10-Day Nature Itinerary for Canadian Rockies

  1. Day 1: Banff National Park - Moraine Lake
    1 hour from Calgary (77 miles)

    Visit the stunning blue waters of Moraine Lake, take a hike to Larch Valley and Sentinel Pass for an incredible view of the park.

  2. Day 2: Banff National Park - Johnston Canyon
    30 minutes (10 miles) from downtown Banff

    Take a hike to see the lower and upper waterfalls of Johnston Canyon, and continue the hike to the Ink Pots.

  3. Day 3: Jasper National Park - Maligne Lake
    3 hours from Banff (180 miles)

    Enjoy a scenic drive and hike along the stunning blue waters of Maligne Lake. Take a boat tour to Spirit Island for great photo opportunities.

  4. Day 4: Jasper National Park - Athabasca Glacier
    1 hour from Jasper (58 miles)

    Visit the Columbia Icefield and walk on the Athabasca Glacier or take a glacier tour. Enjoy a stop at the Glacier Skywalk for a stunning view.

  5. Day 5: Yoho National Park - Takakkaw Falls
    2.5 hours from Jasper (114 miles)

    Hike to Canada's second-highest waterfall, Takakkaw Falls, and explore the breathtaking Yoho National Park.

  6. Day 6: Kootenay National Park - Marble Canyon
    1 hour from Banff (54 miles)

    Take a leisurely walk along the canyon and marvel at the icy blue waters of the creek.

  7. Day 7: Banff National Park - Lake Louise
    45 minutes (36 miles) from downtown Banff

    Visit the iconic Lake Louise with its turquoise waters, hike to Plain of Six Glaciers for stunning views, or take a horseback ride for a unique experience.

  8. Day 8: Banff National Park - Bow River
    15 minutes from downtown Banff

    Enjoy a scenic walk along the Bow River and take in the beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, wildlife, and nature.

  9. Day 9: Banff National Park - Sulphur Mountain
    10 minutes (5 miles) from downtown Banff

    Ride the Banff Gondola or hike up Sulphur Mountain for stunning panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies.

  10. Day 10: Kananaskis Country - Spray Lakes
    1 hour from Calgary (67 miles)

    Take a scenic drive or hike through the beautiful Spray Lakes, enjoy a picnic or fishing by the lake, and indulge in the natural beauty of Alberta.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Moraine Lake (2-3 hours, free)
  • Johnston Canyon (2-3 hours, free)
  • Maligne Lake (4-5 hours, $65 CAD for boat tour)
  • Athabasca Glacier (2-3 hours, $70 CAD for glacier walk)
  • Takakkaw Falls (2-3 hours, free)
  • Marble Canyon (1-2 hours, free)
  • Lake Louise (2-3 hours, free)
  • Bow River (1-2 hours, free)
  • Sulphur Mountain (2-3 hours, $64 CAD for gondola ride)
  • Spray Lakes (2-3 hours, free)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $199 CAD

Useful Tips

For more time, consider adding a visit to the beautiful Jasper townsite and hot springs. For less time, consider skipping Lake Louise and Sulphur Mountain. Remember to dress appropriately for weather changes and bring plenty of water and snacks for hiking.

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