Our epic 7 day Banff and Jasper Itinerary

The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, with snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, glaciers, waterfalls, and abundant wildlife.

We spent seven days exploring Banff and Jasper National Parks on a road trip through the Canadian Rockies, and it easily became one of the most scenic trips we’ve taken.

From driving the Icefields Parkway and spotting wildlife along the way, to walking on the Athabasca Glacier, seeing Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, and taking in panoramic views from the Banff Gondola, every day felt different and memorable.

Day 1: Drive from Calgary to Jasper via Icefields Parkway

On Day 1, we drove from Calgary all the way to Jasper National Park and explored the Icefields Parkway scenic drive along the way.

We stayed overnight in Calgary and started early the next morning for our Canadian Rockies road trip. If you have time, it’s worth spending a day or two exploring Calgary before heading into the mountains.

Canmore (our first Rockies views)

About an hour into the drive, we stopped in Canmore downtown for lunch, and this is where we saw our first real views of the Canadian Rockies.

The snow-covered peaks rising in the distance immediately caught our attention. I remember wondering how the Icefields Parkway drive would be any different from this view right here in Canmore.

I had no idea that this was just the beginning.

That view in Canmore felt impressive at the time, but it turned out to be just a teaser for what we were about to experience over the next few days.

Driving the Icefields Parkway: what to expect

The drive between Lake Louise and Jasper is the scenic Icefields Parkway drive, which is rightly named one of the top 10 drives in the world.

Every bend in the road brings terrific scenery that is postcard perfect. As we went in early June, there was a lot of snow on the mountains, and the white snow contrasted splendidly with the dark, jagged mountain peaks.

The entire drive is around 3 hours without any stops, but there are so many views and vistas along the way that cannot be missed. You should plan a whole day for the Icefields Parkway drive.

If you start early in the day, you can make all the stops on the same day or keep some for the return drive back to Banff.

We stopped at all the viewpoints on our way to Jasper. We kept the Icefields Parkway glacier and Skywalk tour for the return drive as that was a 3-hour tour.

➡ Short on time and do not wish to stay overnight in Jasper? You can also opt for this Small group day tour from Banff that covers Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Icefields Parkway Drive.

Spotting wildlife along Icefields Parkway

Just when we left Lake Louise and started the drive on the Icefields Parkway, we spotted a black bear on the side of the road. We were so excited to see a bear on our first day.

We looked from our car at a distance and did not disturb it in any way, and it kept on eating the roadside vegetation.

Keep your eyes on the road and alongside for wildlife. If you see a car stopped on the side of the road, there is a high chance they have spotted some wildlife, so make sure to look around.

We saw two black bears, a family of bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and elk. Make sure to keep your distance from the animals and not disturb them.

Must do Stops along the Icefield Parkway

When you purchase the Parks Canada pass at the entrance to Banff National Park, they provide a booklet with a map of the Icefields Parkway.

We used that map to find the stops along the way. There are signs alongside the road that match the order on the map, which makes it easy to know which stop to expect next.

Most stops are quick viewpoints from the parking lot, but some require short walks or hikes to reach waterfalls and viewpoints.

Depending on the time you have, you can do all of them or keep some for the return drive.

➡ The most popular stop on Icefields Parkway is the Columbia Icefields Center, where you can take a Columbia Icefield Glacier and Skywalk combo tour and walk on the Athabasca Glacier!

Bow Lake viewpoint

This lake can be viewed right from the parking lot on the Icefields Parkway.

As we went in early June, Bow Lake was still frozen. It was a sight to behold as I had never seen a frozen lake before. The lake looked beautiful with snow-covered mountains in the background.

Peyto Lake Upper Viewpoint

This viewpoint requires a short hike of about 15 minutes each way, so allow around 45 minutes total.

In early June, the trail was covered in snow, and it was raining, so we had to skip this one. This viewpoint has a postcard-perfect view of Peyto Lake and is a must.

Waterfowl Lake viewpoint

This lake can be viewed right from the parking lot and is about a 30-minute drive from Bow Lake.

We were amazed to see that this lake was not frozen, unlike Bow Lake. It was drizzling and foggy, but still very beautiful.

Saskatchewan River Crossing

There is a café, gas station, and restrooms at this stop. It’s about midway on the Icefields Parkway and the last stop to fill gas before you reach Jasper.

I highly recommend filling gas in Banff or Jasper as it can be expensive here. We stopped at the café store for some snacks for the road.

Weeping wall

We didn’t see any sign for this one, but it’s hard to miss.

