6-Day Itinerary for Calgary, Banff, and Jasper

  1. Day 1: Calgary
    30-minute drive from Calgary International Airport

    Begin your trip exploring the beautiful city of Calgary. Visit the Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city, and then head to the Glenbow Museum to learn more about Calgary's history and culture.

  2. Day 2: Banff
    1.5-hour drive from Calgary

    Discover the stunning beauty of Banff National Park. Start with a hike in Johnston Canyon to see the picturesque waterfalls and continue on to the serene Moraine Lake for unparalleled views of the mountains and lake. End the day with a soak in the natural hot springs at the Banff Upper Hot Springs.

  3. Day 3: Banff
    20-minute drive from previous location

    Take a scenic drive on the Icefields Parkway and stop at Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre for a guided tour and the opportunity to walk on a glacier. Continue on to the Athabasca Falls for breathtaking views of the waterfall and canyon. Wrap up your day at Lake Louise, known for its turquoise-colored water and stunning mountain backdrop.

  4. Day 4: Jasper
    3-hour drive from Banff

    Explore the charming town of Jasper, surrounded by the beautiful Jasper National Park. Begin with a scenic drive on the Maligne Lake Road to see the Medicine Lake and the iconic Spirit Island. Then, head to the Maligne Canyon for a hike through the dramatic limestone walls and waterfalls. Wrap up the day with a ride on the Jasper SkyTram for panoramic views of the Rockies.

  5. Day 5: Jasper
    30-minute drive from previous location

    Visit the wildlife of Jasper National Park with a tour to Maligne Lake for a wildlife cruise, where you can spot grizzly bears, moose, and bald eagles. Head to the Mount Edith Cavell for amazing views of the Angel Glacier and Icefall. End the day with a relaxing soak at the scenic Miette Hot Springs.

  6. Day 6: Jasper to Calgary
    4-hour drive to Calgary International Airport

    On your way back to Calgary, stop at the unique Banff Hoodoos, eerie rock formations with picturesque views of the Bow River. Shop for souvenirs in the quaint town of Banff before heading back to the airport for your flight home.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Calgary Tower (1 hour, C$18)
  • Glenbow Museum (2 hours, C$16)
  • Johnston Canyon hike (2-4 hours, free)
  • Moraine Lake (1-2 hours, free with park pass)
  • Banff Upper Hot Springs (2 hours, C$8)
  • Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre (2 hours, C$55)
  • Athabasca Falls (1 hour, free)
  • Lake Louise (2-3 hours, free with park pass)
  • Medicine Lake Road (3 hours, free with park pass)
  • Maligne Canyon (2 hours, free with park pass)
  • Jasper SkyTram (2 hours, C$50)
  • Maligne Lake wildlife cruise (2 hours, C$69)
  • Mount Edith Cavell (2 hours, free with park pass)
  • Miette Hot Springs (2 hours, C$8)
  • Total Estimated Costs: C$292

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, consider adding a visit to Banff National Park's hot springs or a hike in Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. If you have less time, skip the Maligne Lake wildlife cruise and the visit to Mount Edith Cavell and the Hoodoos. Don't forget to pack for variable mountain weather, including rain gear and warm layers.

0