Ultimate Banff, Jasper & Yoho National Parks Itinerary from Calgary to Golden

Day 1: Calgary Arrival and Icefields Parkway

Calgary to Hinton, AB on August 28, 2025

8:10AM

Arrival at Calgary Airport

Land at Calgary International Airport and pick up rental car for road trip to Hinton via Icefields Parkway.
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9:00AM

Drive to Icefields Parkway and Visit Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint

Start northbound drive towards Hinton. Stop for a quick scenic view at Waterfowl Lakes Viewpoint to enjoy reflections and wildlife sightings.
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10:00AM

Mistaya Canyon

Visit this stunning narrow canyon carved by Mistaya River; an easy walk from the parking lot reveals dramatic rock formations.
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11:30AM

Athabasca Falls

Explore Athabasca Falls with short accessible viewpoints showing powerful waterfalls framed by colorful rocks.
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1:00PM

Lunch in Jasper

Dine at Jasper Brewing Company for a relaxed meal offering local beer and fresh bistro dishes.
CAD20-30, 1h

2:15PM

Sunwapta Falls and Tangle Creek Falls

Stop by these two waterfalls on Icefields Parkway for more nature views and short photo walks.
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4:00PM

Goats and Glacier Lookout (Goat Lick)

Take a brief stop to spot mountain goats and glacier views; great for wildlife photography.
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5:00PM

Check-in at Hinton Accommodation

Arrive and relax at your hotel in Hinton after an active day of driving and sightseeing.
Varies, Evening

7:00PM

Dinner at The Crabby Ducky

Enjoy fresh seafood and comfort food in this popular local spot offering cozy atmosphere.
CAD25-40, 1h
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Day 2: Jasper National Park Full Day

Golden, BC (evening stay) on August 29, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast at Crave Coffee House in Hinton

Start your day with fresh coffee, baked goods, and light breakfast options before heading out.
CAD10-15, 1h

8:00AM

Drive from Hinton to Jasper

Travel about 1h 15m to Jasper townsite to start exploring Jasper National Park.
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9:30AM

Maligne Canyon Loop Hiking

Enjoy the spectacular Maligne Canyon hike, focusing on the 5th bridge for amazing views of the deep gorge.
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12:30PM

Lunch at Jasper Yellowhead Brewery

Fuel up with craft beer and hearty meals in this local microbrewery near Maligne Canyon.
CAD20-30, 1h

1:45PM

Visit Maligne Lake and Medicine Lake

Drive to Maligne Lake, known for its stunning blue water and sightseeing cruises. Visit nearby Medicine Lake with mysterious disappearing water.
0-60 (depending on boat cruise), 3h

4:45PM

Visit Pyramid and Patricia Lakes

A quick visit to these serene lakes for relaxing views and photography opportunities during golden hour.
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6:30PM

Drive to Golden, BC and Check-in

Drive approximately 2.5 hours from Jasper towards Golden, BC for overnight stay.
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9:00PM

Dinner at Whitetooth Brewery, Golden

Enjoy dinner with local craft beer in this vibrant Golden brewery and restaurant.
CAD20-35, 1h
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Day 3: Yoho National Park Exploration

Golden, BC on August 30, 2025

7:30AM

Breakfast at Bean There Coffee Company, Golden

Start with excellent coffee and breakfast sandwiches or pastries.
CAD10-15, 1h

8:30AM

Drive to Yoho National Park

Travel 30-40 minutes from Golden to the Yoho National Park area for a full day of natural attractions.
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9:15AM

Visit Natural Bridge Lower Falls

View rock formations and water erosion creating natural bridge over Kicking Horse River.
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10:00AM

Wapta Falls Hike

Hike to powerful Wapta Falls (approx. 4.5 km round trip); a scenic waterfall in Yoho.
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12:45PM

Lunch at Truffle Pigs Bistro, Field BC

Enjoy fresh, locally inspired dishes in charming Field village inside Yoho National Park.
CAD25-35, 1h

2:00PM

Emerald Lake Visit

Spend time walking along the beautiful turquoise waters of Emerald Lake; rent a canoe if desired.
CAD10 (parking), Canoe rental CAD40/hr, 2h

4:30PM

Takakkaw Falls

Drive to Takakkaw Falls parking lot and view one of Canada’s highest waterfalls; short walk from lot.
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6:00PM

Lower Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint

On return to Golden, stop to see the impressive railway spirals on the Kicking Horse Pass.
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7:00PM

