favourites are the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (pictured above) or the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

In between, your choices are the Lodge at Bow Lake or the Glacier View Lodge overlooking the Columbia Icefields.  You’ll need to book these hotels well in advance of your trip.

There are a few hostels and a number of campgrounds where you can stay along the route during the warmer months.  Spots in most of the campgrounds are on a first-come, first-served basis. I enjoyed an overnight car camping stay at the Wilcox Creek campground near the Columbia Icefields.  It operates on a cash honour system where you put your payment into a lockbox.  Make sure you have some cash in small bills on hand.

Recommendations on where to stay in Banff:

Luxury: Fairmont Banff Springs (the castle hotel) or the Rimrock Resort Hotel

Mid-Range:  Moose Hotel and Suites (love the roof top hot tub with a view) or Mount Royal Hotel

Affordable:  Banff Ptarmigan Inn

Check general pricing and availability in Banff here.

Keep in mind that hotels in Banff are expensive and should be booked well in advance.  You may be able to find slightly more affordable hotels in Canmore , which is a 20-minute drive from Banff.

Check general pricing and availability in Jasper here .

Lake Louise campground

Banff to Jasper Map

More information:

Tourism Information: Banff & Lake Louise Tourism , Travel Alberta , Tourism Jasper

Recommended reads: Lonely Planet Banff , Jasper and Glacier National Parks Travel Guide , Handbook of the Canadian Rockies , Summits and Starlight: Images of the Canadian Rockies

Spending time in Banff? – Book your ticket on the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, in advance. -This Hop on/Hop off Bus that goes from Banff to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon is a popular way to avoid traffic and parking hassles.

How to get to Moraine Lake in Banff National Park

15 Things to do in Banff in Winter if You Don’t Like Skiing

The Spray Lakes in Canada: A Getaway Guide

The Best Time to Visit Canada by Month

There is definitely a lot of “wow” scenery here. Thanks Prashant!

WoW! Can’t wait to visit in June!

Thanks so much Johanne. Enjoy your trip!

Great! I must say that we did the entire trip way back in 2015. We are from India and it was a God sent opportunity to do this trip. We covered almost all the points mentioned, in two days, staying overnight in Hinton. It was an out of the world experience! Especially the walk on the glacier, and on the skywalk! Given another opportunity, I would love to do the trip again!

Thank you. I’m so glad you enjoyed your trip. It’s definitely worth doing again, since there’s so much to see.

Useful article thanks. I will be in Banff from late May. I assume it’s not as busy around that time

Thanks Mike! Certain spots like Lake Louise are always busy, but late May is much better for crowds than July and August, for sure.

Looking forward to seeing God’s creation

It’s a beauty! Thanks Kevin.

I think RCI has some resort accommodations in this area. Can you recommend one or two? I’d love to travel to this beautiful destination.

Hi Carol, Unfortunately, I’m not familiar with any RCI resorts in the area. There aren’t many options for accommodation along the Icefields Parkway, so if they exist, they’d probably be in Banff or Jasper. Wish I could help more.

Thank you so much!

A wonderful read with fantastic photos!

Thank you so much! I’m glad you liked it.

A friend sent this to me she knew we were planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies. This is great guide. Thanks

Thanks so much Lorio. I’m glad you find it helpful. Enjoy your trip!

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An Ideal 7 Day Itinerary for Banff and Jasper

Seven days is not nearly enough time to experience all that Banff and Jasper have to offer, but we find it’s the average amount of time people spend on their vacation in the Rockies. Thankfully, you can see quite a lot in a week, and spend time in two of the most beautiful national parks in the world.

We have done the hard work for you if you are planning a visit and haven’t put together your Banff and Jasper itinerary yet. This example seven-day itinerary packs a lot in but also ensures you’re not wasting any time in the area.

Banff and Jasper Itinerary

Stroll banff avenue.

Hooray! You have made it to Banff, which means you can officially start your vacation. Whether you checked into your hotel late last night or today, it’s time to tackle the day.

First, we recommend all first-time visitors to Banff get acquainted with Banff Avenue. Strolling down Banff Avenue is well worth a few hours of your time in the morning. Grab a coffee at our favorite coffee shop in Banff – Whitebark. Then, take a bit of time to stroll into all the stores on Banff Avenue. There are plenty of cheap souvenir type shops, but there are also some really unique places too. Don’t miss Rocky Mountain Soap Company or the many art galleries.

Walk to Cascade Gardens

Continue your walk all the way to the end of Banff Avenue. This is where you will see a beautiful brick building. Built in 1937, it is the first administration building of Parks Canada and the largest structure of its type within Canada’s national parks. It symbolizes the development and progress of Canada’s first national park.

You can get a great photo off Banff Avenue from the Administration Building with Cascade Mountain looming above it. If it’s summer, you’ll also notice beautiful well cared for flowers everywhere. That’s because this stop is the Cascade of Time Garden , so make sure to take some time and smell the roses, enjoy the gazebo, and admire the flora and fauna. Please do not pick the flowers.

Continue Walking to Bow Falls

From Cascade Gardens, continue your walk to Bow Falls via the Bow Falls Trail. In just 20 minutes, you will reach one of the most stunning waterfalls in Banff . At 9 meters, it’s not a huge waterfall in Alberta by any means, but it is still one of the best attractions that’s walkable from Downtown Banff. We do not recommend driving here as parking is very limited. Read more about visiting Bow Falls.

Either try your luck at getting a table at Waldhaus Pub & Biergarten at the Banff Springs Hotel or walk back to Downtown Banff via the Bow Falls Trail for lunch. There are plenty of places to grab lunch in Downtown Banff, and if you’re visiting in the summer, you have so many great patios to choose from! We recommend sitting out on a patio if it’s a nice day. Some of the best Banff patios are at Three Bears Brewery, Coyotes, and Anejo! If you’re looking for cheap food, we love Ramen Arashi and Hankki!

Drive Lake Minnewanka Scenic Road

After lunch, we recommend hopping in the car for one of the most scenic drives in the Rockies ! Along this 24 km route, you’ll hit four lakes. The first is Cascade Ponds , sitting right under Cascade Mountain. After continue on to Johnson Lake , where you can enjoy a nice, gentle walk around the lake if you want more walking.

The next point of interest is the famous Two Jack Lake , where you’ll get a different view of Mount Rundle. It’s a great place to get out on the water if you happen to have a paddleboard or kayak. Note that there are no rentals here. After Two Jack, continue to Lake Minnewanka, which is a man-made lake that is 21 km long and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power.

Short Hike to Stewart Canyon

If you want a beautiful hike around Lake Minnewanka, the short hike to Stewart Canyon is a good one. This is a short 6km round trip hike to and down Stewart Canyon. Most of the trail follows along  Lake Minnewanka  for epic views the entire time. Eventually, the trail reaches a wood bridge over Stewart Canyon and the Cascade River for a beautiful view down the canyon. The trail is well-graded and has almost no elevation gain, making it great to get the legs moving but not the heart pumping. It’s a great area to spot some wildlife, but carry bear spray and check for trail closures.

Evening Cruise on Lake Minnewanka

If you’ve followed this itinerary so far, your first day has already been long, so this is totally optional . However, it’s a fun evening out on the water that breaks up a day of walking.

The Lake Minnewanka Cruise is an hour-long panoramic that cruises the lake. These cruises head to Devil’s Gap at the end of Lake Minnewanka and then make a return. It’s a stunning new way to take in the surroundings. If you’re on an adult adventure and love beer, then you can only enjoy the Lake Minnewanka Beer Voyage Cruise in the summer. This 90-minute cruise runs daily at 5pm and allows guests to enjoy local craft brews while enjoying the views.

Dinner at Three Bears Brewery

When we’re on vacation, we like to have some nice dinners and then some very laid-back dinners. If you’re after a delicious meal in a laid-back environment, you can’t go wrong at Three Bears Brewery. This is a beautifully decorated restaurant with crafty cocktails and even craftier pizzas!

Recommended Hotel Stay : The Moose on Banff Avenue

Morning on the Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola is this region’s most renowned gondola and takes visitors 2,292 ft up Sulphur Mountain in just 8 minutes. On your journey up, you will experience breathtaking views of the Spray and Bow Valley. Once at the top, you can admire the Town of Banff and Cascade Mountain differently. We recommend trying to book the first time slot on the Banff Gondola as it gets busy at 10am in the summer. So 8am is ideal for the most crowd-free experience. Plus, you can get absolutely amazing light over Cascade Mountain and the Town of Banff below early in the morning.

At the top is an elevated boardwalk where you can walk to Sanson’s Peak and take in many different views. Bring a jacket, as the temps are always lower at elevation. If you’re feeling chilly, nice interactive displays inside are ideal for entertaining the kids.

Optional Lunch at Northern Lights Kitchen

At the top of the gondola, there are a few restaurants to dine at. The Northern Lights Kitchen is a buffet-style restaurant. I know what you might be thinking – a buffet – really? But this isn’t Ponderosa Steakhouse, the Northern Lights Kitchen buffet is exceptional. The buffet costs $45 a person ($22/Child). There’s a carving station, pizza station, soup station, salad station, and various other hot selections.

The best news is that all the tables are next to big bright windows that provide similar views to the famous Sky Bistro at a fraction of the price. You can book the Northern Lights Kitchen on Open Table.

Surprise Corner Viewpoint

 Surprise Corner  is one of the quickest free things to do in Banff. You can walk here, but driving to the viewpoint is easiest. Here, you will find amazing views of the Bow and Spray Valley, including the best vantage point of the Banff Springs Hotel, one of the best hotels in Banff. If you want an easy Banff hike, you can also go on a 7.7km hike through the Hoodoos from Surprise Corner.

Afternoon Hike

This is a great time to get out on an afternoon hike. There are plenty around Downtown Banff that are easily accessible. A few of our favorites are:

• Tunnel Mountain: If you want to summit a small mountain in Banff, Tunnel is a great place to start. You can reach the top in an hour and get mesmerizing views over Mount Rundle and the Bow Valley.
• Fenland Trail: Fenland is an easy loop through the forest just outside of town. It’s also a great way to connect the town with a walk to the docks of Vermilion Lakes for a beautiful morning or evening hike. The trail is scenic and loops through the forest along Echo Creek, a tributary that connects Vermilion Lakes and the Bow River.
• Surprise Corner To Hoodoos : Mentioned above, This is an excellent hike that’s just outside of town. The trail follows along the Bow River and moves around Tunnel Mountain. As you hike along the river, you’ll come across a few unique hoodoos.

Dinner at Brazen

If you are looking for a nice night out in Banff, consider reserving a table at Brazen. We always take friends and family who are in town, and everyone raves about it. When we are seeking a romantic night out, we head to Brazen. Make sure to make reservations, especially during the summer months and busy periods.

Nearly every first-time visitor to Banff has Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on their itinerary, and rightfully so! They are some of the most beautiful lakes in the world and today is the day to go and see them.

It’s important to note that because they are so beautiful, they are very busy and popular, and accessing them requires some advance planning. If you’re reading this Banff & Jasper itinerary well before your Banff trip, it’s time to start thinking about how you’ll get to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. You cannot park at Moraine Lake anymore, and parking is extremely limited at Lake Louise to the point where we don’t even recommend trying to drive there during the summer months.

For that reason, we recommend people start looking into all the ways to get to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. The most popular option is the Parks Canada shuttle buses, which must be booked in advance. Plenty of private tour operators will also take you to the iconic lakes. We cover how to get to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise extensively on the blog, so please check out these articles for further reading.

