Banff & Jasper
Canadian Rockies Adventure
The Canadian Rockies have been calling to us for years—those iconic turquoise lakes, towering peaks, and the famous Icefields Parkway. This summer, we're finally making the trip, spending a week exploring three incredible national parks: Banff, Yoho, and Jasper. From the charming town of Banff to the wilderness of Jasper, this journey promises stunning scenery at every turn.
The Journey
Arrival & Explore Banff Town
- Morning Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC)
- Midday Drive to Banff (~1.5 hours via Trans-Canada Highway)
- Afternoon Check in and explore the charming town of Banff
- Evening Stroll Banff Avenue, browse local shops, dinner in town
Banff National Park
- All Day Explore Canada's first national park
- Must-See Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, Sulphur Mountain Gondola
- Lakes Minnewanka Lake, Two Jack Lake, Vermilion Lakes
Keep an eye out for elk, bighorn sheep, and bears throughout the park.
Lake Louise
- Morning Drive to Lake Louise (~45 minutes from Banff)
- Daytime Walk the lakeshore trail, canoe on the turquoise waters
- Hike Plain of Six Glaciers or Lake Agnes Tea House trail
- Lunch Meal at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Arrive early or take the Parks Canada shuttle to avoid parking headaches at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Yoho National Park
- Morning Cross into British Columbia (~30 min from Lake Louise)
- Highlights Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge, Takakkaw Falls
- Hike Iceline Trail or Emerald Lake Loop
"Yoho" is a Cree expression of awe and wonder—fitting for this stunning park.
Icefields Parkway
- All Day Scenic drive from Banff to Jasper via the legendary Icefields Parkway
- Distance 232 km (144 miles) of stunning mountain scenery
- Stops Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls
- Experience Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure or Skywalk
- Evening Arrive in Jasper, check in and explore the town
The Icefields Parkway is consistently rated one of the most scenic drives in the world.
Jasper National Park
- All Day Explore the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies
- Must-See Maligne Lake, Spirit Island boat cruise, Maligne Canyon
- Activities Hiking, wildlife viewing, Jasper SkyTram
- Evening Stargazing—Jasper is a Dark Sky Preserve
Departure
- Morning Final morning in Jasper
- Drive Jasper to Edmonton or Calgary airport (~4-4.5 hours)
- Afternoon Fly home
Moments Captured
Photos coming after our trip!
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Where We're Staying
Banff (5 Nights: June 21-25)
Options we're considering:
The Banff Inn - Central location on Banff Avenue
Canoe & Suites - Boutique hotel with mountain views
Jasper (2 Nights: June 25-27)
Options we're considering:
Jasper Inn - Classic mountain lodge
Chateau Jasper - Comfortable rooms near downtown
Planning Notes
Parks Canada Pass
A Discovery Pass covers entry to all national parks. Purchase in advance online or at the park gates.
Best Time to Visit
Late June offers long daylight hours, wildflowers blooming, and most trails open. Weather can be unpredictable—pack layers!
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
These iconic lakes are extremely popular. Arrive before 7am or take the Parks Canada shuttle to avoid parking headaches.
Wildlife Safety
Bears are active in summer. Carry bear spray, make noise on trails, and never approach wildlife.
Useful Links
Official Resources
Banff National Park
Yoho National Park
Jasper National Park
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Experiences to Book
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Banff Gondola
Jasper SkyTram
Maligne Lake Cruise