Landscapes and Cultural Discovery

Itinerary best for

Families
History Buffs
Nature Lovers

An inspirational guide to road tripping the Rockies and southern Alberta, looping out from Calgary and back. Use it to plan your own Alberta adventure.

Looking to start in Calgary and explore Banff, Jasper, Waterton and historic southern Alberta? Use this epic road trip as your planning guide. You can drive the Icefields Parkway, explore Drumheller and the Badlands, chase history throughout towns and smaller cities—or even try to do it all.

At a glance

11-day itinerary
2,614 km (1,624 mi) total distance
32 hrs 25 mins drive time
Your starting point is in Calgary

12 destinations

Starts in

Calgary

Day 1 drive time: 2 hr 12 min, 162 km (101 mi)

Day 1

Banff

Your day begins in Calgary, but before it’s over you’ll scale a mountain and have dined in a castle.

A woman looks out over a hotel and trees from a view platform.

A Local Favourite

Drive to Banff National Park

Starting from Calgary, you’ll head west towards the iconic Banff National Park. Surrounded by rugged peaks, the town of Banff offers superb shopping and nightlife, with restaurants featuring some of the top chefs in the country.

A woman walks along a via ferrata walkway between two mountains above a forested valley below.

A Local Favourite

Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay

Conquer a mountain just as real mountaineers do on this assisted climbing experience led by certified guides. You’ll climb up a steep rock face along fixed ladders, cables and across suspension bridges. As you maneuver your way up the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with views not many people access.

Boat cruise on Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

For a unique on-the-water perspective of Banff’s stunning scenery, book the hour-long interpretive cruise. Learn about the park’s history, ecosystems and wildlife from knowledgeable guides. Keep your camera close to capture creatures foraging on the shore and stunning Canadian Rockies landmarks.

Trail riding through a grassy field in the mountains in Banff National Park

Trail Ride with Banff Trail Riders

Alberta’s cowboy culture remains strong, and you’ll experience that warm western hospitality first-hand horseback riding through some of Banff’s most stunning terrain. Enjoy the scent of evergreens as you saddle up on gentle, well-trained horses that are accustomed to all ages and abilities.

A Local Favourite

Check into Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

With its Scottish Baronial style, this historic hotel has earned its nickname, “The Castle in the Rockies.” Luxury accommodation, an award-winning golf course and luxe spa await. Instead of dinner, sample bites and beverages from around the hotel on Alberta Food Tours’ Eat the Castle experience.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

For panoramic views of six mountain ranges, get swept up Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola.

Day 2 drive time: 3 hr 31 min, 307 km (191 mi)

Day 2

Lake Louise, Icefield Parkway and Jasper

You’ll drive between two of Canada’s most iconic national parks, stepping onto a glacier on the way.

Young woman viewing projected constellations

A Local Favourite

Brunch at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Situated less than an hour’s drive from Banff, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits directly upon the famed turquoise lake. Have an early lunch at Lakeview Lounge, admiring the majestic Victoria Glacier from the lounge’s cathedral-like arched windows. Afterwards, take a stroll along the lakeside trail.

People walking on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Glacier SkyWalk

Incredible aerial views of glittering glaciers and rugged mountain peaks are yours as you step onto the glass-floored Glacier SkyWalk. This one-kilometre (0.6-mi) interpretive walkway is suspended 280 m (919 ft) above the Sunwapta Valley. It’s home to mountain goats and other wildlife that you may see.

A group exiting the Ice Explorer bus onto a glacier

Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure

It’s not every day you get to walk upon a glacier, let alone feel and drink from one. From the Glacier Discovery Centre, a massive Ice Explorer bus with giant wheels delivers you to the Athabasca Glacier. Along the way, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of this 10,000-year-old sheet of ice.

Family swimming in the outdoor pool at night at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

A Local Favourite

Check into Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

Set amid 700-acres of mountain wilderness, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers luxury lakefront accommodation with breathtaking views. For the ultimate Canadian Rockies’ experience, book a signature cabin overlooking the lake. A Stanley Thompson designed golf-course and outdoor heated pool await.

A Local Favourite

Jasper Planetarium & Telescope Experience

First, take part in a fun audience-participation tour of Jasper Dark Sky Preserve in a domed theatre with astronomy experts. Then, head outside to discover planets, stars, distant galaxies and the aurora under the darkest skies in the Rockies. Tours can stay at the lodge or go to a nearby mountain.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

There’s so much wildlife in the park – even in the townsite. Always have your camera at the ready.

Day 3 drive time: 4 hr 57 min, 412 km (256 mi)

Day 3

Jasper and Canmore

It’s an adventure packed day as you take a cruise, get swept up a mountain and drive along one of the most beautiful highways in the world.

