4-Day Scenic Adventure from Jasper to Banff through the Canadian Rockies

Day 1: Explore Jasper

Jasper, Canada on June 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Jasper Brewing Company

Start your day with a hearty breakfast featuring locally sourced ingredients; open from 8am to 11am to energize you for outdoor adventures.

CAD20, 1h

9:30am

Maligne Canyon Hike

Explore one of the deepest canyons in the Rockies, famous for its waterfalls and limestone cliffs. It's a relatively easy hike with stunning views; open access year-round.

Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Maligne Lake Chalet

Enjoy a lakeside lunch featuring sandwiches and local fare, perfectly situated to rest before your afternoon activities.

CAD25, 1h

1:00pm

Maligne Lake Cruise

Take a 90-minute guided boat tour to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies; tours depart between 10am and 4pm during summer.

CAD70, 1h30m

3:00pm

Visit Medicine Lake

Drive 20 minutes to Medicine Lake, known for its unique disappearing waters phenomenon. Stop for photos and a relaxing walk around the lake.

Free, 1h

5:00pm

Dinner at The Raven Bistro

Enjoy a cozy dinner with contemporary Canadian cuisine, open until 9pm, perfect to unwind after an active day.

CAD40, 1h30m

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Day 2: Columbia Icefields Adventure

Columbia Icefields, Canada on June 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Bear’s Paw Bakery

Grab fresh pastries and coffee to fuel your day before heading out; bakery opens at 7am.

CAD15, 30m

8:30am

Drive to Columbia Icefields

Travel south along the Icefields Parkway, enjoying scenic stops along the highway on your way to the Icefields.

Fuel Costs, 2h

10:30am

Columbia Icefield Glacier Skywalk and Ice Explorer Tour

Experience the thrilling Glacier Skywalk for panoramic views and a guided Ice Explorer tour onto Athabasca Glacier; open from 8:30am to 5pm in summer.

CAD110, 3h

1:30pm

Lunch at Glacier View Inn

Dine with spectacular glacier views, offering casual dining and snacks; open noon to 4pm.

CAD30, 1h

2:30pm

Drive to Emerald Lake

Continue your journey south to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, approximately 1h drive with photo stops along the way.

Fuel Costs, 1h

3:30pm

Explore Emerald Lake

Walk the 5km trail around emerald-hued waters, kayak rentals available; park open year-round with no entry fee but parking charges apply.

CAD15 for parking and kayak rental, 2h

6:00pm

Dinner at Emerald Lake Lodge

Taste rustic cuisine with locally inspired dishes in a charming lakeside setting; dinner service starts at 5pm.

CAD50, 1h30m

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Day 3: Lake Louise and Banff

Lake Louise, Canada on June 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Lake Louise Village Grill

Fuel up with a classic breakfast near Lake Louise; open from 7am to 11am.

CAD20, 1h

8:30am

Visit Lake Louise

Spend the morning enjoying the iconic turquoise waters, rent a canoe or take an easy lakeside walk; parking fees apply.

CAD12 parking, CAD45 canoe rental, 2h

11:00am

Drive to Banff

A short 45-minute scenic drive to Banff townsite, perfect for your afternoon activities.

Fuel Costs, 45m

12:00pm

Lunch at The Maple Leaf

Savor Canadian fare in an elegant Banff setting; open daily noon to 9pm.

CAD35, 1h

1:30pm

Banff Gondola Ride

Ascend Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views over Banff and surrounding peaks; gondola operates 8am to 9pm in summer.

CAD65, 2h

4:00pm

Explore Banff Avenue Shops

Stroll the vibrant main street filled with boutiques and cafes, perfect for souvenirs and relaxation.

Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at The Bison Restaurant

Enjoy farm-to-table dishes with an emphasis on Alberta ingredients, featuring cozy ambiance; reservation recommended.

CAD50, 1h30m

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Day 4: Johnston Canyon Hiking

Banff, Canada on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Wild Flour Bakery

Grab fresh artisanal baked goods and coffee to start your day; open from 7am.

CAD15, 30m

8:30am

Hike Johnston Canyon

Explore the spectacular canyon with waterfalls and catwalks; the Lower Falls trail is about 1.1 km, and the hike can be extended to Upper Falls. Open daylight hours, no fee but parking charges apply.

CAD12 parking, 3h