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Itinerary best for
  • Outdoor Adventurers
  • History Buffs
  • Nature Lovers

A four-day road trip through the highlights of the Canadian Rockies—Banff, Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway—packed with can't-miss sights.

This one hits plenty of the Rockies' greatest hits in Alberta. Soak in Banff's historic hot springs, ride the gondola up Sulphur Mountain and cruise Lake Minnewanka, then trade the townsite for turquoise water at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Hike to a storied tea house and drive the Icefields Parkway past glaciers and waterfalls.

At a glance

  • 4-day itinerary
  • 562 km (349 mi) total distance
  • 7 hrs 5 mins drive time
  • Your starting point is in Banff
4 destinations
Starts in

Banff

Day 1 drive time: 1 hr 10 min, 34 km (21 mi)
Day 1

Banff

Begin your Canadian Rockies journey in Banff, the birthplace of Canada’s national parks system.

Boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park
Tourist takes a picture inside a cave.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

This site has held significance for Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. Three railway workers stumbled upon it in 1883, and the events that followed resulted in Canada’s first national park. It’s now a gathering place to connect visitors to the land and share stories of conservation.

Banff Gondola

Take in the view from a mountaintop, with no hiking required. Take a ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and explore the one-kilometre (0.6-mi) trail that leads to the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and Sulphur Mountain Weather Station. Or enjoy a delicious meal at Sky Bistro.

A woman enjoying the pool at the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Banff Upper Hot Springs

The hot springs have been a top attraction in Banff for more than 100 years. Visitors from all over the world have come to enjoy the waters, which are said to have healing properties. Don’t miss the mineral pools, which are generally quiet earlier in the day.

A tour group on horseback riding through a rocky canyon in Banff National Park.

Discover Banff Tours

Leave the navigation to the pros and experience the best of Banff. Discover Banff Tours offers small-group excursions that include sightseeing tours, wildlife tours and glacier adventures.

Boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

Take a cruise on the largest lake in Banff. The emerald-green lake is surrounded by towering peaks, and you’re likely to spot wildlife along the shore. You can also join the adults-only Beer Voyage, where you can sip local craft brews while you cruise the waters.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Don’t miss Banff’s exceptional dining scene. Park Distillery is a favourite among locals and visitors.

Day 2 drive time: 50 min, 65 km (40 mi)
Day 2

Lake Louise

The scenery at these world-famous turquoise lakes is picture-perfect, and there's plenty to see and do.

View of the Fairmont Chateau in front of Lake Louise
Day 3 drive time: 4 hr 32 min, 440 km (273 mi)
Day 3

Icefields Parkway

Hit the road for one of the most spectacular drives in the world.

Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Day 4 drive time: 33 min, 23 km (14 mi)
Day 4

Calgary

Wrap up your adventure in Alberta’s largest city, a vibrant hub of culture and activities.

A woman stands in front of vehicles in the Gasoline Alley Museum at Heritage Park Historical Village.