Day 4 drive time: 1 hr 53 min, 128 km (80 mi)

Day 4

Canmore and Calgary

Explore a cave, admire Indigenous art and meet a wolfdog before heading into Calgary.

guest room alt hotel east village calgary

Group of people exploring a cave wearing headlamps

A Local Favourite

Canmore Cave Tours

Crawl, climb, slide and wiggle your way through Rat's Nest Cave – a wild, undeveloped cave (with no rats!) under Grotto Mountain near Canmore. As you maneuver past 7,000-year-old animal bones along the passages, you’ll learn about the cave’s history, ancient formations and pictographs.

A Local Favourite

Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue

For an immersive cultural experience, suss out the works by two of Alberta’s most celebrated artists, contemporary Cree visual artist Jason Carter and actress Bridget Ryan. Jason is an Indigenous soapstone sculptor and painter, who offers carving demonstrations and workshops.

Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary

Observe wolf behaviour firsthand and gain a better understanding of how these animals live in the wild. This sanctuary offers experiential tours that include a visit with its resident pack of wolfdogs. Without a tour, you can stroll through the pathways and view the animals.

People riding the Skyline Luge at WinSport

A Local Favourite

WinSport's Canada Olympic Park

Get your adrenaline pumping at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. The site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, it offers everything from mountain biking trails to a zip line and downhill karting on one of the world’s longest tracks. Mountain bike rentals are available for all sizes.

A Local Favourite

Overnight in Calgary’s vibrant East Village

Both the design and price point receive top marks at the Alt Hotel East Village. Situated mere moments from the Bow River, guests are within easy bag carrying distance of independent boutiques, plus hip bars and restaurants. From the hotel, explore the Bow River pathway by foot or bike rental.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

For splurge-worthy dining, book into Nupo, under the helm of acclaimed Chef Darren MacLean.

Day 5 drive time: 47 min, 29 km (18 mi)

Day 5

Calgary

Spend the day in this dynamic city filled with cultural attractions and great eats.

Day 6 drive time: 5 hr 16 min, 477 km (296 mi)

Day 6

Southern Alberta

Today you’ll move through wide open prairies and stunning badlands as you head to Southern Alberta.

Day 7 drive time: 1 hr 54 min, 147 km (91 mi)

Day 7

Medicine Hat

Enjoy a culturally infused day filled with indoor and outdoor attractions, plus plenty of caffeine.

Day 8 drive time: 3 hr 28 min, 308 km (191 mi)

Day 8

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park and Lethbridge

Suss out a sacred site, a former whiskey trading post and a calming Japanese garden.

Day 9 drive time: 2 hr 26 min, 171 km (106 mi)

Day 9

Waterton Lakes National Park

Saddle up on a horse, dine at a grand hotel and spend plenty of time on the lakes.

A hiker stands at the tip of a rock looking out over a lake and mountains.

A Local Favourite

Drive to Waterton Lakes National Park

Nowhere else in the world will you find a World Heritage Site, International Peace Park, Dark Sky Park and a Biosphere Reserve all rolled into one. The charming town of Waterton is surrounded by postcard-worthy mountains and lakes, which are easily accessible.

People riding horses on a lake shoreline with the Rocky Mountains in the background.

Alpine Stables

Mosey through wildflower studded meadows and along the lakeshore as you discover this dramatic landscape the old-fashioned way – by horseback. Alpine Stables can saddle you up for western adventures that range from hour-long trail rides to half-day, full-day and overnight experiences.

Historic hotel on a hill above a lake with a mountain view in the background.

Lunch at Prince of Wales Hotel

Perched on a bluff above Waterton Lake, the Prince of Wales Hotel is the park's most recognized landmark. Constructed in 1927, it’s one of the remaining golden age of railway resorts. Panoramic views are had from the stately dining room, but also from inside their vintage-inspired open top vehicle.

River flowing through a rocky canyon at Cameron Falls at Waterton Lakes National Park.

A Local Favourite

Capture Cameron Lake and Waterfall

You’ll come upon Cameron Falls first, a popular spot for photos at the edge of Waterton. A short winding drive brings you to Cameron Lake, a shining blue-green jewel with an easy 3-km (1.8-mi) lakeside walk. Rent a canoe or paddle boat from the Visitor's Centre for an unforgettable perspective. 

Waterton Shoreline Cruise

Schedule a scenic cruise along Upper Waterton Lake to watch for wildlife and learn about the geology and history of the area from local guides. Some tours even take you across the international border into Montana's Glacier National Park. On that quick trip to the U.S., no passport is required.