Itching to hit the road? Dreaming of an adventure in the mountains?
This itinerary starts in the Calgary area, but can easily be done in reverse from Edmonton. Here is the best road trip itinerary for your next adventure in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.
Rise early to get the most of this day! Find your way onto the Trans-Canada Highway heading west and within an hour, mountain peaks will appear on the horizon. Don’t drive past the quaint town of Canmore — it has its own adventures waiting for you.
Grab a morning caffeine boost from Eclipse Coffee Roasters on the charming Main Street. Then spend the day exploring your way. Looking to break a sweat? Take a scenic walk to the Three Sisters Viewpoint or challenge yourself by heading up Ha Ling Peak. Prefer to stick around town? You’ll find no shortage of boutiques and treats lining Canmore’s streets.
After a day of travel and wasting no time getting into the adventures, check into a hotel in the heart of Banff.
We recommend you get an early start today to beat the crowds.
Drive the Bow Valley Parkway starting just west of Banff. Keep an eye out for wildlife! Then, stretch your legs and hike the Moraine Lake Shoreline. In under two hours, you’ll be surrounded by the unforgettable view of Ten Peaks and the crystal clear waters that attract photographers from all over the world.
Head back to Banff along the Trans-Canada Highway. For dinner, head to Farm & Fire for a casual, local and adventure-inspired meal.
Grab coffee to go at the Whitebark Café then reach new heights on the Banff Gondola. The cable cars give you a 360-degree view as you ascend above the treeline to the top of Sulphur Mountain. After you’ve explored the mountain top, including the Sanson’s Peak Meteorological Observatory Historic Site, grab a table for some appetizers and drinks at the Sky Bistro, Banff’s award-winning mountaintop restaurant (book ahead to ensure availability).
Check out of your room on Banff Avenue, bid farewell to the majestic Cascade Mountain and get back on the road. Turn up your inspiring road trip tunes for this unforgettable voyage down scenic Highway 93, the Icefields Parkway. Let your mind wander as you move through endless mountain ranges, tiny waterfalls and deep glacier-carved valleys.
After a few hours, you'll reach the Icefields Discovery Centre. Welcome to Jasper National Park! Here, park your car and head indoors to be welcomed by the friendly team from the Glacier View Lodge. This is a one-of-a-kind lodge with views of the glacier. Your all-inclusive package includes an unforgettable morning tour on the Athabasca Glacier, an intimate evening visit to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, dinner at Altitude and relaxation and inspiration galore.
Start your morning with a delicious breakfast before continuing your epic journey through Jasper. We recommend staying in a cozy chalet at Pyramid Lake Lodge. You'll have full access to a secluded natural setting right outside your door.
Ready for you next adventure? You won’t have to go far. Pyramid Lake Lodge offers boat and bike rentals throughout the warmer months (plus ice skates, snowshoes and fat bikes in the winter). Even sweeter — your amenity fees as a guest cover an hour of rentals at select times.
After your chosen activity, walk the wooden bridge across pristine waters to an island or catch the sunset from the Athabasca Overlook hiking trail nearby. There’s also dinner at Aalto with views of the lake and peaks beyond.
It’s time to check out of your hotel, but you’re not done quite yet. Visit the glorious sights of the Maligne Valley! Start your day by picking up a familiar favourite at Starbucks beside the Marmot Lodge on your way out of town. Starbucks Rewards members can even order through the app ahead of time to skip the line.
Late morning is a great time to cruise to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake. The air is so crisp and clear! Stop for lunch at The View. Then, it's time to leave the mountains behind and head home.
As you drive away, reflect on the time shared together, the feeling of freedom on the road and the amazing Rocky Mountains that are in our backyard. They’ll be calling for you again soon!
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