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Two-Week Active Nature and Microbrewery Road Trip from Ste-Catherine, QC to Banff via Scenic Hikes and Charming Towns

Viewed by 75 travelers

Day 1: Travel and Explore Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay, ON on August 8, 2025

8:00am

Departure from Ste-Catherine

Begin your journey west, aiming towards Thunder Bay as your first stop to break up the drive.
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2:00pm

Hike Sleeping Giant Provincial Park - Top of the Giant Trail

This is a moderate 9 km return hike offering incredible views of Lake Superior and Thunder Bay, perfect for an afternoon adventure.
CAD7.85 (with park pass), 3h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Sleeping Giant Brewing Company

Enjoy craft microbrews and delicious pub fare in a cozy setting, open until 10:00 pm.
25, 1h30m
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Day 2: Kenora and Lake of the Woods

Kenora, ON on August 9, 2025

9:00am

Drive to Kenora from Thunder Bay

Scenic 3.5-hour drive along the Trans-Canada Highway heading west towards Kenora, en route to nature stops.
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1:00pm

Lunch at Lake of the Woods Brewing Company

Savor small-batch craft beers and a tasty pub lunch in a quaint local brewery setting.
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2:30pm

Walk along Keewatin Beach Trail

An easy to moderate lakeside trail perfect for stretching your legs and taking in beautiful views of Lake of the Woods.
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5:00pm

Evening at the Kenora waterfront

Relax by the lake and enjoy the charming small-town vibe.
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Day 3: Winnipeg Exploration

Winnipeg, MB on August 10, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Kenora to Winnipeg

A 2.5 to 3-hour drive heading west into Manitoba, preparing for more outdoor exploration and city microbreweries.
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12:00pm

Lunch at Little Brown Jug Brewing Company

Enjoy one of Winnipeg's most beloved breweries offering classic brews and pub eats in a relaxed setting, open from 11am.
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1:30pm

Walk Beaver Hills Trail at Assiniboine Park

An easy 2-3 km trail that showcases the natural beauty of Assiniboine Park’s forested area.
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3:00pm

Explore The Forks Market and surrounding area

A historic and lively area with shops, eateries, and tranquil river walks.
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6:00pm

Dinner at Torque Brewing Co.

Sample craft beers and comfort food; their kitchen is open till 9pm on Fridays.
30, 1h30m
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Day 4: Riding Mountain National Park

Riding Mountain National Park, MB on August 11, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Winnipeg to Riding Mountain National Park

About a 3-hour drive northwest to this beautiful national park with scenic hikes and wildlife viewing.
CAD7.85 (covered by park pass), 3h0m

11:30am

Hike to Grey Owl’s Cabin via Baldy Lake Trail

Moderate 7.5 km return hike passing through forest and leading to the historic Grey Owl’s cabin at the lakeside.
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3:00pm

Visit Wasagaming townsite and have coffee/snack

Explore this quaint townsite with local shops and eateries, perfect to unwind.
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5:00pm

Dinner at Storm’s Brewing

Known for quality microbrews with a rustic atmosphere; typically open until 9 pm.
30, 1h30m
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Day 5: Grasslands National Park Adventure

Val Marie, SK on August 12, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Riding Mountain to Grasslands National Park

Longer drive of roughly 6 hours heading southwest entering dramatic grassland landscapes.
CAD7.85 (park pass), 6h0m

3:30pm

Take the Sage Creek Trail for Wildlife and Scenery

An easy to moderate trail, about 4.5 km round-trip, known for wildlife spotting including bison and prairie dogs.
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6:00pm

Dinner at Whitetail Grill in Val Marie

Authentic local dining experience in this small town close to Grasslands National Park.
25, 1h30m
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Day 6: Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, AB on August 13, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Val Marie to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Approximate 4-hour drive west crossing into Alberta, with unique hoodoo formations and Indigenous petroglyphs.
CAD7.85 (park pass), 4h0m

12:30pm

Explore Hoodoo Trail

An easy 1.5 km loop highlighting striking sandstone hoodoo formations, perfect for a moderate stroll and photography.
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2:00pm

Cave and Hoodoo Loop Trail

Moderate 3.5 km hike visiting caves and rock art, showcasing the park’s rich history and scenery.
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5:30pm