Dinner at Whitebark Cafe, Golden

Relax with locally sourced cuisine and craft beers in a cozy setting.
CAD20-35, 1h
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Day 4: Banff National Park Day Trip

Golden, BC on August 31, 2025

6:30AM

Early Breakfast at hotel in Golden

Grab an early breakfast to maximize your day trip to Banff National Park.
Included or CAD10-15, 30m

7:00AM

Drive Golden to Banff (approx. 2h)

Travel east crossing into Alberta to Banff National Park early in the morning for cooler hiking weather.
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9:15AM

Visit Surprise Corner for Banff Views

Stop at the iconic Surprise Corner viewpoint overlooking Bow River and Castle Mountain.
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10:00AM

Banff Gondola Ride

Ride up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of Banff and surrounding Rockies; opens 8AM-6PM.
CAD64, 2h

12:30PM

Lunch at The Maple Leaf in Banff

Enjoy delicious Canadian cuisine in an acclaimed Banff restaurant.
CAD30-50, 1h

2:00PM

Johnston Canyon Hike to Ink Pots

Hike 3-4 hours round trip to spectacular waterfalls and colorful glassy springs known as the Ink Pots.
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6:00PM

Drive back to Golden

Return 2-hour drive back to your accommodation in Golden for overnight rest.
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8:30PM

Dinner in Golden

Finish the day with dinner at a local favorite such as Rocky Mountain Pizza or Whitetooth Brewery if you prefer a casual meal.
CAD15-30, 1h
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Day 5: Moraine Lake & Lakeside Trails

Golden, BC on September 1, 2025

6:00AM

Early Breakfast and Departure

Start early to beat crowds for your 4PM Moraine Lake shuttle booking; have breakfast at your accommodation or nearby.
Included or CAD10-15, 30m

7:00AM

Drive to Lake Louise

Drive 1h 45m from Golden to Lake Louise; visit Lakeshore Trail and enjoy peaceful morning lakeside views.
CAD11.60 parking fee, 2h

9:30AM

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail

Hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House for mountain views and refreshments; about 3.4 km return trail.
Allergy-friendly snacks purchasable onsite, 2.5h

12:15PM

Lunch at Lake Louise Village

Light lunch or snack options in Lake Louise Village area before heading to next stops.
CAD15-25, 1h

1:30PM

The Beehive Hike

Optional challenging hike for panoramic views around Lake Louise, approx 3.5 km, 2h 30m round trip.
0, 2h30m

4:00PM

Moraine Lake Shuttle Access and Explore Rockpile & Shoreline Trail

Arrive at Moraine Lake via pre-booked shuttle for late afternoon. Enjoy the famous Rockpile viewpoint and shoreline trail.
CAD8 shuttle fee, 2h

7:00PM

Drive back to Golden

Return to Golden for dinner and overnight stay after an active visiting day.
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8:30PM

Dinner at a diner or casual spot in Golden

Relax with comfort food after your adventurous day at a local venue such as Shoppers Drug Mart Cafe or similar.
CAD15-25, 1h
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Day 6: Departure Day with Scenic Stops

Golden to Calgary on September 2, 2025

7:00AM

Breakfast in Golden

Enjoy an early breakfast before checkout to prepare for the return drive to Calgary Airport.
CAD10-15, 1h

8:00AM

Drive from Golden to Banff - Visit Surprise Corner if not covered

Drive 2h to Banff, stop to admire views at Surprise Corner, recharge with fresh air and photos.
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10:30AM

Quick Stop at Bow Lake or Peyto Lake

On way to Calgary, take short scenic walk and photos at Bow Lake or Peyto Lake (weather permitting).
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12:00PM

Lunch in Lake Louise or Field

Choose a convenient spot such as Lake Louise village or a cafe in Field, BC for lunch break.
CAD15-25, 1h

1:30PM

Optional Visit to Yoho National Park Lower Spiral Tunnel

On route, make a quick stop at Lower Spiral Tunnel viewpoint to see engineering marvel on Kicking Horse Pass.
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3:00PM

Continue drive towards Calgary

Head back to Calgary with ample time to reach airport before your 11:30PM flight.
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6:30PM

Early Dinner or Snacks near Calgary Airport

Have a relaxing early dinner or grab snacks at airport area before check-in and security.
CAD15-30, 1h

8:00PM

Return Rental Car and Check-in

Finalize your trip by returning the rental car and proceeding through airport check-in and security.
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11:30PM

Departure Flight

Board your return flight home with wonderful memories of the Canadian Rockies.
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