Canada - the land of the maple leaf, the cradle of hockey, an endless landscape of lakes, taiga, and mountains covered with glaciers... this country hardly needs a long introduction. There are many reasons to visit this second-largest country in the world. From modern and clean cities on the east coast, through Niagara Falls on the border with the USA, dinosaur fossils in the arid inland steppes, to the majestic mountains with glaciers, lakes, and bears in the western part of Alberta and British Columbia - every traveler will find something for themselves in Canada.
In this itinerary, you will explore what many consider the most beautiful part of Canada - the mighty Rocky Mountains rising in the western part of the country on the border between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. During a classic road trip, you will enjoy incredible scenery of rugged mountain landscapes covered with snowy peaks with flowing glaciers, turquoise blue lakes, and endless taiga, which is home to wildlife led by the grizzly bear and black bear - the unofficial lords of the local wilderness. If you are lucky (or unlucky - depending on your point of view), you may even spot one of these predators.
This rugged mountain landscape rises sharply from the surrounding flat plains of eastern Alberta surrounding the metropolis of Calgary - a city of cowboys and rodeo. Here your journey begins and ends, and with a bit of luck, you will manage to visit the local phenomenon - the Stampede cowboy festival held every year in the first half of July and lasting 10 days. In the spring or autumn months, you might catch a preparatory match of the local Flames hockey team playing in the legendary Canadian-American NHL league.
In any case, just an hour's drive west of Calgary separates you from unforgettable experiences full of breathtaking views and beautiful photos that the local "Rockies" offer. Follow in the footsteps of this itinerary (and the footsteps of local bears) to explore them, and you certainly won't regret it.
Practical information about Canada and traveling in it can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! Don't forget to book shuttle buses to Moraine Lake (see day 4) and Louise (see day 5) before your trip. You can't get to Moraine Lake by your own car, and there is a lot of interest in the buses. Shuttle bus reservations for both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15th at 8:00 AM local time. More detailed information on reservations can be found in the descriptions of the places mentioned.
Your arrival day is mainly for rest and acclimatization. You need to get used to the different time zone, climate, and culture. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city or the surrounding desolate landscape covered with arid steppe. In the summer months, however, watch out for the great heat - the inland steppe gets very hot.
The places mentioned for today are a range of options for how to spend not only your arrival day but also any time on your departure day. If you have the time and inclination, head to the city center (called Downtown in Canada and the USA). Here you can walk around Olympic Plaza park and imagine yourself as Olympic winners who were awarded medals right here during the ceremonies at the Winter Olympics, which the city hosted in 1988. You can view the city and the surrounding steppe from a bird's eye view from the lookout point of the nearby local landmark - the Calgary Tower.
Whether you have visited the city of cowboys during the Stampede festival, hockey season, or other major cultural or sporting event, you can visit the Scotiabank Saddledome multi-purpose stadium - home of the Calgary Flames hockey team. It is located in the center of the vast Stampede Park, where the aforementioned Cowboy Festival takes place.
From another angle, there is the Heritage Park Historical Village open-air museum located in the southern part of the city on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir. A visit to it will take you back to the old days of the Wild West.
The mentioned places and brief information about them are provided below, it depends on your time whether you visit them.
Hello, welcome to Canada! Welcome to Alberta, a mountainous province full of the oldest national parks surrounded on the east side by endless grassy plains. Today will be more about organization (immigration control, picking up the car - according to the instructions you received before the trip) and relaxation after a tiring flight, however, depending on the time of your arrival, it is possible to make good use of this day as well.
After arrival, pick up the car (according to the instructions you receive before departure) and move to your accommodation (depending on the time of your arrival and check-in), where you can rest and refresh after a tiring flight. On the way from the airport or later after a stop at the hotel, you can replenish your energy after a tiring flight in one of the many more or less known fast foods and tune in to the local food culture. You can also try Canadian national food - fries topped with brown meat sauce sprinkled with cheese, so-called poutine. It can be slightly improved, for example, by adding bacon or pulled meat.
The heart of the city is this well-maintained park surrounded by important buildings such as City Hall, the American Embassy, a theater with a concert hall, the Glenbow Museum dedicated to the history of Western Canada, the extensive TELUS Convention Centre, or the cathedral.
The Olympic Park itself was built in connection with the 1988 Winter Olympics, which were indelibly etched in sports history, especially by the unexpected success of the Jamaican bobsleigh team, which even received a film adaptation thanks to the legendary film Cool Runnings. The medal ceremonies were held in the park.
Parking: The best place to park is in the City Hall Parkade underground garages at City Hall, or in the surrounding hotel and convention center buildings. You can also find a few parking spaces directly on the street in the center. Another option is to park in Stampede Park and start your journey there. All parking is paid.
NOTE: after 6:00 PM, parking in downtown Calgary is cheaper or even free (on the street)
TIP: If you don't want to drive around downtown and pay for parking, all places in Downtown are accessible by the city's "tram" LRT (Light Rail Transit) called CTrain. The nearest stops from the square are Centre Street or City Hall. These are served by both city lines - Red and Blue. The frequency of connections is approx. 5 - 10 min, in the center (Downtown) the fare is free, within the so-called Free fare zone. Outside this zone, the fare is approx. 4 CAD
So consider parking outside downtown at one of the Park & Ride car parks at a CTrain station and take the train to the city center - it is often faster and, above all, significantly cheaper than looking for parking in the center.
You can find information about public transport here
Dominantou města je tato 191 m vysoká věž postavená jako turistická atrakce za účelem vyhlídky. Ve výšce 150 metrů najdete vyhlídkovou plošinu, ze které máte město a okolní nekonečnou step jako na dlani. Za jasného počasí lze v dálce zahlédnout i zasněžené Rocky mountains. Informace o věži najdete zde.
otevírací doba: červen - srpen: 10:00 - 22:00, září - květen: 10:00 - 21:00
TIP autora: I přes výraznou podobu věže tyčící se nad městem se výstup na ní dle názoru autora příliš nevyplatí. Vzhledem k plochému reliéfu města s pár mrakodrapy v okolním downtownu a "nudnou stepí" kolem města toho není příliš k vidění. Šance na spatření Rockies není až tak velká a hlavně se v nich budete většinu času pohybovat - nemusíte tedy kvůli nim platit za vyhlídku, samotné hory nabídnou mnohem krásnější pohledy
Rozlehlý areál se stadiony a stagei se každý rok v první polovině července stává středobodem dění celé provincie během 10 dní trvajícího festivalu Stampede oslavujícího kovbojskou tradici města a historii místních domorodců. Sledovat zde můžete závody dostavníků, koncerty či výstavy domorodých indiánských kmenů. Festival si vysloužil nepříliš skromnou přezdívku "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
Located right in the heart of Stampede Park, this multi-purpose arena with a roof resembling a saddle may not look like much from the outside, but it's home to the Calgary Flames hockey team. Besides hockey, it also hosts concerts, lacrosse games, and other major sporting or cultural events.
This open-air museum is the largest living historical museum in Canada. It is located in the southwest of the city near the Glenmore Reservoir and offers a glimpse into the lives of local residents with 180 historical buildings such as schools, saloons, post offices and shops. The atmosphere is enhanced by people moving around in period costumes and riding in horse-drawn carriages. Information about the park can be found here.
Opening hours: vary depending on the attraction, more here
Your adventure in the land dedicated to winter sports begins on the western edge of Calgary, where you will find yourself at the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Olympic Park. There you can enjoy a ride in "go-karts" down the slope or visit the Sports Hall of Fame. Later, you will move to the magnificent Rocky Mountains (the Rockies), where you will spend most of the itinerary admiring the beautiful lakes, glaciers, and endless taiga. You will start in Canada's oldest national park - Banff National Park. Your journey in the footsteps of bears begins here!
The Olympic Park was created on the occasion of the Winter Olympics, which the city hosted in 1988. Today, it still serves locals and tourists for sports activities throughout the year. In addition to the ski slope, ski jump, bobsleigh track, gymnastics hall and multi-purpose hall, an interesting attraction for summer days is downhill karting on an asphalt road. You can buy tickets at the box office (for a single ride or a package of, for example, 3 or more rides), take the cable car to the top and then ride down in this "go-kart". You can find information about the ride here.
Also interesting is the monument to the curious start of the Jamaican bobsleigh at the 1988 Olympics, which is commemorated by a replica of the Jamaican bobsleigh standing in front of the entrance to the WinSport ski hill.
The park also includes the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. You can find information here.
You can find detailed information about the entire Olympic Park here.
Right on the Trans Canada Highway 1, just past the mountain resort of Canmore, you'll arrive at the entrance gate to Banff National Park. Here, you can purchase either a one-time entry for a specific number of days for individuals or families (groups), or an annual pass for entry to all parks valid for 1 year, which I recommend given the number of days spent in the national parks.
Entry Prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Annual Discovery Pass for one person - 83.50 CAD
Annual Discovery Pass for family/group - 167.50 CAD
Enter the oldest and most popular national park in Canada - Banff - through the gateway near the town of Canmore.
Your first stop in the national park should be the Banff National Park Visitor Centre. Here you can view an exhibit dedicated to local nature, including the king of the jungle - the grizzly bear. You can also plan your visit and trips, with the help of local rangers who are happy to assist. You will also find information about local shuttle buses. I recommend leaving your car parked at your hotel and getting around Banff and the surrounding area carefree on foot and by shuttle bus. However, you can also use a car - entry to all places around Banff is allowed. However, you will have to deal with parking in the town.
NOTE: Shuttle buses are paid, you can buy a ticket in cash with the exact amount from the driver or via applications such as Token Transit App or the Transit App, or at the information center and at some stops in vending machines (cash and card). The starting point (crossing of all bus lines) is the Banff high school transit hub stop.
Information center opening hours:
Winter season (8/9 - 14/5): 9:00 - 17:00
Summer season (rest of the year): 8:00 - 20:00
Park information - see the Parks Canada website
Information about shuttle buses including routes and timetables - here
Shuttle bus routes and timetables - here
You can tune into the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, which you will explore in considerable detail during this itinerary, in this cozy museum right in Banff. In it, you can see stuffed local fauna, such as grizzly or black bear, cougar, moose, etc.
Since it is a national historic site (one of the oldest natural history museums in the country), admission is included with your Discovery Pass. A one-time entry without a pass costs 5 CAD (March 2026). More information can be found here.
Opening hours: May 15 - October 15: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
NOTE: The museum is mainly about the nature of the Rocky Mountains. If you are more interested in life in the harsh mountains. In addition to stuffed local fauna such as grizzly or black bear, cougar, moose, etc., you will also find information about the indigenous inhabitants of the mountains, including their culture and art, as well as something about local research and mountaineers Whyte Museum
You can reach Lake Minnewanka by your own car or the blue line 6 shuttle bus.
The Canadian Rockies are full of glacial lakes. One such lake, over 20 km long, Lake Minnewanka, is easily accessible by car or shuttle bus. You can drive right to its western shore. You can take a forest trail along the lake, perhaps to the footbridge over the Cascade River and enjoy the beautiful views and merging with the surrounding nature, or take a more challenging hike along one of the many hiking trails. Cycling enthusiasts can rent a bike and cycle around the area, or take a scenic cruise on the lake.
Information about the lake and activities in the area can be found here.
Alternatively, take the pink line 7 shuttle bus towards Fenlands from downtown Banff (Banff High School transit hub stop) to the trailhead. The shuttle bus stop is called Tunnel Mountain trailhead. There is also a parking lot here in addition to the stop. The trail starts near the center and can also be easily reached on foot directly from the center.
Take a moderately challenging trail to climb Tunnel Mountain. While it's not a towering peak compared to the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, its location near the center and easy accessibility make it a popular hike that doesn't take too much time. You'll be rewarded with a view of the town of Banff lying below you and the Bow Valley formed by the river of the same name. Information about the mountain and the ascent can be found here.
TIP: Plan your ascent to be at the summit for sunset.
The route to the summit via the Tunnel Mt. summit trail is here.
NOTE: The name Tunnel Mt. comes from the original intention to run a railway tunnel under the mountain. Although the plan was abandoned due to the difficulty, the name remained.
You can easily get to the hotel by car, shuttle bus or on foot.
You will fully immerse yourself in exploring the beautiful surroundings of the Banff mountain resort, located in the heart of the national park of the same name. First, you will delve into the history of the local indigenous tribes inhabiting the local caves filled with mineral springs, which are typical of the area. Later, you will also take a bath in one of these hot springs. The hot bath will give your body, tired from previous trips around the beautiful mountains, a welcome relaxation, especially with the bonus of the surrounding mountain panoramas, which you can observe from the comfort of the hot tub.
You can reach the mineral spring cave by car or the yellow line shuttle bus no. 4.
Experience a combination of nature and history at this National Historic Site, which houses a cave with hot sulfur springs known and used by local indigenous people. It was here that the tradition of Canadian national parks was founded. Today you will find a museum and interactive exhibitions about the history of parks in Canada, period photographs and old spa buildings with a swimming pool. In the surrounding area, you can walk along wooden walkways through the local wetlands and perhaps spot the local unique species of snail - the so-called Banff Springs snail, which lives nowhere else.
As it is a National Historic Site, admission is included with your Discovery Pass. A one-time entry without a pass costs 10 CAD (March 2026). More information can be found here.
Opening hours:
May 15 - Oct 15: daily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Rest of the year: Thursday - Monday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
You can return to the center, to the Bow River bridge, by car or by the yellow line shuttle bus no. 4. From there, continue by shuttle bus no. 4 directly to the falls, or by car or the blue line no. 2 to the Banff Springs Hotel stop with parking, from where the falls are a short walk away. Alternatively, you can leave your car in the center and walk to the falls along the river.
While the Bow Falls, created on the river of the same name, aren't the highest you'll see on your trip (much more majestic ones await you higher in the mountains), their location almost in the city center and easy access via an asphalt path through the park on the riverbank make them well worth a short visit combined with a walk. More information here.
You can get to the bottom station of the cable car by car or the green shuttle bus no. 1 (Sulphur mountains towards Banff gondola).
The lower station of the cable car leading to Sulphur Mountain (or just below its summit) will take you to a viewing platform with a tourist center including restaurants and cafes with viewing terraces, gift shops and a cinema.
Information about the cable car (opening hours, price, etc.) can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! During the summer season and weekends, it is better to book the cable car in advance
You can reach the summit either by gondola lift, which takes about 8 minutes and overcomes an elevation difference of almost 700 meters, or you can hike up a moderately difficult (but relatively uninteresting) trek along the Sulphur Mountain Trail.
TIP: If you choose to hike up, you can get a half-price ticket for the gondola ride down.
A wooden walkway leads directly from the center to the upper cable car station, along the ridge of the mountains with several viewing platforms, from where you will have wonderful views of the town of Banff, the Bow Valley and several prominent peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The walkway will take you to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. More about the mountain can be found here.
TIP: Fitter individuals can head in the opposite direction from the station along the challenging trail to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
For the return trip to the parking lot, you can either take the cable car again (if you used it for the way up, the price automatically includes the ride down), or walk down the hill along the trail.
Treat your body, tired from mountain hikes, to some relaxation in the popular hot mineral baths near the lower cable car station. Soak your weary body in the hot pool and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains surrounded by rising hot steam.
More information about the spa can be found here https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/sources-banff-springs
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time.
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery pass does not apply to the entrance to the spa, you need to pay an extra entrance fee, which in March 2026 was 20 CAD
Additional fees (March 2026):
Locker token for personal belongings: 2 CAD
towel: 3 CAD
swimsuit: 5 CAD
TIP: Youth up to the age of 17 have free entry
opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
Return to downtown Banff by car or the green shuttle bus No. 1.
