Canadian Rockies Trip Itinerary

You know you want to go to the Canadian Rockies.  You have been dreaming about it for years.  Now it is time to do your really planning.  We were just wear you are now.  We could taste this adventure.  We worked hard a creating a Canadian Rockies trip itinerary for a two week trip that would allow you to see as much as the park as possible and at the same time let you actually experience the park and not just be running all the time like mad people.   We just got back from this trip so we know it works pretty well.  Let us know your feedback after you have tried this out.  We hope you enjoy your trip as much as we have.

Canadian Rockies Trip Planning Notes

Day One

  • Fly into Calgary
  • Rent a car and drive to Canmore for your first over night.
  • Canmore – overnight and explore the town.

Jasper National Park

Canadian Rockies Trip Itinerary Two Week Trip Jasper National Park

Canadian Rockies Trip Itinerary – Jasper National Park

Day Two (Hinton)

Get To Hinton.  Hinton is on the east side of Jasper National Park.  It allows you to get out of the crowds, stay at less expensive accommodations and focus on the east side of Jasper.

  • Drive to Hinton.  Continue thru Jasper to Hinton.
  • Quickly view the Parkway Icefields Parkway (93N) and stop for Hike on Parker Ridge and Bow Glacier Falls.
  • Quickly explore Crowfoot Glacier and Peyto Lake view points – and a photographers’ favorite Herbert Lake.
  • As dusk Falls watch for wildlife, there is much to be seen, especially Elk.

Day Three (Hinton)

Start your exploration of the east side of Jasper National Park.

Day Four (Hinton)

Take a boat tour on Maligne Lake. Do not take the photographer’s boat cruise unless you have lots of extra money and time. The normal cruise gets you what you need.  Just pay attention to the weather and the time of day for the best sun. Evening is the best light for the mountains behind Spirit Island.  Spirit island is very photogenic. Lake is less windy in the morning and the crowds are smaller

Day Five (Jasper)

Start the transition to Jasper.  Hopefully the crowds will be starting to shrink.  Keep in mind this trip was planned for September and this would have been after the long holiday weekend.

  • Explore Jasper – Visit History Center and shops.
  • Visit Pyimid Park just north of town.
  • Head west to Mount Robson Provincial Park. NW of Jasper
  • View Mount Robson Peak at sunset.

Day Six (Jasper)

Now we will start heading south of Jasper.  Take this slowly and take in all the beauty. Do not hesitate to stop everywhere that you find beautiful.

  • Head south along the Icefields Parkway
  • Stop at Crowfoot Glacier overlook.
  • Stop at the beautiful blue Bow Lake.
  • Stop at the high Lookout platform above Peyto Lake.  Take the longer hike south of the normal overlook to get away from the crowds.  This is only about 10 – 20 minutes and it is worth it.

Day Seven (Jasper)

Today we will be continuing our adventure south of the town of Jasper. The Icefields Parkway is dotted with the scenic pull outs and day use areas.
You must hit the Columbia icefield
Can choose the ice Explorer tour onto the glacier or the hike to Wilcox pass for a gorgeous sweeping View

Banff National Park

Canadian Rockies Trip Itinerary banff national park map

Canadian Rockies Trip Itinerary – Banff National Park

Day Eight (Castle Junction for five days)

Castle Junction is basically a resort, a store and and gas station that is a perfect little place to stay.  It lies between Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff and many other places to visit so it is the perfect spot for our headquarters for the next few days.

  • Explore Lake Louise
  • Visit the Fairmont Hotel Lake Louise
  • Visit the Tea House
  • Ride the Lake Louise Gondola
  • Canoe on Lake Louise

Day Nine (Castle Junction)

Rise early for sunrise pictures at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Get there early before the crowds.

  • Explore Lake Louise
  • Explore Moraine Lake
  • To miss the crowd hike into Larch Valley

Day Ten (Castle Junction)

Explore Bow Valley Parkway (1A) between Banff and Lake Louise

 

Day Eleven (Castle Junction)

Day trip to Yoho Valley and Emerald Lake NW of Lake Louise. Best light would be in the evening.

Day Twelve (Castle Junction)

Explore the city of Banff in more detail.

  • Lake Minnewanka (Banff)
  • Picnic lunch at two Jack Lake
  • Banff – Bow River for a walk
  • Explore Fairmont Hotel Banff Springs

Day Thirteen Departure

Drive Back to Calgary for departure.

Wow this seems like a whirlwind tour.  There is so much to see you want to keep moving while at the same time take in all the beauty.  This plan is created to help you balance both goals.

Please give us feedback on your experience the Canadian Rockies.

Conclusion

This trip for many will prove to be the trip of a lifetime.  I guarantee you will have an amazing time. Be sure to see the results of an actual trip to Banff and Jasper National Park Alberta Canada.

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Until next time, get out and capture the adventure!!

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Written by Wayne Moran – Visit Website
[email protected]

Written by Wayne Moran - Visit Website
[email protected]