Canadian Rockies: The Ultimate M
5 day Roadigo trip with 15 stops: Calgary → Banff → Lake Louise → Icefields Parkway → Jasper → Canmore → Calgary
Calgary → Banff → Lake Louise → Icefields Parkway → Jasper → Canmore → Calgary
Arrival in the Rockies
Grab your 4WD rental and stock up on snacks and water. The drive west starts flat but the wall of mountains appearing on the horizon is a core memory in the making.
Calgary International Airport (YYC)
Grab your 4WD rental and stock up on snacks and water. The drive west starts flat but the wall of mountains appearing on the horizon is a core memory in the making.
Banff Town
Stretch your legs on Banff Avenue. It’s touristy but charming. Head straight to the Banff Gondola for a bird's-eye view of the Bow Valley to get your bearings.
Bow Falls
A quick stop at the base of the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. The falls are powerful, and the "Castle in the Rockies" backdrop is iconic.
The Icons of Banff
You have to take the shuttle now (no private cars allowed), but seeing the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflected in that blue water is non-negotiable. Aim for an early shuttle slot.
Moraine Lake
You have to take the shuttle now (no private cars allowed), but seeing the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflected in that blue water is non-negotiable. Aim for an early shuttle slot.
Lake Louise
Walk the lakeshore or, if you're feeling energetic, hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House. It’s a steady climb, but having tea and pie by a subalpine lake is unbeatable.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Even if you aren't staying here, walk through the lobby and grab a drink by the massive windows overlooking the glacier.
The Icefields Parkway North
This is the start of one of the world's most beautiful drives. Bow Lake is right off the highway and often perfectly still in the morning.
Bow Lake
This is the start of one of the world's most beautiful drives. Bow Lake is right off the highway and often perfectly still in the morning.
Peyto Lake
A short, paved uphill walk leads you to a viewpoint where the lake looks exactly like a blue wolf. It’s the highest point on the Parkway.
Columbia Icefield
Stop at the Discovery Centre. You can walk up to the "toe" of the Athabasca Glacier for free, or book the Ice Explorer tour to actually stand on the ancient ice.
Into the Heart of Jasper
Jasper has a much more "local" and rugged feel than Banff. Grab a brew at the Jasper Brewing Co. and keep an eye out for elk wandering right through the streets.
Sunwapta Falls
The upper falls are impressive, but take the short trail to the lower falls for fewer crowds and a better sense of the canyon's power.
Athabasca Falls
A massive volume of water thundering through a narrow quartzite gorge. The mist here feels amazing on a sunny day.
Jasper Townsite
Jasper has a much more "local" and rugged feel than Banff. Grab a brew at the Jasper Brewing Co. and keep an eye out for elk wandering right through the streets.
Jasper’s Wild Side
The deepest canyon in the Rockies. Cross the first few bridges to look straight down into the limestone slots.
Maligne Canyon
The deepest canyon in the Rockies. Cross the first few bridges to look straight down into the limestone slots.
Maligne Lake
Famous for Spirit Island. You’ll need to take the boat cruise to see the famous view, or you can rent a canoe and paddle a bit of the way yourself.
Miette Hot Springs
A bit of a drive east, but soaking in the hottest springs in the Rockies while looking at the Fiddle Valley is the perfect way to recharge those hiking legs.
- Buy a Parks Canada Discovery Pass at the gate on Day 1; it’s cheaper than daily passes for a 7-day trip.
- Download offline maps—cell service is non-existent on the Icefields Parkway!