Your journey through Canada's oldest national park continues today. First, you'll leave the civilization of the town of Banff and take a leisurely walk along a wild river gorge trail to two magnificent waterfalls, which you'll view from observation platforms. You'll even walk through a tunnel in the rock to one of them. A little higher in the mountains, you'll experience one of the most beautiful views not only of this trip but probably of your lives - the glacial Moraine Lake is simply iconic and it is not for nothing that it appears in many photographs promoting Canada. The turquoise blue surface surrounded by glacier-covered mountain peaks and dark green taiga is simply breathtaking.
!!ATTENTION!! The road to Moraine Lake is not open to private cars. You need to use the shuttle bus from Lake Louise resort. Especially in the summer season, there is great interest in the lake, so don't forget to book the shuttle bus in time. More information about the lake and transport to it can be found in the description of Moraine Lake and also in the introduction to the route.
The system of three shallow lakes connected by Echo Creek begins on the western edge of Banff along the Trans Canada Highway 1. You can drive along the shores on the side road (by car or bike) or stop at the viewpoint directly on the highway, from where you have the lakes at your fingertips. On clear days, the surrounding mountain peaks are beautifully reflected on their surface. More information about the lake and surrounding activities can be found here.
The journey into the interior of Banff National Park is either via the Trans-Canada Highway, or along the secondary mountain road, the Bow Valley Parkway, which leads to the Lake Louise resort. I recommend choosing this road, as it offers beautiful views and stops at interesting places along the way.
One of the most beautiful places near Banff is definitely this narrow gorge created by the river of the same name. From the parking lot, take an easy, comfortable, and paved path upstream to the first waterfall (Lower Falls), which you can reach through a small tunnel in the rock, and then continue to the higher Upper Falls. Enjoy the view from several viewing platforms that offer the waterfall from different angles and distances. More about the canyon here.
TIP: If you have the desire, time, and energy, continue from the upper waterfall along the forest path to the natural mineral pools Ink pots. Here, unlike the path to the waterfalls, you won't encounter crowds.
This is a large parking lot in a ski resort with a cable car and slopes. Park your car here and take the shuttle bus (reserved in advance) that will take you directly to the lake. Information about the shuttle bus can be found in the description of Moraine Lake and also in the introduction to the trip.
Take the shuttle bus from Lake Louise. It will take you to the shores of the lake. The price is around 8 CAD + another approximately 3 - 4 CAD for the reservation fee on the website (March 2026).
One of the most beautiful places not only in the Rockies, but in all of Canada, is this glacial lake located in the valley of the ten peaks with a beautifully turquoise surface, surrounded by steep mountain peaks with rocky debris sliding directly into the blue depths on one shore and dense green taiga on the other. The view of the lake and the surrounding ten peaks from the rocky hill on the Rockpile trail near the parking lot on the northern shore of the lake is one of the typical subjects of postcards and posters from Canada and will be an experience that you will not easily erase from your head. The view of this magnificent work of nature is simply incredible and is one of the TOP experiences on this trip.
In addition to the views of the lake, you can take an easy one-way trail copying the western shore, and you can extend the route with one of the trails leading to the surrounding mountains to the Neil Colgan Hut. However, these are very challenging treks involving walking on a glacier and are therefore not relevant for most ordinary tourists. If you want to take a trek that is easier in terms of time and energy, consider the Larch Valley Trail - near the boat rental, turn right into the wooded hills. The trail leading first through a dense forest, later a mountain meadow, and finally a barren moraine leads to Lake Minnestima and further to the Sentinel Pass.
Another option is, of course, renting a canoe and sailing on the lake with a view of the surrounding peaks. However, this is definitely not a cheap affair. The price for an hour's rental is around 180 CAD.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the lake's great popularity among visitors and the small parking lot, the road leading to the lake is closed to personal cars, or heavily restricted. It is therefore advisable (rather essential) to choose a shuttle bus for transport to and from the lake, which you should definitely book well in advance.
!!Shuttle bus reservations to both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15 at 8:00 local time!!
Information on visiting Morraine and Louis Lakes using the shuttle bus - here
Shuttle bus reservation to Moraine and Louise Lakes - here
Take the shuttle bus back to the parking lot at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
After yesterday's moraine lake, today it's time for another of the Canadian natural gems - the iconic Lake Louise. The view from the viewpoints on the slopes above the lake of its sparkling blue surface with the legendary hotel standing on its eastern shore is another unforgettable experience. Lake Louise also offers many relatively easy trails around it, so you can easily spend the whole day wandering along forest paths, sharp moraines and glaciers. Maybe you will meet an interesting representative of the local fauna in the local wilderness. Black bears, who are excellent climbers, are also common here. So look not only around you, but also into the treetops.
!!ATTENTION!! The road to Lake Louise is usually open for cars, but the parking capacity (which is also paid) is limited. I recommend using the shuttle bus from the Lake Louise resort. Especially in the summer season, there is great interest in the lake, so be sure to book the shuttle bus in advance. You can find more information about the lake and transport to it in the description of Moraine lake and also in the introduction to the trip.
Before heading to the lake, it's worth taking a look at the Lake Louise area and Banff National Park visitor center. Here, you can learn about the local rich flora and fauna, geology, and ecology using stuffed animals and interactive exhibits. With the help of rangers and maps, you can then plan a visit to the lake and other places in Banff. The rangers will also answer any questions about transportation to the lake by shuttle bus or your own car and parking.
Opening hours:
Winter season (23/9 - 5/6): 9:00 - 17:00
Summer season (rest of the year): 9:00 - 18:00
If you use the shuttle bus to get to the lake (which I recommend), you will depart from the same place as yesterday.
The best option is again to use the shuttle bus (as with Lake Moraine, it needs to be booked well in advance). The price is approximately 5 CAD (March 2026). Driving your own car is possible, but parking spaces are limited and paid. The last option is also a walk - the lake is close to the center and the Louise Creek Trail is not challenging and leads through a pleasant forest along the river.
Compared to yesterday's remote and less "commercial" moraine lake, this lake (named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta) is a bit more accessible and therefore more frequented. However, it is no less beautiful thanks to its location surrounded by glaciated and forested mountain peaks. In addition to the views of the surface from the area around the parking lot and the hotel, it is worth taking a walk along the shore on the comfortable paved path that runs along the northern shore of the lake. You can also take several longer hikes here (described below) or rent a canoe.
Recommended routes and destinations:
Fairview lookout: a relatively easy route leading to a viewpoint on the south side of the lake
Lake Agnes Trail - leads from the shore of Lake Louise along a forest path first to Mirror Lake, then on to Lake Agnes, on the shore of which stands the historic Lake Agnes Tea House
Plain of Six Glaciers - this route starts with a comfortable paved path leading from the parking lot along the northern shore of Lake Louise, later changing into a relatively challenging path leading over sharp moraine fragments to the foot of the Victoria Glacier → back, Fairview Trail
TIP: If you want to complete both of the last two mentioned routes, you don't need to return from Lake Agnes via the Lake Agnes Trail, but you can connect directly to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail using the Big Beehive Trail leading around the northern shore of Lake Agnes and then the connecting Highline Trail, which connects to the Plain of Six Glaciers.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the lake's popularity among visitors and limited (paid) parking, it is advisable to choose a shuttle bus for transport to and from the lake, which you should definitely book well in advance.
!!Shuttle bus reservations to both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15 at 8:00 AM local time!!
Information on visiting Lakes Morraine and Louis using the shuttle bus - here
Shuttle bus reservation to the lakes Moraine and Louise - here
Return by shuttle bus (or by car or on foot) back to the center.
You will set off on the beautiful Icefields Parkway, connecting the two most precious Canadian national parks, Banff and Jasper. Just drive out of the town of Lake Louise and the hundreds of kilometers-long route leading through dense taiga at the foot of mountain massifs, glacier-covered ridges with wild rivers, waterfalls and turquoise lakes can begin. However, it would be a shame to just drive through what many consider the most beautiful road in the world. In addition to other things, the picturesque Peyto Lake with its beautifully blue-colored surface or the mighty Athabasca Glacier, which you can ride on with a special bus or observe from the viewpoint during the path in the clouds, invite you to stop and stretch your legs. The journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies will definitely be another unforgettable experience that you will bring back from this trip.
TIP: To plan trips along the Icefields Parkway, use this website, where you will find information about possible trails.
The first natural beauty worth stopping at is Bow Lake, located on the river of the same name and fed by the flowing glacier, named none other than Bow. Here you can enjoy views of the surface from the comfort of picnic tables, stroll along the shore, or lie on the beach on the north shore near the hotel. From here also begins the more challenging Bow Glacier Falls Trail leading to the waterfalls and glacier.
Not far from Bow Lake you will find another gem of the Canadian mountains. When you look at Peyto Lake in photos, you might think that its water color can't be real and is the result of various filters. However, when viewed from the viewing platform, you will see that the photos do not lie. The sparkling blue color of the lake surface seems almost chemically treated, but it is the work of glacially deposited minerals. In any case, it is one of the most photogenic places in the Rockies. At the same time, few natural gems are so easily accessible - a short and comfortable paved road leads from the parking lot to the viewpoint. I recommend walking a little higher along the nature trail to the rocky viewpoint, from where you can take even more beautiful photos. But mainly there will be noticeably fewer people here.
TIP: If you want to go down to the shores of the lake, you need to go further and use this trail
One of the most beautiful and easily accessible canyons in Banff offers a breathtaking view of the power of the wild river, which uncompromisingly carved its way through the surrounding rocky subsoil. A short path from the parking lot first leads to a footbridge over the river, from where you have the Mistaya Canyon and the river at your fingertips. Then you can walk along the rocky and wooded edge of the canyon and get wet in some places. More information can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! The current is really strong and the stones are slippery, do not underestimate the seemingly easy terrain
A somewhat challenging, yet beautiful trip is the hike to the viewpoint along the Parker Ridge Trail. From the parking lot, you initially ascend quite steeply, but then the trail more or less levels out and leads along the mountain ridge to the edge of a rock massif, which offers an imposing view of the mighty Saskatchewan Glacier flowing into a lake that is the source of the North Saskatchewan River - one of the two branches of the major river flowing across a large part of Canada. The view of the glacial tongue flowing into the valley and disappearing into the blue depths of the lake is truly breathtaking.
During the transfer between Parker Ridge and Columbia Icefield center, you will enter Jasper National Park, specifically at the Sunwapta Pass here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=1037792898&ds=1&x=-117.1611039&y=52.2123091&z=16
The focal point of activity along the Icefields Parkway is this visitor center, which, in addition to classic refreshments and an exhibition dedicated to local geology and climate in the local museum, also offers special attractions, namely admission to the Icefield Skywalk or a snow bus tour of the glacier. These attractions are described in more detail below.
Information about admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and the bus tour on the Athabasca Glacier can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! Both of these special attractions are very popular and it is good to book them in advance
Discovery Center opening hours: May - October: 10:00 - 17:00, during July and August until 18:00
There are two ways to explore the massive Athabasca Glacier:
1) On foot - from the visitor center, cross the road and walk (or drive) to the parking lot, from where you can walk towards the foot of the glacier. Depending on the time of your visit and the associated amount of snow and trail conditions, you may be able to reach its base. Along the path from the parking lot to the glacier, you will find a sad reminder of the state of the climate - due to constant warming, the glacier is receding, as evidenced by signs informing you how far the glacier reached in certain years. You can try to find a sign with your year and find out how far the ice reached in the year you were born.
2) By snow bus (Ice Explorer) - riding on the glacier in a special all-terrain bus in Canadian colors is a truly extraordinary experience. The bus departs from the visitor center and travels along a designated route across the moraine directly to the glacier, where you can get off and walk on the snow. The whole experience lasts about an hour. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center or online. The price in March 2026 was 125 CAD and also includes admission to the nearby Skywalk (see below). However, you can also purchase a separate ticket only for the Ice Explorer. Look for Columbia Icefield Glacier Only Experience here https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield/experiences/columbia-icefield-glacier-only-experience/
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in summer, I recommend booking tickets in advance on the website here https://bookings.banffjaspercollection.com/RKY/activities/details/1/ICE-BTC-BA-GA/Attraction?WebLink=w0BMA%2bAeAicpoyoelyYgHg%3d%3d&agencyNumber=5008664&wlid=968&lob=Glacier+Adventure#/select-ticket/book-adventure
If you decide to take a walk on the Skywalk, a shuttle bus will take you to it from the information center and then back.
The second of the two main attractions of the Columbia Icefield Discovery area is a walk on the arched suspension bridge with a glass bottom and a viewing platform hanging over a deep canyon, offering spectacular views of the mountain peaks and the Athabasca Glacier. You can buy a ticket in person or on the website, then take a shuttle bus from the information center to the viewpoint and back. The entrance fee for the Skywalk only in March 2026 was 48 CAD, in combination with a ride on the glacier in the Ice Explorer then 125 CAD.
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in summer, I recommend booking tickets in advance on the website here
AUTHOR'S TIP: The viewpoint is crowded and quite expensive. Given the many free views you have experienced or will experience in the mountains, I would not recommend entering the Skywalk.
The cascading waterfall flowing down the rocky cliff is worth a short stop. It is visible directly from the road, but lovers of minor climbing will surely enjoy climbing up the boulders towards the waterfall.
One of the many beautiful waterfalls you can visit in the Canadian Rockies is easily accessible due to its location near the Icefields Parkway. In addition to the main waterfall with a viewpoint near the parking lot, take a walk along the river to the lower waterfall. The view of the roaring water is truly amazing. More information can be found here.
From Banff Park, you smoothly transitioned along the Icefields Parkway to another giant among parks - Jasper. Like its older neighbor, it offers magnificent scenery of the Rocky Mountains, so there will be plenty of views of snow-capped mountain peaks, mighty thundering waterfalls, and walks along turquoise lakes. You can manage all these activities this day. So get a good night's sleep, have a hearty breakfast, and head towards another adventure full of the beauty of the local fantastic nature. Maybe you'll even meet a bear :)
Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful and impressive in the Rockies. The force with which the river relentlessly flows through the channel and then falls and crashes against the rocks at the bottom is breathtaking. There are convenient trails and viewpoints in the surrounding area, and you can enjoy the power of the waterfall from a footbridge over the river that created this natural work. More here
You can enjoy amazing natural scenery in the area around Mount Edith Cavell. It's like the "Rockies in a nutshell" because you'll see a bit of everything in a relatively small space. First, you will walk along a rocky path from the parking lot towards a picturesque lake fed by the melting glacier lying below it. From the lake, you can then climb steep, wooded trails above the treeline into a landscape of mountain meadows (a place made for grizzly bears - maybe you'll get lucky :)), which a few hundred meters further turn into a rocky scree that you can reach the East-ridge Summit. However, you don't have to bother climbing all the way to the top - the circular trail through the mountain meadow is also beautiful. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the blooming meadow and the iconic Angel glacier resembling angel wings. More here
As the name suggests, during a comfortable and easy trail, you will gradually pass around five glacial lakes located in a mountain valley. The ideal route covering all five lakes is here. Between the third and fourth lakes, you will find a small open space where iconic red chairs are installed - unmistakable symbols of Canadian national parks, which you will encounter again along the way. The chairs offer a pleasant view of the third lake.
More information can be found here.
You've technically been in Jasper National Park since yesterday, but this is where you'll pass through the entrance gate. Here, you'll either show the rangers your Discovery Pass or purchase a one-time entry for a certain number of days for individuals or a family (group).
Entry Fees (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Entering through the entrance gate located south of the town of Jasper, you officially enter the national park of the same name.