A huge roadside mountain with many small waterfalls, which probably gave it this unique name. You can see this stop from the roadside.

Big Bend viewpoint

This viewpoint shows a magnificent, panoramic view of the curvy Icefields Parkway drive.

You will have to look out for this one as it is on the top of a curve and is easy to miss. It will be on your side of the road when driving from Banff to Jasper.

Icefields Glacier and Skywalk tour

The Athabasca Glacier is located along the Icefields Parkway, about 2 hours from Banff and 1 hour from Jasper.

The Columbia Icefields adventure tour runs from mid-May to mid-October, depending on weather conditions. The full tour, including the Skywalk, takes around 3 hours.

This is a unique experience where you can walk on the Athabasca Glacier, a 10,000-year-old sheet of ice.

We chose to do this on Day 3 during our return drive.

Sunwapta Falls

The next stop very close to Jasper is Sunwapta Falls.

The falls can be viewed from a platform very close to the parking lot, so not much walking is required. The falls were rushing and beautiful. We stopped here for about 10 minutes.

Athabasca Falls

The final stop on this scenic drive is Athabasca Falls.

These falls are more massive and powerful than Sunwapta Falls, and there is a boardwalk with multiple viewpoints.

This is about a 30-minute drive from Jasper and is a must-see. The trail is short, easy, and very scenic, and we completed in about 15 to 20 minutes.

Overnight stay in Jasper

We finally reached Jasper after an amazing day and checked into Tekarra Lodge.

It’s a beautiful lodge just 5 minutes from Jasper town, along the river, with great views. We stayed in a two-bedroom cottage with a kitchen and plenty of space.

The lodge also had a campfire and s’mores night, which was a fun way to end the day.

Note: Tekarra Lodge is currently closed for rebuilding after the Jasper wildfires and is expected to reopen in 2027. For now, consider staying at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge or Crimson Jasper instead.

Day 2: Exploring Jasper National Park

On Day 2, we we explored Jasper National Park and its top attractions. There are so many incredible things to do in Jasper National Park!

We started the day with a hike at Maligne Canyon, followed by a scenic drive to Medicine Lake and Maligne Lake. In the evening, we took the Jasper Skytram for panoramic views from the top of Whistler Mountain.

➡ Looking for a tour from Jasper to Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake? This highly-rated small group Jasper Wildlife and Waterfalls Tour with Maligne Lake Cruise from Jasper includes the Maligne Canyon hike, Maligne Lake cruise, Medicine Lake, and scenic stops.

Maligne Canyon hike

Our first stop was Maligne Canyon, about a 15-minute drive from Jasper downtown. It’s a spectacular limestone canyon created by waterfalls and is a must-see in Jasper.

There are several trails here for different ability levels, with six bridges built over the canyon. Parking is available at the main canyon area as well as near the first, fifth, and sixth bridges.

The most common way to see the canyon with minimal hiking is to park in the main parking lot, which has a restaurant, café, and restrooms. From there, you can walk to the second or third bridge, depending on your time. This area is also the most crowded.

Another popular and recommended option is to park at the fifth or sixth bridge and walk toward the first bridge. This way, you walk against the flow of the water and save the most dramatic views for the end.

If you park at the sixth bridge, it’s a much longer hike. We parked at the fifth bridge to shorten our hike and walked our way up. It drizzled slightly, which helped with the incline hike and kept us cool. 

At the top, we ate at the Maligne Wilderness Kitchen café and then walked back down to reach the parking lot at the fifth bridge. We took the same route back alongside the river.

There are some alternate paths as well, which are steeper. It was a very scenic and refreshing hike to start our day in Jasper.

It was Monday morning in early June, but it was still very crowded near the first to third bridges. Crowds thin out as you go further down.

In the winter, the water freezes over, and they offer tours to walk inside the canyon. I have seen pictures of the frozen waterfalls, and they are incredible. It looks like the flowing water is frozen in time!

➡ If you are visiting Jasper and Maligne Canyon during the winter months, this small group Maligne Canyon Ice Walk tour lets you walk inside a frozen canyon and see frozen waterfalls up close.

Drive to Maligne Lake (via Medicine Lake)

After Maligne Canyon, we continued driving along Maligne Road toward Maligne Lake. It’s about a 30-minute drive through a beautiful, secluded stretch with chances to spot wildlife.

On the way, you will pass Medicine Lake, which is a great, quick stop for photos.

Maligne Lake

Finally, we reached Maligne Lake. The parking lot is large, and this area gets quite busy.

