5-Day Nature-Based Itinerary for Banff and Jasper

1. Day 1: Arrive in Banff
   Estimated drive time from Calgary International Airport: 1 hour 30 minutes (84.6 miles)

   Get settled in your accommodation and then head to the Banff Gondola for stunning panoramic views of the town and surrounding mountains.

2. Day 2: Explore Banff National Park
   Estimated drive time from Banff town center: 5 minutes (1.4 miles)

   Start with a walk around the Bow River Trail, then drive to hike around Johnston Canyon and see the Lower and Upper Falls. End the day with a visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs to relax and unwind.

3. Day 3: Drive to Jasper
   Estimated drive time from Banff town center to Jasper: 3 hours 20 minutes (177 miles)

   Stop at the Peyto Lake Viewpoint and Columbia Icefield Skywalk during the drive to Jasper. Take the Jasper Tramway up Whistlers Mountain for breathtaking views of Jasper National Park before heading back to the town for the night.

4. Day 4: Jasper National Park
   Estimated drive time from Jasper town center: 10 minutes (3 miles)

   Start with a scenic drive along the Maligne Lake Road and stop at the Maligne Canyon to witness spectacular waterfalls and a deep narrow canyon. Take a boat tour to Spirit Island, then visit the Medicine Lake viewpoint, and end the day by soaking in the Miette Hot Springs.

5. Day 5: Visit Lake Louise
   Estimated drive time from Jasper town center: 3 hours and 15 minutes (144 miles)

   A day trip to Lake Louise for some hiking around the lake, canoeing, and bird watching is a must. Visit the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House on the lake’s eastern shore and then return to Banff to spend the night.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Banff Gondola (2 hours, CA$69)
• Bow River Trail (2 hours, Free)
• Johnston Canyon (2-3 hours, Free)
• Banff Upper Hot Springs (2 hours, CA$10.50)
• Peyto Lake Viewpoint (30 minutes, Free)
• Columbia Icefield Skywalk (1 hour, CA$40)
• Jasper Tramway (2 hours, CA$49.95)
• Maligne Canyon (2-3 hours, Free)
• Spirit Island Boat Tour (3 hours, CA$83)
• Medicine Lake viewpoint (30 minutes, Free)
• Miette Hot Springs (2 hours, CA$7.90)
• Lake Louise (3-4 hours, Free)
• Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House (1 hour, CA$10-30)
Total Estimated Costs: CA$309.35 - CA$349.35

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can extend your stay in Banff or Jasper, and visit other places such as Moraine Lake, Bow Lake, Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and more. Alternatively, if you have less time, you can skip the Miette Hot Springs or the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, or shorten your visit to other places.