When exploring Jasper National Park, don't miss a visit to the visitor center. Here you can view a small exhibition dedicated to local nature. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who are happy to help. You will also find information about local shuttle buses that you can use. However, it is easy to get around Jasper by car, which I recommend.
NOTE: Shuttle buses are paid, you can buy a ticket in cash with the exact amount from the driver or via applications such as the HotSpot App, or at the stand in the hub station called The Hub.
Visitor center opening hours:
winter season (28/9 - 14/5): 9:00 - 17:00
summer season (rest of the year): 9:00 - 19:00
Park information - see the website Parks Canada
Information about shuttle buses including routes - here
Patricia Lake is more of just a stop on the way to the more distant Pyramid Lake. However, it is worth slowing down and rolling down the car window on the road that copies its northeast coast :) The view of the lake and the stunning Pyramid Mountain is worth it.
Of the pair of lakes beneath Pyramid Mountain, north of Jasper town, Pyramid Lake is definitely the more interesting, mainly due to the possibility of accessing the small island almost in its center (see sub-location). You can rent a canoe or kayak at the lake and enjoy the lake and surrounding mountains directly from the water, or relax on the beach. More information can be found here.
A pleasant place to end the day with a walk or sit and relax while watching the setting sun is the small island, which you can reach via a footbridge arching over the surface of the lake. The footbridge starts near the parking lot by the road. On the island, you'll find a few walking paths leading around the shore, where you can sit on one of the benches or in the gazebos and enjoy views of the lake and surrounding mountains, led by the peak of Pyramid Mountain. All under the beautiful play of colors of the setting sun.
It's a demanding day, rich in experiences, so it's worth getting up a bit early. You can kickstart your body with a morning stretch on the beach by the picturesque lakes near Jasper. Once you're sufficiently awake, head to the magnificent gorge created by the wild river flowing from the glacier and observe its roaring channel with waterfalls from the footbridges and viewpoints along the groomed footpath. Later, venture into the heart of the park towards the stunning glacial landscape surrounding the picturesque lake and head to the mysterious islet surrounded by a fairytale landscape. After a demanding day, warm your tired body in the hot springs of the local spa, all under the watchful eye of the local mountain peaks.
!!ATTENTION!! Maligne Canyon has been closed since 2024 due to wildfires (current as of March 2026). For the current status, please refer to the information on the website here.
Lakes Annette and Edith, located near the town of Jasper along the main road, are ideal for a morning stretch. You can take a walk around the lake on the paved path, watch the rising sun from the comfort of the beach, and the more hardy can even take a swim. Around the lake are areas suitable for, e.g., yoga or small sports activities. Picnic tables with fire pits and public grills offer the possibility of breakfast in a very pleasant environment. More about both lakes can be found here.
Right next to Annette Lake lies another equally beautiful lake, which you can reach on foot directly from the beach of Annette Lake. So you don't have to go anywhere else. This lake also offers beaches with a pleasant backdrop of the blue-green waters of the lake and the surrounding panorama of wooded mountains. You can once again walk around the lake on a comfortable path, or enjoy the calm surface and surrounding nature from the comfort of traditional red chairs. The nature is active in the morning, I recommend taking binoculars.
One of the most beautiful natural areas of Jasper National Park is very accessible and easy to walk for all visitors thanks to the comfortable path along the Maligne River. Over many years, its wild flow has carved a channel through the rocky subsoil, creating a beautiful steep gorge full of wild river sections and waterfalls. You can observe this from a safe path separated from the slope by a railing with several viewing platforms and footbridges across the river. I recommend completing the entire circuit including all five footbridges. The recommended route is here. You can find more about the canyon here.
!!ATTENTION!! The canyon is currently (March 2026) still closed after the forest fires of 2024, which damaged the surrounding forests, and there is a risk of falling trees, among other things. Follow current information here
Seemingly just another ordinary glacial lake, it actually has unique geological characteristics and a water regime. The lake is fed by the surrounding glaciers and the Maligne River flows through it, but thanks to the unique geology of the bottom, it disappears under the surface, where it drains from the lake further into the Maligne Canyon through a complex underground network of channels. You can view the lake from viewpoints near the parking lot on its western shore, from where you can also descend to it. More here.
The road that follows the entire length of the north shore gives you one last chance to see this unique lake.
This remote lake, named after the river that flows from it, offers more recreational opportunities. Thanks to its remoteness, it offers a beautifully turquoise surface surrounded by wilderness consisting of dense taiga and high mountain peaks with majestic glaciers, whose runoff feeds the lake. Information about the lake and surrounding activities can be found here.
What to do at and around the lake:
1) Water activities: boat trip (from here) to the iconic island Spirit Island or a ride on the lake by canoe or kayak
2) Hiking:
a) short walk from the parking lot along the northern shore of the lake to the iconic red chairs, picnic by the lake
b) Moose Lake Trail - an easy forest trail will take you to a remote lake where you can watch the local wildlife, and if you're lucky, you might even spot the huge moose that gave the trail its name
b) Bald Hills Trail - you can connect to it from the previous "Moose" trail, it is a relatively challenging climb that gradually takes you above the forest line into an environment of mountain meadows and rocky scree with beautiful views of the surrounding glacial landscape
NOTE: In winter, the lake area is a popular location for cross-country skiing
Similar to Banff, Jasper National Park also has its hot springs. You can regenerate your body in the hot springs with a view of the mountain panorama after many challenging hikes, approximately halfway through your stay. Compared to the springs in Banff, you will find more pools with different water temperatures here.
If you want to really earn the spa experience, you can further challenge your body on a moderately difficult trek along the Sulphur trail skyline leading to a viewpoint from which you have the hot springs and forested peaks of the surrounding mountains at your fingertips.
You can find information about the spa here.
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery Pass does not apply to entry to the spa; you need to pay an extra admission fee, which was 20 CAD in March 2026.
Additional fees (March 2026):
towel: 4 CAD
swimsuit: 6 CAD
TIP: Youth up to the age of 17 have free entry
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
Today will be somewhat in the spirit of hunting local peaks. First, in Jasper, you'll conquer Whistlers Mountain using the SkyTram and a short hike, rewarding you with fantastic views of the Rockies. A little further on, you'll come face to face with the snow-covered peak of Mount Robson, located in the park of the same name – the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Although you won't conquer its summit due to the extreme conditions, the view from the shores of the glacial lake of its frightening-looking shield will be unforgettable. Later in the afternoon, you'll begin a road trip through the mountainous landscape of British Columbia, where you'll move today. Driving enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven on the local quality road winding through the mountainous landscape between glacial peaks.
Just as Banff has its famous gondola to Sulphur Mountain, Jasper has its "SkyTram" that takes you below the summit of Whistlers Mountain. Step aboard and enjoy an unforgettable ride to the summit with views of the town of Jasper and the mountain scenery, including Maligne Lake or Pyramid Lake.
Information about the cable car (opening hours, price, etc.) can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! During the summer season and weekends, it is better to book the cable car in advance here
You can reach the summit either by gondola lift, which takes about 7 minutes and climbs almost 1000 meters, or you can hike up a challenging trek along The Whistlers trail (not recommended). The price for a round trip was approximately CAD 77 in March 2026, including all taxes.
The SkyTram will take you to the upper station near the summit, where you will find a viewing platform and tourist facilities (restaurant, shop, etc.). From there, head towards the summit of Whistlers Mountain along an approximately 1 km long path, during which there will be plenty of beautiful views. At the top, all that remains is to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding Rockies, including their highest peak - Mount Robson. Good visibility is, of course, a prerequisite.
Take the trail back to the top of the cable car and from there down to the car parked at the bottom station.
During your journey for another adventure, you will leave Jasper National Park and the province of Alberta and enter Mount Robson Provincial Park (named after the symbol of the Canadian Rockies and its highest peak), which is already in the province of British Columbia. Admission is free, so you will not be passing through any entrance gates. You certainly won't be bored during the relatively long journey - the surrounding landscape is beautiful and offers plenty of places to stop.
The first stop in Mount Robson Provincial Park will be these impressive waterfalls, easily accessible via a short trail leading from the parking lot located right off the highway. You can easily view these cascading waterfalls from the lookout above the bank, or take a short walk along the trail around the river.
Before you head out on a trek to the lakes, don't miss a visit to the local visitor center. Here, with the help of rangers, you can plan your tour and consult on the current condition of the trails, weather, or wildlife activity. You can also view a small exhibition dedicated to local nature, geology, and history. There is also the possibility to replenish water, have lunch in the restaurant, or buy supplies for the trek in the local store.
Visitor center opening hours: approximately 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Mt. Robson Park Information - see web
A little further down the road from the information center, you will find a large parking lot where the park's most popular trek begins – the Berg Lake Trail, which leads to the glacier lake of the same name. Completing the entire trek there and back in one day is unrealistic, as it is approximately 19 km long (one way only). To complete it, you need to obtain a permit at the information center for camping and divide the trek into two days. However, you can take the trail and after less than five kilometers on a relatively easy trail along the Robson River, you will reach the closer Kinney Lake, which lies at the foot of Mount Robson, whose snowy peak you can observe from there.
Hike the Berg Lake Trail.
A beautiful glacial lake at the foot of Mount Robson, from where you can observe its snow-capped peak. The elevation difference from the lake's surface to the summit is an incredible 3,000 meters. Due to the relative ease of the trek to the lake and its location directly at the foot of the mountain, it is one of the best places to observe this majestic peak.
Return back the same way. It will be faster downhill :)
You can break up the long drive to your hotel with a visit to another provincial park - Jackman Flats. It is a unique landscape for the Canadian Rockies, consisting of sand dunes and dry plains blown by the wind in the ice age. This unique landscape is logically home to unique organisms. You can explore this interesting ecosystem on the pleasant Juniper trail.
The journey to the hotel is long, but thanks to the constant presence of the mountain scenery, there is no risk of boredom. Enjoy a classic road trip along a well-maintained road across the mountains, stopping occasionally to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of the local landscape.
The first of the visited national parks in the beautiful province of British Columbia is located around the peak of Mount Revelstoke, towering above the town of the same name, which is a famous ski resort. In addition to classic downhill skiing, ski jumping also has a tradition here, and you can also take on the role of a jumper soaring over the slope thanks to a funny monument standing in the middle of "nowhere". After you try flying without wings, head to the very top of the mountain through mountain meadows among blooming flowers to the picturesque lakes with crystal clear water reflecting the surrounding mountain peaks. There will be plenty of wonderful views, crystal clear lakes and colorful flowers today, as well as great hikes. So grease under your knees and set out to explore this interesting national park.
Your first trip in Mount Revelstoke National Park should lead to the visitor center, which is located a bit unusually outside the park area directly in the town of Revelstoke. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local history and plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
visitor center opening hours: MON - FRI: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Mount Revelstoke Park Information - see Parks Canada website
TIP: Outside the national park, it is possible to experience a bit of adrenaline in the ski resort Revelstoke Mountain Resort, specifically riding a wheeled "bobsleigh" down the slope, called The Pipe Mountain Coaster. The author of the itinerary has no personal experience with this, but if you are interested, check out this website.
From the information center, take the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which winds through Revelstoke Mountain National Park to the summit of Mount Revelstoke. At the beginning, you will pass through a toll booth where you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for an individual or family (group), or you can present a Discovery pass.
Entry prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
The entrance gate is located directly on the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway. Follow it further to the beginning of the short forest trail Nels Nelson Ski Jump Trail, named after the legendary Canadian ski jumper, which will take you to the historical ski jumping area that was one of the first in Canada. Here, you can imagine yourself as a ski jumper soaring over the slope thanks to the wittily installed ski jumping monument.
The large parking lot by Balsam Lake is the starting point for exploring the park. First, you can walk around the lake on a beautiful path leading through a blooming mountain meadow to a viewpoint. Then, take the Upper Summit Trail to the summit.
The asphalt road and civilization end here at Heather Lake, just below the summit of Mount Revelstoke, which you can easily reach via the easy First Footsteps Trail.
On the west side of the road, take a pleasant walk through the trails leading through mountain meadows and offering stunning views of the mountain valleys below from the local viewpoints and the old fire tower, which you can climb.
Walks around the summit are just a warm-up for a proper trek that starts on the north side of Heather Lake. Take the pleasant Miller Lake Trail to the shores of this lake. The route is shown here.
The following treks to all three lakes are described in more detail here.
Most of the Miller Lake Trail follows a pleasant, wide path that alternates between forest and mountain meadow. However, the gentle descent along a relatively firm trail is replaced in the final section by a rather steep climb along a path above the lake.
The reward for your efforts is a view of the crystal-clear surface of the glacial lake, on the shore of which you can enjoy the amazing tranquility of the local nature. Due to its remoteness, you will encounter a minimum of people here, unlike the area around the parking lot.
Once you have sufficiently enjoyed the genius loci of this place, continue to the next lake via the Eva lake trail. The route is here.
The path to the next lake is short and almost without elevation, making it easy.
You can walk around another of the quiet lakes and enjoy its calm surface reflecting the surrounding mountains. There is a campsite on the shore of the lake, and when you look at the beauty of the surrounding nature, you have to admit that the night here must be amazing.
Depending on your time and energy, it is possible to reach a third lake. However, it is quite far away and the path to it is relatively difficult. Consider whether a visit to Jade Lake is within your reach, even with the long journey back to the parking lot.
Route to Jade Lake - here
Route from the lake back to the parking lot - here
The route is quite challenging and long, with steep uphill and downhill sections.
The wonderfully turquoise lake (thanks to minerals and clear water from the surrounding glaciers) guarantees you a peaceful merging with nature due to its remoteness (you will most likely be completely alone here) and also an adventure on the way to it.
Your wanderings in Mount Revelstoke National Park are over, head back to the town of Revelstoke to your hotel.
Before you definitively leave Revelstoke Park, take a walk along the wooden walkways leading through the local ancient rainforest with magnificent specimens of centuries-old cedars. A little further on, in the mountainous Glacier National Park, you will be greeted by true wilderness. Sharp mountain peaks covered with massive glaciers feeding the wild rivers and turquoise lakes will engulf you with their energy. It is here that you will experience the true wilderness and rawness of the local nature while walking along more or less challenging trails that will take you to the foot of glaciers, wild waterfalls, and rapid rivers. Another bear hunt can begin, you have a really good chance here :)
A rest area right by the highway with facilities such as covered picnic tables and toilets is a popular stop when traveling along the Trans Canada Highway. A short educational circuit through the local wetlands leads directly from it. On the way along the wooden walkway through forest swamps and marshes, you will learn interesting information about the local vegetation and fauna. The symbol of this ecosystem is the yellow-flowering skunk cabbage.
!!ATTENTION!! The nature trail is currently closed due to damage to the walkway. Follow current information here
NOTE: The author met a bear here, who was walking right through the parking lot :)
If the Skunk Cabbage interpretive trail didn't work out for you, you can certainly make up for it with a walk through the even more beautiful landscape of an ancient rainforest made up of cedars (cedar tree) that are over 800 years old. Take a walk along the comfortable wooden walkway among these giants with trunks over 4 meters wide. The wild rainforest atmosphere is complemented by the ubiquitous beautiful green mosses, ferns and lichens, which are obviously thriving in the local humidity.
Welcome to Glacier National Park, known for its rugged mountains with sharp peaks and many massive glaciers in the wild Selkirk Mountains. If there's a really good chance to encounter a bear or other wildlife, it's here. You won't find a classic entrance gate here; if you have a Discovery Pass, display it behind your car window. If you want to pay a one-time entry fee, do so at the information center, which you'll reach during the day.
The first stop in this otherwise rugged park full of challenging trails is a leisurely circular trail through an old-growth forest on a wooden boardwalk (similar to the previous stop). The local old-growth forest is made up of ancient Western Hemlock trees. In addition to them, cedars and swamp cypresses also grow here, and of course, a rich moss cover.