• How to Get to Moraine Lake
• How to Get to Lake Louise
• All About the Parking at Lake Louise
• All About the Moraine Lake Shuttle

Moraine Lake

Many visitors have seeing Moraine Lake at sunrise high on their list. To do this, you can either book the Parks Canada Alpine Start Shuttle in advance, look into a private full-day tour, like this one offered by Radventures , take a shuttle from Banff or Canmore like Via Via , or book the private Moraine Lake Bus Company Shuttle Bus.

Whether or not you catch Moraine Lake at sunrise, there are many things to do in the area. Keep in mind that Moraine Lake is a natural area, and there is no town or village here. At Moraine Lake, it’s all about hiking or canoeing on the lake . One of our favorite easy hikes is to Consolation Lakes, or for a more difficult experience, you can check out Sentinel Pass .

If you don’t plan on canoeing or hiking at the lake, we recommend visitors allocate 1.5 hours to spend at Moraine Lake.

Lake Louise

You should take the day to see Moraine Lake and Lake Louise since they are in the same area. You can easily connect the two via the Parks Canada Lake Connector Bus (you must have a shuttle reservation). If you have booked a tour, nearly all private tours include both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on their schedules.

Many visitors to Lake Louise simply walk the lakeshore, but you can enjoy plenty of hiking in the area. The most popular is the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail . If you decide to hike to Lake Agnes you can continue and get great views from the Beehives , as well as Mount Saint Piran , as well as the Plain of Six Glaciers.

If you’re not up for a hike, the other popular activity is renting a canoe from the Boathouse and enjoying the lake from the water.

Optional Hike to Marble Canyon

If you didn’t opt to stay in Lake Louise, you’d have to travel back to Banff after your epic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake day. This option is only for those who have energy, as it involves detouring on the Banff Windermere Highway and driving into Kootenay National Park. Far from the madding crowds of the popular Johnston Canyon, it’s here you can find Marble Canyon . This is an excellent alternative for those wanting a quieter yet accessible canyon hike that can be completed quickly.

Note: This day could be made easier if you choose to stay one night in Lake Louise. There are many reasons to stay in Lake Louise over Banff . But for today, it’s great for having better access to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake and for easier access to the Icefields Parkway. For a luxury stay, we recommend The Fairmont , and for a cabin stay we recommend Paradise Lodge .

Drive to Jasper Via the Icefields Parkway

Rise and shine! we recommend waking up early again today. Today is the day you’re going to drive one of the most beautiful drives in the world. If you’re staying in Lake Louise, you’ll be able to get an earlier start to your day, as the start of the Parkway is just a few km from Lake Louise. If you’re staying in Banff, you’ll have about an hour extra of driving.

The Icefields Parkway, or Hwy 93 North, is a scenic drive between  Banff and Jasper  that attracts visitors from around the world. One can enjoy drive-in nature, surrounded by waterfalls, rock spires, ancient glaciers, and turquoise lakes on this entire drive.

This 232 km double-lane highway runs along the Continental Divide. It will take the entire day to drive the entire thing, and you definitely won’t see everything. We’ve driven this route many times and still always see new things along the drive. We cover the Icefields Parkway extensively on this blog, and we recommend you check out our massive guide of places to stop at along the way . Some of our favorites are:

• Herbert Lake
• Mistaya Canyon
• Sunwapta Falls
• Athabasca Falls

Optional Hike to Parker Ridge

Parker Ridge  is my favorite  hike along the Parkway , and I recommend that most people try it if they have a few hours to spare and want to hike. The Trailhead is located near the Columbia Icefields Center, about half way between Banff and Jasper. Hikers can reach the ridge after a gradual 2.5 km climb on an easy and well-marked trail, with no technical or scrambling involved.

This makes it an excellent walk for people of all ages and skill levels, from young couples to families with children and dogs. Once at the ridge, you’ll get the most impressive views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and a beautiful blue glacier lake.

Athabasca Glacier Tours

Right on the Banff/Jasper border is the Athabasca Glacier. Here, there are many tour offerings to enjoy on the glacier. Stopping here is a great way to break up the drive, have lunch, and get your feet moving. Tour offerings here include:

• The Icefields Explorer experience is where you can take massive vehicles out on the Athabasca Glacier. This is a hit with families!
• The Columbia Icefield Skywalk : Included in the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure Tour package with the Icefield Explorer vehicles is the Skywalk. This is where you walk on a glass-bottomed platform over the Sunwapta Valley.
• Icewalk : You don’t have to take the massive Ice Explorer vehicles to walk on the Glacier. Instead, you can book an Ice walk tour if you are fit and able.  An Ice Walk tour  is a much more personal experience, with a certified guide that will safely take you on the glacier and provide insights and explanations of what you are looking at. We highly recommend booking an Ice Walk tour and not trying to walk on the glacier yourself, which can be very unsafe.

Dinner at Jasper Brewing

You have made it to Jasper after a long day on the road. Time to chill out and have dinner somewhere down to earth. Our favorite laid-back place to eat in Jasper is the Jasper Brewing Company, which is the first National Park Brewery in Canada. Its three founders were born and raised by Jasper locals and created the space as a great community hub. It’s one of the best breweries in the Canadian Rockies, and while their beers are delicious, I love their food! I highly recommend trying their Halloumi Bowl!

Recommended hotel stay in Jasper: Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge if looking for luxury and the Mount Robson Inn for a mid range stay.

Enjoy the Morning in Downtown Jasper

It’s been a long way to get to Jasper so the first thing we recommend to do is chill out and get acquainted with the town. Compared to Banff, you’ll likely notice that the town has a much more laid-back, less touristy, and less commercial vibe.

There’s no picturesque street that looks up to a goliath mountain like in Banff; however, in Jasper, you get a much more down-to-earth community small Alberta mountain town  feel, so do your best to soak it all up!

One of the best things to do in Downtown Jasper is visit the historic Train Station. It has plenty of history inside, with some interesting photos from the early days in Jasper. The Canadian National Railway constructed the station in 1926 and declared it a heritage railway station in 1992.

Just outside the station is the Two Brothers Totem Pole, which replaced the famous Raven Totem Pole in 2011 and tells a very captivating story. You can’t miss these landmarks; both are quick sights to see in town. For breakfast, head to Sunhouse Cafe and try to get a seat upstairs.

Athabasca River Raft

One of the best things you can do in Jasper in the summer is hop on a raft and enjoy a thrilling trip down the Athabasca River. These guided multi-rapid run tours seat 8 people and are perfect for all visitors and ages. They have different trips for everyone, and we find it’s a great way to take in the Rockies. Last time we rafted the Athabasca, we even saw a black bear hanging out on the shoreline – a magical sight!

Lunch Downtown

Head back to town and look for the tiny Patricia Street Deli on Patricia Street. It’s unassuming, but we promise they make the best sandwiches and wraps in Jasper. The owners have been running this shop for years, and you might even meet them. Every time we pop in, we are greeted by the same owners who opened the shop 18 years ago. Bonus that it’s one of the most affordable places to eat in Jasper!

Valley of Five Lakes Hike

The Valley of Five Lakes is a classic Jasper hike that’s one of the most popular in the park. It takes visitors to FIVE stunning Jasper lakes . The trail is pretty flat, well-developed, and easy to follow, so it’s easy for everyone to enjoy the lakes and their varying colors of blue and green.

It’s a great trail for those who visit the park but don’t want the big challenge of climbing a mountain or steep pass. You’ll be hard-pressed to find many trails that cover the distance and don’t require large amounts of elevation gain. Since it’s a busy and easy trail, we recommend heading here later in the day to avoid any crowds in the summer. You can spend as long or short on this trail as you would like, but if you want to see all the lakes, plan for at least two hours of hiking.

Evening on Pyramid Lake

We hope you are not too laked-out yet on your Canadian Rockies trip. After hiking the Valley of the Five Lakes Trail, head to Pyramid Lake and spend an evening there. Here, you can enjoy the views or rent a canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard and get out on the water. Or you can even take a dip! We find Pyramid Lake warmer than the other alpine lakes in the area. Don’t forget to take a walk out to Pyramid Island.

Dinner at Aalto

While at Pyramid Lake, you will likely notice a beautiful wooden building. This is Pyramid Lake Lodge, and although it’s a hotel and one of the best places to stay in Jasper , there is also a fantastic restaurant here called Aalto. In the summertime, you’ll need to make reservations. Enjoy the delicious cocktails and a meal here while watching the day end over Pyramid Lake .

Drive Maligne Lake Road

Get in the car and get ready to tackle the most beautiful drive in Jasper. Maligne Lake Road is a scenic drive that starts near Jasper and ends 46 kilometers at Maligne Lake. Along the way, you’ll stop at some of the most beautiful sights in the park. You’ll want to allocate at least 6 hours for this entire drive with all the stops and time at Maligne Lake, but honestly, you could spend the whole day on this road.

Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is the first major site you’ll come across when driving Maligne Lake Road. Carved slowly out of limestone over the years by the rushing waters within, the deep canyon walls reach nearly 200 feet in places, making it one of the most dramatic sights in the Rockies.

The canyon area is a hot hiking spot when the ice thaws in late spring and summer due to its natural beauty and the sheer number of amazing and unique geological features you’ll find. In the winter guided tours are available here, but you can also easily visit and hike around Maligne Canyon yourself in the summer, taking in all the views from the bridges.

Medicine Lake

Medicine Lake is the next major stop after Maligne Canyon and it’s an easy pull-off to enjoy the views for 10-15 minutes. Though technically part of the Maligne River, it looks like a lake to the untrained eye, especially when it swells with water from the big thaw, which occurs in late spring and summer.

Many don’t know that Medicine Lake is also called the “disappearing lake” as the water drains out through sinkholes at the bottom, travels through a cave system, and resurfaces downstream in the winter.

Lunch at Maligne Lake

Eventually, you’ll come to a dead end on Maligne Lake Road, which is Maligne Lake. When you get to Maligne Lake, carve out some in your schedule for lunch here. There are a few different food options. The Lake House Café has both grab-and-go food as well as hot food service. There’s also the Waffle Hut, which is pretty self-explanatory for the type of food they serve, and The View Restaurant is a sit-down restaurant right on the lake.

Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island

Maligne Lake is renowned worldwide for its scenic natural beauty. It’s the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and a must for any visitor to Jasper National Park.

The lake’s grandeur, as countless glaciers run off into the lake below from the Hall of Gods, is beyond compare. On a sunny day, the waters of Maligne Lake sparkle a dazzling cerulean blue. You can enjoy the lake from the lakeshore, but it’s best to book a cruise to Spirit Island to take in the area’s beauty.

The Maligne Lake Cruise is one of the most popular things to do in the Rockies, so booking in advance is essential. There are two options to book. The Classic Cruise is standard and lasts 1.5 hours. It will take visitors to Spirit Island, where you can get out on the shore and enjoy the famous view for 15 minutes. Along the way, a knowledgeable guide will share information about the area’s past, including its importance to the Stoney Nakoda people, all while you take in the glacial views.

Some people want more time at Spirit Island, if this is you make sure to book the Premium Cruise ahead of time. This costs about $30 more and gives you an extra 15 minutes (30 minutes total) at the Spirit Island viewpoint.

