Canadian Rockies & Urban City Summer Highlights

This scenic route goes through Alberta’s vibrant cities, Rocky Mountain scenes and must-try restaurants. Adventurers will thrive as they experience everything from museums to helicopter rides.

At a glance

8-day itinerary
1,211 km (752 mi) total distance
17 hrs 13 mins drive time
Your starting point is in Edmonton

Starts in

Edmonton

Day 1 drive time: 1 hr 15 min, 65 km (40 mi)

Day 1

Edmonton

Edmonton is full of new experiences, things to see, and great food to tantalize your tastebuds.

Edmonton Helicopter Tour

See Alberta’s capital city from a whole new perspective. Take off from YEG and fly over iconic Edmonton sights including the ICE District, Fort Edmonton Park and the Valley Zoo. Next, you’ll arrive at Prairie Gardens for a picnic, greeted by local farmers and a private farm-to-table experience in a 40-acre (16.2-hectare) preserve.

Royal Alberta Museum

Next, we turn back time as we head to the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM), on Treaty Six territory and homeland of the Métis. The RAM is one of Canada’s leading human and natural history museums. Within the permanent exhibits you’ll find more than 2.4 million objects showcasing the history of Alberta’s people, animals and landscapes.

Explore the ICE District

End your day in the ICE District and stay at the JW Marriott, where there is something for everybody. Enjoy innovative, state-of-the-art cleanliness protocols, prime access to Rogers Place and the ICE District, combined with amenities such as Braven Restaurant, Kindred Food + Drink, The Lobby Bar, Executive Lounge and In-Room Dining. A prime location and warm hospitality await you in downtown Edmonton.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

While at Prairie Gardens, explore the corn maze, which is open from August 2 until October 31.

Day 2 drive time: 49 min, 22 km (14 mi)

Day 2

Edmonton

Spend the day exploring attractions, restaurants, and experiences that only Edmonton can offer.

People walking on the street in front of the Art Gallery of Alberta

Day 3 drive time: 4 hr 38 min, 396 km (246 mi)

Day 3

Jasper

Enjoy the scenic drive from Edmonton to Jasper and get ready for some great experiences once you arrive.

Day 4 drive time: 1 hr 52 min, 104 km (65 mi)

Day 4

Jasper

Enjoy mountain experiences while taking in breathtaking views of the Canadian Rockies.

People getting off a Maligne Lake Tour boat on the dock

Day 5 drive time: 3 hr 49 min, 323 km (201 mi)

Day 5

Jasper and Lake Louise

Start the day at the icefields in Jasper, and finish at the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Banff National Park

Day 6 drive time: 1 hr 28 min, 81 km (50 mi)

Day 6

Lake Louise & Banff

Today will take you to new heights on foot, and on the gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Hikers sit by the water near Lake Agnes Tea House in Banff National Park.

Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House

The Lake Agnes Tea House was originally built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a refuge for hikers, and started serving tea in 1905. The log building was replaced in 1981, but still features the original windows, tables and chairs.

Banff Gondola

Enjoy a beautiful drive to the town of Banff and head right to the Banff Gondola. Journey to the top of the Banff Gondola to discover restaurants, interactive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck. And don’t forget to explore the awe-inspiring ridge-top boardwalk 884 m (2,900 ft) above Banff.

Lunch at the Sky Bistro

Once at the top of Banff Gondola, enjoy mountaintop dining at its best. Sky Bistro partners with the top farmers, suppliers, food artisans and producers in Western Canada to bring you a distinctly Canadian culinary experience.

Visitor taking a photo in the cave at the Cave and Basin

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

This geological phenomenon is where Canada's national park system began. A unique cave housing a hot spring, this recently restored iconic landmark commemorates the 1883 discovery of the hot springs that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park.

Wide shot of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Check into the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is filled with luxury accommodation, exceptional dining opportunities, an award-winning 18-hole Stanley Thompson designed golf course, and a world-renowned destination spa – all of which are hallmarks of this iconic Canadian Rockies landmark.

People enjoying drinks and the view from the Banff Springs hotel patio

Alberta Food Tours - Eat the Castle

Soak up the luxury in a small-group private access dining experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Sip and savour the food, as well as engage with the culinary teams and enjoy stories of the history, art and architecture brought to life by your guide.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Before leaving Banff, stop at the Banff Candy Store for a variety of imported and nostalgic treats.

Day 7 drive time: 1 hr 18 min, 90 km (56 mi)

Day 7

Canmore

Head to the town of Canmore to enjoy your last full day in the Canadian Rockies.

People enjoying food at a restaurant at the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge

Day 8 drive time: 2 hr 4 min, 130 km (81 mi)

Day 8

Calgary

Enjoy a short scenic drive to the vibrant city of Calgary, where new adventures await.

A father and son look at a giraffe at the zoo.

People riding the Skyline Luge at WinSport

Downhill Karting at WinSport

Get your adrenaline pumping while zooming down a hill in a purpose-built kart. Just hop in the driver's seat and let gravity do the rest. You're in full control of your speed as you ride down 1,800 m (5,905 ft) of the track with over 50 twists and turns along the way.

Calgary Food Tour

Indulge in some of the city’s top eateries on a guided three-hour walking tour. Enjoy Sunday brunch at a farmers’ market and learn about regional and seasonal ingredients, or explore one of Calgary’s food-focused neighbourhoods to meet with local chefs and discover hidden culinary gems.

A Local Favourite

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo

If you’re ready to make some new animal friends, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is home to nearly 1,000 animals across 119 species. It’s the most visited zoo in Canada and is considered the gold standard for excellence in animal care and habitat design in the world

Mother and daughter taking a mine tour at Heritage Park

A Local Favourite

Heritage Park Historical Village

If taking a step back in time is more your thing, visit Heritage Park Historical Village where you can explore a full village made up of historic buildings and artifacts. It’s Canada’s largest living history museum with over 180 exhibits spread over 127 acres of land and friendly, costumed interpreters who bring that history to life.

Dinner at Major Tom

Enjoy dinner 40 floors above it all. Dine on global fare and sip craft cocktails served in a stylish, award-winning rooftop destination with sweeping city views.

Two women eating lunch by the indoor pool at Hotel Arts.

Check into Hotel Arts

Stay at a hotel where personalized service meets a boutique experience, and where locals and tourists alike feel like they belong. Lounge poolside and sip an unconventionally delicious cocktail, or indulge in culinary delights at an exceptional, award-winning restaurant.

Canadian Rockies & Urban Highlights

This scenic route goes through Alberta’s vibrant cities, Rocky Mountain scenes and must-try restaurants. Adventurers will thrive as they experience everything from museums to helicopter rides.

At a glance

Edmonton

Edmonton

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Edmonton

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Jasper

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Jasper

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Jasper and Lake Louise

Lake Louise & Banff

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Canmore

Calgary

Discover more road trips & itineraries

Know before you go