Glacier Park is not just about the rugged mountain scenery, but also has its historical significance. Among other things, it was an important section of the Canadian Pacific Railway route, which crossed the local mountains and passes, and due to natural obstacles it was necessary to build a network of tunnels dug through the mountains. This circular trail follows the route of the former railway line that was part of the mentioned route. During the circuit you will see several remains of railway tunnels and bridges that crossed the local rugged landscape. In addition, you will enjoy the beauty of the local nature full of forests and flowering hillsides.
Before heading out on more challenging treks in the local wilderness, head to the park's visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature, including taxidermied local predators such as cougars and bears. You can also learn to identify animals by their tracks or droppings. Due to the historical importance of the pass thanks to the Canada Pacific Railway route, the Rogers Pass area is designated as a National Historic Site, and in addition to information about nature, you will also find exhibits, monuments, and photographs dedicated to the history of this place in and around the information center. Take advantage of the local rangers, who will be happy to help you plan routes, including information on trail conditions, weather, and animal activity. It may happen that some routes are closed due to bear or cougar activity or natural elements.
Visitor Center Opening Hours: Varies by season, usually in summer (May - October) approx. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Park Information - see the website Parks Canada
Visitor Center Website - here
NOTE: If you do not have a Discovery Pass, you will pay the park entrance fee here at the information center.
Entrance Fees (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Many more or less challenging treks can be undertaken from the information center and its surroundings. You can find a list and description here.
Park at the end of the campground, where several treks into the wilderness towards glaciers, led by the iconic Illecillewaet Glacier - a symbol of the park, begin at the Arthur Wheeler hut. The true exploration of the park starts right here.
The author has chosen one easy and one more challenging trek that he has completed himself. However, there are more options available. Choose from the list and description of treks here, or explore Mapy.com, with Arthur Wheeler Hut as the starting point.
First, from the parking lot and cabin, take a short section of the Perley Rock Trail, after which you connect to the Meeting of the Waters Trail. This pleasant trail will take you to the confluence of the Illecillewaet River and the Asulkan River, which you can observe from the footbridge from the comfort of Canada's typical red chairs. During the easy trail, you will enjoy dramatic mountain scenery and the rushing flow of the wild river that accompanies you all the way.
At the end of the Meeting of the Waters Trail, the more challenging Great Glacier Trail follows, which will take you closer to the llecillewaet Glacier. The entire route is approximately 6.5 km (round trip) and you will ascend about 330 meters in altitude.
Return to Arthur O. Wheeler hut. Depending on your taste and time, you can set off on another trek.
For a tougher trek, you can choose to climb to the foot of the Avalanche Glacier. The trek, which leads first mainly through the forest and later over rocky debris, is approximately 4.5 km in one direction and climbs approximately 900 meters in altitude. The route is here.
While traveling between these two places, the itinerary author encountered a bear walking directly on the highway.
You can say goodbye to the wildly beautiful landscape of the park via a relatively easy, albeit quite steeply ascending trail, which will lead you to a magnificent waterfall created by the Connaught River.
Welcome to Yoho National Park. This magnificent park offers dramatic scenery so typical of the Rocky Mountains. You will visit beautiful waterfalls, an emerald lake, and of course, endless dense forests interwoven with rushing rivers flowing from glaciers, which are home to wildlife. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to meet something interesting here :) And because the end of your journey through the Rockies is slowly approaching, it's time to once again give your hike-weary body a rest in the spa. An evening bath in Radium Hot Springs under the supervision of mountain ranges will be a beautiful end to your adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Right on the Trans Canada Highway 1, you'll reach the entrance gate to Yoho National Park. Here, you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for individuals or families (groups), or show the rangers your Discovery Pass.
Entry Prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
You enter Yoho National Park through the entrance gate.
Your first trip in the national park should lead to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature and history. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
Visitor center opening hours: depending on the season, approximately 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (6:00 PM in summer)
Park information - see the website Parks Canada
Visitor center website - here
You can take many more or less challenging treks in the park. You can find their list and description here.
In addition to the view of the Kicking Horse River, an interesting viewpoint also offers a view of the historic spiral tunnel, which is part of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
One of the highest waterfalls in the whole country is easily accessible via a side road off the Trans-Canada Highway. From the large parking lot, a short and comfortable path leads to their base. This majestic waterfall, created by the river of the same name fed by the Daly Glacier, has a truly monumental drop, and the spray from the water crashing against the rocks will hit you even at a respectful distance from the waterfall. You can enjoy the view of the waterfall from another pair of red chairs.
From the end of the path to the waterfall, you can take the moderately difficult Takakkaw Lake Route to the lake from which the river forming this waterfall flows. Here you can enjoy peace and quiet surrounded by the beautiful nature created by rocky cliffs, glaciers and the blue-green surface of the lake.
The stunning lake with its emerald green surface reflecting the surrounding glacier-capped mountain peaks, led by the majestic summit of The President, is a popular spot for recreation. You can walk around it on a circular trail, take a canoe ride on the surface (rental here), or just sit and relax at one of the viewpoints on its shore.
TIP: From the lake shore, you can take the trail to Hamilton Falls.
!!ATTENTION!! The lake is one of the most popular places in the park and there may be parking problems. Cars often park along the access road far from the parking lot.
On the way back from the lake to the main road, be sure to stop at the natural bridge created by the eroding Kicking Horse River, which carved its way through the limestone bedrock. You can observe this work from several viewpoints, including a footbridge over the river.
A pleasant, approximately 2.5 km long path from the parking lot will take you to the mighty waterfalls, which are especially amazing due to their width of about 150 meters.
Banff has its Upper Hot Springs, Jasper has Miette Hot Springs, and in Kootenay National Park you'll find Radium Hot Springs - one of the most popular mineral spas in the Rockies. Here, treat your body, tired from mountain hikes, to some relaxation in hot springs rich in minerals such as sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are known for their relaxing and healing effects. Soak your weary body in the hot pool and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. When you get too hot, you can immerse yourself in the cooling pool, but be careful - its temperature is really very low and it will be a shock to a heated body.
You can find more information about the spa here
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time, use the cooling pool
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery Pass does not apply to the entrance to the spa, you need to pay an extra entrance fee, which was 20 CAD in March 2026
Additional fees (March 2026):
towel: 5 CAD
swimsuit: 9 CAD
opening hours:
May - September: 8:30 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
rest of the year: 10:30 - 21:00, last entry 20:30
You'll enjoy your last day in the Rockies in a manner befitting these majestic mountains - you'll visit virtually all the main natural gems they offer. From narrow rocky gorges and picturesque canyons created by wild rivers with waterfalls and rapids, you'll reach turquoise lakes flowing from picturesque glacier-covered mountain peaks. This beautiful natural play of colors is complemented by the dark green taiga and also mineral water-colored soil of local thermal springs. Kootenay National Park will be a more than worthy conclusion to the beauties of the Canadian Rockies.
Your first trip to the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature and history. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use the local rangers, who will be happy to help.
Visitor center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Park Information - see Parks Canada website
Visitor Center Website - here
There are many more or less challenging treks in the park. You can find their list and description here.
Right at the beginning of the road leading to Kootenay National Park, you will arrive at the entrance gate. Here you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for an individual or a family (group), or show the rangers your Discovery Pass.
Entry prices (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
The entrance gate leads you into Kootenay National Park. Immediately after entering, you will be greeted by the narrow rocky gorge of Sinclair Canyon, created by the river of the same name. The road then runs close to its wall. However, it would be a shame to just drive through the area. Therefore, I recommend parking near the entrance gate and walk through the canyon over the bridge to the viewpoint.
A pleasant spot for a morning picnic is offered by the shore of a picturesque lake surrounded by dense forests and rocky peaks.
Further into the park, take a moment to stop at this viewpoint, which is right by the road. Few places offering such beautiful panoramic views of the valley and the Kootenay River surrounded by mountains are so easily accessible.
A large parking lot with facilities such as picnic tables and restrooms is perfect for a lunch stop. The local Vermilion River will provide a beautiful backdrop, as it has created a massive cascading waterfall here. After lunch, go and see this beautiful natural work from the footbridge over the river.
The first significant stop definitely deserves these geothermal springs, which are colored in various shades from yellow to orange, brown, and green due to the presence of minerals. On the way from the parking lot, you will first cross a footbridge over the river, then the path leads alternately through the forest and along wooden walkways that will take you across the wetlands with dry feet. Not only the local water is colored, but also its banks, and the whole area resembles a painter's palette.
!!ATTENTION!! Some sections are quite slippery due to water flowing down the rocky subsoil
NOTE: Local natives used clay colored by the springs for the production of dyes
Another of the more significant stops and one of the most beautiful places in the park is this magnificent canyon created by the wild flow of the Tokumm River. The trail along the limestone cliffs cut by the wild and crystal-clear river full of rapids and waterfalls is an amazing experience. During the trail, you will pass over several footbridges, thanks to which you will find yourself directly above the riverbed and you will have all this beauty at your fingertips. At the end of the trail, you can sit in traditional Canadian Red chairs, which only enhances the experience of this place.
If you want to take a longer and more challenging trek in the park, avoid people, and blend in more with the local nature, a good choice is this trail leading upstream of the Stanley River flowing from the glacier of the same name. This trek through dense taiga offers magnificent views of rocky peaks, glaciers, limestone cliffs, and picturesque valleys. At the end of the trail, there is a footbridge over the river, where the trail splits into two directions, which together form a circuit. So you can continue along the circuit route to a small waterfall, or return back. The entire circuit is here.
A somewhat easier trek compared to the Stanley Glacier Trail is the path to the picturesque glacial lake Boom, hidden in the dense taiga and surrounded by mountain peaks.
NOTE: Undertaking both of the mentioned treks and other places in today's program is of course unrealistic in one day. Choose according to your preferences.
The return journey to Calgary largely retraces Banff National Park. Depending on your interests, you could substitute some locations from Kootenay and instead visit interesting spots in Banff Park that you missed at the beginning of your Rockies trip, or that you enjoyed and want to visit again. Also, consider driving the Bow Valley Parkway instead of the highway.
Your last day in Canada will be completely different. The mountainous Rockies, formed of sharp peaks, will be replaced by a flat plain. The lush taiga full of wild rivers, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers will be replaced by a steppe landscape covered with parched grass, grain and ubiquitous oil wells that tirelessly peck at the black treasure hidden beneath the surface. Alberta is an important source of shale oil, which formed here from extinct prehistoric animals. And that's what you're going to see today. The area around Drumheller is a well-known site for dinosaur fossils, which once roamed the now parched landscape of dry canyons and erosion-formed rock towers, the so-called badlands. You can explore their past in a great museum exhibiting models of skeletons of many species supplemented by interactive exhibits.
Your first steps to discover the dinosaur and mining past of this area should lead to the visitor center in the center of Drumheller, which welcomes you from afar with the iconic T-Rex model - the feared predator. It is said to be the largest dinosaur model on Earth. You can even climb the stairs leading through the inside of his body to the head and enjoy the view of the city from the observation deck. Entrance to the staircase is inside the information center for a fee of approximately 5 CAD (March 2026). In the information center, you can buy a dinosaur-themed souvenir or products from local vendors. You can also plan your visit and trips around the local badlands, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
information center opening hours: MON - FRI: 8:30 - 12:00, 13:00 - 16:30
Information about the Drumheller area and tips for activities - see the website of the province of Alberta
Visitor center website - here
In addition to fossil finds, the Drumheller area is famous for its mining. One such preserved coal mine is located near the town and is one of the most interesting technical monuments in the Canadian Badlands. It was even declared a national monument for its importance. In addition to tours of mine buildings and machines, including climbing the tower and descending into the tunnel, the biggest attraction is also a ride on the mine train. More about this monument can be found here.
Entrance fee (as of March 2026): Discovery pass is not valid here
basic admission (without a guide, movement on the surface) - 16.95 CAD
extra admission:
train ride (25 min) - 9.25 CAD
tower climb (Processing Plant tour), 45 min - 16.95 CAD
descent into the tunnel (Mine Portal Hike), 75 min - 19.25 CAD
NOTE: Admission to this monument is worthwhile mainly if you purchase one of the tours
!!ATTENTION!! It is better to book admission on the website, reservations are always launched 2 weeks in advance
opening hours: in the 2026 season from May 15 daily 10:00 - 17:00, last entry 16:00
The area around Drumheller is known for its inhospitable, barren landscape eroded by wind and water, called badlands. A typical feature of the badlands are rock towers formed by erosion, often with a narrower base made of softer rocks and an extended "cap" at the top made of more resistant, harder rock. One of the most pleasant and accessible trails where you can observe beautifully formed hoodoos is this easy trail starting at the parking lot near the main road to Drumheller. More here.
!!ATTENTION!! You must not climb on the hoodoos, they are a fragile element of the landscape
A quick stop on the way back to Drumheller can be this historic suspension bridge over the Red Deer River near the mining town of Rosedale. Formerly used by local miners, today it is more of an attraction providing access to the badlands and attracting tourists and local fishermen.
A must-see place near Drumheller is this amazing paleontological and natural history museum dedicated to dinosaurs and their fossils, which is part of the Midland Provincial Park. It is probably the best museum in the world focusing on this topic. In addition to fossils and skeletal models of many species of these ancient lizards, you can watch paleontologists at work. A life-size T-Rex skeleton welcomes you to the museum, and then you walk through a tunnel thematically arranged according to geological periods from the Paleozoic to the Quaternary. The museum is tastefully complemented by gaming and interactive elements and will entertain children and adults alike. Admission in the main season (from April) is 25 CAD (as of March 2026).
Opening hours:
1.9. - 14.5.: TUE - SUN 10:00 - 17:00, last entry 16:00, closed on MON
rest of the year: open daily 9:00 - 21:00, last entry 20:00
Museum information - see web
Around the museum, you'll find short trails through the local badlands. One such trail, the Interpretive Trail, takes you along a paved path through the arid wilderness around the hoodoos.
A charming attraction at the start of the Dinosaur Trail scenic drive is this small chapel located in the middle of the rugged badlands. While it's primarily a tourist attraction and frequently photographed, its original purpose of prayer and spiritual contemplation has been preserved. The entire church, including the interior, is a miniature, architecturally realistic chapel, complete with a tower and windows. Inside (free entry), you'll find miniature pews, an altar, and a pulpit.
NOTE: The church is a popular venue for small weddings and ceremonies
From the small church, head out on the Dinosaur Trail loop road, divided by the Red Deer River canyon into northern and southern sections connected by a cable ferry across the river. During the scenic drive leading among the hoodoos, you will pass by many viewpoints into the canyon and various attractions of this paleontologically significant site.
One of the most photogenic spots around Drumheller leads you to the edge of a cliff with a beautiful view of the dramatic formations of the local badlands landscape. There is no official trail into the canyon; it is more of a viewpoint from the top of the rocks. You can walk the bottom of the canyon later in Horseshoe Canyon on the way back to Calgary.
A historic cable ferry provides passage across the Red Deer River. It operates from spring to fall and is provided by the province of Alberta as a free service. No reservation is needed, just show up and wait for the ferry, which will take you to the other side after a 5-minute ride. You can find more here.
Say goodbye to the desolate badlands landscape with a view of this beautiful canyon. Unlike Horsethief Canyon, you can descend directly to its bottom and walk around the colorful hoodoos. If you are satisfied with the view from above, the observation deck is right next to the parking lot. You can also walk along the path that copies the edge of the cliff and enjoy the canyon from different angles.
