7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for the Canadian Rockies

  1. Day 1: Banff National Park
    Estimated time and distance from Calgary - 1 hour 30 minutes (80 miles)

    Take a dip in the hot springs of Banff Upper Hot Springs, followed by a guided tour of the noteworthy Banff Springs Hotel.

  2. Day 2: Lake Louise
    Estimated time and distance from Banff National Park - 50 minutes (40 miles)

    Visit the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and rent a canoe. Checkout the view of the glaciers from the Lake Louise Ski Resort gondola.

  3. Day 3: Icefields Parkway
    Estimated time and distance from Lake Louise - 3 hours (140 miles)

    Stop in Jasper National Park and take a walk on the Athabasca Glacier. Enjoy the view of the valley from the Glacier Skywalk.

  4. Day 4: Jasper National Park
    Estimated time and distance from Icefields Parkway - 1 hour 15 minutes (55 miles)

    Explore the trails in Maligne Canyon and enjoy the picturesque views at Medicine Lake.

  5. Day 5: Kananaskis Country
    Estimated time and distance from Jasper National Park - 3 hours 30 minutes (190 miles)

    Take a scenic drive to Kananaskis and try your hand at kayaking or paddle boarding. Enjoy the sunset at Barrier Lake.

  6. Day 6: Yoho National Park
    Estimated time and distance from Kananaskis Country - 2 hours (95 miles)

    Checkout the view of the Takakkaw Falls, followed by the unique natural bridge formation at the Kicking Horse River.

  7. Day 7: Calgary
    Estimated time and distance from Yoho National Park - 2 hours (115 miles)

    Visit the first-ever Heritage Park, followed by the Calgary Zoo. Don't leave without experiencing the Calgary Tower observation deck.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Banff Upper Hot Springs (2-3 hours, CAD 12-16)
  • Banff Springs Hotel (1 hour, free)
  • Lake Louise (2-3 hours, free)
  • Lake Louise Ski Resort gondola (1-2 hours, CAD 30-45)
  • Athabasca Glacier (2 hours, CAD 85)
  • Glacier Skywalk (1 hour, CAD 32)
  • Maligne Canyon (2 hours, free)
  • Medicine Lake (1 hour, free)
  • Kananaskis Country (5-6 hours, CAD 20-40 for rentals)
  • Takakkaw Falls (1 hour, free)
  • Natural Bridge (1 hour, free)
  • Heritage Park (3 hours, CAD 28-35)
  • Calgary Zoo (3-4 hours, CAD 28-35)
  • Calgary Tower (1-2 hours, CAD 15-20)
  • Total Estimated Costs (per person): CAD 365-455

Useful Tips

For additional days, you can visit more National Parks in the area. Consider adding a hike at Johnston Canyon or Souk Falls in Banff, or try bobsledding in Calgary Olympic Park. For fewer days, prioritize the must-sees such as Lake Louise and Yoho National Park. Dress warmly as the temperature can fluctuate throughout the day.

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