8-Day Alberta, Canada Family-Friendly Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Calgary Tower
    15 minutes (6.1 km) from Calgary Zoo

    Take in breathtaking views of the city and enjoy the glass floor.

  2. Day 2: Banff Gondola
    2 hours (127 km) from Calgary Tower

    Take a scenic ride to the top of the mountain and enjoy panoramic views from the observation deck.

  3. Day 3: Lake Louise
    1.5 hours (68.7 km) from Banff Gondola

    View the stunning turquoise water and surrounding glaciers. Hiking and canoeing are available.

  4. Day 4: Johnston Canyon
    30 minutes (26.4 km) from Lake Louise

    Hike through the lush forest, listen to the sound of waterfalls.

  5. Day 5: Icefields Parkway
    3 hours (232 km) from Johnston Canyon

    Drive this scenic route and stop at Athabasca Glacier and Bow Lake.

  6. Day 6: Jasper National Park
    2.5 hours (231 km) from Icefields Parkway

    Explore this massive national park and stop at Maligne Canyon and Miette Hot Springs.

  7. Day 7: Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology
    4 hours (358 km) from Jasper National Park

    Step back in time and learn about the prehistoric creatures that roamed the earth.

  8. Day 8: Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump
    2 hours and 15 minutes (208 km) from Royal Tyrrell Museum

    Learn about the history of the Indigenous culture in Alberta and see the ancient buffalo hunting grounds.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Calgary Tower (1-2 hours, 18 CAD)
  • Banff Gondola (2-3 hours, 65 CAD)
  • Lake Louise (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Johnston Canyon (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Icefields Parkway (6-8 hours, Free)
  • Jasper National Park (1-2 days, 10 CAD/person)
  • Royal Tyrrell Museum of Paleontology (2-3 hours, 21 CAD/adult, 14 CAD/child)
  • Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (2-3 hours, 15 CAD/adult, 10 CAD/child)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 148 CAD per adult, 108 CAD per child

Useful Tips

If you have more time, consider adding the following: Moraine Lake, Calgary Zoo, Lake Minnewanka, Columbia Icefield, and Vermilion Lakes. If you have less time, consider skipping Johnston Canyon or Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump.

0