7-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for the Canadian Rockies
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.