Ultimate 8-Night Adventure: 3 Days in Vancouver and 5 Nights in Banff & Jasper National Parks

Day 1: Explore Vancouver City

Vancouver, Canada on May 14, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jam Cafe

Start your day with hearty, classic breakfast dishes at Jam Cafe, renowned for its vintage charm and delicious comfort food. Opens at 8:00am, perfect for an early start.
CAD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Stanley Park

Explore Vancouver’s iconic urban park by walking or renting a bike around the seawall while enjoying coastal views, totem poles, and lush forest trails. Park open all day, no entrance fee.
CAD0, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Go Fish Oceanside

Enjoy fresh seafood with views of the water at this popular casual outdoor spot near Granville Island, known for its fish tacos and sustainable practices. Open 11am-6pm.
CAD25, 1h

2:30pm

Granville Island Public Market

Browse artisanal foods, local art, and craft shops in this vibrant market area. Great for finding unique souvenirs and sampling local treats.
CAD0, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Miku Restaurant

Experience upscale Japanese cuisine with a waterfront view, famous for its aburi sushi and elegant atmosphere. Reservations recommended. Open until 10pm.
CAD50, 1.5h

Day 2: Cultural & Urban Highlights

Vancouver, Canada on May 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Artigiano

Grab a artisan coffee and a light breakfast in downtown Vancouver at this cozy café known for quality espresso and pastries. Opens at 7am.
CAD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Visit Vancouver Art Gallery

Explore Canadian and international contemporary art in this downtown gallery. It opens daily at 10am, plan to arrive around then for opening.
CAD24, 2h

11:30am

Walk Through Gastown

Discover the charm of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood with cobblestone streets, trendy shops, and the famous steam clock. Great for photography and light exploration.
CAD0, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Flying Pig

Enjoy a laid-back lunch featuring West Coast comfort food in the gastown district with a rustic flair. Open daily from 11:30am.
CAD30, 1h

2:00pm

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Experience the thrill of walking across a historic suspension bridge and explore treetop adventures surrounded by rainforest. Park hours 9am–7pm.
CAD55, 2h

5:00pm

Dinner at Blue Water Cafe

Dine on sustainable seafood with innovative West Coast cuisine in Yaletown’s upscale environment. Open until 10pm; reservations recommended.
CAD60, 1.5h

Day 3: Nature and Departure

Vancouver, Canada on May 16, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Purebread

Treat yourself to freshly baked pastries and coffee at this beloved bakery popular among locals. Opens at 8am.
CAD12, 0h45m

8:30am

Grouse Mountain

Take the Skyride gondola to the mountain summit for panoramic views over Vancouver and nearby mountains. Activities include hiking trails and wildlife exhibits. Opens at 9am.
CAD65, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Altitudes Bistro

Located at Grouse Mountain summit, enjoy lunch with spectacular views and fresh ingredients. Open until 3pm.
CAD35, 1h

2:30pm

Travel to Banff

Fly or drive from Vancouver to Calgary and transfer to Banff (~2 hours drive). Settle in and relax after your journey.
Variable, 4h

Day 4: Banff National Park

Banff, Canada on May 17, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Enjoy artisanal baked goods and organic coffee in downtown Banff to start your day energized. Opens at 7am.
CAD15, 0h45m

9:00am

Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain

Ride the gondola for stunning panoramic views and explore the mountain boardwalk. Open 8:30am–7pm.
CAD65, 3h

12:30pm

Lunch at Sky Bistro

Dine at the summit restaurant offering alpine cuisine with breathtaking views. Open 11:30am–3pm.
CAD40, 1h

2:00pm

Explore Banff Avenue and Town

Walk the charming streets with shops, galleries, and local breweries. Great for souvenir shopping and soaking the local culture.
CAD0, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at The Maple Leaf

Experience Canadian-inspired dishes with a cozy ambiance. Reservations recommended. Open until 9pm.
CAD50, 1.5h

Day 5: Banff Lake Day

Banff, Canada on May 18, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Evelyn's Coffee Bar

Quick, quality coffee and breakfast options to fuel up before a day outside. Opens at 7am.
CAD12, 0h30m

8:00am

Lake Louise Exploration

Visit the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Louise and enjoy easy hiking trails or canoe rentals (seasonal). Area open year-round.
CAD30 for canoe rental, 4h

12:30pm

Lunch at Chateau Lake Louise

Have a scenic meal overlooking the lake at the Fairmont Chateau restaurant. Reservations suggested. Open 11am–3pm.
CAD45, 1h

2:00pm

Moraine Lake Visit

Head to Moraine Lake for iconic mountain views and hiking trails like the Rockpile Trail. Open daylight hours; best visited mid-afternoon for lighting.
CAD0, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Magpie & Stump

Enjoy Southwestern-inspired casual dining with a friendly atmosphere back in Banff. Open until 9pm.
CAD40, 1.5h

Day 6: Icefields Parkway Journey

Banff to Jasper, Canada on May 19, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Early breakfast to prepare for the scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway.
CAD15, 0h45m

8:00am

Drive Icefields Parkway

Drive the breathtaking Icefields Parkway, stopping at key viewpoints like Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. The route leads naturally north towards Jasper. Entire drive ~3.5 hours without stops.
CAD0, 6h including stops

12:00pm

Visit Athabasca Glacier

Take the Glacier Adventure tour to walk on the Athabasca Glacier with a specialized vehicle. Tours run daily 9am–5pm, booking recommended.
CAD100, 2h

3:00pm

Arrive Jasper and check-in

Settle into your accommodation in Jasper after a scenic afternoon.
Variable, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Jasper Brewing Company

Casual dinner with delicious pub food and a wide selection of beers, local favorites. Open until 10pm.
CAD35, 1.5h

Day 7: Jasper National Park

Jasper, Canada on May 20, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Coco's Coffee House

Local favorite for coffee and light breakfast options. Opens at 7:30am.
CAD12, 0h45m

9:00am

Maligne Lake Boat Tour

Take the iconic boat cruise to Spirit Island, a highlight of Jasper. Tours run from 9am to late afternoon; book tickets in advance.
CAD80, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Maligne Lake Chalet

Relax and enjoy lunch with beautiful lake views at the chalet near the boat dock. Open during tour hours.
CAD30, 1h

2:30pm

Explore Jasper Town

Walk around the downtown area, visit shops and the Jasper Yellowhead Museum for local history. Museum open 10am–5pm.
CAD12, 2h

5:30pm

Dinner at Fiddle River Restaurant

Enjoy fine dining focusing on regional cuisine with comfortable ambiance. Reservations advised. Closes by 9pm.
CAD50, 1.5h

Day 8: Jasper Nature & Departure

Jasper, Canada on May 21, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bear's Paw Bakery

Grab pastries and coffee at this popular local bakery to fuel your last day. Opens at 7am.
CAD12, 0h30m

8:00am

Hike Maligne Canyon

Explore one of the most beautiful canyons with easy-to-moderate trails, waterfalls, and bridges. Open daylight hours, free entry.
CAD0, 3h

11:30am

Lunch at Jasper Pizza Place

Enjoy casual and delicious pizza or pasta before departing Jasper. Open daily 11:30am–10pm.
CAD20, 1h

1:00pm

Travel to Calgary or Edmonton Airport

Drive approximately 4 hours to Calgary Airport or 3.5 hours to Edmonton Airport for your departure flight.
Variable, 4h