When we visited in early June, the lake was still partly frozen, and the lake cruise was not operating yet. Even then, it was stunning.

There is a boardwalk where you can walk along the lake and take in the views. Maligne Lake is long and narrow, surrounded by mountain ranges.

If you are visiting between June and October, the Maligne Lake Cruise is a must-do. It takes about 1.5 hours and brings you close to Spirit Island.

➡ Check rates and availability for Maligne Lake Cruise tickets

Jasper Skytram

In the evening, we drove about 10 minutes from Jasper downtown to the Jasper Skytram. The upper Skytram station and the Whistler mountain peak are visible from almost everywhere in Jasper. It’s hard to miss. 

The ride to the top of Whistler Mountain takes about 7 minutes, and the tram carries groups at a time. There is a restaurant at the upper station.

Once you step outside, the mountaintop feels raw and open. There are no boardwalks, just open terrain to explore.

There is a summit trail of about a mile with elevation gain. In early June, there was still a lot of snow, so we chose not to hike.

The views from the top are expansive. We could see Jasper town, the Valley of the Five Lakes, Beauvert Lake, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, and several turquoise lakes and rivers.

➡ Check rates and availability for Jasper Skytram tickets

After taking in these views, we returned to our hotel and called it a day.

Alternate option: Miette Hot Springs

Instead of visiting the Jasper Skytram in the evening, you can also go to Miette Hot Springs after Maligne Lake and visit the Skytram the next morning.

Miette Hot Springs is about an hour’s drive north of Jasper and is best done on a day when you are staying overnight in Jasper.

These are the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies. The mineral water flows from the mountains and is cooled to about 40°C (104°F).

There are changing rooms, showers, and towel rentals available.

If you have time, you can also take a short walk to the source of the springs, where the water is at its natural, hotter temperature.

Day 3: Jasper to Lake Louise and Glacier Tour

On Day 3, we explored Jasper downtown in the morning and then drove back on the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise.

If you did not take the Columbia Icefields Glacier tour on your drive from Banff to Jasper, this is a good day to do it.

Jasper downtown

After checkout, we stopped in Jasper downtown for some food before starting our drive back toward Lake Louise.

The Jasper mountain town is bustling with hotels, lodges, and restaurants. The Jasper train station and the train tracks run parallel to the town.

Columbia Icefields Glacier tour and Skywalk

About an hour’s drive from Jasper toward Lake Louise, you will reach the Columbia Icefields Center, where you can take a glacier tour and walk on the Athabasca Glacier.

➡ This is the Columbia Icefield Glacier and Skywalk combo tour we took, and I highly recommend it!

The Icefields Center has good facilities, including a restaurant and even a Starbucks to grab hot chocolate and snacks after the tour.

Athabasca Glacier tour experience

The tour began with us boarding a shuttle bus that took us to the foot of the glacier, which is about a 10-minute ride. Then we transferred to the massive Ice Explorer vehicle.

These vehicles are impressive and have the largest tires I have ever seen.

Our driver was really knowledgeable and shared a lot of information about the Athabasca Glacier and the Ice Explorer vehicle. The vehicle goes down a very steep grade road, which is an experience in itself, and then continues onto the glacier ice.

We were given around 15 to 20 minutes on the glacier. The ice is very slippery, but the views are mind-blowing.

This was our family’s first experience walking on a glacier, and it was so cool.

It was very cold and windy on the glacier, so bring jackets, winter caps, and gloves. The glacier experience totally made our day and was the most memorable part of our trip.

➡ This is the Columbia Icefield Glacier and Skywalk combo tour we took, and I highly recommend it!

Skywalk experience

After the glacier experience, we boarded the shuttle bus again, which took us to the Skywalk.

The Skywalk has a glass floor and offers views of the Sunwapta Valley below. The panoramic views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking.

Stay overnight in Lake Louise

After the glacier and Skywalk experience, we made a few scenic stops along the way before reaching Lake Louise.

We reached Lake Louise by evening and checked into Lake Louise Inn. It was a great hotel, and the lobby was impressive. It had several restaurants, including a pizzeria. We ordered a pizza and called it a night.

Day 4: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

On Day 4, we explored Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two of the most popular and beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies.

Important: When we visited in 2022, we drove to Moraine Lake. This is no longer allowed. You now need to book a Parks Canada shuttle or take a guided tour to visit Moraine Lake.

➡ Looking for a day tour from Banff? This small group Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour includes Moraine Lake (seasonal), Lake Minnewanka, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake.

