The Canadian Rockies represent one of North America's most spectacular landscapes, a pristine wilderness of soaring peaks, turquoise lakes, and ancient glaciers. As a tour guide who has traversed these mountains countless times, I'm excited to share the perfect 7-day itinerary that will allow you to experience the best this breathtaking region has to offer.
Day 1: Calgary to Banff – Gateway to the Rockies
Your Rocky Mountain adventure begins in Calgary, Alberta's vibrant urban center. After picking up your rental car at the airport, head west on the Trans-Canada Highway toward Banff National Park. The transition from prairie to mountains is dramatic and awe-inspiring – keep your camera ready!
Upon arrival in Banff, check into your accommodation and spend the afternoon exploring this charming mountain town. Take a stroll down Banff Avenue with its boutique shops, cafés, and restaurants. For a perfect introduction to the area, ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain (2,281m). The panoramic views from the observation deck are simply spectacular, offering a 360-degree vista of six mountain ranges.
Pro Tip
Purchase Banff Gondola tickets online in advance to avoid long lines, especially during summer months. Visit in late afternoon for softer light that's perfect for photography and smaller crowds.
Day 2: Banff National Park Highlights
Dedicate your second day to exploring the natural wonders around Banff. Start early with a visit to Moraine Lake in the Valley of the Ten Peaks (note: accessible by vehicle typically from June to October). This iconic lake with its distinctive blue-green water is one of the most photographed locations in Canada, and for good reason. Arrive before 8am to secure parking and witness the magical morning light.
Next, head to nearby Lake Louise, another jewel of the Rockies. Take a leisurely hike along the lakeshore trail or, for more adventurous travelers, tackle the 3.5km trail to the Lake Agnes Tea House for refreshments with a view. In the afternoon, visit Johnston Canyon for an easy walk to the Lower and Upper Falls along steel catwalks built into the canyon walls.
Day 3: Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway
Embark on one of the world's most scenic drives – the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). This 230km journey between Banff and Jasper takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, with countless photo opportunities along the way.
Key stops include:
- Bow Lake: A serene mountain lake with Crowfoot Glacier visible in the distance
- Peyto Lake: A short hike leads to a viewpoint overlooking this wolf-shaped lake with its surreal turquoise color
- Columbia Icefield: Take an Ice Explorer tour onto the Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in North America
- Glacier Skywalk: A glass-floored observation platform suspended 280m above the Sunwapta Valley
- Athabasca Falls: Powerful waterfalls carved into the limestone
Arrive in Jasper by evening and settle into your accommodation for a two-night stay.
Pro Tip
The Icefields Parkway is remote with limited services. Fill your gas tank before departing Banff, pack lunch and snacks, and download offline maps as cell service is minimal along this route.
Day 4: Jasper National Park Exploration
Jasper offers a wilder, less crowded experience than Banff, with abundant wildlife and pristine wilderness. Begin your day with a visit to Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in the Rockies, where a network of bridges crosses the narrow gorge with rushing water below.
Continue to Maligne Lake, the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Consider taking the 90-minute scenic boat cruise to Spirit Island, an iconic landmark only accessible by water. In the afternoon, drive to the Miette Hot Springs (the hottest in the Rockies) for a relaxing soak with mountain views.
As evening approaches, join a wildlife viewing tour or drive the Pyramid Lake Road independently – this area is known for elk, deer, moose, and occasionally bears, especially in the softer light of dusk.
Day 5: Jasper to Golden via Yoho National Park
Retrace your route south on the Icefields Parkway, stopping at any sites you missed on the northbound journey. At Lake Louise, continue west into British Columbia and Yoho National Park, a smaller but equally impressive Rocky Mountain park.
Explore Emerald Lake with its striking color and mountain backdrop, and visit the Natural Bridge, where the Kicking Horse River has carved through solid rock. If time permits, take a guided tour of the Burgess Shale fossil beds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing some of the world's most important fossil specimens.
End your day in the town of Golden, a mountain community with a laid-back atmosphere and excellent dining options featuring local ingredients.
Day 6: Golden to Canmore via Kootenay National Park
Head south through Kootenay National Park on Highway 93. This less-visited national park offers spectacular mountain scenery without the crowds. Stop at the Paint Pots, mineral-rich springs that have stained the earth vibrant orange, red, and yellow.
Continue to Radium Hot Springs for a midday soak in the mineral-rich pools nestled in a dramatic rock gorge. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep, which frequently visit the town's streets and hillsides.
In the afternoon, drive to Canmore, a charming mountain town just outside Banff National Park. With its authentic mountain culture and stunning Three Sisters peaks, Canmore offers a more local experience than tourist-centric Banff.
Day 7: Canmore and Return to Calgary
On your final day, spend the morning exploring Canmore's trails. The Grassi Lakes Trail is a popular 4km round-trip hike suitable for most fitness levels, rewarding hikers with vibrant turquoise pools and mountain views.
Alternatively, visit the Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park, a legacy of the 1988 Winter Olympics, which offers excellent walking and mountain biking trails in summer.
After lunch at one of Canmore's excellent restaurants, make the 1.5-hour drive back to Calgary to complete your Rocky Mountain circuit.
Final Thoughts
This 7-day itinerary offers a comprehensive introduction to the Canadian Rockies, balancing iconic destinations with lesser-known gems. While the route can be done year-round, the prime season is mid-June through September when all roads and attractions are typically open. Spring brings the bonus of rushing waterfalls and fewer crowds, while fall offers golden larch trees and crisp mountain air.
Remember that wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout this route – always maintain a safe distance (at least 100 meters from bears and 30 meters from other large animals), carry bear spray when hiking, and never feed or approach wild animals.
The Canadian Rockies are a national treasure, and with proper planning and respect for nature, your journey through these majestic mountains will provide memories to last a lifetime.