Evening on Lac Beauvert

If you don’t mind a bit more lake time, head to one of the most beautiful lakes in Jasper. Edith, Annette, and Beauvert Lakes are all very close together, and you can easily enjoy all three in one day. My absolute favorite lake in Jasper is Lake Beauvert, which has some of the most transparent water I’ve ever seen and is insanely blue.

If you have your own, I highly recommend bringing your canoe, kayak, or stand-up paddleboard to Jasper! If you don’t have a watercraft, you can rent one onsite.

Dinner at Jasper Park Lodge

Orso Trattoria is set inside the  Jasper Park Lodge , which sits on Lake Beauvert and is one of the best Jasper restaurants. If you want a nice meal out in Jasper set another lake, we recommend making reservations here.

This is an Italian fine-dining restaurant with an extensive wine menu to pair with dinner. Menu items include burrata, duck leg, ravioli, braised leeks, ragu, and a selection of grilled meats. The menu can be ordered ala carte or as a prix fixe 3-course menu. In the summer, you can sit outside and enjoy the atmosphere with a delicious tapas-inspired menu.

Drive Back to Banff via the Icefields Parkway

Sadly, it’s time to leave Jasper and head back to Banff unless you have plans to fly out of Edmonton. Drive back to Banff the same way you came – the Icefields Parkway! Get ready for more views as you make your way back, and make sure to hit any spots on the way back that you missed the first time.

Hop on the Bow Valley Parkway

If you are making good time and don’t mind extra driving, hop on the Bow Valley Parkway once you get off the Icefields Parkway in Lake Louise. The Bow Valley Parkway, also called the 1A, is a road that every visitor should drive. Before the Trans Canada Highway in the early 1900s, the Bow Valley Parkway was the original road linking Banff and Lake Louise. Now, it’s a scenic road primarily used for sightseeing and outdoor recreation. Some of the best stops along the route are Morant’s Curve Viewpoint and Johnston Canyon, which you can hike if you have the time and want to stretch your legs.

Overnight in Banff or Calgary, depending on flight time in the morning

Sadly, your Canadian Rockies trip has come to an end. If you have an early flight out of Calgary, we recommend staying overnight in the city so you are close to the airport. Our recommended hotels are Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown and Hotel Clique Calgary Airport , close to the airport. If your flight is later in the day, you can stop in Banff for one more night on the town!

During the summer months, and especially if traveling to the US we recommend getting to the airport at least 2.5+ hours before your flight as the US customs is in Calgary and sometimes it can take quite awhile to get through immigration.

Things to Keep in Mind

You Need a Parks Pass

You need a National Park Pass to visit Banff and Jasper National Park. You can read more about getting one here.

A Car is Ideal for This Itinerary

Although you can easily get around Downtown Banff (Day 1 and 2) without a vehicle, you’ll be best served by renting a car for most a majority of this itinerary, especially in Jasper where there is no public transport. That being said, it’s possible to get to many hot spots using Roam Transit, though you will be subject to their bus schedule and times, meaning you may not be able to make the most of your time here.

Book Hotels in Advance

In the summer, booking hotels in advance is imperative. It’s extremely busy here between June and September, and hotels do book out. The sooner you book, the better, and the better rates you will get! We have a great article if you’re curious where to stay in Banff .

This is a Summer Focused Itinerary

This itinerary is focused on visiting Banff in the summer , between May and October. This is when attractions like the Athabasca Glacier Tour and Columbia Icefield Skywalk are running, as well as when you’ll find unfrozen blue lakes, sunny days, and patios to enjoy. That being said you can still complete this itinerary in the winter, just manage your expectations regarding the weather and know that you cannot get to Moraine Lake and do obvious summer activities like cruising on Maligne Lake.

This is Just an Example

This 7-day Banff and Jasper itinerary isn’t the most jam-packed I could have made it, but it’s far from a relaxing day at the resort too. It’s best to plan an itinerary and realize that you probably won’t make it to everything on your list. You’ll stay longer at certain sites than you have anticipated, and at the end of each day you’ll be tired. You might not want to wake up early every day and get after it – and that’s okay! Remember, you can always return and the mountains will always be here. We have been exploring these mountains for years, and have realized that it’s better to enjoy things one at a time than try to absolutely exhaust ourselves.

Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies

• Recommended Experiences: There are so many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommended experiences include the Banff Gondola , taking a cruise on Lake Minnewanka , and enjoying a cruise on Maligne Lake out to Spirit Island in Jasper. If you are looking for a stress free way to get to Moraine Lake, we highly recommend looking into Moraine Lake Bus Company.
• Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
• Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car : The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
• Get Around : We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com . Or embark on an epic campervan trip, we like to compare camper prices on Outdoorsy .
• Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going to watch for cheap airfare deals and like to use travel credit cards to hack our way into free flights and hotels! Our favorite cards are the Capital One Venture X and Chase Sapphire , which both work well in Canada and have no foreign transaction fees.
• Hop On, Hop Off : This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus bound for all the best attractions at your own pace!

About Natasha

Natasha calls Canmore, Alberta home. After traveling across seven continents and 90 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. She loves to help others travel and make their planning easier. She is a winter enthusiast and loves to snowboard, ice skate, and snowshoe and enjoy all the fantastic summer opportunities in Banff like hiking, scrambling, and biking. You can find her in the mountains or enjoying a coffee by the river. Learn more on the about us page! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. You can say thanks directly by buying us a coffee . All support is much appreciated!

2 thoughts on “An Ideal 7 Day Itinerary for Banff and Jasper”

Wow amazing itinerary & soo helpful!!

We are visiting for Christmas!! Would you have a winter itinerary by any chance??

You can see our ideas for Christmastime here! https://thebanffblog.com/banff-christmas/

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The Ultimate Banff to Jasper Road Trip: 7 Day Itinerary for Alberta’s Top National Parks

Nick kembel.

• Last Modified December 14, 2021
• First Published on October 16, 2021

Post Summary: Banff to Jasper Road Trip

Banff National Park is Canada’s first and most popular national park. Adjoining Jasper National Park is every bit as beautiful and with a less touristy vibe. Connecting the two is the Icefields Parkway. Dotted with turquoise lakes and considered one of the most beautiful drives in the world, it is begging to be road tripped.

This Banff to Jasper road trip itinerary is tailor-made for anyone who has a full week off and wants to experience the best that these two Canadian Rockies national parks have to offer.

Banff & Jasper Road Trip Route Options

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This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you! Read the full disclosure policy here

Getting to Jasper and Banff National Parks

Jasper is a 3.5-hour drive from Edmonton, the provincial capital of Alberta, while Banff is a 1-hour drive from Calgary, the largest city in Alberta.

Because Calgary is the closer of the two major Alberta cities to the mountains, it only makes sense to start your trip there, unless you happen to live elsewhere in Alberta or neighboring British Columbia.

If Vancouver looks close on the map, well, note that it is an 8.5- or 10.5-hour drive from Vancouver to Jasper or Banff, respectively.

Coming in from elsewhere in Canada or the US, flying into Calgary’s international airport, and renting a car there is ideal unless you have the time to add several days’ worth of driving to your trip.

Because there is only one highway connecting Jasper and Banff National Parks, there is only one route option for this trip. However, once you reach Jasper, you’ll have three different options for the final travel day.

Option 1: Finish in Edmonton

From Jasper, the shortest option is to take the Yellowhead Highway through to Edmonton. If you have the extra time, there are loads of things to do in Edmonton to justify spending a few days there.

However, if you need to get back to Calgary for a flight or because you live there, this route option will actually be the longest one. Also, keep in mind that it can cost quite a bit more to rent a car in one city and drop it off in another.

Option 2: Backtrack to Calgary

The shortest route from Jasper back to Calgary is actually the same way you came. If you don’t mind driving back down through Jasper and Banff again, it will only take five hours for the return journey.

By choosing this route, you can make any stops that perhaps you missed on the way up.

Option 3: Return to Calgary via Nordegg and the Cowboy Trail

A final option for returning to Calgary takes a little longer than option 2, but allows you to explore different parts of Alberta on the way back.

This option involves returning down the Icefields Parkway through Jasper National Park, but then turning east onto the David Thompson Highway through the beautiful Nordegg region.

Reaching Highway 22, the Cowboy Trail, you then drive south toward Calgary through Alberta ranchland, with the Rocky Mountains visible in the background the whole way.

For this trip, get whatever vehicle is best suited to you and your group. The entire highway is fully paved, and there are so many sections or even side trips requiring 4×4 capability. I book most of my rental cars through RentalCars.com . They have a great selection of rental cars from most major agencies and the best prices – check prices here .

It is important to note, however, that if you plan to do this road trip in winter, conditions can vary wildly. While the Trans-Canada and Yellowhead highways tend to be fine, the Icefields Parkway through the mountains can become dangerously slippery. In rare cases, it can even be closed due to avalanche or blizzard.

For these reasons, it is essential to get a vehicle that has winter tires. It is also a good idea to prepare emergency supplies just in case, and familiarize yourself with your car’s emergency features.

>>> Book your rental car with RentalCars.com

This road trip is possible any time of the year, and each season comes with ups and downs. All things considered, June and September are probably the best months.

• Popular stops like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake can become so swamped with people that they’ll close the access roads, and you can’t even get in unless you take the public shuttle.
• October and November are less inspiring times to visit, though. The autumn colors are past, but the snowy landscape has yet to arrive. It’s too late for summer activities, but too early for winter ones. One plus is the lack of crowds.
• Winter – Hello ski season! And showshoeing, skating, cross-country skiing, dog-sledding, and so on. Doing this road trip in winter is more of an adventure. The whole region becomes a winter wonderland, but a little more preparation (and careful driving) is needed. And despite the ski season, the crowds are still much tamer than in summer.
• Spring – Winter lasts longer in the mountains than elsewhere, so spring doesn’t actually come until May and June, and even then can still be quite chilly. By June, wildflowers start growing in the mountains, making this a lovely month to visit before the onslaught of tourists in July.

Where to Stay on a Banff to Jasper Road Trip?

In both Banff and Jasper National Parks, accommodations are mostly limited to Banff and Jasper townsites along with a few more at Lake Louise in Banff National Park. To maximize your adventure time, here is my suggested accommodation schedule for this itinerary:

• Night 1: Canmore (optional)
• Nights 2,3,4: Banff townsite
• Night 5: Lake Louise
• Nights 6, 7, 8: Jasper townsite

Canmore Camping

If you are planning on camping during your Banff to Jasper Road Trip, skip spending the night in Canmore and plan to camp in Banff for 4 nights.

Canmore Hotels

• Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn  – Canmore Rocky Mountain Inn is a budget friendly modern hotel. Rooms from $57/night;  book on Booking.com  or  Hote l s.com .
• A Bear and Bison Inn  – A Bear and Bison Inn is a comfortable guest house located in Canmore. Rooms from $137/night;  book on Booking.com  or  Hotels.com .
• The Malcolm Hotel by CLIQUE   – The Malcolm is midrange mountain hotel with outdoor pools.  Rooms from $189/night;  book on Hotels.com .

Canmore Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals

• Mountain View Retreat – Mountain View Retreat has mountain views and is a 1 BR apartment that sleeps 4.  Rooms from $113/night; book on VRBO .
• Penthouse at Blackstone – The Penthouse is a luxuray top floor apartment that sleeps 6.  Rooms from $229/night; book on VRBO .
• Townhouse with Panorama Views – This townhouse sleeps 12 and has wraparound mountain views.  Rooms from $113/night; book on VRBO .