Your Canadian adventure is coming to an end, and all that remains is a safe transfer to the airport, returning the car, checking in, and returning home. Don't forget to allow plenty of time – the formalities associated with returning the car, possible traffic jams, the check-in process, customs controls, etc. can take up a lot of time.
Depending on the time of your departure, you may still have some time for last visits to interesting places in the city or surroundings. You can visit some of the places offered on the arrival day, which you may not have reached for time reasons, or return to some of them.
If you have already exhausted all the places and still have time, consider visiting Chinatown located by the Bow River near Downtown along the main street Center Street. Visit Dragon City Mall or Sien Lok Park there. You can relax before your departure in St. Patrick's Island Park located on an island at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The designer George C. King Bridge leads to it from Downtown. For shopping and street art, you can then head to the pedestrian zone Stephen Avenue Walk.
You've arrived at the airport, which means only one thing - return the car and let's get through the check-in process. Goodbye, Alberto.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent demanding flight, you have enough space to finalize the recapitulation of your Canadian adventure.
This road trip took you through the greatest gems of Alberta and, indeed, all of Canada. The panoramas in the local Rockies, formed by sharp peaks with glaciers and crystal-clear lakes, are truly breathtaking displays of nature's beauty, power, and energy. Picturesque canyons formed by wild mountain rivers, grassy meadows, and endless taiga are a feast for the eyes and soul, while the local mighty waterfalls and turquoise lakes are grateful subjects for photographs. Add the adrenaline associated with encountering bears, the kind and helpful Canadians, and dinosaur fossils in the local steppes, and you'll have plenty of fun, adventure, and lifelong experiences.
If you didn't get enough of the natural beauty of the Canadian mountains during your road trip, don't despair - you can always come back and explore another area. There is so much to see in Canada. The author of the itinerary offers another Canadian road trip - this time through British Columbia, which, in addition to its beautiful mountains, also offers exploration of the Pacific coast on Vancouver Island. Your eTA form is valid for 5 years, so you'll have one less worry and expense on your next trip within this period.
So bye bye, Canada! See you next time!
Canada - the land of the maple leaf, the cradle of hockey, an endless landscape of lakes, taiga, and mountains covered with glaciers... this country hardly needs a long introduction. There are many reasons to visit this second-largest country in the world. From modern and clean cities on the east coast, through Niagara Falls on the border with the USA, dinosaur fossils in the arid inland steppes, to the majestic mountains with glaciers, lakes, and bears in the western part of Alberta and British Columbia - every traveler will find something for themselves in Canada.
In this itinerary, you will explore what many consider the most beautiful part of Canada - the mighty Rocky Mountains rising in the western part of the country on the border between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. During a classic road trip, you will enjoy incredible scenery of rugged mountain landscapes covered with snowy peaks with flowing glaciers, turquoise blue lakes, and endless taiga, which is home to wildlife led by the grizzly bear and black bear - the unofficial lords of the local wilderness. If you are lucky (or unlucky - depending on your point of view), you may even spot one of these predators.
This rugged mountain landscape rises sharply from the surrounding flat plains of eastern Alberta surrounding the metropolis of Calgary - a city of cowboys and rodeo. Here your journey begins and ends, and with a bit of luck, you will manage to visit the local phenomenon - the Stampede cowboy festival held every year in the first half of July and lasting 10 days. In the spring or autumn months, you might catch a preparatory match of the local Flames hockey team playing in the legendary Canadian-American NHL league.
In any case, just an hour's drive west of Calgary separates you from unforgettable experiences full of breathtaking views and beautiful photos that the local "Rockies" offer. Follow in the footsteps of this itinerary (and the footsteps of local bears) to explore them, and you certainly won't regret it.
Practical information about Canada and traveling in it can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! Don't forget to book shuttle buses to Moraine Lake (see day 4) and Louise (see day 5) before your trip. You can't get to Moraine Lake by your own car, and there is a lot of interest in the buses. Shuttle bus reservations for both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15th at 8:00 AM local time. More detailed information on reservations can be found in the descriptions of the places mentioned.
Your arrival day is mainly for rest and acclimatization. You need to get used to the different time zone, climate, and culture. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city or the surrounding desolate landscape covered with arid steppe. In the summer months, however, watch out for the great heat - the inland steppe gets very hot.
The places mentioned for today are a range of options for how to spend not only your arrival day but also any time on your departure day. If you have the time and inclination, head to the city center (called Downtown in Canada and the USA). Here you can walk around Olympic Plaza park and imagine yourself as Olympic winners who were awarded medals right here during the ceremonies at the Winter Olympics, which the city hosted in 1988. You can view the city and the surrounding steppe from a bird's eye view from the lookout point of the nearby local landmark - the Calgary Tower.
Whether you have visited the city of cowboys during the Stampede festival, hockey season, or other major cultural or sporting event, you can visit the Scotiabank Saddledome multi-purpose stadium - home of the Calgary Flames hockey team. It is located in the center of the vast Stampede Park, where the aforementioned Cowboy Festival takes place.
From another angle, there is the Heritage Park Historical Village open-air museum located in the southern part of the city on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir. A visit to it will take you back to the old days of the Wild West.
The mentioned places and brief information about them are provided below, it depends on your time whether you visit them.
Hello, welcome to Canada! Welcome to Alberta, a mountainous province full of the oldest national parks surrounded on the east side by endless grassy plains. Today will be more about organization (immigration control, picking up the car - according to the instructions you received before the trip) and relaxation after a tiring flight, however, depending on the time of your arrival, it is possible to make good use of this day as well.
After arrival, pick up the car (according to the instructions you receive before departure) and move to your accommodation (depending on the time of your arrival and check-in), where you can rest and refresh after a tiring flight. On the way from the airport or later after a stop at the hotel, you can replenish your energy after a tiring flight in one of the many more or less known fast foods and tune in to the local food culture. You can also try Canadian national food - fries topped with brown meat sauce sprinkled with cheese, so-called poutine. It can be slightly improved, for example, by adding bacon or pulled meat.
The heart of the city is this well-maintained park surrounded by important buildings such as City Hall, the American Embassy, a theater with a concert hall, the Glenbow Museum dedicated to the history of Western Canada, the extensive TELUS Convention Centre, or the cathedral.
The Olympic Park itself was built in connection with the 1988 Winter Olympics, which were indelibly etched in sports history, especially by the unexpected success of the Jamaican bobsleigh team, which even received a film adaptation thanks to the legendary film Cool Runnings. The medal ceremonies were held in the park.
Parking: The best place to park is in the City Hall Parkade underground garages at City Hall, or in the surrounding hotel and convention center buildings. You can also find a few parking spaces directly on the street in the center. Another option is to park in Stampede Park and start your journey there. All parking is paid.
NOTE: after 6:00 PM, parking in downtown Calgary is cheaper or even free (on the street)
TIP: If you don't want to drive around downtown and pay for parking, all places in Downtown are accessible by the city's "tram" LRT (Light Rail Transit) called CTrain. The nearest stops from the square are Centre Street or City Hall. These are served by both city lines - Red and Blue. The frequency of connections is approx. 5 - 10 min, in the center (Downtown) the fare is free, within the so-called Free fare zone. Outside this zone, the fare is approx. 4 CAD
So consider parking outside downtown at one of the Park & Ride car parks at a CTrain station and take the train to the city center - it is often faster and, above all, significantly cheaper than looking for parking in the center.
You can find information about public transport here
Dominantou města je tato 191 m vysoká věž postavená jako turistická atrakce za účelem vyhlídky. Ve výšce 150 metrů najdete vyhlídkovou plošinu, ze které máte město a okolní nekonečnou step jako na dlani. Za jasného počasí lze v dálce zahlédnout i zasněžené Rocky mountains. Informace o věži najdete zde.
otevírací doba: červen - srpen: 10:00 - 22:00, září - květen: 10:00 - 21:00
TIP autora: I přes výraznou podobu věže tyčící se nad městem se výstup na ní dle názoru autora příliš nevyplatí. Vzhledem k plochému reliéfu města s pár mrakodrapy v okolním downtownu a "nudnou stepí" kolem města toho není příliš k vidění. Šance na spatření Rockies není až tak velká a hlavně se v nich budete většinu času pohybovat - nemusíte tedy kvůli nim platit za vyhlídku, samotné hory nabídnou mnohem krásnější pohledy
Rozlehlý areál se stadiony a stagei se každý rok v první polovině července stává středobodem dění celé provincie během 10 dní trvajícího festivalu Stampede oslavujícího kovbojskou tradici města a historii místních domorodců. Sledovat zde můžete závody dostavníků, koncerty či výstavy domorodých indiánských kmenů. Festival si vysloužil nepříliš skromnou přezdívku "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
Located right in the heart of Stampede Park, this multi-purpose arena with a roof resembling a saddle may not look like much from the outside, but it's home to the Calgary Flames hockey team. Besides hockey, it also hosts concerts, lacrosse games, and other major sporting or cultural events.
This open-air museum is the largest living historical museum in Canada. It is located in the southwest of the city near the Glenmore Reservoir and offers a glimpse into the lives of local residents with 180 historical buildings such as schools, saloons, post offices and shops. The atmosphere is enhanced by people moving around in period costumes and riding in horse-drawn carriages. Information about the park can be found here.
Opening hours: vary depending on the attraction, more here
Your adventure in the land dedicated to winter sports begins on the western edge of Calgary, where you will find yourself at the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Olympic Park. There you can enjoy a ride in "go-karts" down the slope or visit the Sports Hall of Fame. Later, you will move to the magnificent Rocky Mountains (the Rockies), where you will spend most of the itinerary admiring the beautiful lakes, glaciers, and endless taiga. You will start in Canada's oldest national park - Banff National Park. Your journey in the footsteps of bears begins here!
The Olympic Park was created on the occasion of the Winter Olympics, which the city hosted in 1988. Today, it still serves locals and tourists for sports activities throughout the year. In addition to the ski slope, ski jump, bobsleigh track, gymnastics hall and multi-purpose hall, an interesting attraction for summer days is downhill karting on an asphalt road. You can buy tickets at the box office (for a single ride or a package of, for example, 3 or more rides), take the cable car to the top and then ride down in this "go-kart". You can find information about the ride here.
Also interesting is the monument to the curious start of the Jamaican bobsleigh at the 1988 Olympics, which is commemorated by a replica of the Jamaican bobsleigh standing in front of the entrance to the WinSport ski hill.
The park also includes the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. You can find information here.
You can find detailed information about the entire Olympic Park here.
Right on the Trans Canada Highway 1, just past the mountain resort of Canmore, you'll arrive at the entrance gate to Banff National Park. Here, you can purchase either a one-time entry for a specific number of days for individuals or families (groups), or an annual pass for entry to all parks valid for 1 year, which I recommend given the number of days spent in the national parks.
Entry Prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Annual Discovery Pass for one person - 83.50 CAD
Annual Discovery Pass for family/group - 167.50 CAD
Enter the oldest and most popular national park in Canada - Banff - through the gateway near the town of Canmore.
Your first stop in the national park should be the Banff National Park Visitor Centre. Here you can view an exhibit dedicated to local nature, including the king of the jungle - the grizzly bear. You can also plan your visit and trips, with the help of local rangers who are happy to assist. You will also find information about local shuttle buses. I recommend leaving your car parked at your hotel and getting around Banff and the surrounding area carefree on foot and by shuttle bus. However, you can also use a car - entry to all places around Banff is allowed. However, you will have to deal with parking in the town.
NOTE: Shuttle buses are paid, you can buy a ticket in cash with the exact amount from the driver or via applications such as Token Transit App or the Transit App, or at the information center and at some stops in vending machines (cash and card). The starting point (crossing of all bus lines) is the Banff high school transit hub stop.
Information center opening hours:
Winter season (8/9 - 14/5): 9:00 - 17:00
Summer season (rest of the year): 8:00 - 20:00
Park information - see the Parks Canada website
Information about shuttle buses including routes and timetables - here
Shuttle bus routes and timetables - here
You can tune into the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, which you will explore in considerable detail during this itinerary, in this cozy museum right in Banff. In it, you can see stuffed local fauna, such as grizzly or black bear, cougar, moose, etc.
Since it is a national historic site (one of the oldest natural history museums in the country), admission is included with your Discovery Pass. A one-time entry without a pass costs 5 CAD (March 2026). More information can be found here.
Opening hours: May 15 - October 15: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
NOTE: The museum is mainly about the nature of the Rocky Mountains. If you are more interested in life in the harsh mountains. In addition to stuffed local fauna such as grizzly or black bear, cougar, moose, etc., you will also find information about the indigenous inhabitants of the mountains, including their culture and art, as well as something about local research and mountaineers Whyte Museum
You can reach Lake Minnewanka by your own car or the blue line 6 shuttle bus.
The Canadian Rockies are full of glacial lakes. One such lake, over 20 km long, Lake Minnewanka, is easily accessible by car or shuttle bus. You can drive right to its western shore. You can take a forest trail along the lake, perhaps to the footbridge over the Cascade River and enjoy the beautiful views and merging with the surrounding nature, or take a more challenging hike along one of the many hiking trails. Cycling enthusiasts can rent a bike and cycle around the area, or take a scenic cruise on the lake.
Information about the lake and activities in the area can be found here.
Alternatively, take the pink line 7 shuttle bus towards Fenlands from downtown Banff (Banff High School transit hub stop) to the trailhead. The shuttle bus stop is called Tunnel Mountain trailhead. There is also a parking lot here in addition to the stop. The trail starts near the center and can also be easily reached on foot directly from the center.
Take a moderately challenging trail to climb Tunnel Mountain. While it's not a towering peak compared to the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, its location near the center and easy accessibility make it a popular hike that doesn't take too much time. You'll be rewarded with a view of the town of Banff lying below you and the Bow Valley formed by the river of the same name. Information about the mountain and the ascent can be found here.
TIP: Plan your ascent to be at the summit for sunset.
The route to the summit via the Tunnel Mt. summit trail is here.
NOTE: The name Tunnel Mt. comes from the original intention to run a railway tunnel under the mountain. Although the plan was abandoned due to the difficulty, the name remained.
You can easily get to the hotel by car, shuttle bus or on foot.
You will fully immerse yourself in exploring the beautiful surroundings of the Banff mountain resort, located in the heart of the national park of the same name. First, you will delve into the history of the local indigenous tribes inhabiting the local caves filled with mineral springs, which are typical of the area. Later, you will also take a bath in one of these hot springs. The hot bath will give your body, tired from previous trips around the beautiful mountains, a welcome relaxation, especially with the bonus of the surrounding mountain panoramas, which you can observe from the comfort of the hot tub.
You can reach the mineral spring cave by car or the yellow line shuttle bus no. 4.
Experience a combination of nature and history at this National Historic Site, which houses a cave with hot sulfur springs known and used by local indigenous people. It was here that the tradition of Canadian national parks was founded. Today you will find a museum and interactive exhibitions about the history of parks in Canada, period photographs and old spa buildings with a swimming pool. In the surrounding area, you can walk along wooden walkways through the local wetlands and perhaps spot the local unique species of snail - the so-called Banff Springs snail, which lives nowhere else.
As it is a National Historic Site, admission is included with your Discovery Pass. A one-time entry without a pass costs 10 CAD (March 2026). More information can be found here.
Opening hours:
May 15 - Oct 15: daily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Rest of the year: Thursday - Monday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
You can return to the center, to the Bow River bridge, by car or by the yellow line shuttle bus no. 4. From there, continue by shuttle bus no. 4 directly to the falls, or by car or the blue line no. 2 to the Banff Springs Hotel stop with parking, from where the falls are a short walk away. Alternatively, you can leave your car in the center and walk to the falls along the river.
