Seven days is enough to see the best of the Canadian Rockies without spending your days behind the wheel: two bases, Banff then Jasper, linked by one of the world’s great roads. This itinerary starts in Calgary and follows the order that avoids backtracking.
Before you go
Both national parks require a Parks Canada pass for every day spent in the park; beyond six or seven days, the annual Discovery Pass is usually cheaper. If you are flying in, remember your eTA, to be obtained before boarding.
Banff and the lakes
Banff is a small mountain town and a practical base. Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles: you get there by Parks Canada shuttle, regional transit or with a tour operator. Parking at Lake Louise is paid and fills early on summer mornings.
The Icefields Parkway
Highway 93 North links Lake Louise and Jasper over about 230 km, with no town and almost no services. Allow a full day with stops: Bow Lake, the Peyto Lake viewpoint, Mistaya Canyon, then the Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier. There is almost no mobile coverage: download maps before you leave.
Jasper
Quieter than Banff, Jasper is the ideal base for Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake. The town and part of the park were affected by a wildfire in July 2024: check Parks Canada notices before planning your hikes, as some trails and services may remain closed or changed.
Practical tips
- Wildlife: keep your distance from bears and elk, and never stop on the road to take photos.
- Weather: even in summer, pack warm layers; it can snow at altitude in June or September.
- Budget: displayed prices exclude tax (5% GST in Alberta). The trip budget calculator does the full sum.
Day-by-day itinerary
- Day 1
Calgary → Banff
Land in Calgary, pick up the car and drive to Banff. End the day on Banff Avenue and at Bow Falls.
≈ 130 km · 1 h 30 - Day 2
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Pre-book the Parks Canada shuttle: Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles. Walk around Lake Louise.
Shuttle from the Park & Ride - Day 3
Johnston Canyon and the Bow Valley Parkway
A built trail to the Johnston Canyon falls, then the scenic Bow Valley Parkway, where wildlife sightings are common.
≈ 50 km - Day 4
Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Bow Lake, the Peyto Lake viewpoint, Mistaya Canyon, the Columbia Icefield. Allow the whole day and fill up before you set off.
≈ 290 km · 4 h without stops - Day 5
Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake
Walk along Maligne Canyon in the morning, then Maligne Lake. The cruise to Spirit Island should be booked ahead in summer.
≈ 50 km one way - Day 6
Around Jasper
Athabasca Falls and hikes around town. Check trail conditions: Jasper was hit by a major wildfire in 2024.
Varies - Day 7
Jasper → Edmonton or Calgary
Back to the airport. Edmonton is closest; Calgary lets you drive the Icefields Parkway again.
≈ 365 km (Edmonton) · 4 h
Official sources
- Parks Canada (Government of Canada)
- Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) (Government of Canada)
- Travel advice for Canada (in French) (France Diplomatie)