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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.

When are you going?
Add your start date and we'll check in at two weeks out, one week out, and the day before — bookings, packing, and a day-one brief. Reply to any of them if plans change.
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