Banff Camping

There are 2,462 campsites located within 14 campgrounds in Banff National Park. There are spaced out around the park. For this Banff to Jasper Itinerary, it is recommended to camp in Two Jack or Tunnel Mountain.

Banff Hotels

• Fairmont Banff Springs  – Banff Springs hotel is a historic National Park Lodge that is well worth the splurge.  Rooms from $347/night;  book on Booking.com  or  Hotels.com .
• Rundlestone Lodge  – The Rundlestone Lodge is a high-end budget friendly hotel option. Rooms from $83/night;  book on Booking.com  or  Hotels.com .
• Peaks Hotel and Suites  – Peaks Hotel and Suites is a modern boutique hotel in Banff.  Rooms from $137/night;  book on Booking.com  or  Hotels.com .

Banff Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals

• Cozy Rockies Escape – This cozy rental sleeps 4.  Rooms from $184/night; book on VRBO .
• Banff Mountain Suite – The Mountain suite is a perfect getaway options that sleeps 4.  Rooms from $258/night; book on VRBO .
• Penthouse Banff Views – This penthouse sleeps 8 and comes with views of Banff.  Rooms from $403/night; book on VRBO .

Lake Louise Camping

Being able to jumpstart your day at Lake Louise is totally worth setting up for 1 night of camping at the Lake Louise Campgrounds.

Lake Louise Hotels

• Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise  – Chateau Lake Louise is THE HOTEL in the Banff/Jasper area. This hotel sits on Lake Louise and is amazing.  Rooms from $274/night;  book on Booking.com  or  Hotels.com
• Lake Louise Inn  – The Lake Louise Inn is a budget friendly option near Lake Louise.  Rooms from $67/night;  book on Booking.com  or  Hotels.com .

Lake Louise Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals

• Cozy Room at Lake Louise – This cozy room is provides shuttle access to the lakes and sleeps 3.  Rooms from $101/night; book on VRBO .
• Cozy Lake Louise Retreat – This apartment retreat sleeps 7 .  Rooms from $358/night; book on VRBO .

Jasper Camping

There are 10 different campgrounds in Jasper National Park. You can choose any campground for this Jasper to Banff Road Trip.

Jasper Hotels

• Mount Robson Inn  – Mount Robson Inn is a quaint budget friendly option. Rooms from $101/night;  book on Booking.com  or  Hotels.com .
• Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge  – Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a luxury hotel located in Jasper.  Rooms from $250/night;  book on Booking.com  or  Hotels.com .

Jasper Airbnbs and Vacation Rentals

• Downtown Jasper Suite – The Downtown Jasper Suite sleeps 4 and is located in downtown Jasper.  Rooms from $130/night; book on VRBO .
• Bear’s Den – The apartment sleeps 4 offers mountain views.  Rooms from $202/night; book on VRBO .
• Executive Mountain Chalet – The Mountain Chalet is a private Chalet located on the edge of the park.  Rooms from $726/night; book on VRBO .
• Parks Canada Discovery Pass – The Park Canada Discovery Pass is the annual pass for the Canadian National Parks. The annual pass is the same price as seven days of daily pass. You can buy this upon arrival.
• Kananaskis Conservation Pass – Kananaskis Conservation Pass is a $15 pass that is needed for the recommend hikes in Canmore.
• Refillable Water Bottles – Help reduce litter in the parks and bringing a refillable water bottle with you. Here are my favorite water bottles >>> National Park map water bottle >>> Hydro Flask >>> Nalgene Bottle
• Hydration Bladder – For longer hikes, a hydration bladder is the best way carry water. >>> Buy a hydration reservoir
• Fruit:   Pick hard fruits such as apples or pears.  These hold-up in the heat and in packs without getting squished to mush. Another option is freeze-dried fruit. Freeze-dried strawberries are the BOMB.  They are crunchy, sweet and the best part is they are lightweight and yummy.  These are my new favorite trail snack.
• Vegetables: Cucumbers and carrots hold up well during hiking and in a hot car.
• Granola Bars:   Take your favorite non-coated in chocolate granola bars.  Anything coated in chocolate will melt and be a sticky mess.  My favorite is a selection of Cliff Bars . They are great even when squished.
• Sunscreen – Even in the mountains, sunscreen is important. While Banff doesn’t have coral reef’s, it is recommend to use reef-friendly sunscreen help protect the park’s freshwater ecosystems. >>> My favorite sunscreen.
• Lip balm – Just like our skin, our lips need protections too. >>> Check out my favorite Sunscreen Lip Balm
• Sunglasses – Similar to sunscreen, you need a good pair of polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the glare of the sun. >>> Buy Polarized Sunglasses
• Hat – A hat can keep the sun off your face and neck and help minimize the need for sunscreen while on the trail. >>> Buy a wide-brimmed hat
• First aid kit – As with any outdoor adventure, accidents happen. It is better to be prepared and have a compact first-aid kit ready to help with any accidents. >>> Buy a Solo First Aid Kit >>> Buy Mulit-person First Aid Kit
• Learn more about hiking headlamps .
• Shoes – Shoes are probably the most important piece of gear to any hiker. Hiking shoes should be seen as an investment. On the trail, your feet are your transportation and a solid pair of hiking shoes help support your feet and can prevent injury. >>> Pick out a quality hiking shoe. >>> Buy quality hiking socks.
• Hiking Day Pack – I highly recommend getting a dayback that is designed for outdoor use since these packs come with handy pockets and straps. My 40 L day pack has a pocket for my water bladder and a clip to hold the water line in place. >>> Buy my REI Women’s Day Pack >>> Buy REI Men’s Day Pack
• National Park Obsessed Shirt – Share your love of the National Parks and support National Park Obsessed with a National Park Obsessed T-Shirt. >>> Get your National Park t-shirts

How to Spend 7 Days in Banff & Jasper National Park?

Here is the basic itinerary for this road trip, including a day of travel on either end.

7 Day Banff & Jasper Itinerary

Drive Time: It takes 1 – 1.5 hours to drive from Calgary to Canmore.

This is mainly included as a travel day because you may not have much time, depending on what time your flight is arriving or you are able to depart from Calgary. If you are short on days, you can skip this travel day and go right to Day 1 below.

If you do have the time, however, I recommend stopping to do some hiking in Kananaskis country before reaching Canmore. Here are my recommended easy hikes in Kananaskis . Note that in order to do any of these hikes, you’ll need to register your car’s license plate for Kananaskis Conservation Pass online ($15/day).

After arriving in Canmore, take some time to explore the town’s many art galleries, laid-back vibe, and excellent restaurants to choose from. There are also three breweries and one spirit distillery in town.

Drive Time: It’s a 30-minute drive from Canmore to Banff.

In the morning, wake up early to do the hike to Grassi Lakes 10 minute drive out of Canmore town.

This easy hike leads to two gorgeous, vibrantly colored lakes at the base of two iconic Canmore mountains: Rundle Mountain and Ha Ling Peak on Mt. Lawrence Grassi. The hike takes two hours, and a Kananaskis Conservation pass is required.

After you check out from your hotel, it’s time to head to Banff National Park. You can purchase your National Park Discovery Pass when you drive through the national park gates. Banff townsite is only 30 minutes away, so you’ll have some time to kill.

Park your car in Banff townsite, have lunch, then stroll to explore the town’s many shops, cafés, art galleries. Cross the bridge at the south end of town to visit Buffalo Nations Museum, which highlights local indigenous culture.

Next, follow the lovely walking trail along the south side of the Bow River east to Bow River Falls. Alternatively, take the trail on the north side of the river to Surprise Corner, an epic view of the iconic Banff Springs Hotel.

Check into your hotel, then choose from one of the many great dining options in town. For an evening drink, try Banff Ave Brewing or Park Distillery. After diner, take a stroll around Banff with Banff Ghost Tours and learn about some of the dark and spooky history of Banff (and the Banff Springs Hotel).

>>> Book your Banff Ghost Tours HERE

Drive Time: Less than 1 hour.

Today you’ll get a bird’s eye view of Banff and soak up (both literally and figuratively) the national park’s history.

Drive up the side of Sulphur Mountain to Banff Gondola , where you’ll hitch a ride up to the peak. It’s best to reserve your tickets online, and there are special deals for families and early departures.

>>> Book your Banff Gondola Ticket on Viator or Get Your Guide .

At the summit, there’s a small museum, restaurant & café, and boardwalk trail to the proper peak. The views are outstanding. Most people spend around 1.5 hours at the summit (add more time if you plan to eat there); you need to choose a return time for your gondola, but they are flexible.

Pro tip: If you don’t want to splurge on pricey food, pack a lunch.

After your return gondola ride, drive a few minutes to Upper Hot Springs, the only public natural hot spring spa in Banff National Park. Enjoy the mountain views all around you as you soak in the thermal waters.

Next, drive back down the mountain and visit Cave & Basin National Historic Site, or “Lower Hot Spring.” This cave hot spring was Banff’s first attraction and the whole reason that Banff National Park, Canada’s first, was created.

While you can no longer bathe at Cave & Basin, you can still see the original spring, home to an endangered species of snail. The museum details the park’s history, and there are some children’s activities and walking trails outside.

Drive Time: Around 1 hour, with lots of stops

On day three, if you’re willing to wake up early enough, take in the sunrise from Vermillion Lakes, a few minutes’ drive (or 30-minute walk) out of town. Next drive the Minnewanka Loop just north of town. Go in a clockwise direction, stopping first at Bankhead Ghosttown, the remains of a former mining town.

Next you’ll reach beautiful Lake Minnewanka, where you can enjoy a picnic or stroll by the lake, or take one of the famous cruises on the lake (advance reservations are recommended). There’s a small food shack, but don’t count on it being open; pack some food just in case.

Further along the road, Two Jack Lake is another beautiful lake that also has a popular campground. After that, a side road leads to Johnson Lake, one of the best places to go swimming in Banff. It is a non-glacial lake, so it isn’t as freezing as the others.

Finally, Cascade Ponds features gorgeous mountain views across a series of ponds, perfect for a picnic or simply basking in the sun.

Drive Time: It’s a 1-hour drive from Banff to Lake Louise (via Johnston Canyon) and 40 minutes (return) drive from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake.

>>> Avoid parking issues with the Banff National Park hop-on-hop-off Bus

Check out of your hotel and follow the Trans-Canada highway out of town toward Banff. Turn onto the Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A) to reach Johnston Canyon. Johnston Canyon is a popular hike through a narrow canyon to a series of waterfalls. You can budget about an hour return to Upper Falls, or continue even further to the Ink Pots.

Next, continue on to Lake Louise, often considered the most beautiful lake in all of Canada. Besides walking the lakeside trail, a number of more difficult hiking trails begin there, you can canoe or kayak, or in winter skate on the lake.

Lake Louise’s twin, Moraine Lake, also makes a claim for the most beautiful lake in Canada. A side road (40 min return) leads to Moraine Lake, but the road closes in winter.

It’s important to note that the parking lots at both lakes can get so full that they get barricaded and you can’t even access them. This can even happen in the early morning for the sunrise rush! If you’re visiting in summer, you should consider parking your car and taking the official shuttle bus from a parking lot nearby. The shuttle does a loop to both lakes.

Finally, check into your hotel and enjoy a quiet evening.

Drive Time: It’s a 3-hour drive from Lake Louise to Jasper, not counting all the stops.

From Lake Louise, you’ll turn off the Trans-Canada and onto Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway. This route features some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Rocky Mountains.