While the Bow Falls, created on the river of the same name, aren't the highest you'll see on your trip (much more majestic ones await you higher in the mountains), their location almost in the city center and easy access via an asphalt path through the park on the riverbank make them well worth a short visit combined with a walk. More information here.
You can get to the bottom station of the cable car by car or the green shuttle bus no. 1 (Sulphur mountains towards Banff gondola).
The lower station of the cable car leading to Sulphur Mountain (or just below its summit) will take you to a viewing platform with a tourist center including restaurants and cafes with viewing terraces, gift shops and a cinema.
Information about the cable car (opening hours, price, etc.) can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! During the summer season and weekends, it is better to book the cable car in advance
You can reach the summit either by gondola lift, which takes about 8 minutes and overcomes an elevation difference of almost 700 meters, or you can hike up a moderately difficult (but relatively uninteresting) trek along the Sulphur Mountain Trail.
TIP: If you choose to hike up, you can get a half-price ticket for the gondola ride down.
A wooden walkway leads directly from the center to the upper cable car station, along the ridge of the mountains with several viewing platforms, from where you will have wonderful views of the town of Banff, the Bow Valley and several prominent peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The walkway will take you to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. More about the mountain can be found here.
TIP: Fitter individuals can head in the opposite direction from the station along the challenging trail to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
For the return trip to the parking lot, you can either take the cable car again (if you used it for the way up, the price automatically includes the ride down), or walk down the hill along the trail.
Treat your body, tired from mountain hikes, to some relaxation in the popular hot mineral baths near the lower cable car station. Soak your weary body in the hot pool and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains surrounded by rising hot steam.
More information about the spa can be found here https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/sources-banff-springs
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time.
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery pass does not apply to the entrance to the spa, you need to pay an extra entrance fee, which in March 2026 was 20 CAD
Additional fees (March 2026):
Locker token for personal belongings: 2 CAD
towel: 3 CAD
swimsuit: 5 CAD
TIP: Youth up to the age of 17 have free entry
opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
Return to downtown Banff by car or the green shuttle bus No. 1.
Your journey through Canada's oldest national park continues today. First, you'll leave the civilization of the town of Banff and take a leisurely walk along a wild river gorge trail to two magnificent waterfalls, which you'll view from observation platforms. You'll even walk through a tunnel in the rock to one of them. A little higher in the mountains, you'll experience one of the most beautiful views not only of this trip but probably of your lives - the glacial Moraine Lake is simply iconic and it is not for nothing that it appears in many photographs promoting Canada. The turquoise blue surface surrounded by glacier-covered mountain peaks and dark green taiga is simply breathtaking.
!!ATTENTION!! The road to Moraine Lake is not open to private cars. You need to use the shuttle bus from Lake Louise resort. Especially in the summer season, there is great interest in the lake, so don't forget to book the shuttle bus in time. More information about the lake and transport to it can be found in the description of Moraine Lake and also in the introduction to the route.
The system of three shallow lakes connected by Echo Creek begins on the western edge of Banff along the Trans Canada Highway 1. You can drive along the shores on the side road (by car or bike) or stop at the viewpoint directly on the highway, from where you have the lakes at your fingertips. On clear days, the surrounding mountain peaks are beautifully reflected on their surface. More information about the lake and surrounding activities can be found here.
The journey into the interior of Banff National Park is either via the Trans-Canada Highway, or along the secondary mountain road, the Bow Valley Parkway, which leads to the Lake Louise resort. I recommend choosing this road, as it offers beautiful views and stops at interesting places along the way.
One of the most beautiful places near Banff is definitely this narrow gorge created by the river of the same name. From the parking lot, take an easy, comfortable, and paved path upstream to the first waterfall (Lower Falls), which you can reach through a small tunnel in the rock, and then continue to the higher Upper Falls. Enjoy the view from several viewing platforms that offer the waterfall from different angles and distances. More about the canyon here.
TIP: If you have the desire, time, and energy, continue from the upper waterfall along the forest path to the natural mineral pools Ink pots. Here, unlike the path to the waterfalls, you won't encounter crowds.
This is a large parking lot in a ski resort with a cable car and slopes. Park your car here and take the shuttle bus (reserved in advance) that will take you directly to the lake. Information about the shuttle bus can be found in the description of Moraine Lake and also in the introduction to the trip.
Take the shuttle bus from Lake Louise. It will take you to the shores of the lake. The price is around 8 CAD + another approximately 3 - 4 CAD for the reservation fee on the website (March 2026).
One of the most beautiful places not only in the Rockies, but in all of Canada, is this glacial lake located in the valley of the ten peaks with a beautifully turquoise surface, surrounded by steep mountain peaks with rocky debris sliding directly into the blue depths on one shore and dense green taiga on the other. The view of the lake and the surrounding ten peaks from the rocky hill on the Rockpile trail near the parking lot on the northern shore of the lake is one of the typical subjects of postcards and posters from Canada and will be an experience that you will not easily erase from your head. The view of this magnificent work of nature is simply incredible and is one of the TOP experiences on this trip.
In addition to the views of the lake, you can take an easy one-way trail copying the western shore, and you can extend the route with one of the trails leading to the surrounding mountains to the Neil Colgan Hut. However, these are very challenging treks involving walking on a glacier and are therefore not relevant for most ordinary tourists. If you want to take a trek that is easier in terms of time and energy, consider the Larch Valley Trail - near the boat rental, turn right into the wooded hills. The trail leading first through a dense forest, later a mountain meadow, and finally a barren moraine leads to Lake Minnestima and further to the Sentinel Pass.
Another option is, of course, renting a canoe and sailing on the lake with a view of the surrounding peaks. However, this is definitely not a cheap affair. The price for an hour's rental is around 180 CAD.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the lake's great popularity among visitors and the small parking lot, the road leading to the lake is closed to personal cars, or heavily restricted. It is therefore advisable (rather essential) to choose a shuttle bus for transport to and from the lake, which you should definitely book well in advance.
!!Shuttle bus reservations to both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15 at 8:00 local time!!
Information on visiting Morraine and Louis Lakes using the shuttle bus - here
Shuttle bus reservation to Moraine and Louise Lakes - here
Take the shuttle bus back to the parking lot at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
After yesterday's moraine lake, today it's time for another of the Canadian natural gems - the iconic Lake Louise. The view from the viewpoints on the slopes above the lake of its sparkling blue surface with the legendary hotel standing on its eastern shore is another unforgettable experience. Lake Louise also offers many relatively easy trails around it, so you can easily spend the whole day wandering along forest paths, sharp moraines and glaciers. Maybe you will meet an interesting representative of the local fauna in the local wilderness. Black bears, who are excellent climbers, are also common here. So look not only around you, but also into the treetops.
!!ATTENTION!! The road to Lake Louise is usually open for cars, but the parking capacity (which is also paid) is limited. I recommend using the shuttle bus from the Lake Louise resort. Especially in the summer season, there is great interest in the lake, so be sure to book the shuttle bus in advance. You can find more information about the lake and transport to it in the description of Moraine lake and also in the introduction to the trip.
Before heading to the lake, it's worth taking a look at the Lake Louise area and Banff National Park visitor center. Here, you can learn about the local rich flora and fauna, geology, and ecology using stuffed animals and interactive exhibits. With the help of rangers and maps, you can then plan a visit to the lake and other places in Banff. The rangers will also answer any questions about transportation to the lake by shuttle bus or your own car and parking.
Opening hours:
Winter season (23/9 - 5/6): 9:00 - 17:00
Summer season (rest of the year): 9:00 - 18:00
If you use the shuttle bus to get to the lake (which I recommend), you will depart from the same place as yesterday.
The best option is again to use the shuttle bus (as with Lake Moraine, it needs to be booked well in advance). The price is approximately 5 CAD (March 2026). Driving your own car is possible, but parking spaces are limited and paid. The last option is also a walk - the lake is close to the center and the Louise Creek Trail is not challenging and leads through a pleasant forest along the river.
Compared to yesterday's remote and less "commercial" moraine lake, this lake (named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta) is a bit more accessible and therefore more frequented. However, it is no less beautiful thanks to its location surrounded by glaciated and forested mountain peaks. In addition to the views of the surface from the area around the parking lot and the hotel, it is worth taking a walk along the shore on the comfortable paved path that runs along the northern shore of the lake. You can also take several longer hikes here (described below) or rent a canoe.
Recommended routes and destinations:
Fairview lookout: a relatively easy route leading to a viewpoint on the south side of the lake
Lake Agnes Trail - leads from the shore of Lake Louise along a forest path first to Mirror Lake, then on to Lake Agnes, on the shore of which stands the historic Lake Agnes Tea House
Plain of Six Glaciers - this route starts with a comfortable paved path leading from the parking lot along the northern shore of Lake Louise, later changing into a relatively challenging path leading over sharp moraine fragments to the foot of the Victoria Glacier → back, Fairview Trail
TIP: If you want to complete both of the last two mentioned routes, you don't need to return from Lake Agnes via the Lake Agnes Trail, but you can connect directly to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail using the Big Beehive Trail leading around the northern shore of Lake Agnes and then the connecting Highline Trail, which connects to the Plain of Six Glaciers.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the lake's popularity among visitors and limited (paid) parking, it is advisable to choose a shuttle bus for transport to and from the lake, which you should definitely book well in advance.
!!Shuttle bus reservations to both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15 at 8:00 AM local time!!
Information on visiting Lakes Morraine and Louis using the shuttle bus - here
Shuttle bus reservation to the lakes Moraine and Louise - here
Return by shuttle bus (or by car or on foot) back to the center.
You will set off on the beautiful Icefields Parkway, connecting the two most precious Canadian national parks, Banff and Jasper. Just drive out of the town of Lake Louise and the hundreds of kilometers-long route leading through dense taiga at the foot of mountain massifs, glacier-covered ridges with wild rivers, waterfalls and turquoise lakes can begin. However, it would be a shame to just drive through what many consider the most beautiful road in the world. In addition to other things, the picturesque Peyto Lake with its beautifully blue-colored surface or the mighty Athabasca Glacier, which you can ride on with a special bus or observe from the viewpoint during the path in the clouds, invite you to stop and stretch your legs. The journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies will definitely be another unforgettable experience that you will bring back from this trip.
TIP: To plan trips along the Icefields Parkway, use this website, where you will find information about possible trails.
The first natural beauty worth stopping at is Bow Lake, located on the river of the same name and fed by the flowing glacier, named none other than Bow. Here you can enjoy views of the surface from the comfort of picnic tables, stroll along the shore, or lie on the beach on the north shore near the hotel. From here also begins the more challenging Bow Glacier Falls Trail leading to the waterfalls and glacier.
Not far from Bow Lake you will find another gem of the Canadian mountains. When you look at Peyto Lake in photos, you might think that its water color can't be real and is the result of various filters. However, when viewed from the viewing platform, you will see that the photos do not lie. The sparkling blue color of the lake surface seems almost chemically treated, but it is the work of glacially deposited minerals. In any case, it is one of the most photogenic places in the Rockies. At the same time, few natural gems are so easily accessible - a short and comfortable paved road leads from the parking lot to the viewpoint. I recommend walking a little higher along the nature trail to the rocky viewpoint, from where you can take even more beautiful photos. But mainly there will be noticeably fewer people here.
TIP: If you want to go down to the shores of the lake, you need to go further and use this trail
One of the most beautiful and easily accessible canyons in Banff offers a breathtaking view of the power of the wild river, which uncompromisingly carved its way through the surrounding rocky subsoil. A short path from the parking lot first leads to a footbridge over the river, from where you have the Mistaya Canyon and the river at your fingertips. Then you can walk along the rocky and wooded edge of the canyon and get wet in some places. More information can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! The current is really strong and the stones are slippery, do not underestimate the seemingly easy terrain
A somewhat challenging, yet beautiful trip is the hike to the viewpoint along the Parker Ridge Trail. From the parking lot, you initially ascend quite steeply, but then the trail more or less levels out and leads along the mountain ridge to the edge of a rock massif, which offers an imposing view of the mighty Saskatchewan Glacier flowing into a lake that is the source of the North Saskatchewan River - one of the two branches of the major river flowing across a large part of Canada. The view of the glacial tongue flowing into the valley and disappearing into the blue depths of the lake is truly breathtaking.
During the transfer between Parker Ridge and Columbia Icefield center, you will enter Jasper National Park, specifically at the Sunwapta Pass here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=1037792898&ds=1&x=-117.1611039&y=52.2123091&z=16
The focal point of activity along the Icefields Parkway is this visitor center, which, in addition to classic refreshments and an exhibition dedicated to local geology and climate in the local museum, also offers special attractions, namely admission to the Icefield Skywalk or a snow bus tour of the glacier. These attractions are described in more detail below.
Information about admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and the bus tour on the Athabasca Glacier can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! Both of these special attractions are very popular and it is good to book them in advance
Discovery Center opening hours: May - October: 10:00 - 17:00, during July and August until 18:00
There are two ways to explore the massive Athabasca Glacier:
1) On foot - from the visitor center, cross the road and walk (or drive) to the parking lot, from where you can walk towards the foot of the glacier. Depending on the time of your visit and the associated amount of snow and trail conditions, you may be able to reach its base. Along the path from the parking lot to the glacier, you will find a sad reminder of the state of the climate - due to constant warming, the glacier is receding, as evidenced by signs informing you how far the glacier reached in certain years. You can try to find a sign with your year and find out how far the ice reached in the year you were born.
2) By snow bus (Ice Explorer) - riding on the glacier in a special all-terrain bus in Canadian colors is a truly extraordinary experience. The bus departs from the visitor center and travels along a designated route across the moraine directly to the glacier, where you can get off and walk on the snow. The whole experience lasts about an hour. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center or online. The price in March 2026 was 125 CAD and also includes admission to the nearby Skywalk (see below). However, you can also purchase a separate ticket only for the Ice Explorer. Look for Columbia Icefield Glacier Only Experience here https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield/experiences/columbia-icefield-glacier-only-experience/
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in summer, I recommend booking tickets in advance on the website here https://bookings.banffjaspercollection.com/RKY/activities/details/1/ICE-BTC-BA-GA/Attraction?WebLink=w0BMA%2bAeAicpoyoelyYgHg%3d%3d&agencyNumber=5008664&wlid=968&lob=Glacier+Adventure#/select-ticket/book-adventure
If you decide to take a walk on the Skywalk, a shuttle bus will take you to it from the information center and then back.
The second of the two main attractions of the Columbia Icefield Discovery area is a walk on the arched suspension bridge with a glass bottom and a viewing platform hanging over a deep canyon, offering spectacular views of the mountain peaks and the Athabasca Glacier. You can buy a ticket in person or on the website, then take a shuttle bus from the information center to the viewpoint and back. The entrance fee for the Skywalk only in March 2026 was 48 CAD, in combination with a ride on the glacier in the Ice Explorer then 125 CAD.
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in summer, I recommend booking tickets in advance on the website here
AUTHOR'S TIP: The viewpoint is crowded and quite expensive. Given the many free views you have experienced or will experience in the mountains, I would not recommend entering the Skywalk.
The cascading waterfall flowing down the rocky cliff is worth a short stop. It is visible directly from the road, but lovers of minor climbing will surely enjoy climbing up the boulders towards the waterfall.
One of the many beautiful waterfalls you can visit in the Canadian Rockies is easily accessible due to its location near the Icefields Parkway. In addition to the main waterfall with a viewpoint near the parking lot, take a walk along the river to the lower waterfall. The view of the roaring water is truly amazing. More information can be found here.