Lake Louise

This is the most famous lake in the Canadian Rockies. Before I saw this lake, I was wondering what all the hype was about. We had already seen so many amazing lakes on this trip. How different can it be?

We visited in early June. A couple of days before, I checked the live webcams, and the lake was still partly frozen. I was hoping to see the turquoise blue water that it’s famous for. We got lucky. The weather warmed up the day before, and the lake was fully melted.

Parking at Lake Louise

As Lake Louise is a must-do, the parking lot fills up quickly, especially in the summer months, sometimes even before sunrise. When we visited, we were able to find parking, although it felt like the whole world was there.

Important update: Parking at Lake Louise is now very limited and fills up extremely early. The best way to visit is to reserve the Parks Canada shuttle and park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride. From there, you can take the shuttle to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

Lake Louise views

After exiting the parking lot, it’s a short walk to the lakeshore, and the view is breathtaking.

The turquoise water, Victoria Glacier, surrounding mountains, and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel together create a stunning setting.

Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail

It was drizzling slightly that morning as we walked the Lakeshore trail. This is an easy out-and-back trail along the right side of the lake that takes you to the far end.

The full trail is about 3 miles round trip. It’s very busy near the start, but the crowds thin out further along. The views of the lake and surrounding mountains are beautiful throughout. The view of the Fairmont Hotel from the other end is like a picture from a fairy tale!

Afternoon tea at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

While researching our trip, I came across afternoon tea at the Fairmont and knew my girls would love it. It is expensive, but since we had never tried it before, we decided to splurge.

They offer regular, vegetarian, and children’s menus. The experience includes scones, savories, and desserts.

The tea selection had many options, and their special that day was masala chai, which we chose. The kids tried herbal teas.

Our three-tiered tray arrived beautifully presented with scones, jams, savories, and desserts. We had a lot of fun trying everything and sharing.

For my girls, this tea experience was the highlight of their trip. I was so glad we did it.

Lake Agnes Teahouse hike (optional)

If you’re up for a moderately challenging hike, the Lake Agnes trail is a popular option.

The trail starts near the lakeshore and is about 5 miles round trip with 1400+ feet elevation gain. The teahouse is very popular in summer and often has lines.

There was still deep snow in early June, so we did not attempt it. It is usually more accessible from July onward.

Moraine lake

After Lake Louise, we headed to Moraine Lake, about a 30-minute drive away.

I was not sure how Moraine Lake could match what we had just seen at Lake Louise and expected it to be a quick stop. It turned out to be absolutely worth it. Do not miss this.

Note: Private vehicles are not allowed at Moraine Lake. You’ll need to use the Parks Canada shuttle, Hop-on Hop-off Banff Bus, or a guided tour.

When we reached Moraine Lake, it felt like a winter wonderland. The lake was still frozen with snow on top, and people were out playing in the snow. It was amazing being there.

There is a large rock pile at one end of the lake with steps leading to the top. From there, you get incredible views of the lake surrounded by mountains.

What to do at Moraine Lake

Apart from enjoying the views, you can also hike, canoe, or paddleboard here.

The Lakeshore Trail is an easy walk along the lake. The short hike up the rock pile is also worth doing for the views.

Stay overnight at Banff

After a full day at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, we drove to Banff.

We stayed at Moose Hotel and Suites in Banff town area. We had a comfortable suite with a separate living room, and the location was perfect. We could easily walk to restaurants and shops in downtown Banff.

Day 5: Banff Gondola and Banff Hot Springs

On Day 5, we explored two of the most popular attractions in Banff National Park — the Banff Gondola and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Banff Gondola

In the morning, we headed to the Banff Gondola, about a 12-minute drive from downtown Banff.

There is a free shuttle from downtown, and it’s recommended to use it during peak summer months as parking at the gondola can be limited.

➡ Check rates and availability for Banff Gondola tickets

The lower gondola station was very crowded. There is a large Starbucks and restroom facilities at the base. Our gondola time was 12:10 pm, but the boarding line was long, and it took about 30 minutes to get on.

The Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain. Each gondola car seats four people comfortably, and larger groups can split into multiple cars.

The views going up are really mind-blowing, and I am always amazed at how high the gondolas take you.

The upper gondola station is large and spread across three levels, with two restaurants, a coffee shop, a theater, a souvenir shop, a terrace with 360-degree views, and restrooms.

Once you step outside, there is an easy boardwalk trail that leads to Sanson’s Peak and the historic Cosmic Ray Station.

