The city of Vancouver is surrounded by water and mountains, making it a thriving urban centre that also offers adventure activities. Visit Stanley Park, a 405-hectare public park that includes a variety of attractions, such as the Vancouver Aquarium and totem poles. Take a stroll around the historic Gastown district and visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.
Jasper is a great place to explore nature in all its glory. Take a hike in Maligne Canyon, a deep gorge with waterfalls and fossils. Drive along the Icefields Parkway and visit the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass-bottomed observation deck that provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Lake Louise is a natural wonder that boasts crystal-clear turquoise water surrounded by rugged mountains. Take a hike in Lake Louise Hiking Trail that rewards you with stunning views from above. Visit the Lake Louise Ski Resort to ski or snowboard during the winter months or take a scenic gondola ride to the top of the mountain.
Banff is a stunning mountain town that's surrounded by the beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rockies. Visit The Banff Centre, an arts and cultural centre that hosts world-class performances and events. Explore the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where the first national park in Canada was established. Lastly, take a tour or hike around the Johnston Canyon trail to see the stunning waterfalls and wildlife.
On your last day, take a scenic drive to Emerald Lake and wander around the beautiful emerald green water. Alternatively, visit the Moraine Lake to take a hike and have a picnic. Head back to Banff to end your adventure guide, relaxed and rejuvenated.
You can explore this guide by renting a car, taking a taxi service or book a shuttle service in each city. Although renting a car provides flexibility, the costs can be expensive based on the distance and duration of your adventure guide. It might be best to opt for a shuttle service or taxi if you travel solo or with a small group. This adventure guide assumes you have a rental car to provide the most flexible experience in terms of time-management and spontaneous stops, but alternative transit options can work well too with a bit of planning.
If you have more time, consider visiting Banff Upper Hot Springs or taking a dip in Johnson Lake. If you have less time, consider skipping the visit to Vancouver to spend more time in Banff. You can also add a stop at another scenic and enjoyable hike location to your journey to Lake Louise, after the Icefields Parkway.
The closest airport to the itinerary is Calgary International Airport (YYC) which is approximately 88 miles (141 km) east of Banff. Travelers have the option to take a shuttle or taxi service to reach Banff or rent a car for the route.