From Banff Park, you smoothly transitioned along the Icefields Parkway to another giant among parks - Jasper. Like its older neighbor, it offers magnificent scenery of the Rocky Mountains, so there will be plenty of views of snow-capped mountain peaks, mighty thundering waterfalls, and walks along turquoise lakes. You can manage all these activities this day. So get a good night's sleep, have a hearty breakfast, and head towards another adventure full of the beauty of the local fantastic nature. Maybe you'll even meet a bear :)
Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful and impressive in the Rockies. The force with which the river relentlessly flows through the channel and then falls and crashes against the rocks at the bottom is breathtaking. There are convenient trails and viewpoints in the surrounding area, and you can enjoy the power of the waterfall from a footbridge over the river that created this natural work. More here
You can enjoy amazing natural scenery in the area around Mount Edith Cavell. It's like the "Rockies in a nutshell" because you'll see a bit of everything in a relatively small space. First, you will walk along a rocky path from the parking lot towards a picturesque lake fed by the melting glacier lying below it. From the lake, you can then climb steep, wooded trails above the treeline into a landscape of mountain meadows (a place made for grizzly bears - maybe you'll get lucky :)), which a few hundred meters further turn into a rocky scree that you can reach the East-ridge Summit. However, you don't have to bother climbing all the way to the top - the circular trail through the mountain meadow is also beautiful. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the blooming meadow and the iconic Angel glacier resembling angel wings. More here
As the name suggests, during a comfortable and easy trail, you will gradually pass around five glacial lakes located in a mountain valley. The ideal route covering all five lakes is here. Between the third and fourth lakes, you will find a small open space where iconic red chairs are installed - unmistakable symbols of Canadian national parks, which you will encounter again along the way. The chairs offer a pleasant view of the third lake.
More information can be found here.
You've technically been in Jasper National Park since yesterday, but this is where you'll pass through the entrance gate. Here, you'll either show the rangers your Discovery Pass or purchase a one-time entry for a certain number of days for individuals or a family (group).
Entry Fees (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Entering through the entrance gate located south of the town of Jasper, you officially enter the national park of the same name.
When exploring Jasper National Park, don't miss a visit to the visitor center. Here you can view a small exhibition dedicated to local nature. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who are happy to help. You will also find information about local shuttle buses that you can use. However, it is easy to get around Jasper by car, which I recommend.
NOTE: Shuttle buses are paid, you can buy a ticket in cash with the exact amount from the driver or via applications such as the HotSpot App, or at the stand in the hub station called The Hub.
Visitor center opening hours:
winter season (28/9 - 14/5): 9:00 - 17:00
summer season (rest of the year): 9:00 - 19:00
Park information - see the website Parks Canada
Information about shuttle buses including routes - here
Patricia Lake is more of just a stop on the way to the more distant Pyramid Lake. However, it is worth slowing down and rolling down the car window on the road that copies its northeast coast :) The view of the lake and the stunning Pyramid Mountain is worth it.
Of the pair of lakes beneath Pyramid Mountain, north of Jasper town, Pyramid Lake is definitely the more interesting, mainly due to the possibility of accessing the small island almost in its center (see sub-location). You can rent a canoe or kayak at the lake and enjoy the lake and surrounding mountains directly from the water, or relax on the beach. More information can be found here.
A pleasant place to end the day with a walk or sit and relax while watching the setting sun is the small island, which you can reach via a footbridge arching over the surface of the lake. The footbridge starts near the parking lot by the road. On the island, you'll find a few walking paths leading around the shore, where you can sit on one of the benches or in the gazebos and enjoy views of the lake and surrounding mountains, led by the peak of Pyramid Mountain. All under the beautiful play of colors of the setting sun.
It's a demanding day, rich in experiences, so it's worth getting up a bit early. You can kickstart your body with a morning stretch on the beach by the picturesque lakes near Jasper. Once you're sufficiently awake, head to the magnificent gorge created by the wild river flowing from the glacier and observe its roaring channel with waterfalls from the footbridges and viewpoints along the groomed footpath. Later, venture into the heart of the park towards the stunning glacial landscape surrounding the picturesque lake and head to the mysterious islet surrounded by a fairytale landscape. After a demanding day, warm your tired body in the hot springs of the local spa, all under the watchful eye of the local mountain peaks.
!!ATTENTION!! Maligne Canyon has been closed since 2024 due to wildfires (current as of March 2026). For the current status, please refer to the information on the website here.
Lakes Annette and Edith, located near the town of Jasper along the main road, are ideal for a morning stretch. You can take a walk around the lake on the paved path, watch the rising sun from the comfort of the beach, and the more hardy can even take a swim. Around the lake are areas suitable for, e.g., yoga or small sports activities. Picnic tables with fire pits and public grills offer the possibility of breakfast in a very pleasant environment. More about both lakes can be found here.
Right next to Annette Lake lies another equally beautiful lake, which you can reach on foot directly from the beach of Annette Lake. So you don't have to go anywhere else. This lake also offers beaches with a pleasant backdrop of the blue-green waters of the lake and the surrounding panorama of wooded mountains. You can once again walk around the lake on a comfortable path, or enjoy the calm surface and surrounding nature from the comfort of traditional red chairs. The nature is active in the morning, I recommend taking binoculars.
One of the most beautiful natural areas of Jasper National Park is very accessible and easy to walk for all visitors thanks to the comfortable path along the Maligne River. Over many years, its wild flow has carved a channel through the rocky subsoil, creating a beautiful steep gorge full of wild river sections and waterfalls. You can observe this from a safe path separated from the slope by a railing with several viewing platforms and footbridges across the river. I recommend completing the entire circuit including all five footbridges. The recommended route is here. You can find more about the canyon here.
!!ATTENTION!! The canyon is currently (March 2026) still closed after the forest fires of 2024, which damaged the surrounding forests, and there is a risk of falling trees, among other things. Follow current information here
Seemingly just another ordinary glacial lake, it actually has unique geological characteristics and a water regime. The lake is fed by the surrounding glaciers and the Maligne River flows through it, but thanks to the unique geology of the bottom, it disappears under the surface, where it drains from the lake further into the Maligne Canyon through a complex underground network of channels. You can view the lake from viewpoints near the parking lot on its western shore, from where you can also descend to it. More here.
The road that follows the entire length of the north shore gives you one last chance to see this unique lake.
This remote lake, named after the river that flows from it, offers more recreational opportunities. Thanks to its remoteness, it offers a beautifully turquoise surface surrounded by wilderness consisting of dense taiga and high mountain peaks with majestic glaciers, whose runoff feeds the lake. Information about the lake and surrounding activities can be found here.
What to do at and around the lake:
1) Water activities: boat trip (from here) to the iconic island Spirit Island or a ride on the lake by canoe or kayak
2) Hiking:
a) short walk from the parking lot along the northern shore of the lake to the iconic red chairs, picnic by the lake
b) Moose Lake Trail - an easy forest trail will take you to a remote lake where you can watch the local wildlife, and if you're lucky, you might even spot the huge moose that gave the trail its name
b) Bald Hills Trail - you can connect to it from the previous "Moose" trail, it is a relatively challenging climb that gradually takes you above the forest line into an environment of mountain meadows and rocky scree with beautiful views of the surrounding glacial landscape
NOTE: In winter, the lake area is a popular location for cross-country skiing
Similar to Banff, Jasper National Park also has its hot springs. You can regenerate your body in the hot springs with a view of the mountain panorama after many challenging hikes, approximately halfway through your stay. Compared to the springs in Banff, you will find more pools with different water temperatures here.
If you want to really earn the spa experience, you can further challenge your body on a moderately difficult trek along the Sulphur trail skyline leading to a viewpoint from which you have the hot springs and forested peaks of the surrounding mountains at your fingertips.
You can find information about the spa here.
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery Pass does not apply to entry to the spa; you need to pay an extra admission fee, which was 20 CAD in March 2026.
Additional fees (March 2026):
towel: 4 CAD
swimsuit: 6 CAD
TIP: Youth up to the age of 17 have free entry
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
Today will be somewhat in the spirit of hunting local peaks. First, in Jasper, you'll conquer Whistlers Mountain using the SkyTram and a short hike, rewarding you with fantastic views of the Rockies. A little further on, you'll come face to face with the snow-covered peak of Mount Robson, located in the park of the same name – the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Although you won't conquer its summit due to the extreme conditions, the view from the shores of the glacial lake of its frightening-looking shield will be unforgettable. Later in the afternoon, you'll begin a road trip through the mountainous landscape of British Columbia, where you'll move today. Driving enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven on the local quality road winding through the mountainous landscape between glacial peaks.
Just as Banff has its famous gondola to Sulphur Mountain, Jasper has its "SkyTram" that takes you below the summit of Whistlers Mountain. Step aboard and enjoy an unforgettable ride to the summit with views of the town of Jasper and the mountain scenery, including Maligne Lake or Pyramid Lake.
Information about the cable car (opening hours, price, etc.) can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! During the summer season and weekends, it is better to book the cable car in advance here
You can reach the summit either by gondola lift, which takes about 7 minutes and climbs almost 1000 meters, or you can hike up a challenging trek along The Whistlers trail (not recommended). The price for a round trip was approximately CAD 77 in March 2026, including all taxes.
The SkyTram will take you to the upper station near the summit, where you will find a viewing platform and tourist facilities (restaurant, shop, etc.). From there, head towards the summit of Whistlers Mountain along an approximately 1 km long path, during which there will be plenty of beautiful views. At the top, all that remains is to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding Rockies, including their highest peak - Mount Robson. Good visibility is, of course, a prerequisite.
Take the trail back to the top of the cable car and from there down to the car parked at the bottom station.
During your journey for another adventure, you will leave Jasper National Park and the province of Alberta and enter Mount Robson Provincial Park (named after the symbol of the Canadian Rockies and its highest peak), which is already in the province of British Columbia. Admission is free, so you will not be passing through any entrance gates. You certainly won't be bored during the relatively long journey - the surrounding landscape is beautiful and offers plenty of places to stop.
The first stop in Mount Robson Provincial Park will be these impressive waterfalls, easily accessible via a short trail leading from the parking lot located right off the highway. You can easily view these cascading waterfalls from the lookout above the bank, or take a short walk along the trail around the river.
Before you head out on a trek to the lakes, don't miss a visit to the local visitor center. Here, with the help of rangers, you can plan your tour and consult on the current condition of the trails, weather, or wildlife activity. You can also view a small exhibition dedicated to local nature, geology, and history. There is also the possibility to replenish water, have lunch in the restaurant, or buy supplies for the trek in the local store.
Visitor center opening hours: approximately 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Mt. Robson Park Information - see web
A little further down the road from the information center, you will find a large parking lot where the park's most popular trek begins – the Berg Lake Trail, which leads to the glacier lake of the same name. Completing the entire trek there and back in one day is unrealistic, as it is approximately 19 km long (one way only). To complete it, you need to obtain a permit at the information center for camping and divide the trek into two days. However, you can take the trail and after less than five kilometers on a relatively easy trail along the Robson River, you will reach the closer Kinney Lake, which lies at the foot of Mount Robson, whose snowy peak you can observe from there.
Hike the Berg Lake Trail.
A beautiful glacial lake at the foot of Mount Robson, from where you can observe its snow-capped peak. The elevation difference from the lake's surface to the summit is an incredible 3,000 meters. Due to the relative ease of the trek to the lake and its location directly at the foot of the mountain, it is one of the best places to observe this majestic peak.
Return back the same way. It will be faster downhill :)
You can break up the long drive to your hotel with a visit to another provincial park - Jackman Flats. It is a unique landscape for the Canadian Rockies, consisting of sand dunes and dry plains blown by the wind in the ice age. This unique landscape is logically home to unique organisms. You can explore this interesting ecosystem on the pleasant Juniper trail.
The journey to the hotel is long, but thanks to the constant presence of the mountain scenery, there is no risk of boredom. Enjoy a classic road trip along a well-maintained road across the mountains, stopping occasionally to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of the local landscape.
The first of the visited national parks in the beautiful province of British Columbia is located around the peak of Mount Revelstoke, towering above the town of the same name, which is a famous ski resort. In addition to classic downhill skiing, ski jumping also has a tradition here, and you can also take on the role of a jumper soaring over the slope thanks to a funny monument standing in the middle of "nowhere". After you try flying without wings, head to the very top of the mountain through mountain meadows among blooming flowers to the picturesque lakes with crystal clear water reflecting the surrounding mountain peaks. There will be plenty of wonderful views, crystal clear lakes and colorful flowers today, as well as great hikes. So grease under your knees and set out to explore this interesting national park.
Your first trip in Mount Revelstoke National Park should lead to the visitor center, which is located a bit unusually outside the park area directly in the town of Revelstoke. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local history and plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
visitor center opening hours: MON - FRI: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Mount Revelstoke Park Information - see Parks Canada website
TIP: Outside the national park, it is possible to experience a bit of adrenaline in the ski resort Revelstoke Mountain Resort, specifically riding a wheeled "bobsleigh" down the slope, called The Pipe Mountain Coaster. The author of the itinerary has no personal experience with this, but if you are interested, check out this website.
From the information center, take the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which winds through Revelstoke Mountain National Park to the summit of Mount Revelstoke. At the beginning, you will pass through a toll booth where you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for an individual or family (group), or you can present a Discovery pass.
Entry prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
The entrance gate is located directly on the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway. Follow it further to the beginning of the short forest trail Nels Nelson Ski Jump Trail, named after the legendary Canadian ski jumper, which will take you to the historical ski jumping area that was one of the first in Canada. Here, you can imagine yourself as a ski jumper soaring over the slope thanks to the wittily installed ski jumping monument.
The large parking lot by Balsam Lake is the starting point for exploring the park. First, you can walk around the lake on a beautiful path leading through a blooming mountain meadow to a viewpoint. Then, take the Upper Summit Trail to the summit.
The asphalt road and civilization end here at Heather Lake, just below the summit of Mount Revelstoke, which you can easily reach via the easy First Footsteps Trail.
On the west side of the road, take a pleasant walk through the trails leading through mountain meadows and offering stunning views of the mountain valleys below from the local viewpoints and the old fire tower, which you can climb.
Walks around the summit are just a warm-up for a proper trek that starts on the north side of Heather Lake. Take the pleasant Miller Lake Trail to the shores of this lake. The route is shown here.
The following treks to all three lakes are described in more detail here.
Most of the Miller Lake Trail follows a pleasant, wide path that alternates between forest and mountain meadow. However, the gentle descent along a relatively firm trail is replaced in the final section by a rather steep climb along a path above the lake.
The reward for your efforts is a view of the crystal-clear surface of the glacial lake, on the shore of which you can enjoy the amazing tranquility of the local nature. Due to its remoteness, you will encounter a minimum of people here, unlike the area around the parking lot.
Once you have sufficiently enjoyed the genius loci of this place, continue to the next lake via the Eva lake trail. The route is here.
The path to the next lake is short and almost without elevation, making it easy.
You can walk around another of the quiet lakes and enjoy its calm surface reflecting the surrounding mountains. There is a campsite on the shore of the lake, and when you look at the beauty of the surrounding nature, you have to admit that the night here must be amazing.
Depending on your time and energy, it is possible to reach a third lake. However, it is quite far away and the path to it is relatively difficult. Consider whether a visit to Jade Lake is within your reach, even with the long journey back to the parking lot.
Route to Jade Lake - here
Route from the lake back to the parking lot - here
The route is quite challenging and long, with steep uphill and downhill sections.
The wonderfully turquoise lake (thanks to minerals and clear water from the surrounding glaciers) guarantees you a peaceful merging with nature due to its remoteness (you will most likely be completely alone here) and also an adventure on the way to it.
Your wanderings in Mount Revelstoke National Park are over, head back to the town of Revelstoke to your hotel.
