Epic Alberta | Canada's Alberta

Itinerary best for

Outdoor Adventurers
Hikers
Nature Lovers

An epic two-week road trip through the best of Alberta—the Canadian Rockies, wildlife, hot springs and the cities of Edmonton and Calgary.

Get to know Edmonton and Calgary, roam the ranch country of the Foothills and the wilds of Waterton, then lose yourself in the Rockies—hiking, wildlife spotting and hot spring soaks across Banff and Jasper, with the Icefields Parkway linking it all together. Follow this one end to end or borrow the stretches that fit your trip.

At a glance

14-day itinerary
2,163 km (1,344 mi) total distance
30 hrs 36 mins drive time
Your starting point is in Edmonton

11 destinations

Starts in

Edmonton

Day 1 drive time: 46 min, 23 km (14 mi)

Day 1

Edmonton

To start, get acquainted with Alberta’s vibrant capital city through its history and river valley.

A smiling couple rides the artfully restored vintage streetcar in Edmonton.

Ride the High Level Bridge Streetcar

A lovingly restored vintage streetcar is your ride over the Edmonton River Valley. Get a taste of Edmonton’s history from your costumed guide. Rail enthusiasts should plan to visit the Strathcona Streetcar Barn & Museum to see more streetcars and artifacts.

A couple rides Segways along the North Saskatchewan River Valley in Edmonton

River Valley Adventure Co. Segway Adventure

Roll through Canada’s largest urban park (it’s 22 times the size of New York’s Central Park) on a guided segway tour of Edmonton’s River Valley. Your tour starts with some basic segway skills, then you’re off to explore the paths and parks.

Fort Edmonton Park

Unravel the stories that matter to Edmonton’s past and present. Learn the city’s trading-post roots, hear Indigenous stories, play 1920s midway games, try an outdoor escape room and plenty more at this journey through local history.

TIP FROM A LOCAL

Hop a free ride on the funicular that connects downtown Edmonton with the river valley.

Day 2 drive time: 3 hr 42 min, 327 km (203 mi)

Day 2

Calgary

Head south and reach new heights as you get to know Calgary through its downtown architecture and an Olympic venue.

People riding the Skyline Luge at WinSport

Day 3 drive time: 40 min, 33 km (21 mi)

Day 3

Calgary

Today is a relaxing day of animals and local Calgary history.

People learn how to make fire from an Indigenous interpreter at Heritage Park.

Day 4 drive time: 3 hr 20 min, 297 km (185 mi)

Day 4

Fort Macleod

Rolling plains views punctuate today’s stops through history en route to Waterton.

Travellers pedal a four-wheel bicycle in the town of Waterton.

Day 5 drive time: 1 hr, 40 km (25 mi)

Day 5

Waterton

With lots of nature and a luxurious dinner, you’ll learn today why this border town is so beloved.

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

Day 6 drive time: 4 hr 19 min, 376 km (234 mi)

Day 6

Foothills

Historic ranch life, craft cocktails and incredible wolfdogs round out a big day.

A woman feeds wolfdogs at Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary.

Day 7 drive time: 49 min, 44 km (27 mi)

Day 7

Canmore & Kananaskis

Soaring, hiking and biking in Kananaskis will have you in love with this place by nightfall.

A group of hikers stop to look at pictographs on the canyon walls at Grotto Canyon near Canmore in Kananaskis Country.

Day 8 drive time: 1 hr 27 min, 60 km (37 mi)

Day 8

Banff

Delve into Banff history, cruise the area’s biggest lake and go wildlife spotting with a pro.

The Discover Banff tour bus stops in front of an alpine lake with a tour group during a wildlife tour.

Day 9 drive time: 34 min, 18 km (11 mi)

Day 9

Banff

Scale Mt. Norquay by chairlift or Via Ferrata today and fuel up in breathtaking settings.

Horseback riders on a trail in the mountains in Banff National Park.

Day 10 drive time: 3 hr 6 min, 96 km (60 mi)

Day 10

Lake Louise

Learn why Lake Louise is far more than good looks when you hike some of its most iconic spots.

Lake Agnes Tea House

Day 11 drive time: 2 hr 42 min, 238 km (148 mi)

Day 11

Icefields Parkway

Take in one of the most picturesque drives on the planet, with stops for glaciers and waterfalls.

The Jasper National Park Visitor Information Centre building at night under the northern lights

Day 12 drive time: 1 hr 54 min, 111 km (69 mi)

Day 12

Jasper

A hike in the sky, a cruise in glacial lake and plenty of wildlife to see.

Day 13 drive time: 5 hr 4 min, 404 km (251 mi)

Day 13

Jasper & Edmonton

Soak in the hottest hot springs in the Rockies before returning to Edmonton for some shopping.

Father and son splashing in the Waterpark at West Edmonton Mall

Day 14 drive time: 1 hr 13 min, 96 km (60 mi)

Day 14

Edmonton & Elk Island National Park

Natural beauty is followed by works of art on the final day of your road trip.

The Art Gallery of Alberta and downtown city lights at night in Edmonton.