Dinner at local café in Milk River (nearby town)

Small-town café featuring home-style cooking and local fare.
20, 1h0m
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Day 7: Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton, AB on August 14, 2025

8:00am

Drive to Waterton Lakes National Park

Approximate 3-hour drive north to a stunning park at the edge of the Rocky Mountains.
CAD7.85 (park pass), 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Prince of Wales Hotel Dining Room

Enjoy exquisite views and classic fare at this historic hotel overlooking Waterton Lake.
40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Hike Bear's Hump Trail

A short and moderately steep 2.8 km return hike with panoramic views of the park and townsite.
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4:00pm

Visit Waterton Brewery

Relax and sample locally crafted beers in this cozy microbrewery open till 9 pm.
25, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore Pincher Creek and Surroundings

Pincher Creek, AB on August 15, 2025

9:00am

Drive from Waterton to Pincher Creek

Short 45-minute drive north, Pincher Creek offers quaint small-town charm close to Rocky Mountain hiking trails.
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10:00am

Walk the Pincher Creek Trail and visit local shops

Enjoy the peaceful riverside trail and browse stores in town.
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12:30pm

Lunch at Crazyweed Brewing

Try innovative craft brews and flavorful dishes at this popular microbrewery business in Pincher Creek, usually open by noon.
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2:00pm

Drive to Waterton Lakes for an afternoon lake hike

Return to Waterton (~45 mins) for an afternoon at Cameron Lake trail, an easy 5 km round trip with alpine views.
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6:00pm

Dinner at local food truck or café in Waterton

Enjoy casual dining with a view to end the day.
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Day 9: Journey to Banff with Hikes

Banff, AB on August 16, 2025

8:00am

Drive from Waterton/Pitcher Creek to Banff

Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours driving along scenic routes in Alberta entering the heart of the Rockies.
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1:00pm

Lunch at Park Distillery in Banff

A trendy spot serving local spirits and elevated pub cuisine, open from 11:30 am.
35, 1h0m

2:30pm

Hike Tunnel Mountain Trail

An easy to moderate 5 km loop hike providing panoramic views of Banff and surrounding peaks.
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5:00pm

Visit Banff Avenue Brewing Co.

Enjoy crafted ales in a cozy local brewery a few minutes from the trailhead, open until 9 pm.
25, 1h30m
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Day 10: Banff National Park Hiking

Banff, AB on August 17, 2025

8:00am

Hike Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass Trail

A moderate to difficult full-day 11 km hike known for spectacular alpine scenery and larch tree groves, better visited early and completed by late afternoon.
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3:30pm

Relaxation at Banff townsite

Rest and enjoy the small town atmosphere after your hike, perhaps stroll along the Bow River pathways.
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5:30pm

Dinner at Wild Bill's Legendary Saloon

A local watering hole featuring lively atmosphere and classic pub fare, open until 10 pm.
30, 1h30m
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Day 11: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Lake Louise/Banff, AB on August 18, 2025

7:30am

Drive to Lake Louise

About a 45-minute drive from Banff, an early start recommended to beat crowds at popular spots.
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8:15am

Hike the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail

A moderate 7 km round-trip hike with rewarding views and a historic tea house to rest at (open seasonally).
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12:00pm

Lunch at Lake Louise Village café

Small café offering quick and hearty meals, perfect after a morning hike.
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1:30pm

Visit Moraine Lake and hike Consolation Lakes Trail

Easy 5 km return hike in a stunning turquoise lake setting, less crowded in the afternoon.
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4:30pm

Return to Banff; Dinner at Grizzly Paw Brewing

This Alberta microbrewery offers craft beers and casual dining in Banff’s town centre.
30, 1h30m
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Day 12: Final Banff Day and Departure Prep

Banff, AB on August 19, 2025

9:00am

Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs

Relax in natural hot springs with mountain views from 10:00 am onward; a perfect recovery day activity.
CAD8.85, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Nourish Bistro

A lovely spot serving fresh organic dishes with vegan options, great for a healthy meal before your trip ends.
25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Short walk along Fenland Trail

Easy 2.5 km boardwalk trail through forest and wetlands close to Banff townsite, ideal for a gentle afternoon stroll.
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