The boardwalk trail is just under 2 miles round trip and is worth doing for the incredible views of the surrounding mountain peaks, Banff town, Bow Valley, and nearby lakes. The Cosmic Ray Station at the end is also a fascinating historic site.

In my opinion, taking the Banff Gondola for the views is hands down one of the best things to do in Banff.

Banff Upper Hot Springs

The Banff Upper Hot Springs are right across from the gondola, so it makes sense to visit both on the same day.

If you visited Miette Hot Springs in Jasper, you can skip this and spend more time hiking or exploring downtown Banff.

The waters are geothermally heated and mineral-rich. The hot springs are very popular, so expect crowds, especially later in the day.

The facilities include restrooms, showers, locker rooms, and towel rentals. There is also a café to grab snacks afterward.

A local tip is to visit early in the morning instead of the evening for a more relaxing and less crowded experience.

Day 6: Lake Minnewanka and Johnston Canyon in Banff

On Day 6, we explored Lake Minnewanka and Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park.

Lake Minnewanka 

in the morning, we went to Lake Minnewanka. We had a cruise booked for noon. We were able to find parking, but there is a free shuttle from Banff downtown if you have a cruise ticket.

➡ Check rates and availability for Lake Minnewanka cruise tickets

Lake Minnewanka is a large glacial lake, about 21 kilometers (13 miles) long, and is a popular spot in summer for hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, and boating. There are canoe and boat rentals, a café, picnic tables, and restrooms.

It was a beautiful sunny day, and the turquoise water of the lake shone in the sunlight. The surrounding mountain ranges and alpine forests made for a stunning backdrop.

Once you check in at the gift shop ticket counter, you get pre-assigned seats for the boat. Our cruise had a skilled captain and a tour guide who shared interesting information about the lake and the surrounding area.

The lake was originally called Minn-waki (Lake of the Spirits), as people respected and feared it for its resident spirits. There are historic artifacts thousands of years old buried along the shores, which are protected.

There is also a submerged resort town, Minnewanka Landing, which went underwater when a dam built in 1941 raised the water level by 30 meters. How cool is that!

The cruise takes you near Devil’s Gap, an opening between the mountain ranges. There is a small deck at the back of the boat where you can step out and enjoy the views.

Overall, it was a very relaxing and informative cruise, and the hour went by quickly. After the cruise, you can hike the Lakeside Trail, but we skipped it since we planned to hike Johnston Canyon later that day.

We then headed back to Banff downtown for lunch.

Johnston Canyon

After lunch, we went to Johnston Canyon, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Banff. This is one of the most popular hikes in Banff, so expect crowds.

We reached around 5 pm. In summer, we prefer hiking in the late afternoon when it cools down and is more pleasant. The crowds are also smaller compared to the morning.

The trail starts as a paved path through the forest and then continues along boardwalks through the canyon, with Johnston Creek flowing beside you almost the entire way.

We reached the Lower Falls in under 30 minutes, and they were spectacular. There is a tunnel through the rock that takes you very close to the falls. There might be a line, but the view from inside is worth it. You can feel the mist from the waterfall inside the cave.

From there, we continued to the Upper Falls. This section has some incline and feels more tiring. My kids wanted to give up, but we kept going and reached the Upper Falls in about 40 minutes.

The Upper Falls are truly awe-inspiring. Watching the water cascade down from that height is a humbling experience. There were still some ice sheets along the canyon walls, and it felt quite cool up there.

The hike back down was easy, and we reached the parking lot in about 30 minutes. The entire hike took around 2 to 3 hours.

There is a restaurant, gift shop, and restrooms at the base of the trail. Make sure to carry enough water.

➡️ Check out our complete Johnston Canyon hike experience here.

Day 7: Banff downtown and horseback riding 

Day 7 was the last day of our trip. We planned a morning activity and then a relaxed afternoon exploring Banff downtown.

Horseback riding along Bow River

For our morning activity, we chose horseback riding and headed to the stables in Banff. We had booked a 1-hour scenic ride along the Bow River.

➡ We did this 1-hour horseback riding along Bow river in Banff (beginner-friendly)

The stables were large, with many horses. While we were waiting, one group of riders was heading out, and another was returning.

We were assigned our horses and given a few minutes to get comfortable.

The staff was very friendly and clearly experienced with the horses. My kids felt comfortable right away. The horses walk in a line, nose to tail, with one guide in front and another at the back.

The trail was scenic, especially the stretch along the Bow River with mountains in the background.

