Morning: Begin your journey departing from Seattle, heading north through Washington’s scenic landscapes. Enjoy the lush forests and mountain views as you approach the Canadian border.
Afternoon: Cross the border into Canada and continue to Hope, British Columbia. Explore the charming town and stretch your legs with a walk through the Othello Tunnels, where you’ll witness historic railway tunnels and stunning river gorges.
Evening: Stay overnight in Hope, enjoy a local dinner, and prepare for the mountainous drive ahead.
Find HotelsMorning: Depart Hope early and drive through the incredible Canadian Rockies on the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1). Stop at Kamloops for coffee and a quick stretch.
Afternoon: Continue to Jasper National Park. Arrive in Jasper and take a short hike to Maligne Canyon to see deep limestone gorges and rushing water.
Evening: Relax in Jasper town, enjoy dinner at a local bistro, and prepare for an early start into the wilderness.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive from Jasper to Banff along the famous Icefields Parkway. Stop at Peyto Lake for breathtaking turquoise glacial water views and great photo opportunities.
Afternoon: Visit the Columbia Icefield area and take a guided tour onto the glacier or explore the Glacier Skywalk for panoramic views of the Rockies and valley below.
Evening: Arrive in Banff, stroll through the town’s shops and restaurants, and settle in with stunning mountain backdrops.
Find HotelsMorning: Explore Lake Louise and, if time permits, hike to the stunning Lake Agnes Tea House. The crystal-clear lake is framed by snowy peaks creating iconic scenery.
Afternoon: Visit the Moraine Lake, another glacial lake known for its vibrant blue-green waters surrounded by towering peaks. Enjoy a canoe ride or a gentle hike.
Evening: Return to Banff for an evening of relaxation and enjoy local cuisine in one of the historic lodges or restaurants.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive from Banff to Calgary, take a brief exploration of Calgary's downtown including the iconic Calgary Tower.
Afternoon: Fly from Calgary to Anchorage, Alaska. Upon arrival, pick up a rental car and start your Alaskan adventure.
Evening: Settle into Anchorage, explore the waterfront area and try some fresh Alaskan seafood for dinner.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive along Turnagain Arm from Anchorage to Seward, keeping an eye out for beluga whales and Dall sheep along the way.
Afternoon: Take a boat tour of Kenai Fjords National Park to see spectacular glaciers, including the iconic Exit Glacier, and abundant marine wildlife such as sea otters and puffins.
Evening: Overnight in Seward and enjoy local Alaskan dishes with views of the bay.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive north from Seward to Talkeetna. Stop at scenic lookouts along the way including views of Mount Denali on clear days.
Afternoon: Explore the quirky town of Talkeetna, known for its arts scene and mountain guide headquarters.
Evening: Stay overnight in Talkeetna and enjoy the relaxed pace and local hospitality.
Find HotelsMorning: Head to Denali National Park, a vast wilderness home to North America’s tallest peak, Mount Denali. Stop at the visitor center for park information and plan your activities.
Afternoon: Take a guided wildlife tour deep into Denali Park in search of bears, moose, caribou, and wolves.
Evening: Overnight near Denali with options for star gazing and enjoying the quiet wilderness.
Find HotelsMorning: Hike one of the park’s trails such as the Mount Healy Overlook Trail for spectacular views of the tundra and mountains.
Afternoon: Visit the Denali Visitor Center for exhibits or join a ranger-led program.
Evening: Relax at your lodge and savor Alaskan specialties while reflecting on your wilderness experiences.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive north to Fairbanks, Alaska’s Golden Heart City.
Afternoon: Explore Pioneer Park with its museums and historic buildings or visit the University of Alaska Museum of the North for local art and natural history.
Evening: Enjoy an evening stroll along the Chena River and dine at a local favorite.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin the long scenic drive south crossing back into Canada and into the Yukon Territory. Stop in Watson Lake to see the famous Sign Post Forest.
Afternoon: Continue to Whitehorse, the capital of Yukon. Explore local shops and visit the MacBride Museum to learn about Yukon history.
Evening: Stay overnight in Whitehorse, enjoy a quiet evening in this frontier town.
Find HotelsMorning: Begin the long drive south from Whitehorse through British Columbia, retracing your route towards Seattle.
Afternoon: Take breaks in scenic spots along the highway including parts of the Canadian Rockies you enjoyed earlier.
Evening: Arrive back in Seattle, concluding your epic road trip with unforgettable memories of glaciers, wildlife, and mountain landscapes.
Find HotelsTotal estimated cost: $1,410
If you want to extend your trip, consider spending extra days in Denali or adding a side trip to Glacier Bay National Park by boat from Alaska’s coast. To shorten the trip, focus on the Rocky Mountain and Alaskan highlights and skip the Yukon leg, flying directly back from Fairbanks or Anchorage to Seattle. This itinerary balances ample time for scenic drives, wildlife watching, and glacier exploration with comfortable pacing over 12 days.