Banff and Jasper: the ultimate duo
Locations: Banff and Jasper National Parks, Cave and Basin, Banff Park Museum and Jasper House National Historic Sites, Banff Upper and Miette Hot Springs
Distance: 945 km round trip from Calgary, Alberta
Embark on your dream vacation with this 7-day trip through the Canadian Rockies in Alberta! Explore Canada’s first National Park, forget all your troubles in the relaxing hot springs, gaze upon turquoise waters and travel through the mountains on the famous Icefields Parkway. Glaciers, waterfalls and canyons await!
Day 1
Location: Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Banff
Distance: 130 km from Calgary
Your adventure begins in the Town of Banff. Head to Cave and Basin National Historic Site and listen to the bubbling water echo through the narrow tunnel to the birthplace of Canada’s first national park.
Location: Banff Park Museum National Historic Site, Banff
Visit Western Canada’s oldest natural history museum, Banff Park Museum National Historic Site. This log cabin masterpiece houses more than 5 000 botanical and zoological specimens.
Spend the night in the comfort of an oTENTik at Banff National Park.
Recommended accommodation:
oTENTik, Two Jack Lakeside campground
Day 2
Location: Banff National Park
Admire beautiful vistas while enjoying free public transit on the Minnewanka Loop. Hike the Johnson Lake trail and meander through a lush montane forest before emerging at the far end of Johnson Lake. Then gaze out across the water at the distinctive silhouette of Cascade Mountain.
Location: Banff Upper Hot Springs
Hop back aboard local transit and travel to Banff Upper Hot Springs. Reward yourself by relaxing in the soothing hot mineral waters, one of the park’s can’t-miss traditions
Recommended accommodation: oTENTik, Two Jack Lakeside campground
Day 3
Location: Banff National Park, Lake Louise
Distance: 65 km from campground
Make your way to Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway, a critical habitat for several species of large carnivores. Make the most of your visit by avoiding the congestion; park your car and hop aboard a Parks Canada shuttle to explore the area. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are just an easy ride away. Shuttle service is not right for you? Visit before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m.
Recommended accommodation:
Camping, Lake Louise campground
Day 4
Location: Jasper National Park
Distance: 230 km from Lake Louise
Travel the majestic Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Check out the hiking trails en route and enjoy views of glaciers along the way. Make sure to stop at Bow Lake or Peyto Lake, both a brilliant turquoise and glacially fed. Explore the Columbia Icefield area with easy to moderate day hikes and glacier tours. Feel the cool spray of Athabasca Falls, then camp near a glacier, river or lake–the options are endless!
Recommended accommodation: Camping, along the Icefields Parkway
Day 5
Location: Jasper National Park, Edith and Annette lakes
Distance: 15 km from Wapiti campground
On foot or by bike, explore the trails surrounding the town of Jasper. Stop by the sandy beaches of Lake Edith and Lake Annette for a swim, sunbath or even a little canoe or kayak excursion.
Recommended accommodation: Camping, Wapiti campground
Day 6
Location: Jasper House National Historic Site
Distance: 40 km from campground
Stop by Jasper House National Historic Site, the main staging post for fur traders using the Athabasca and Yellowhead passes. Follow the short, beautiful trail to the observation deck and gaze out across the Athabasca River. Ready for a challenge? Hike the spectacular Sulfur Skyline trail. At a 2 050-metre elevation, the view is spectacular!
Location: Miette Hot Springs
Distance: 25 km from Jasper House
Got sore muscles after that hike? Spend the rest of the day relaxing in the hottest mineral waters in the Rockies at Miette Hot Springs..
Recommended accommodation: Camping, Wapiti campground
Day 7
Location: Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake
Distance: 55 km from campground
Time to explore the Maligne Valley. Enjoy a fishing trip or a paddle on Maligne Lake, hike Bald Hills or the Mary Schäffer Loop or visit the famous Maligne Canyon, where churning water has worn the gorge to a depth of more than 50 metres.
Distance: Return to Calgary, 465 km
Make the most of your visit with these insider tips.
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