There was tall grass along the trail, and the horses would stop to eat whenever they got a chance, which slowed the whole line down. Overall, it was a fun experience.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

On the way back to Banff downtown, we passed the Cave and Basin National Historic Site and made an unplanned stop. We had seen banners for it around town earlier.

Our Canada Discovery Pass gave us free access. We still had to get it checked and receive a hand stamp at the gift shop. Tickets can also be purchased there.

The Cave and Basin have been a special place for over a thousand years and are now part museum, with exhibits, short films, and guided tours.

These are natural hot springs, but since the site is protected, you are not allowed to touch the water.

The site is also home to the endangered Banff snail, which lives in the water. The guide pointed them out to us. The sulfur smell inside the cave is quite strong.

There used to be a bathhouse here, but it is now closed. There is no bathing allowed at this site. For that, you need to visit Banff Upper Hot Springs.

You can explore the museum in about an hour. There are also a few trails nearby if you want to spend more time.

Explore Banff downtown

Banff downtown has a lively atmosphere, with stunning mountain views all around.

After lunch, we spent a relaxed afternoon walking around, browsing shops, and picking up souvenirs. We stopped at Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory and Rocky Mountain Soap Co., and did a bit of souvenir shopping.

Where to eat in Banff

Here are some places we tried during our stay:

• Magpie and Stump – Mexican cuisine with great decor and a nice upstairs patio
• Saffron Indian Bistro – Really good Indian food when we were craving something familiar
• Balkan – Greek cuisine with good vegetarian options and live entertainment on certain days
• UNO Pizza – Great pizza and appetizers
• BeaverTails – These customizable Canadian pastries are delicious!
• Whitebark Café – A cozy café that lived up to the hype

➡ Check rates and availability for this Banff Food tour at Fairmont Banff Springs – perfect for foodies and history buffs!

Return to Calgary

In the evening, we drove back to our Calgary airport hotel, bringing an end to our Canadian Rockies road trip. We had an early morning flight the next day back to San Francisco.

Where to stay for your Canadian Rockies road trip

Planning your stays is important since the drive between Banff and Jasper takes most of the day with stops along the Icefields Parkway. Staying in just one place and driving back and forth will take up a lot of time.

We found it best to split our stay across different locations so we could explore each area without rushing. We broke down our stay like this:

• 1 night in Calgary
• 2 nights in Jasper
• 1 night in Lake Louise
• 3 nights in Banff
• 1 night in Calgary

You can also start in Banff and end in Jasper, depending on hotel availability.

Where we stayed (and recommendations)

Here’s what worked well for us on this trip:

• Banff: Moose Hotel and Suites — great location, walkable to restaurants and shops. Also recommend Fairmont Banff Springs, Rimrock Resort.
• Calgary: Calgary Hyatt Place near the airport — very convenient for late arrival and early departure
• Jasper: Tekarra Lodge — peaceful cabins close to town (currently closed for rebuilding until 2027). Also recommend Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, The Crimson
• Lake Louise: Lake Louise Inn — comfortable stay with multiple dining options. Also recommend Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Quick accommodation tips

• Stay in Banff town for easy access to restaurants and tours
• Consider Canmore if you want more budget-friendly options (about 30 minutes away)
• Stay one night in Lake Louise if you want more time at the lakes or to do hikes
• Book Calgary airport hotels for late arrivals or early departures to save money and time

Tips from our experience

Final Takeaways: Canadian Rockies itinerary 5 to 7 days

Banff and Jasper are one of those trips where every day feels different, from scenic drives and glacier experiences to lakes, hikes, and relaxing viewpoints. This 7 day itinerary covers all the highlights at a comfortable pace without feeling rushed.

If you’re short on time, you can easily turn this into a 5 day itinerary by reducing time in Banff and doing Lake Louise as a day trip. If you have more time, add extra days for hikes or nearby areas.

A few things that made a big difference on our trip:

• Splitting our stay between Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff to avoid long daily drives
• Starting early on the Icefields Parkway to allow time for stops
• Planning ahead for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake access

If you’re planning your first trip to the Canadian Rockies, this route is a great way to see the best of Banff and Jasper in one trip.

Related Posts

Check out my other posts from our Canadian Rockies trip:

25 BEST things to do in Banff in summer

13 BEST Icefields Parkway stops: 1 day itinerary

BEST of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in one Day

Johnston Canyon Hike to the Lower and Upper falls in Banff

Is Calgary Worth Visiting? Things To Do & Reasons To Visit