Winter Rockies Adventure: Jasper → Edmonton → Calgary → Banff & Lake Louise (Dec 26‑Dec 31 2025)

Day 1: Arrival & Exploration in Jasper

Morning: Arrive at Jasper Airport and check into your lodge. Take a brief stroll along the Jasper Townsite to soak in the mountain ambience and enjoy a hot chocolate at a local café.

Afternoon: Ride the Jasper SkyTram for panoramic views of the snow‑capped Rockies, then explore the nearby Whistlers Mountain trail for quick photo stops.

Evening: Dine at a cozy restaurant on Ridge Street and, if conditions permit, join a guided Northern Lights tour just outside town.

Day 2: Jasper to Edmonton (Train)

Morning: Visit Maligne Canyon for an icy walk along its frozen waterfalls, then head back to the station.

Afternoon: Board the VIA Rail train to Edmonton (approximately 4 hours). Enjoy scenic views of the Icefields Parkway from the comfort of the carriage.

Evening: Arrive in Edmonton, check into your downtown hotel, and explore the festive lights on Whyte Avenue while sampling local craft beers.

Day 3: Edmonton Highlights & Travel to Calgary (Bus)

Morning: Tour the Royal Alberta Museum to learn about Indigenous cultures and the province’s natural history.

Afternoon: Visit the massive West Edmonton Mall for shopping and indoor ice‑skating, then catch a Greyhound/Alberta Bus to Calgary (≈3 hours).

Evening: Arrive in Calgary, settle into your accommodation, and stroll along the illuminated Calgary Tower observation deck for city views.

Day 4: Calgary Exploration

Morning: Discover the historic Stephen Avenue district with its boutique shops and winter markets.

Afternoon: Head to the Glenbow Museum for art and artifacts, then warm up at the nearby Calgary Zoo’s Penguin Plunge.

Evening: Enjoy a dinner of Alberta beef at a steakhouse, followed by a night‑cap at a rooftop bar overlooking the Bow River.

Day 5: Banff National Park – Banff Townsite & Hot Springs

Morning: Take the bus to Banff (≈1.5 hours) and wander along Banff Avenue, visiting art galleries and souvenir shops.

Afternoon: Soak in the soothing waters of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, then ski or snowshoe at the nearby Sunshine Village slopes.

Evening: Dine at a mountain‑view restaurant and, if weather permits, join a starlit snowshoe walk to spot the Northern Lights.

Day 6: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

Morning: Travel to Lake Louise and take a guided snowshoe trek around the frozen lake, with the iconic chalet as backdrop.

Afternoon: Continue to Moraine Lake (seasonal access) for breathtaking winter photography, then return to Banff.

Evening: Celebrate the trip’s end with a farewell dinner at the historic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, enjoying live music by the fireplace.

Time and Cost Estimates

• Jasper SkyTram – 2 hrs – $35 CAD
• Maligne Canyon – 2 hrs – $15 CAD (parking)
• VIA Rail Jasper → Edmonton – 4 hrs – $120 CAD (coach)
• Royal Alberta Museum – 2 hrs – $18 CAD
• West Edmonton Mall (Ice‑skating) – 2 hrs – $12 CAD
• Greyhound/Alberta Bus Edmonton → Calgary – 3 hrs – $45 CAD
• Calgary Tower – 1 hr – $20 CAD
• Banff Upper Hot Springs – 2 hrs – $10 CAD
• Sunshine Village (Lift Pass) – 4 hrs – $90 CAD
• Lake Louise Snowshoe Tour – 3 hrs – $30 CAD
• Moraine Lake Access – 2 hrs – $15 CAD
• Farewell Dinner at Fairmont Banff – 2 hrs – $80 CAD
• Total Estimated Cost: $610 CAD

Tips

If you have extra time, add a day in Jasper to explore Icefields Parkway up to the Columbia Icefield, or extend your stay in Banff for a full day of skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort. To shorten the trip, skip the Edmonton leg and take a direct flight from Jasper to Calgary, or combine Calgary and Banff into a single day by focusing on the main attractions only.