Some stops you may want to make along the way include Herbert Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake (which is particularly beautiful from the elevated parking lot), and Waterfowl Lake in Banff National Park.

After that, the highway enters Jasper National Park, and the first noteworthy stop is Athabasca Glacier on the mighty Columbia Icefield. You can walk right up to the glacier, or take a ride right on it in one of the Snow Coaches. There’s also a package deal that includes a trip to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk.

After that, other possible stops before reaching Jasper townsite include Tangle Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls, and Horseshoe Lake, where you can jump off the cliffs into the water.

Start your day by choosing from one of several local hikes. The Valley of the Five Lakes is easy and beautiful, while Edith Cavell Meadows Trail is a little more challenging and includes a gorgeous glacial lake with chunks of ice floating in it, even in summer.

After lunch in town, choose one or several lakes to explore. Patricia Lake and Pyramid Lake offer stunning views of Pyramid Mountain and several trails. Around Jasper Park Lodge, Beauvert Lake, Mildred Lake, Annette Lake, and Edith Lake are each beautiful and have trails around them. Lake Annette also has a beach.

In the evening, explore the shops in Jasper townsite or go for a sun-downer at Jasper Ave Brewing.

Drive Time: It’s a 1.5-hour return drive from Jasper to Maligne Lake.

For your final full day in Jasper, drive Maligne Lake Road to Maligne Canyon, Jasper’s answer to Johnston Canyon in Banff.

Like Johnston Canyon, this is a narrow canyon with a trail through it, but the two canyons have different views and are both worth exploring. If you happen to be visiting at the peak of winter, when the ice is thick enough, the Maligne Canyon Icewalk (in which you walk through the canyon right on the frozen creek) is unbelievably beautiful.

Next, keep following Maligne Lake Road to Medicine Lake and finally Maligne Lake, where cruises depart to Spirit Island, one of the most famous scenes in the Canadian Rockies. Book your tickets early!

For your final return day, choose one of the three options I mentioned above. These are to finish in Edmonton, backtrack to Calgary, or take the slower route back to Calgary via Nordegg and Cowboy Trail.

I hope you enjoy your trip to Jasper and Banff National Parks!

Check out these other popular National Park Roads.

• Utah National Parks Road Trip
• South Dakota National Park Road Trip

Hi, I'm Jennifer!

Welcome to the wonderful world of National Parks. I'm here to help you plan your NEXT amazing adventure through the United States National Parks and beyond. I want the national parks to be accessible to all.

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Banff to Jasper – A 5-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip

The majestic Canadian Rocky Mountains are a bucket list destination for many travellers.  Banff and Jasper National Parks offer easy access to this stunning natural beauty and striking mountain range.  These Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are collectively a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore these beautiful parks, the Athabasca Glacier and the two small towns of Banff and Jasper on this 5-Day Road Trip.

Table of Contents

Banff to Jasper Itinerary

• Banff National Park: 3 Days Banff Townsite – Explore the top of Sulphur Mountain and relax in the famous hot springs. Hike Banff – Enjoy one or more of the Easy Hikes in Banff. Lake Louise – See the iconic lake and hike to the Six Glaciers Teahouse.
• Columbia Icefield : 1 Day Take an ice explorer onto the Athabasca Glacier.
• Jasper National Park : 1 Day See the area from the top of Whistlers Peak.

Banff to Jasper Map

Banff National Park

In 1883 workers, building Canada’s transcontinental railroad through the Bow Valley, discovered a series of hot springs . The competition to make them a tourist attraction prompted the government to step in to protect them. Canada’s first national park was created in 1885.

This nature reserve encompassed the springs and the surrounding mountains, lakes and valleys which eventually became Banff National Park .

Banff Itinerary

• Take the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain.
• Check out the Banff Springs Hotel.
• Discover the history of the town and park at the Whyte Museum.
• Relax in the Banff Upper Hot Springs.
• Explore the area, hiking some of its easy trails, including:  Bow Falls, walk along the Bow River, see Sunshine Meadows.
• In town, enjoy Banff Avenue’s shopping and dinner spots.
• Hike the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail from Chateau Lake Louise.
• Visit a Banff Museum.
• Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka OR
• Hike to the icefield at C-Level Cirque.

Banff Gondola

One of the Banff must-do’s, is to ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain .  Enjoy a panoramic view of town and the whole Bow Valley at the summit, 2088 metres above the valley floor.  Hike the 1-kilometre boardwalk trail along the mountain ridge to Sanson’s Peak.  Inside the chalet there are restaurants, an interpretive museum and a multi-sensory theatre.  For those wanting a challenge, hike the 5.5-kilometre Sulphur Mountain Trail either up or down avoiding the gondola charge.

Banff Townsite

There are many attractions in the town of Banff. It also makes a great base for the many hikes and outdoor activities nearby.

Banff Springs Hotel opened in 1888 to cater to the wealthy tourists who arrived by rail to enjoy the hot springs.  Its revivalist architecture, fine dining, and the rumours of ghosts continue to make this luxury hotel a popular spot. Enjoy a visit, even for just a brief glimpse if the budget doesn’t allow a night’s stay. 

The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is a must-see museum in Banff. It features rotating art exhibitions that depict the landscapes of the Rocky Mountains. There are exhibits showing the history and struggles of the early pioneers that came to Banff.

Cave and Basin National Historic tells the story of the beginning of Canada’s National Park system.  This is where three railway workers discovered the original hot springs.  Due to the popularity of thermal treatments with well-heeled tourists, the government quickly protected the springs.

Guided tours are available to the original cave and the outdoor springs.  The museum has interactive exhibits about the Parks Canada story.  Even though swimming in the Cave and Basin Springs are not allowed anymore, there is an option nearby.

At the Banff Upper Hot Springs , soak and relax with stunning views of nearby Mount Rundle.  The water temperature varies between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius.  This is the perfect way to end your day.

To fill an hour or two on a rainy day or an extra day, there are several museums in Banff which provide information about the history and culture of the area, including: Banff Park Museum, Buffalo Nations Museum and the Historic Luxton Home Museum.

A stroll of Banff Avenue provides lots of shopping and dining options.

Banff to Lake Louise

The Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) is the fastest route from Banff to Lake Louise.

With more time, take the slower, meandering, Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A).  Enjoy its viewpoints: Backswamp Viewpoint , Castle Cliff Viewpoint and the famous Morant’s Curve .

Johnston Canyon is a great stop for a hike.  The 1-hour hike traverses the canyon over bridges, to both the Lower and Upper Falls.

Where can I Park in Lake Louise?

Lake Louise is one of the busiest and most popular places in Banff National Park.  Finding parking is often an issue.  Our recommendation is to park at the Park and Ride Connector lot located south of town.

From this location, the Parks Canada Shuttle takes passengers to: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise Lakeshore and a Lake Connector Stop between the two.

New in 2023 – Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles.

See the Parks Canada’s Getting around the Lake Louise area webpage for shuttle schedules and pricing.

Lake Louise

The village of Lake Louise is named after its famous turquoise beauty, Lake Louise .  This iconic lake is one of the most photographed places in all of Canada.

Start your visit at Chateau Lake Louise .  The first chateau, built in 1890, was a one-story log building with huge windows and a verandah overlooking the lovely turquoise lake.  With an increasing number tourists arriving, the hotel was expanded into today’s stunning, internationally-renowned hotel.

Be sure to get a picture with the backdrop of the Lake Louise and the high peaks of Rocky Mountains.

Canoeing on the lake is popular in the summer and skating in the winter. 

Enjoy a short hike beside the lake or, better yet, we recommend making a day of it on the Plain of Six Glaciers Day Hike .

Moraine Lake

On an extra day, take the shuttle to Moraine Lake.  This is another spectacular blue lake. Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this area has more rugged hiking opportunities.

Banff National Park Hikes

There is an abundance of hiking trails in Banff of all lengths and degrees of difficulty.

If travelling with kids, one of the easiest hikes is a walk along the Bow River in the Banff Townsite .   On the north side of the river, hike to the Surprise Corner Viewpoint .  Walkers can continue on the Hoodoos Trail for a longer and more difficult hike.   On the south side of the Bow River, walk to the Bow Falls Viewpoint , stopping by the Cascade of Time Garden on the way.

Take a short drive to Lake Minnewanka .   The Steward Canyon trail is an easy 1.5-kilometre trail that follows the shoreline.  A 1-hour cruise of this beautiful lake and landscape is also available. 

For a more challenging hike, drive to Bankhead.   The trailhead for the C-Level Cirque Hiking Trail is located at the Upper Bankhead Day-Use Area.  On this 3.9-kilometre, 3-hour hike, see the foundations of the former mining operation.  The trail continues to great views of the massive glacier on Cascade Mountain.

Easy Hikes in Banff

The following table shows our suggested hikes.  Most of these trails are within walking distance of town, or a short bus or car ride away.

For more moderate and longer hikes, there are several options just outside of town.

For a complete list see the Parks Canada Day Hikes in the Banff Area .

Plain of Six Glaciers Day Hike

The Plain of Six Glaciers hike is one of the best in Banff National Park. The hike from the trailhead behind Chateau Lake Louise to the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse is 5.3 kilometres long.  In total, the elevation gain is 385 metres and it takes about 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike.

From the Chateau, walk to the other end of Lake Louise on the flat Lakeshore Trail and begin to climb. Mountain goats are often seen on the steep sides of the valley. At the rustic Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse , enjoy a bite to eat. The wrap-around-deck allows time to rest awhile and enjoy the mountain views. The Abbot Pass Viewpoint is a further 1.5-kilometre hike west, but the views of Victoria Glacier are worth the additional time.  We spent about an hour here walking the ridge, enjoying the views of the glacier.

For more details on how to tackle this amazing hike, check out our full article, Plain of Six Glaciers – The Best Lake Louise Hike .

Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) runs from Lake Louise in Banff National Park to the town of Jasper in Jasper National Park.

Lake Louise to Columbia Icefield

Leaving Lake Louise, the journey continues north towards the Columbia Icefield.  There are many great opportunities to pull over for photos along the way.

The first stop is at Bow Lake .  Pull over at the highway viewpoint, or better yet, drive to the car lot beside Bow Lake Lodge for some great photos.

Drive on to Peyto Lake ’s Upper Viewpoint.  The viewpoint, at 100 metres over the water, is picture perfect.  The unbelievable blue colour of Peyto Lake is jaw-dropping.

Mistaya Canyon is further up the highway.  The trailhead is located right at the highway pull off.  Stretch your legs for a short hike to see the canyon and the waterfalls.

Just off the highway is Weeping Wall , a water cascade that looks like tears flowing down the side of the mountain.

The largest icefield in the Rockies, the Columbia Icefield are a must-see attraction. 

Columbia Icefield

Stop at the Glacier Discovery Centre .  Learn about the icefield through its interpretive exhibits. The Ice Explorer Tour begins here.  From the large patio, enjoy a break with views of the Athabasca Glacier or grab some food from the restaurants inside the centre. 

The Ice Explorer is a bus-like, all-terrain vehicle which carries up to 56 passengers.  A fleet of these vehicles travel to and on top of the Athabasca Glacier , the most visited glacier in North America.  Passengers get up close views of the ice and crevasses as their vehicle crawls over this 400-year-old ice sheet.  Better yet, exit the vehicle and experience the thrill of walking on the glacier itself and drinking pure glacial meltwater .

Upon returning to the Glacier Discovery Centre, board another bus for the next adventure, the Skyway.

