Morning: Depart Spruce Grove early and drive the 30‑minute stretch to Calgary, checking into your downtown hotel. Take a quick walk along Stephen Avenue to stretch your legs after the drive.
Afternoon: Explore the vibrant Calgary Tower for panoramic city views, then head to the Glenbow Museum to immerse yourself in local art and history.
Evening: Dine at a lively restaurant on 17th Avenue SW, and enjoy the illuminated skyline from the Stephen Avenue promenade.
Find HotelsMorning: Set off on the 1.5‑hour drive along the Trans‑Canada Highway, stopping in Canmore for coffee and mountain views.
Afternoon: Arrive in Banff and stroll along Banff Avenue, visiting boutique shops and the historic Banff Park Museum nestled beside the Bow River.
Evening: Savor a hearty Canadian dinner at a local tavern, then take a relaxed walk around the illuminated Banff Springs Hotel grounds.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to the iconic Lake Louise and hike the Lakeshore Trail for breathtaking turquoise water reflections.
Afternoon: Rent a canoe to paddle on Lake Louise, then explore the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a tea break.
Evening: Unwind at the soothing waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, watching the mountains turn pink at sunset.
**Day 4: Icefields Parkway to Jasper – Alpine Wonders**Morning: Begin the legendary Icefields Parkway drive, stopping at the striking Peyto Lake viewpoint for photo ops.
Afternoon: Visit the Columbia Icefield and take the guided tour onto the Athabasca Glacier, followed by a thrilling experience on the Glacier Skywalk.
Evening: Arrive in Jasper, check into your lodge, and explore the charming Jasper townsite with its local eateries.
Find HotelsMorning: Drive to Maligne Lake and enjoy a scenic boat cruise to Spirit Island, one of Canada’s most photographed spots.
Afternoon: Hike the nearby Maligne Canyon trail to marvel at dramatic waterfalls and limestone walls, keeping an eye out for wildlife.
Evening: End the day with stargazing at the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve, a UNESCO‑recognized site offering crystal‑clear night skies.
Find HotelsIf you have extra time, consider adding a day in Calgary to explore the Canada Olympic Park or extending your stay in Jasper for a wildlife safari in the early morning. To shorten the trip, you can combine Day 3 and Day 4 by skipping the Icefields Parkway stops and heading directly to Jasper, though you’ll miss the spectacular alpine vistas.