The unique part of the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada is the Icefield Parkway, which cuts through the heart of the Rockies. The parkway takes visitors past some of the most stunning scenery in North America.  The parkway also connects Jasper National Park to Banff National Park, providing visitors with the opportunity to see glaciers, glacial lakes, gorges, waterfalls, and wildlife around every corner.

Model Itinerary

Day 1:
There are several ways to reach the Canadian Rockies of Alberta, Canada.  Edmonton International Airport is a 4 hour, 244 mile, drive from the town of Jasper.  Calgary International Airport is a 1 ½ hour, 91 mile drive to the town of Banff and a 5 hour, 268 mile drive to Jasper.  From the U.S border crossing at Sweet Grass, Montana, you can drive 276 miles to the town of Banff in approximately 5 hours.  
Day 2:
Begin your tour of Jasper National Park by driving from the town of Jasper to Maligne Lake and take a scenic boat cruise to Spirit Island.  This narrated 90 minute boat cruise takes you down the lake and stops for a short walk around Spirit Island.  During the summer months, kayak and canoe rentals are also available.  On the drive back to Jasper, don’t miss a walk through Maligne Canyon.  There are paved trials that take you into a limestone gorge, past a series of bridges, and into the canyon.  You can walk part of the way or walk the entire loop, but try to at least walk to bridges 3 and 4 for the best views.  In the evening, the town of Jasper has a variety of shopping and dining options available.  I highly recommend booking a room at the Fairmont Japer Park Lodge, which has a heated outdoor pool with mountain views.  
Day 3:
For your second day in Jasper, begin by taking the Jasper Tramway up to the top of Whistler Mountain.  At the top, you can enjoy the view from the café, or take a 45 minute hike up to the summit.  Dress in layers because the weather at the summit can be unpredictable.  In the afternoon, return to downtown Jasper and pick up a hiking guide from the Visitors Center.  There are hiking options for all skill levels close to town.  The Mount Edith Cavell area offers visitors a look at Angel Glacier and alpine meadows.  The Valley of The Five Lakes is a popular hiking destination for families.  You can also hike around the Miette Hotsprings area and end your day with a visit to the mineral hot springs pool.
Day 4:
The drive on the Icefields Parkway from Japser to Lake Louise is only 2 hours and is one of the most scenic highways in North America. Allow an entire day to stop and take in all the sights.  Athabasca Falls should be your first stop on the Parkway.   This easy trail has signs that explain the history and geography of the area.  Continue on a few miles south to Sunwapta Falls.  You can view the falls with a short walk from the parking lot, or hike an easy 30 minute trail to the lower falls.  Watch for bighorn sheep, bears, and moose as you continue your drive past Tangle Falls.   The highlight of the Parkway is a stop at the Columbia Icefields Discovery Center.  At the Discovery Center, you can book a 1 ½ hour excursion to Athabasca Glacier.   This narrated excursion takes you up to the top of the glacier on a specially designed Icebus, where you can drink the glacier water and walk around.  After the Icebus tour, don’t miss the short hike past the glacial moraine to the mouth of the glacier.  As you continue driving south, make a stop at the Peyto Lake overlook; there is a short 20 minute walk to the view.   You can spend the next 2 nights at the Moraine Lake Lodge or at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 5:
There are plenty of day hikes and easy walks around Lake Louise.  Take the short but moderate hike up to Fairview Lookout for a view of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau.  More serious hikers might enjoy the popular Lake Agnes Beehive Trial or the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail.  There are kayaks and canoes available for rent at both lakes.  Don’t miss the short drive to Moraine Lake and the Moraine Lake Rockpile and Lakeshore Trail.  There is a pile of rocks near the parking lot where you will see people climbing, but there is also a safe and maintained trail up the back of the Rockpile.  This will take you to the top for a postcard view of the lake and mountains (this is the picture featured on our home page).  From the Lodge, the trail follows the lakeshore. ​
Day 6:
In the morning, finish seeing everything you want to see at Lake Louise or Moraine Lake before driving to Banff in the afternoon.  On the way, stop and hike in Johnston Canyon, one of the most popular day hikes in Banff National Park.  The hike to the Lower Falls (1.1 km one way easy hike) is mostly flat and has catwalks that allow visitors easy access down into the canyon.  The hike to the Upper Falls (2.6 km one way, easy/moderate) goes past 7 waterfalls.  There are many hotel options available in the town of Banff, but for a unique experience, book a room at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs.
Day 7:
Begin with a visit to the Cave and Basin National Historic Site.  There is a cave, a replica of the original bathhouse, informational displays, and short hiking trials to see some of the hot springs.  For lunch, head to nearby Banff, which has plenty of dining and shopping options.  There are many things to do in Banff so you won’t have trouble filling the rest of your day.  You can drive up to Surprise Corner for a great view of the Fairmont Banff Springs or take a Gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.
Day 8:
Fly Home and start planning your next adventure!