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The Canadian Rockies are one of the most breathtaking regions in North America, offering glacier-fed lakes, towering peaks, abundant wildlife, and one of the most scenic highways on Earth! Whether you’re planning a road trip, an RV adventure, or a once-in-a-lifetime vacation, the heart of the Rockies lies along the Icefields Parkway, a spectacular drive connecting Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, and Jasper National Park.

We have done the hard work for you and planned the perfect itinerary for visiting this area! Below you will find the ultimate 7-day itinerary for the Canadian Rockies.

For more details and information check out our Ultimate Canadian Rockies Travel Guide [linked HERE].

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7-Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary (Banff → Jasper)

Day 1: Arrival in Banff

• Arrive: Calgary International Airport → drive ~1.5 hours to Banff town
• Highlights: Explore Banff Avenue, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner
• Activity: Relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs
• Optional: Banff Gondola (view and book here: https://gyg.me/4RiYLrZs) and/or boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka
• Overnight: Banff town (e.g., Moose Hotel & Suites, Banff Springs Hotel)

Day 2: Johnston Canyon & Nearby Banff Lakes

• Morning: Hike Johnston Canyon (Lower & Upper Falls). Go all the way to ink pots if you have the time and energy
• Afternoon: Quick stops at Two Jack Lake, Vermilion Lakes, and/or Cascade Ponds
• Optional: Hike tunnel mountain (2.7mi, moderate)
• Evening: Sunset at Sulphur Mountain via gondola or hike
• Overnight: Banff town (e.g., Moose Hotel & Suites, Banff Springs Hotel)

Day 3: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

• Morning: Early visit to Lake Louise (sunrise is best!); walk the Lakeshore Trail or hike Lake Agnes Tea House 2.25mi or Little Beehive Trail 4.5mi
• Midday: Shuttle to Moraine Lake, hike Rockpile Trail or Larch Valley (if in fall)

• Evening: Return to Banff or stay near Lake Louise
• Overnight: Banff town (e.g., Moose Hotel & Suites, Banff Springs Hotel) or if looking for luxury accommodations near the lakes, check out Lake Louise Inn or Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

*Note: parking is limited at Lake Louise and there is NO parking at Moraine Lake. You must book a shuttle through Parks Canada or ROAM public transit. If you do not have a shuttle, the only way to visit both lakes is via private tour. Below are our recommendations for tours.

Half Day Lake Louise and Moraine Lake: https://gyg.me/jggr6hkw

Full Day Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake (in Yoho) and Johnston Canyon: https://gyg.me/LsU9V2G4

Day 4: Yoho National Park

• Morning: Drive to Yoho (~30 min from Lake Louise or ~1.5 hr from Banff)
• Stops:
  • Emerald Lake (canoeing or lakeshore walk)
  • Takakkaw Falls (short walk to base)
  • Natural Bridge (short walk to overlook)
  • Wapta Falls (moderate hike, ~3.1 miles round-trip)

• Overnight: Lake Louise or Field, BC

Day 5: Icefields Parkway – Southern Section & Jasper Arrival

• Drive: Lake Louise → Jasper along Icefields Parkway (~144 miles)
• Highlights/Stops:
  • Bow Lake (short lakeshore walk or Bow Glacier Falls hike)
  • Peyto Lake Viewpoint (short uphill walk to overlook, optional longer hike)
  • Mistaya Canyon (short walk to view canyon)
  • Waterfowl Lakes (visible from road)

• Evening: Arrive in Jasper town, explore town, relax
• Overnight: Jasper town or Pyramid Lake area (e.g., Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge)

Day 6: Icefields Parkway – Northern Section & Jasper Town

• Morning: drive northern section of Icefields Parkway
  • Highlights/Stops:
    • Sunwapta Falls (upper falls 0.5mi, lower falls 2.8mi)
    • Athabasca Falls (easy access from parking lot)
    • Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier – one of the largest icefields in North America. There is a large parking area and visitor center. Here, you can walk right up to the toe of the glacier, you also book a guided Ice Explorer experience to go out onto the ice, and you can view it from above in the glass bottomed Skywalk!
      • View and book here for Skywalk and Ice Explorer combo: https://gyg.me/Ni00C2st)
      • View and book here for just the skywalk: https://gyg.me/l8Anv3Im

• Afternoon: Visit Medicine Lake or Pyramid Lake
• Optional: Jasper SkyTram for sunset (view and book here: https://gyg.me/PBdS3NRS)
• Overnight: Jasper town or Pyramid Lake area (e.g., Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge)

Day 7: Jasper National Park

• Morning: Hike Maligne Canyon
• Midday: Drive to Maligne Lake; boat cruise to Spirit Island or canoe. View and book boat tour here: https://gyg.me/1Xquoh8B

• Afternoon: begin journey home or spend night in Jasper

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Note: While the wildlife in these areas are generally used to humans and tend to mind their own business, it is always best to keep your distance and avoid doing anything to provoke them. Carry bear spray if you will be hiking or going into the woods. Trust us, you will want the good stuff if you end up needing it. Shop our recommended bear spray here: https://amzn.to/3ZgLKqy

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The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most dramatic scenery in the world, and the Icefields Parkway brings it all together in one unforgettable journey. From Banff’s iconic lakes to Yoho’s waterfalls and Jasper’s wild landscapes, this region is perfect for road trippers, hikers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike.

If you’re building a bucket list trip — this is one destination that truly lives up to the hype.