Rockies Classic: Glaciers & Gran
5 day Roadigo trip with 18 stops: YYC Airport → Banff → Lake Louise → Icefields Parkway → Jasper → Canmore → YYC Airport
YYC Airport → Banff → Lake Louise → Icefields Parkway → Jasper → Canmore → YYC Airport
Calgary to Banff
Grab your SUV and hit the Trans-Canada Highway. The moment the prairies turn into jagged peaks is pure magic.
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Grab your SUV and hit the Trans-Canada Highway. The moment the prairies turn into jagged peaks is pure magic.
Banff Townsite
Stretch your legs on Banff Avenue. Grab a "BeaverTails" pastry for some Canadian sugar fuel and head to the Bow Falls viewpoint nearby.
Mount Norquay Lookout
Skip the expensive gondola if you’re on a budget; drive up this winding road for a free, killer view of the town and Mount Rundle.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Soak your travel legs in the mineral water as the sun dips behind the mountains.
The Blue Gems: Moraine & Louise
You have to take the shuttle now (no private cars allowed), but seeing the "Twenty Dollar View" from the Rockpile is non-negotiable. It’s the bluest water you’ll ever see.
Moraine Lake
You have to take the shuttle now (no private cars allowed), but seeing the "Twenty Dollar View" from the Rockpile is non-negotiable. It’s the bluest water you’ll ever see.
Lake Louise
After Moraine, head to its famous neighbor. Take the 2km hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House for fresh scones and a view over the Fairmont Chateau.
Bow Valley Parkway
Drive back toward Banff via this scenic secondary road instead of the highway. Keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears or wolves near Johnston Canyon.
The Icefields Parkway North
This is the start of Highway 93N, one of the world's most beautiful drives. Stop at the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge area for photos of the Crowfoot Glacier.
Bow Lake
This is the start of Highway 93N, one of the world's most beautiful drives. Stop at the historic Num-Ti-Jah Lodge area for photos of the Crowfoot Glacier.
Peyto Lake
A short, paved uphill walk leads to a viewpoint shaped like a wolf’s head. The color is almost neon turquoise in mid-summer.
Mistaya Canyon
A quick 10-minute walk down to a swirling limestone gorge. It’s loud, powerful, and way less crowded than the big lakes.
Saskatchewan River Crossing
The only spot for gas for a long way—fill up here even if you have half a tank.
Glaciers and Giants
You’re crossing into Jasper National Park. Walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. If you want to walk *on* the ice, book the "Ice Explorer" tour in advance.
Columbia Icefield
You’re crossing into Jasper National Park. Walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. If you want to walk *on* the ice, book the "Ice Explorer" tour in advance.
Sunwapta Falls
A dramatic "island" waterfall where the river makes a sharp 90-degree turn.
Athabasca Falls
Massive volume here. Follow the stairs down into the "canyon" where the river used to flow.
Jasper Townsite
Much more "mountain town" vibe than Banff. Grab a local pint at Jasper Brewing Co.
Jasper’s Wild Side
Walk across the deep bridges where the water has carved narrow slots through the rock.
Maligne Canyon
Walk across the deep bridges where the water has carved narrow slots through the rock.
Maligne Lake
Drive to the end of the road. If you’re feeling spendy, take the boat cruise to Spirit Island—it’s the most photographed spot in the park.
Miette Hot Springs
A bit of a detour north, but these are the hottest springs in the Rockies. The drive up often has bighorn sheep hanging out on the road.