The Columbia Icefield Skyway is 5 minutes further north on the parkway. It is a 1-kilometre cliff-edge walkway leading to a glass-floored observation platform over the Sunwapta Valley, 280 metres below.  The Skyway is a unique way to view the glacier-carved valleys and mountains.

Be sure to make reservations in advance to get your Columbia Icefield Adventure Tickets .

While the Skyway can be done separately, we recommend doing the full Columbia Icefield Adventure.

Columbia Icefield to Jasper

There are many places to pull over and see the stunning region between the Columbia Icefield and the town of Jasper. 

Be sure to make stops at Stutfield Glacier Viewpoint , Sunwapta Falls , and Athabasca Falls for more stunning photos.

Jasper National Park

Jasper is not swamped with tourists like Banff, which makes visiting this area even more enjoyable.  There are plenty of outdoor options.

Jasper, a beautiful mountain town, is the heart of Jasper National Park.  Start your day by taking the Jasper SkyTram up to Whistlers Peak.  On a clear day, there are great views of the town and the surrounding mountains.  In town, visit the Jasper Yellowhead Museum and Archives. Learn about the railway and the early development of the park.

South of town, visit the Cavell area to hike the Path of the Glacier Trail , an easy 1-hour 1.6-kilometre return hike.  At Cavell Pond, a short hike from the parking lot, see the layered ice of the Cavell Glacier.  Look up at the amazing Angel Glacier coming down the face of Mount Edith Cavell.

North of Jasper, visit any of the small lakes, called Patricia, Pyramid, Annette and Edith Lakes, for hiking, kayaking, and if you dare, swimming.

At the Miette Hot Springs , enjoy a relaxing soak, as the water temperature is always kept between 37 and 40 degrees Celsius. 

Jasper to Maligne Lake – Additional Day

On an extra day in Jasper National Park, we recommend the 46-kilometre scenic drive between Jasper and Maligne Lake. 

Stop at Maligne Canyon .  The trail crosses bridges over this 50-metre-deep limestone gorge with several views of waterfalls.

After passing Medicine Lake, the scenic drive ends at Maligne Lake .

The Mary Schäffer Loop , an easy 3.2-kilometre loop trail, has interpretive panels about Schäffer, one of the earliest explorers to this area.  Walk by the historic boathouse and enjoy several great views of the lake before looping back to the parking lot.

Enjoy the Maligne Lake Cruise . This 1.5-hour cruise crosses the emerald lake to picturesque Spirit Island , a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation’s people.

Options to Return to the City

After completing this Road Trip, there are a few options to return to the city.

Drive from Jasper to Banff, reversing this route. Enjoy different stops and hikes.  From Banff, return to Calgary .

Alternatively, from Jasper, continue eastward to Edmonton .

For more great Alberta destinations, be sure to check out our article Best Alberta Road Trips .

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(No spam. Just great travel tips.)

Andy is the co-founder of Avrex Travel, where he shares his many travel experiences. Andy enjoys videography and creating great Road Trips for his readers.

3rd time's the charm: Finally taking a Canadian dream trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper

Like many travelers, we had epic plans for the summer of 2020. We had mapped out a highly anticipated multigenerational family trip to Canada with my parents and kids for June 2020. It was a big trip that would let us tick off several bucket-list destinations while simultaneously giving us the chance to escape Texas' summer heat.

But then, we all know what happened: The coronavirus pandemic swept the globe. Suffice it to say, the trip couldn't happen.

So, we rebooked the trip for June 2021 hoping, like many, that the Canadian border would reopen by then. Much to our disappointment, though, it remained closed to U.S. tourists, prompting us to cancel the trip once again.

Fast forward to June 2022, and luck was on our side. The third time was indeed the charm, as restrictions lifted and we were finally able to use our flight vouchers that had collected dust for two years to head across the border.

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Our merry band of travelers (which now included a range of ages, from my 6-year-old daughter to my 73-year-old father) took off for points north, bound for Alberta and all it had in store. We may have all aged by two years by the time the trip became a reality, but it was just as grand as we had hoped — and well worth the years of planning, waiting and replanning.

Here's how we booked our trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, Alberta, including what we did, where we stayed and what we ate.

How to plan an epic Alberta adventure

Since we had a week to work with, we wanted to enjoy Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper on the same trip.

Adding Jasper definitely makes the trip longer and more involved, so if you're pressed for time or just want to move at a slower pace, know that there's plenty to see and do in Banff and Lake Louise.

With prices at their peak from July through August (the region's busy season), we decided to plan our trip for June to save money. From our experience, visiting a month before the peak travel season didn't lead to any major sacrifices on our part, so the cost-cutting move proved worthwhile.

We knew we'd need a rental car (and, specifically, a harder-to-book minivan to accommodate our large group), so we immediately started looking for a reservation. Luckily, we began planning our trip far enough out to snag a rental car without any trouble. Had we waited until we arrived at Calgary International Airport (YYC) in June, we would've discovered they were sold out.

With our dates and the rental car settled, we began to plan our trip. We started our adventure in Banff before moving on to Lake Louise and briefly checking out Jasper. We rounded out our Alberta visit with a one-night stay at Kananaskis Mountain Lodge in Kananaskis Country, a region located about an hour west of the Calgary airport.

Assuming you visit in the summer, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper are where you head to look at pretty lakes, streams and waterfalls and enjoy a number of outdoor pursuits, including hiking, canoeing and horseback riding.

There are plenty of options for all of these activities, but here are the ones we recommend:

Explore Cave and Basin National Historic Site

This destination in the heart of Banff was not only instrumental in the creation of Canada's first national park but is also a place that's held special meaning for thousands of years for people tied to Canada's First Nations community. Cave and Basin National Historic Site's rich history makes it a must-visit destination in Banff.

The actual cave is very short and small, with the pungent smell of sulfur. It is still cool though — both literally and figuratively.

While you'll likely only be inside for no more than five minutes, you can also look around outside, view the historic site's movie and peruse the site's exhibits to extend your visit to about 30 minutes.

Children 17 and younger can visit for free, but adults are required to pay 8.50 Canadian dollars (or about $6.50) each to enter. Travelers ages 65 and older are eligible for the reduced senior rate of CA$7 (less than $5.50).

Ride the Banff Gondola

Experiencing the Banff Gondola was a lot of fun, but we had sticker shock when we strolled up to the ticket office and found out that adult gondola tickets cost a whopping CA$70 (about $54) each during the warmer months.

Fortunately, the kids were free, as admission is waived for each child 15 and younger who is with an adult and rides before 10 a.m.

To save yourself from being stunned upon arrival, try to reserve your tickets online in advance, as you may have luck snagging a lower rate.

Despite the high price, the views were exceptional and worth the hit to our budget. We loved taking in the stunning scenery while strolling along the extensive boardwalk at the top.

In total, we spent about 90 minutes here, which felt like the right amount of time for most families.

Take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Our stop at the Banff Upper Hot Springs was also a little different than what I imagined. These historic natural hot springs looked like a pretty basic swimming pool.

Still, at only CA$29 (roughly $22) — which is what a family pass for two adults and two children costs — we found the springs to be a fun spot to enjoy a dip.

Try to arrive first thing in the morning to beat the crowds, as your experience will be much more enjoyable if you're not rubbing elbows with hordes of visitors.

To dial up the nostalgia and avoid hauling around a wet bathing suit all day, I opted to rent the "old-timey classic" swimsuit. A clean and well-appointed locker room was available on site, so we could comfortably change and safely store our belongings while in the springs.

Go for a hike in Johnston Canyon

A popular Banff destination for hiking is Johnston Canyon, a stunning natural wonder in Banff National Park.

Our hike through this impressive canyon, which was carved into the limestone bedrock by water over thousands of years, was easy enough for everyone in our crew to complete. We did the 1.1-kilometer (a little more than a half-mile) hike to the lower falls, which took no more than an hour to complete.

More challenging trails are available as well, should you find yourself wanting to break a sweat.

Sign up for an Open Top tour

While we didn't actually go on an Open Top tour, we found ourselves wishing we had, as the classically styled vehicles we kept spotting at our hotel caught our eyes.

Priced at CA$42 (about $32) for adults and CA$24 (approximately $18.50) for kids, these tours help you see some of the area's top sights in just 90 minutes without having to do any driving or planning. Based on recent reviews, you'll also get some great stories along the way.

Hit the trails on horseback

Another activity we didn't have time to do in Banff was horseback riding. If we had stayed more than one night at the Fairmont Banff Springs, we would have found a way to fit in this activity, as there are trails conveniently located next to the hotel.

You can choose a one- or four-hour ride, which cost CA$89 (a little more than $68) and CA$249 (nearly $191), respectively. The minimum age is 8 years old for the shorter ride, while every member of your party will need to be at least 10 years old for the four-hour ride. If you're traveling with a younger kid, note that there are trail rides with lower age minimums in Jasper.

To save money, book in advance online to get the 10% discount. There's also a package discount available, should you find yourself also visiting places like local hot springs and the gondola.

Get an eyeful of Peyto Lake

Several lakes in varying shades of hard-to-believe colors are worth visiting while in Alberta, but Banff's Peyto Lake is one of the most breathtaking.

To get to this beautiful lake, which is free to visit, you need to embark on an easy 10-minute hike. We thoroughly enjoyed the brief hike thanks to the snow that was still on the ground during our mid-June visit. We found ourselves having an impromptu snowball fight before arriving at the lake.

Once Peyto Lake came into view, we were floored by the color. It was, without question, the richest hue of blue I've ever seen.

Rumor has it that, on sunny days, the lake takes on a brighter, turquoise appearance, so know that the color may vary slightly depending on when you visit. It gets its color from suspended rock flour in the water.

Related: Planning the perfect Banff summer vacation

Lake Louise

Marvel at moraine lake.

One of the absolute highlights of our trip was unquestionably our time in the Lake Louise area at Moraine Lake.

While Peyto Lake wowed us, the mesmerizing blue-green color of Moraine Lake's glacier-fed water was equally as impressive. Photos simply don't do this lake justice.

The lake is free to visit, though you'll need a bit of luck (or lots of strategizing) to avoid paying for transportation.

If you arrive early (or late) or just happen to time your visit perfectly, you can park right at Moraine Lake. We pulled up late in the morning just as the "parking is full" sign was being put out, so we had to head to the parking lot near Lake Louise Ski Resort's gondola and pay to take a bus back to the lake.

For what it's worth, Lake Louise's Fairmont also had a shuttle to Moraine Lake, but it was very expensive compared to the bus option, which only cost CA$8 (about $6) for adults and less for kids and seniors. We read that you needed advance reservations to use the bus, but we had no problem getting walk-up tickets during our visit.

No matter how you get to the lake, don't miss it. We walked around and admired it for about an hour. Be sure to wear hiking boots, as the trail can be slick.

Hop on the gondola

Lake Louise's gondola is said to be the best way to spot wildlife in the area from a safe distance.

However, the weather was rainy, overcast and generally not good the day we tried to ride, so we ultimately passed on this attraction.

If you don't want to do multiple gondola rides during your Alberta vacation, consider prioritizing this one, as it's much more affordable than the Banff gondola. Tickets cost CA$54.99 (approximately $42) for adults, with CA$10 (less than $8) discount cards easy to find everywhere there's a stand with tourist brochures.

Paddle around Lake Louise

While the weather was also not cooperative for this activity, we powered through the less-than-ideal conditions. That decision ended up being the right call, as our canoeing adventure was one of the highlights of our trip.

