Collect rental at Calgary International Airport; choose an SUV or wagon for comfort and some gravel capability. Allow 45–90 minutes for paperwork and vehicle check.
Set up camp at Tunnel Mountain (close to town and trailheads). Note many campgrounds fill quickly; pre-book where possible. Facilities and potable water on site.
Take the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views. Gondola typically operates from ~8:30am–5:30pm in summer but check seasonal times and book tickets ahead.
Drive early to Moraine Lake for sunrise (road access and shuttle times are seasonal—arrive early or take the shuttle/reservation to secure access). The valley and Rockpile viewpoint are iconic.
Explore Emerald Lake (canoes ~8:00am–6:00pm), take the lakeshore walk, and stop at Natural Bridge; Emerald Lake is about 40 min from Lake Louise and rewards with fewer crowds.
Short stop at Takakkaw Falls (seasonal flow excellent by summer) and Spiral Tunnels viewpoint; allow time for photos and short walks. Falls area accessibility varies—check seasonal road and parking info.
First major Icefields Parkway viewpoint—Peyto Lake viewpoint is a short walk from the lot and spectacular in morning light. Parking can fill; aim for early arrival.
Stop at Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre; Glacier Adventure (oversnow or glacier tour) typically runs daytimes—book in advance. Visitor Centre hours generally ~9:00am–5:00pm in summer.
CAD149 (approx. Glacier Adventure tour price, subject to change), 2h30m
Visit Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls—short walks from parking provide dramatic canyon and waterfall views. Access generally all day but visitor centre hours vary.
Head to Maligne Lake early (approx 45 min drive) to beat crowds; boat cruises often run from ~9:00am–5:00pm—book tickets ahead if you want the cruise to Spirit Island.
Begin the return down the Icefields Parkway, stopping at Mistaya Canyon and Bow Lake viewpoints—take your time for photos. Travel time is flexible depending on stops.
Return to Lake Louise or choose to stay at a campground closer to Banff (Tunnel Mountain) depending on availability; settle in for an easier following day.
Short hikes and interpretive sites in Kootenay NP: Marble Canyon is a brief scenic boardwalk, Paint Pots show ochre-coloured mineral deposits. Access generally all day; visitor centres seasonal.
Soak in the Radium Hot Springs pools (typically open 9:00am–10:00pm) to relax after driving and hiking; check exact opening times and book if required in busy periods.
Visit the Meadows in the Sky Parkway (seasonal—typically open mid-June to September; check current status) and hike short alpine trails and Giant Cedars Boardwalk.
Explore Rogers Pass Centre and short hikes to viewpoints and the Illecillewaet Glacier outlook (visitor centre hours commonly ~9:00am–5:00pm in summer).
Lunch on arrival to Calgary or in Canmore depending on timing; return rental car later in the day if you prefer to fly out the same evening (or keep car if driving on).
Buffer day for weather delays, extra exploring (Drumheller dinosaur park—2h drive each way) or to rest before your departure. Good insurance day in a multi-week road trip.
Board your flight or continue onward. Keep records of campsite receipts and any Park passes; consider purchasing a Parks Canada Discovery Pass if you anticipate future visits.