Rockies Peaks and Turquoise Lakes
A scenic loop through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, featuring iconic turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain passes, and glacial landscapes.
Calgary → Banff → Lake Louise → Sunwapta → Jasper → Canmore → Calgary
Mountain Town Charm
Pick up your rental in Calgary and head straight for the peaks. The transition from prairie to mountain wall is one of the best drives in the world.
Calgary
grab some supplies and hit the Trans-Canada Highway heading west.
Banff Avenue
take a stroll down the main street for that classic "mountain town" photo with Cascade Mountain looming in the background. Grab a beaver tail pastry while you're at it.
Bow Falls
a quick stop to see the powerful turquoise runoff right on the edge of town; it's an easy walk from the center.
The Blue Jewels
Today is all about the famous lakes. Since parking at Moraine Lake is restricted to shuttles/commercial transport, head to the Lake Louise village hub early to catch your pre-booked ride.
Lake Louise
walk the lakeshore trail or hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House for a bird's eye view of the water's milky blue color.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
even if you aren't staying here, the lobby area and the view from the lakeside windows are worth a peek.
Herbert Lake
a hidden gem just off the start of the Icefields Parkway; it's often perfectly still, offering a mirror-like reflection of the mountains.
Glaciers and High Passes
The Icefields Parkway is arguably the most beautiful road on the planet. Don't rush this; there’s no cell service for most of it, so download your maps.
Mistaya Canyon
a short walk leads to a deep, swirling limestone canyon carved by the river. It's loud, misty, and spectacular.
Saskatchewan River Crossing
the only spot for fuel and a burger for a long stretch. The views of the three rivers joining here are massive.
Sunwapta Falls
watch the river drop 18 meters around a small island of trees. It's especially powerful in early summer.
The Heart of Jasper
Continue north into the wilder, more rugged half of the Rockies. Keep an eye out for bears and elk—they love the roadsides here.
Athabasca Falls
follow the paved paths to see how the water has cut through the quartzite rock over centuries.
Maligne Canyon
the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. Cross the multiple bridges to see the water disappearing into underground caves.
Pyramid Lake
drive just past Jasper town to this quiet lake. Walk across the wooden bridge to Pyramid Island for a peaceful end to the day.
Spirit of the Lake
Today is dedicated to the Maligne Valley, a dead-end road that offers some of the best scenery and wildlife spotting in the park.
Maligne Lake
take a boat cruise or rent a canoe to see Spirit Island. It’s one of the most photographed spots in Canada for a reason.
Medicine Lake
known as the "disappearing lake" because its water drains out through a bottomless sieve-like floor every autumn.
Jasper Skytram
catch the late afternoon light from the top of Whistlers Mountain for a 360-degree view of the Rockies.
The Southbound Vista
You’re heading back south today, but the views are completely different looking in the other direction. It's a long drive, so take it easy.
Tangle Creek Falls
right on the side of the highway, these multi-tiered falls are an easy, high-reward photo stop.
Waterfowl Lakes
pull over at the viewpoint for a stunning look at Mt. Chephren reflecting in the dark blue water.
Canmore
arrive in this charming town just outside the Banff park gates. It’s framed by the iconic Three Sisters peaks.
The Three Sisters
Spend your final morning soaking up the local Canmore atmosphere before the short hop back to the airport.
Grassi Lakes
a relatively easy hike that leads to two brilliant emerald pools and a view over the town of Canmore.
Quarry Lake Park
a great spot for a final mountain picnic with a massive view of Ha Ling Peak.
Calgary International Airport
drop off the car and head for your gate. Give yourself plenty of time for security.
- Buy a Parks Canada Discovery Pass online before you go to skip the lines at the park gates.
- Fuel up every chance you get on the Icefields Parkway!