Renting canoes from the Fairmont's dock is an expensive activity at CA$95 (about $73) for an hour or CA$85 (a little more than $65) for 30 minutes. Prices are even higher for non-hotel guests.

Still, nothing beats watching those iconic red canoes out on the blue water except being in one with a paddle in your arms. The wind put our canoe skills to the test, so we didn't make it more than 20 minutes before heading back to shore, but had the water been calmer, we would have loved exploring for a full hour.

Saddle up at the Jasper Riding Stables

Next to canoeing and seeing some of the gorgeous lakes, my favorite activity was riding through the forest on the back of a horse.

While we didn't have time to go horseback riding in Banff, we made sure to go riding in Jasper at the Jasper Riding Stables. Because it was less expensive — CA$79 (about $60.50) for a one-hour ride — and had a lower minimum age of 6 years, this stable was the perfect place for our crew to spend some time with horses.

Unlike other parts of our trip when I found myself worrying about bear encounters (despite carrying bear spray with us at all times), I found myself able to truly relax while on horseback. The guides seemed more than comfortable handling the possibility of coming across bears, which helped put my mind at ease.

With one less thing for me to worry about, I was able to focus on the lovely scenery. On this particular day, our ride included no one but our party of four and our two guides, which was an absolute dream scenario.

Take a scenic drive full of impromptu stops

Like Banff and Lake Louise, Jasper had lots of lakes featuring an array of blue and green colors, but I'll give a special shoutout to a particularly green body of water we stopped at on the way to the Jasper East Cabins. I don't know its name, but we discovered it while driving around the area.

Besides pulling over for the lake, we made frequent stops to watch wildlife. We saw bears, moose and more on the side of the road as we drove through Jasper.

Roadways here offer enough space to safely slow down and pull over to enjoy the view, so we took full advantage of this free show. You'd be remiss if you didn't do the same when you visit.

Explore Maligne Canyon and the bridges in Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is a must-see destination on its own, but its bridges and Maligne Canyon, the park's deepest canyon, can't be missed.

From the bridges, you'll enjoy phenomenal views of the park. You're almost guaranteed to spot wildlife, too, while exploring the area around the canyon.

Check out the Columbia Icefield

For around CA$90 ($69) for adults and CA$60 ($46) for children, you can explore the Columbia Icefield.

With the tour fee, you get the chance to walk out onto the Athabasca Glacier and enjoy a skywalk experience. Know, though, that this isn't the only way to see the glacier.

If you're looking to save money (like we were) or the tour option sells out (as is often the case), you can instead park farther away and walk toward the glacier to see it up close. Don't attempt to walk onto the glacier on your own, though, as access to the actual icefield is only for those who pay for a tour.

Where to stay

Fairmont banff springs.

For most first-time visitors to the area, the Fairmont Banff Springs is probably at least in the conversation when debating where to stay in Banff. The 100-year-old, UNESCO World Heritage-listed "Castle in the Canadian Rockies," as it's lovingly called by many, is a bucket-list destination in and of itself.

We only stayed at the 745-room property one night due to the high room rates, but we enjoyed our visit overall and wholeheartedly recommend hanging your hat here — or, at the very least, visiting for a drink, a meal or maybe a spa treatment.

That said, if you only have the time and budget to pick one iconic Fairmont while in Alberta, this shouldn't be the one.

The views were phenomenal, and the convenience of being by the lake and having an array of amenities available at your fingertips was great. However, these highlights weren't enough to justify the close-to-$1,000 a night price tag for a room.

The room itself looked more like a $125-per-night budget-brand option desperately in need of renovation than what you expect to find at a high-end hotel.

Still, I'm glad we tried it for a night.

The Dorothy Motel

For less than a third of the price of the Fairmont, you could instead stay at a fresh take on the traditional motel concept.

My parents decided to stay at The Dorothy Motel (also in Banff) using their Capital One miles from their Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card (which is currently offering a 75,000-point welcome bonus after you spend $4,000 in the first three months of opening your account). This meant that rather than pay more than $200 for a one-night stay, they had zero out-of-pocket costs for their room.

It was far from a full-service resort, but if you want to try something a little different and conserve your cash a bit, it was a more-than-suitable option.

Canmore accommodations

If nothing in Banff proper is meeting your needs, you can stay in nearby Canmore, Alberta, and drive the 20 minutes into Banff. In Canmore, you'll find more abundant vacation home rentals, cheaper hotel rates and some traditional hotel points properties from brands such as IHG and Choice Hotels .

To balance out our Fairmont extravaganza, we spent a night at the Quality Resort Chateau Canmore using Choice Privileges points we purchased during a Daily Getaways sale . While our points got us some larger room types that sounded cool on paper, one night was the right length of time to spend at the property.

Go in with modest expectations, and you'll probably be OK for a short stay.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

You don't need to splurge on your lodging in Banff if you don't want to, but if there is one hotel worth paying up for, it's the Fairmont in Lake Louise.

Granted, we got a suite to share with my parents, so that helped keep us away from the very small entry-level rooms (some of which don't have air conditioning), but we all quickly agreed that the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise was worth the big price tag.

Staying right on the blue-green lake was not only a dream come true, it was a reality that lived up to (and exceeded) our expectations.

The views from our suite were awe-inspiring, and the decor was much more elevated than what we found at the Banff location.

If you are on the fence about which of the two Fairmonts to pick, know that you'll have access to fewer amenities at the Lake Louise property if you're not staying the night, so you shouldn't show up and expect to enjoy the same perks as paying guests.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

There is also a Fairmont in Jasper, if you want to hit the trifecta of the three luxury resorts.

But remember, this location is often sold-out for long periods of time due to passengers from the Canadian Rocky Mountaineer train staying here while in the area, so you'll want to look into making reservations as far in advance as possible. We weren't able to snag a coveted room during our visit, so we only had a chance to walk around the grounds.

It was a cute property that I would have loved to try for a night, though it didn't seem like a property that would overtake the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for the top Fairmont in Alberta, so I quickly got over my disappointment.

Jasper East Cabins

Because we weren't able to stay at the Fairmont, we instead chose to book a more affordable cabin. There are a few options more centrally located, but we reserved a cabin at Jasper East Cabins , a spot a little east of town. It was by no means the Fairmont, but it had a classic look we enjoyed. Not to mention, availability wasn't an issue.

A three-bedroom cabin set us back about $500 per night, with smaller cabins costing less. You're a bit removed from civilization here, but you will find a brewery within walking distance, should you crave something to do outside your cabin. There's also a well-stocked general store on site that had a great selection of basics and even some organic, higher-end options.

Related: TPG's guide to the Canadian provinces

What to eat

A fancy meal at the fairmont.

Even if you don't stay at a Fairmont while in town, you'll want to try a fancy meal at one (or more) of the Fairmont properties — if you can swing it.

At the Fairmont Banff Springs, we dined at 1888 Chop House one night for dinner and loved everything we tried.

It wasn't cheap, but the classic steakhouse offered excellent service and divine dishes. And don't discount it if you're not a huge meat eater, as even the vegetable plates and sides were outstanding. It's probably no surprise the Wagyu and the scallops were fantastics, but the sides (a flavorful beet salad, sautéed mushrooms and Brussels sprouts), seriously stood apart.

Appetizers here start at CA$20 to CA$30 (about $15 to $23), while entrees generally cost anywhere between CA$50 and CA$80 (or roughly $38 to $61).

If 1888 Chop House isn't in your budget, don't fret: You can enjoy an equally memorable bite while grabbing a drink at the Rundle Bar. Most happy hour drinks (think: wine, beer and select cocktails) cost around CA$10 (less than $8) while offered from 3 to 5 p.m. There is a short menu of appetizers and small bites, too.

At the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, we failed a little bit in the dinner reservation-making department, so we weren't able to eat at any of the higher-end sit-down spots, but we were able to order drinks and snacks in the Lakeview Lounge, which showcased jaw-dropping views of the lake from its windows. Since there was still snow on the ground, I warmed up with a mulled wine made of red wine, brandy with hints of honey, cinnamon and cloves.

If I had to do it all again, I'd be better about planning and make dinner reservations for the adjacent restaurant. There is also a spot for fondue and a lively restaurant called Alpine Social, should you find yourself feeling more adventurous.

A pastry and a slice of pizza

In our experience, Alberta excelled at bakery items and pizzas.

The Bear's Paw Bakery in Jasper was a sublime spot for morning pastries and all things baked and delicious. (If you're going to Bear Paw Bakery, don't be creative, get the bear paw. Trust me.)

We also really enjoyed Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co. in nearby Canmore, which had both indoor and outdoor seating and a variety of great pizzas for about CA$20 (approximately $15) each. I loved my fig, bison and brie pizza that also had caramelized onions, mushrooms and arugula scattered on top.

Casual pub grub paired with a cold brew

Next to our cabins in Jasper was the Folding Mountain Brewing Taproom and Kitchen, which had a not-to-be-missed kitchen to go along with its taproom.

We were pleasantly surprised by our meal here, as there's not a lot available in this part of Alberta, so the venue could easily get away with being mediocre due to the lack of options. But the food was solid, and it was great to have a selection of beers on tap to enjoy with dinner.

At this point, I'd had enough "on-the-go" food and ordered the Hikers Veggie Bowl which contained couscous, spiraled beets, arugula and yams. It might not sound great, but after days of basics, it tasted like (vegetable) heaven. Plus, you can add meat for a few extra dollars, if that's your thing.

A picnic lunch

No visit to Alberta would be complete without enjoying a meal outdoors.

There's no need to eat every meal in a restaurant when you're surrounded by stunning natural wonders, so we found ourselves preparing at least one picnic a day (often lunch) to set up on a random rock, picnic table or chair.

If you stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs and are feeling extra bougie about your picnic lunch, you can order one with your breakfast via room service to save for later. We did this during our stay and found the meal to be incredibly convenient and tasty. The cost was on the higher end at CA$40 (nearly $31), but there was enough food for two to enjoy — including a ham-and-cheese sandwich on a baguette and a gooey chocolate chip cookie — making the price easier to stomach.

Bottom line

When I look back through our collection of lake, stream, mountain, wildlife and waterfall images stashed away in our trip photo album, I admittedly find everything blending together in my mind.

But that's the beauty of travel, isn't it? You often don't have just one thing you are planning a whole trip around. Instead, you typically have an abundance of can't-miss activities and sights to experience throughout your vacation to create countless memories you'll cherish forever.

Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper more than delivered in terms of things to see and do. Although some of what we did involved preplanned routes and stops, many of our favorite memories from the trip happened organically while exploring this beautiful part of Canada.

This may have been my first trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper, but it most certainly won't be my last.

The Ultimate Jasper Travel Guide

Visiting Jasper National Park

Visitors come from far and wide to experience Jasper National Park’s 11,000 square kilometres of glaciers, lakes and Rocky Mountain peaks, along with iconic sites like Spirit Island, Mount Edith Cavell, Athabasca Falls and Maligne Canyon. 

We can’t wait to welcome you to experience it all. Here’s what you need to know to start your journey to Jasper.  

Where to Fly

If you’re coming to Alberta to visit Jasper, you might land at Edmonton International Airport because it’s a slightly shorter journey to Jasper than from Calgary. Edmonton, which is the capital of Alberta and the second biggest city in the province, is about 365 km away from Jasper and the drive will take you around four hours.

