Canadian Rockies Loop
Hey friend! You’re in for one of the most scenic drives on the planet. I’ve mapped this out so you aren't just staring at the pavement; we’ll hit the iconic turquoise lakes, some hidden hikes, and give you plenty of time to spot bears or elk without rushing. A 7-day immersion into the heart of the peaks, from the glaciers of Jasper to the cozy alpine vibes of Canmore.
Calgary → Banff → Lake Louise → Icefields Parkway → Jasper → Canmore → Calgary
Arrival & Banff Intro
Grab your rental (SUV recommended for better views!) and head west. The transition from prairies to jagged limestone peaks happens fast.
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Grab your rental (SUV recommended for better views!) and head west. The transition from prairies to jagged limestone peaks happens fast.
Banff Town Centre
Stretch your legs on Bear Street. Grab a "BeaverTail" pastry and walk down to the Bow River. It’s touristy, but the view of Cascade Mountain framing the main street is a classic for a reason.
Mount Norquay Lookout
Skip the expensive gondolas for a moment and drive up the switchbacks to this lookout. It’s the best free view of the Banff townsite and the "Fairholme" range.
Bow Falls
Bow Falls is a major waterfall on the Bow River, Alberta just before the junction of it and the Spray River. They are located near the Banff Springs Hotel and golf course on the left-hand side of River Road.
The Icons: Moraine & Louise
You’ll need to take the Parks Canada shuttle or a private bus (personal cars are restricted now). Climb the "Rockpile" for the "Twenty Dollar View." The blue here is so vivid it looks fake.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is a snow and glacially fed alpine lake in Banff National Park, 14 kilometres (8.7 mi) outside the village of Lake Louise, Alberta, Canada. It is situated in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, at an elevation of approximately 1,884 metres (6,181 ft). The lake has a surface area of 50 hectares.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is a beautiful mountain lake in the middle of Banff National Park in the Alberta Rockies region of Alberta. The lake is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, and at the far end is a large glacier. The lake is quite isolated, but provides a magnificent setting for a luxury resort, the Château Lake Louise, and a conference wing on the 'inland' side of the hotel.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Even if you aren't staying here, grab a drink at the Fairview Bar and look out the massive arched windows.
The Icefields Parkway North
This is the start of the most beautiful drive in the world. Bow Lake is right off the highway and often mirrors the Crowfoot Glacier on a calm morning.
Bow Lake
This is the start of the most beautiful drive in the world. Bow Lake is right off the highway and often mirrors the Crowfoot Glacier on a calm morning.
Peyto Lake
Banff National Park is in the Alberta Rockies region of Alberta. Together with six other national parks it makes up the UNESCO World Heritage site "Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks". Established in 1885, it is the world's third oldest national park, after Yellowstone National Park in the United States, and Royal National Park in Australia.
Mistaya Canyon
Mistaya Canyon in the western part of the Canadian province of Alberta is formed by the Mistaya River. Tourists visiting Banff National Park often visit the canyon because of its distinctive curvy walls and because it is easy to access, being just off the Icefields Parkway. The 0.
Glaciers & Jasper Arrival
You’re crossing the boundary into Jasper National Park. Walk up to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. The wind coming off the ice is freezing even in summer, so bring a shell!
Columbia Icefield
The Columbia Icefield is roughly midway down the Icefields Parkway on Highway 93 in Jasper National Park within the Alberta Rockies. Jasper National Park is adjacent to the north of Banff National Park. The Columbia Icefield has several named glaciers, but the Athabasca Glacier is the main one that is accessible and most visible from the highway and visitor centre.
Sunwapta Falls
Sunwapta Falls is a pair of waterfalls of the Sunwapta River in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada.
Athabasca Falls
Athabasca Falls is a waterfall in Jasper National Park on the upper Athabasca River, approximately 30 kilometres (19 mi) south of the townsite of Jasper, Alberta, Canada, and just west of the Icefields Parkway.
Jasper’s Wild Side
Deep, narrow, and dramatic. Cross the first four bridges to see the best of the waterfalls and underground river outlets.
Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is a slot canyon located in the Jasper National Park near Jasper, Alberta, Canada. Eroded out of the Palliser Formation, the canyon measures over 50 metres (160 ft) deep. Popular for sightseeing and exploration, the area contains waterfalls, underground stream outlets, birds and plant life.
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is a lake in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Canada. The lake is famed for the colour of its azure water, the surrounding peaks, the three glaciers visible from the lake, and Spirit Island, a frequently and very famously photographed islet. The lake is located 44 km (27 mi) south of Jasper town, and is accessible by motor vehicle, including shuttle buses from Jasper.
Miette Hot Springs
Miette Hot Springs are commercially developed hot springs in Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, between the towns of Hinton and Jasper. The pool is outdoors and offers visitors a view of the surrounding Fiddle River Valley.
The Parkway South to Canmore
Grab a coffee and a "mountain muffin" at Bear’s Paw Bakery before the long drive back south.
Jasper Townsite
Grab a coffee and a "mountain muffin" at Bear’s Paw Bakery before the long drive back south.
Waterfowl Lakes
A great spot for a picnic. It’s halfway back and usually very quiet.
Canmore
Check into your spot in Canmore. It’s Banff’s "cooler younger sibling." Walk the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk at sunset to see the Three Sisters peaks reflected in the water.
Canmore & Departure
A relatively easy hike in Canmore that leads to two brilliant emerald pools. It’s a local favorite.
Grassi Lakes
The Upper and Lower Grassi Lakes lie at an elevation of about 1,525 m (5,003 ft) in the southern Canadian Rockies overlooking the town of Canmore, Alberta. They receive their water from the Spray Lakes Reservoir on the Spray River. The land is part of the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, which is part of the Kananaskis Country park system.
Quarry Lake Park
One last look at the mountains. It’s a great spot for a final outdoor lunch before heading back toward the city.
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Head back to the airport. Aim to arrive 2-3 hours before your flight to return the car and get through security.
- Buy your Parks Canada Discovery Pass online ahead of time to skip the lines at the park gates.
- Download offline maps—cell service is non-existent for most of the Icefields Parkway!