Your other option is to land at Calgary International Airport. Calgary is the biggest city in the province with 1.3 million residents and plenty to explore. The journey to Jasper is longer from Calgary — just under five hours — but you may have come through this city to visit Banff first, a stop you can make on your journey.

Getting to Jasper

From Edmonton: Head west from the city on Alberta Highway 16, which leads directly into the mountains to Jasper. (Total time: 3 hours 50 minutes)

From Calgary: Head west out of town on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) towards to mountains. Keep driving past Banff and right after Lake Louise, you’ll continue forward on Alberta Highway 93 (rather than veering left to continue on AB-1. Follow to Jasper! (Total time: 4 hours 45 minutes)

From Banff: Stopped in Banff first? You can continue down past Lake Louise to Alberta Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway. It’s a beautiful drive, but make sure to check for road closures if you’re travelling in the winter. (Total time: 3 hours 30 minutes)

Other Transportation

From Edmonton: There are several bus transportation options from Edmonton, including SunDog Tours and Cold Shot .

From Calgary: If you’re not looking to rent a car and drive, take the Brewster Express in the summer from the Calgary Airport or downtown. In the winter, this bus doesn’t take you all the way to Jasper, so you’ll have to connect through Edmonton. This includes services like Red Arrow , Rider Express , Cold Shot and The Canada Bus .

From Banff: Hop on the Mountain Connector from Sundog Transportation to travel to Jasper from Banff and relax during this scenic bus ride.

Getting Around Jasper

Snow is plentiful in the Rocky Mountains and if you visit in the winter, you’re sure to see a snowfall or two. The weather can get chilly and dry — expect average lows of -15°C but prepare for colder as the temperature can get to -30°C. Pack warm clothes and look forward to favourite winter activities like skiing at Marmot Basin, skating on frozen lakes, snowshoeing and soaking in the Miette Hot Springs. 

While snow lingers, temperature highs hover around 10°C. Alberta gets a lot of sun, so you might feel a bit of summertime weather. Don’t be surprised when locals emerge in shorts while snow remains on the ground. All your favourite winter activities are available through most of the spring — like skiing and snowshoeing — but with warmer weather. Seasonal summer activities also start opening in May, so look out for sightseeing and touring!

At last, it’s warm and sunny! The weather can still get cool in the summer, especially during the evenings and early mornings. If you’re heading out on a hike, you might start with a light jacket and pants and end up in shorts and a T-shirt. This season, some of our favourite attractions open including Maligne Lake Cruise , Columbia Icefield Adventure and boat rentals on Pyramid Lake.

It’s the season of watching the leaves change, and if you’re lucky, seeing the first snowfall. You’ll find mornings to be quite chilly and then warm in the afternoon in early fall. By December, temperatures will likely be cool all day. Enjoy picturesque autumn views on one of many hikes open well into this season.

Park Passes

If you’re driving, you’ll need to purchase a park pass to enter Jasper National Park. The park passes and fees help maintain and service the park. You can purchase your pass at the entry gates to the park or in advance online .

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Stay connected

Banff To Jasper: 10 Things To Know About This Mountain Vacation Road Trip

• Bring your own fuel: There's only one gas station between Banff and Jasper, so make sure to fuel up before the scenic drive and pack a picnic lunch along the way.
• Limited connectivity: Don't rely on mobile apps for navigation, as there is no internet connection along the Icefields Parkway. Download map directions before starting the drive.
• Wildlife encounters: Be prepared to encounter bears, grizzlies, and coyotes along the way. Take precautions, keep a safe distance, and refrain from feeding the animals. Remember to acquire a park permit for the drive through Banff and Jasper National Parks.

Driving from Banff to Jasper on a road trip features unique mountain scenery and attractions, ideal for tourists who want to experience an adventure in the Canadian Rockies. More popularly known as the Icefields Parkway road trip, the 288-kilometer journey is easily one of the best vacations in Banff to take , and it should take around four hours to complete in good and steady weather.

However, scenic drives can be affected by weather changes and forced closures during the winter season. Visitors must have all the proper equipment, like winter tires, to ensure safety and watch out for road reports. For those well-prepared for the road trip from Banff to Jasper, many treasures await, from scenic stops to fun attractions.

Here’s what to know about the drive from Banff to Jasper on a road trip and what to expect, as well as stopovers tourists should be sure to add to their Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary.

RELATED: Scenic Views: 10 Mountain Vacations In The U.S. That Are Worth Every Penny

There’s Only One Gas Station Between Jasper And Banff

Tourists driving and bringing their own cars must know about the single gas station along the way at the Saskatchewan Crossing , which is almost exactly halfway between Jasper and Banff. Cars should be fueled up before taking the scenic drive between Jasper and Banff and vice versa.

Like gas stations, the drive only has a few stopovers for meals, so it’s better for tourists to prepare a picnic lunch and pack snacks to enjoy while taking in the scenic view along the road. These stopovers include the Sunwapta Falls Resort, Saskatchewan Crossing, and the Icefields Visitor Center.

• Restrooms are everywhere along the drive, but tourists can expect a full-functioning toilet in the Saskatchewan River Crossing Resort and the Icefields Discovery Center.
• Packing snacks and meals before hitting the road is ideal for tourists visiting Banff on a budget .

The gas station along the way has more expensive fuel prices than the ones in Banff and Jasper.

RELATED: Heading To Jasper? Take A Scenic Cruise Of Maligne Lake

The Icefields Parkway Has Poor Signal

Driving from Banff to Jasper and vice versa genuinely allows tourists to connect with nature because only a single place along the entire road trip has Wi-Fi connection, which is inside the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center .

The Wi-Fi is free for everyone, with the password written on the building wall, but visitors can only use the internet inside the building. Cell service is also unavailable along the parkway.

• It can be difficult to navigate through mobile apps, such as Google Maps or Waze, since there’s no internet connection on the road.
• Travelers should download map directions or trail instructions before starting the drive.

There’s Abundant Wildlife On The Road

One thing to know when visiting Alberta is that bears are almost everywhere, especially when hiking in Banff National Park , which also means even the route to Jasper from Banff (and back again) has abundant wildlife.

Tourists can spot bears, grizzlies, and coyotes along the way, so hitting the road means taking extra precautions and concentrating on the road while driving and keeping a safe distance from any creatures that may be encountered. It’s totally fine to take photos of the wildlife spotted on the road, but visitors must also be mindful of the traffic and be respectful of animals by keeping a safe distance.

Tourists should not feed any animals.

Driving From Banff To Jasper Needs A Park Permit

The drive from Banff to Jasper is within various national parks, including Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, both of which are home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada. This means tourists taking the scenic drive between Banff and Jasper should acquire a park permit.

Visitors can purchase park passes at the park gates online or directly at the Visitor Centers in Lake Louise and Banff . Note that the permits should also be printed, so it’s easier to show these at the checkpoints.

• There are two kinds of park permits: day passes, which expire at 4 p.m. on the day of departure, and discovery passes, valid for a year after purchase.
• Permits are free for tourists driving along Banff National Park on Canada Day, July 1.

RELATED: The Best Times To Visit Jasper & Banff National Parks

The Drive Takes Longer In Summer And Winter

Driving along the Icefields Parkway during winter and summer can give tourists some truly spectacular scenery; however, it'll also provide travelers with more time to check out the many unusual experiences in Banff National Park because the route time definitely takes longer.

The route from Banff to Jasper and vice versa gets extremely busy during summer, with transportation congestion every July and August. On the other hand, snowfalls can significantly affect the roads from November to April, so tourists should prepare winter tires and remain cautious for slippery driveways, and allow for a longer travel time (which is a great excuse to plan to stay in the many stops along the Icefields Parkway).

• It’s best to start the drive around sunrise during summer or winter.
• June to October are some of the best months to drive the Icefields Parkway between Jasper and Banff because of the beautiful nature views.

There’s No Train Service Available From Banff to Jasper

Unfortunately, the road trip from Banff to Jasper has no available train service for tourists without vehicles, but there are Canadian Rockies train journeys that visitors should check out that include the drive along the scenic Icefields Parkway.

Two of the most famous train rides in the Canadian Rockies include The Rocky Mountaineer and Canada by Design, with the former more luxurious than the latter. The Canada By Design tours usually start in Calgary or Vancouver and lasts six to eight days.

• The Canada by Design tours, including snowboarding and skiing, are best enjoyed during winter.
• Tourists who prefer to join private tours can check out Banff Tours, a luxury transportation rental featuring sedans, SUVs, buses, and more.

There Is Limited Accommodation On The Icefields Parkway Between Jasper And Banff

The mountain vacation road trip from Banff to Jasper has limited accommodations for tourists and only a single luxurious option, with the Fairmont Park Lodge in Jasper offering the best amenities for a full hotel stay.

Budget hotels on the Icefields Parkway include the Num Ti Jah and the Glacier View Lodge at Athabasca Glacier, while tourists can also choose to stay in hostels and shared rooms along Rampart Creek, Mosquito Creek, and Hilda Creek.

• Camping spots are also available on the way on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Toiletries are limited in most hostels and shared rooms, so tourists must do a grocery shop before hitting the road.

Visitors must book accommodations between Banff and Jasper online and in advance, especially on July and August weekends, because they fill up fast.

Tourists Can Enjoy A Picnic At Bow Lake

Travelers shouldn’t mind enjoying a stopover for lunch, especially finding a picnic table by Bow Lake. This tourist destination features crystal blue lake water surrounded by wildflowers and tall trees.

Driving during the summer is the best time to stop by Bow Lake as the water finishes thawing, but it’s also famous in the winter season for ski touring and snowshoeing. Num Ti Jah is also near this tourist destination for tourists looking for a place for an overnight stay.

• Tourists can take beautiful photos of Bow Lake on the bridge along the highway.
• Bow Lake is also open for fishing, but tourists should have the corresponding license and permit.

Riding The Bus From Banff To Jasper Is Cheaper Than By Car

Aside from driving and joining tours, another affordable option to travel from Banff to Jasper is by riding the bus. Riding the bus between Jasper and Banff is ideal for those who don't want to worry about being responsible behind the wheel. Brewster Express and SunDog Tours are the best options for traveling by bus.

The Brewster Express costs $135 per person on a single trip, with the pick-up and drop-off locations totally customizable depending on where the tourists are staying. SunDog Tours can be a better option for visitors who plan to see various stops along the way.

• The SunDog Tours feature a direct route from Banff to Jasper in the winter, from October to April.
• Return trips are more budget-friendly than booking one way.

Tourists Can Stop By Various Hiking Trails

Tourists driving from Banff to Jasper should take advantage of various hiking trails, including Mistaya Canyon, an easy 1-kilometer trail for travelers to take in breathtaking waterfall views. It should only take an hour to hike up the canyon and take panoramic shots of the place.

Tourists who reach the bridge can admire the Mistaya River underneath, surrounded by limestones that have eroded over time.

• Visiting the Mistaya Canyon and hiking the trail is free for all tourists driving along the mountain road trip from Banff to Jasper.
• The area surrounding the canyon is not fenced, so visitors must be extra careful to avoid accidents.

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Backgrounder: Active and public transportation infrastructure upgrades underway for communities throughout Alberta

From: Infrastructure Canada

Backgrounder

The federal government is investing $36,301,698 through the Active Transportation Fund (ATF), the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), and the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP-PTIS) to support over 50 communities with 48 projects across Alberta.

Project Information:

*Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups and environmental assessment obligations.

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