Before you definitively leave Revelstoke Park, take a walk along the wooden walkways leading through the local ancient rainforest with magnificent specimens of centuries-old cedars. A little further on, in the mountainous Glacier National Park, you will be greeted by true wilderness. Sharp mountain peaks covered with massive glaciers feeding the wild rivers and turquoise lakes will engulf you with their energy. It is here that you will experience the true wilderness and rawness of the local nature while walking along more or less challenging trails that will take you to the foot of glaciers, wild waterfalls, and rapid rivers. Another bear hunt can begin, you have a really good chance here :)
A rest area right by the highway with facilities such as covered picnic tables and toilets is a popular stop when traveling along the Trans Canada Highway. A short educational circuit through the local wetlands leads directly from it. On the way along the wooden walkway through forest swamps and marshes, you will learn interesting information about the local vegetation and fauna. The symbol of this ecosystem is the yellow-flowering skunk cabbage.
!!ATTENTION!! The nature trail is currently closed due to damage to the walkway. Follow current information here
NOTE: The author met a bear here, who was walking right through the parking lot :)
If the Skunk Cabbage interpretive trail didn't work out for you, you can certainly make up for it with a walk through the even more beautiful landscape of an ancient rainforest made up of cedars (cedar tree) that are over 800 years old. Take a walk along the comfortable wooden walkway among these giants with trunks over 4 meters wide. The wild rainforest atmosphere is complemented by the ubiquitous beautiful green mosses, ferns and lichens, which are obviously thriving in the local humidity.
Welcome to Glacier National Park, known for its rugged mountains with sharp peaks and many massive glaciers in the wild Selkirk Mountains. If there's a really good chance to encounter a bear or other wildlife, it's here. You won't find a classic entrance gate here; if you have a Discovery Pass, display it behind your car window. If you want to pay a one-time entry fee, do so at the information center, which you'll reach during the day.
The first stop in this otherwise rugged park full of challenging trails is a leisurely circular trail through an old-growth forest on a wooden boardwalk (similar to the previous stop). The local old-growth forest is made up of ancient Western Hemlock trees. In addition to them, cedars and swamp cypresses also grow here, and of course, a rich moss cover.
Glacier Park is not just about the rugged mountain scenery, but also has its historical significance. Among other things, it was an important section of the Canadian Pacific Railway route, which crossed the local mountains and passes, and due to natural obstacles it was necessary to build a network of tunnels dug through the mountains. This circular trail follows the route of the former railway line that was part of the mentioned route. During the circuit you will see several remains of railway tunnels and bridges that crossed the local rugged landscape. In addition, you will enjoy the beauty of the local nature full of forests and flowering hillsides.
Before heading out on more challenging treks in the local wilderness, head to the park's visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature, including taxidermied local predators such as cougars and bears. You can also learn to identify animals by their tracks or droppings. Due to the historical importance of the pass thanks to the Canada Pacific Railway route, the Rogers Pass area is designated as a National Historic Site, and in addition to information about nature, you will also find exhibits, monuments, and photographs dedicated to the history of this place in and around the information center. Take advantage of the local rangers, who will be happy to help you plan routes, including information on trail conditions, weather, and animal activity. It may happen that some routes are closed due to bear or cougar activity or natural elements.
Visitor Center Opening Hours: Varies by season, usually in summer (May - October) approx. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Park Information - see the website Parks Canada
Visitor Center Website - here
NOTE: If you do not have a Discovery Pass, you will pay the park entrance fee here at the information center.
Entrance Fees (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Many more or less challenging treks can be undertaken from the information center and its surroundings. You can find a list and description here.
Park at the end of the campground, where several treks into the wilderness towards glaciers, led by the iconic Illecillewaet Glacier - a symbol of the park, begin at the Arthur Wheeler hut. The true exploration of the park starts right here.
The author has chosen one easy and one more challenging trek that he has completed himself. However, there are more options available. Choose from the list and description of treks here, or explore Mapy.com, with Arthur Wheeler Hut as the starting point.
First, from the parking lot and cabin, take a short section of the Perley Rock Trail, after which you connect to the Meeting of the Waters Trail. This pleasant trail will take you to the confluence of the Illecillewaet River and the Asulkan River, which you can observe from the footbridge from the comfort of Canada's typical red chairs. During the easy trail, you will enjoy dramatic mountain scenery and the rushing flow of the wild river that accompanies you all the way.
At the end of the Meeting of the Waters Trail, the more challenging Great Glacier Trail follows, which will take you closer to the llecillewaet Glacier. The entire route is approximately 6.5 km (round trip) and you will ascend about 330 meters in altitude.
Return to Arthur O. Wheeler hut. Depending on your taste and time, you can set off on another trek.
For a tougher trek, you can choose to climb to the foot of the Avalanche Glacier. The trek, which leads first mainly through the forest and later over rocky debris, is approximately 4.5 km in one direction and climbs approximately 900 meters in altitude. The route is here.
While traveling between these two places, the itinerary author encountered a bear walking directly on the highway.
You can say goodbye to the wildly beautiful landscape of the park via a relatively easy, albeit quite steeply ascending trail, which will lead you to a magnificent waterfall created by the Connaught River.
Welcome to Yoho National Park. This magnificent park offers dramatic scenery so typical of the Rocky Mountains. You will visit beautiful waterfalls, an emerald lake, and of course, endless dense forests interwoven with rushing rivers flowing from glaciers, which are home to wildlife. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to meet something interesting here :) And because the end of your journey through the Rockies is slowly approaching, it's time to once again give your hike-weary body a rest in the spa. An evening bath in Radium Hot Springs under the supervision of mountain ranges will be a beautiful end to your adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Right on the Trans Canada Highway 1, you'll reach the entrance gate to Yoho National Park. Here, you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for individuals or families (groups), or show the rangers your Discovery Pass.
Entry Prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
You enter Yoho National Park through the entrance gate.
Your first trip in the national park should lead to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature and history. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
Visitor center opening hours: depending on the season, approximately 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (6:00 PM in summer)
Park information - see the website Parks Canada
Visitor center website - here
You can take many more or less challenging treks in the park. You can find their list and description here.
In addition to the view of the Kicking Horse River, an interesting viewpoint also offers a view of the historic spiral tunnel, which is part of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
One of the highest waterfalls in the whole country is easily accessible via a side road off the Trans-Canada Highway. From the large parking lot, a short and comfortable path leads to their base. This majestic waterfall, created by the river of the same name fed by the Daly Glacier, has a truly monumental drop, and the spray from the water crashing against the rocks will hit you even at a respectful distance from the waterfall. You can enjoy the view of the waterfall from another pair of red chairs.
From the end of the path to the waterfall, you can take the moderately difficult Takakkaw Lake Route to the lake from which the river forming this waterfall flows. Here you can enjoy peace and quiet surrounded by the beautiful nature created by rocky cliffs, glaciers and the blue-green surface of the lake.
The stunning lake with its emerald green surface reflecting the surrounding glacier-capped mountain peaks, led by the majestic summit of The President, is a popular spot for recreation. You can walk around it on a circular trail, take a canoe ride on the surface (rental here), or just sit and relax at one of the viewpoints on its shore.
TIP: From the lake shore, you can take the trail to Hamilton Falls.
!!ATTENTION!! The lake is one of the most popular places in the park and there may be parking problems. Cars often park along the access road far from the parking lot.
On the way back from the lake to the main road, be sure to stop at the natural bridge created by the eroding Kicking Horse River, which carved its way through the limestone bedrock. You can observe this work from several viewpoints, including a footbridge over the river.
A pleasant, approximately 2.5 km long path from the parking lot will take you to the mighty waterfalls, which are especially amazing due to their width of about 150 meters.
Banff has its Upper Hot Springs, Jasper has Miette Hot Springs, and in Kootenay National Park you'll find Radium Hot Springs - one of the most popular mineral spas in the Rockies. Here, treat your body, tired from mountain hikes, to some relaxation in hot springs rich in minerals such as sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are known for their relaxing and healing effects. Soak your weary body in the hot pool and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. When you get too hot, you can immerse yourself in the cooling pool, but be careful - its temperature is really very low and it will be a shock to a heated body.
You can find more information about the spa here
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time, use the cooling pool
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery Pass does not apply to the entrance to the spa, you need to pay an extra entrance fee, which was 20 CAD in March 2026
Additional fees (March 2026):
towel: 5 CAD
swimsuit: 9 CAD
opening hours:
May - September: 8:30 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
rest of the year: 10:30 - 21:00, last entry 20:30
You'll enjoy your last day in the Rockies in a manner befitting these majestic mountains - you'll visit virtually all the main natural gems they offer. From narrow rocky gorges and picturesque canyons created by wild rivers with waterfalls and rapids, you'll reach turquoise lakes flowing from picturesque glacier-covered mountain peaks. This beautiful natural play of colors is complemented by the dark green taiga and also mineral water-colored soil of local thermal springs. Kootenay National Park will be a more than worthy conclusion to the beauties of the Canadian Rockies.
Your first trip to the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature and history. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use the local rangers, who will be happy to help.
Visitor center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Park Information - see Parks Canada website
Visitor Center Website - here
There are many more or less challenging treks in the park. You can find their list and description here.
Right at the beginning of the road leading to Kootenay National Park, you will arrive at the entrance gate. Here you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for an individual or a family (group), or show the rangers your Discovery Pass.
Entry prices (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
The entrance gate leads you into Kootenay National Park. Immediately after entering, you will be greeted by the narrow rocky gorge of Sinclair Canyon, created by the river of the same name. The road then runs close to its wall. However, it would be a shame to just drive through the area. Therefore, I recommend parking near the entrance gate and walk through the canyon over the bridge to the viewpoint.
A pleasant spot for a morning picnic is offered by the shore of a picturesque lake surrounded by dense forests and rocky peaks.
Further into the park, take a moment to stop at this viewpoint, which is right by the road. Few places offering such beautiful panoramic views of the valley and the Kootenay River surrounded by mountains are so easily accessible.
A large parking lot with facilities such as picnic tables and restrooms is perfect for a lunch stop. The local Vermilion River will provide a beautiful backdrop, as it has created a massive cascading waterfall here. After lunch, go and see this beautiful natural work from the footbridge over the river.
The first significant stop definitely deserves these geothermal springs, which are colored in various shades from yellow to orange, brown, and green due to the presence of minerals. On the way from the parking lot, you will first cross a footbridge over the river, then the path leads alternately through the forest and along wooden walkways that will take you across the wetlands with dry feet. Not only the local water is colored, but also its banks, and the whole area resembles a painter's palette.
!!ATTENTION!! Some sections are quite slippery due to water flowing down the rocky subsoil
NOTE: Local natives used clay colored by the springs for the production of dyes
Another of the more significant stops and one of the most beautiful places in the park is this magnificent canyon created by the wild flow of the Tokumm River. The trail along the limestone cliffs cut by the wild and crystal-clear river full of rapids and waterfalls is an amazing experience. During the trail, you will pass over several footbridges, thanks to which you will find yourself directly above the riverbed and you will have all this beauty at your fingertips. At the end of the trail, you can sit in traditional Canadian Red chairs, which only enhances the experience of this place.
If you want to take a longer and more challenging trek in the park, avoid people, and blend in more with the local nature, a good choice is this trail leading upstream of the Stanley River flowing from the glacier of the same name. This trek through dense taiga offers magnificent views of rocky peaks, glaciers, limestone cliffs, and picturesque valleys. At the end of the trail, there is a footbridge over the river, where the trail splits into two directions, which together form a circuit. So you can continue along the circuit route to a small waterfall, or return back. The entire circuit is here.
A somewhat easier trek compared to the Stanley Glacier Trail is the path to the picturesque glacial lake Boom, hidden in the dense taiga and surrounded by mountain peaks.
NOTE: Undertaking both of the mentioned treks and other places in today's program is of course unrealistic in one day. Choose according to your preferences.
The return journey to Calgary largely retraces Banff National Park. Depending on your interests, you could substitute some locations from Kootenay and instead visit interesting spots in Banff Park that you missed at the beginning of your Rockies trip, or that you enjoyed and want to visit again. Also, consider driving the Bow Valley Parkway instead of the highway.
Your last day in Canada will be completely different. The mountainous Rockies, formed of sharp peaks, will be replaced by a flat plain. The lush taiga full of wild rivers, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers will be replaced by a steppe landscape covered with parched grass, grain and ubiquitous oil wells that tirelessly peck at the black treasure hidden beneath the surface. Alberta is an important source of shale oil, which formed here from extinct prehistoric animals. And that's what you're going to see today. The area around Drumheller is a well-known site for dinosaur fossils, which once roamed the now parched landscape of dry canyons and erosion-formed rock towers, the so-called badlands. You can explore their past in a great museum exhibiting models of skeletons of many species supplemented by interactive exhibits.
Your first steps to discover the dinosaur and mining past of this area should lead to the visitor center in the center of Drumheller, which welcomes you from afar with the iconic T-Rex model - the feared predator. It is said to be the largest dinosaur model on Earth. You can even climb the stairs leading through the inside of his body to the head and enjoy the view of the city from the observation deck. Entrance to the staircase is inside the information center for a fee of approximately 5 CAD (March 2026). In the information center, you can buy a dinosaur-themed souvenir or products from local vendors. You can also plan your visit and trips around the local badlands, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
information center opening hours: MON - FRI: 8:30 - 12:00, 13:00 - 16:30
Information about the Drumheller area and tips for activities - see the website of the province of Alberta
Visitor center website - here
In addition to fossil finds, the Drumheller area is famous for its mining. One such preserved coal mine is located near the town and is one of the most interesting technical monuments in the Canadian Badlands. It was even declared a national monument for its importance. In addition to tours of mine buildings and machines, including climbing the tower and descending into the tunnel, the biggest attraction is also a ride on the mine train. More about this monument can be found here.
Entrance fee (as of March 2026): Discovery pass is not valid here
basic admission (without a guide, movement on the surface) - 16.95 CAD
extra admission:
train ride (25 min) - 9.25 CAD
tower climb (Processing Plant tour), 45 min - 16.95 CAD
descent into the tunnel (Mine Portal Hike), 75 min - 19.25 CAD
NOTE: Admission to this monument is worthwhile mainly if you purchase one of the tours
!!ATTENTION!! It is better to book admission on the website, reservations are always launched 2 weeks in advance
opening hours: in the 2026 season from May 15 daily 10:00 - 17:00, last entry 16:00
The area around Drumheller is known for its inhospitable, barren landscape eroded by wind and water, called badlands. A typical feature of the badlands are rock towers formed by erosion, often with a narrower base made of softer rocks and an extended "cap" at the top made of more resistant, harder rock. One of the most pleasant and accessible trails where you can observe beautifully formed hoodoos is this easy trail starting at the parking lot near the main road to Drumheller. More here.
!!ATTENTION!! You must not climb on the hoodoos, they are a fragile element of the landscape
A quick stop on the way back to Drumheller can be this historic suspension bridge over the Red Deer River near the mining town of Rosedale. Formerly used by local miners, today it is more of an attraction providing access to the badlands and attracting tourists and local fishermen.
A must-see place near Drumheller is this amazing paleontological and natural history museum dedicated to dinosaurs and their fossils, which is part of the Midland Provincial Park. It is probably the best museum in the world focusing on this topic. In addition to fossils and skeletal models of many species of these ancient lizards, you can watch paleontologists at work. A life-size T-Rex skeleton welcomes you to the museum, and then you walk through a tunnel thematically arranged according to geological periods from the Paleozoic to the Quaternary. The museum is tastefully complemented by gaming and interactive elements and will entertain children and adults alike. Admission in the main season (from April) is 25 CAD (as of March 2026).
Opening hours:
1.9. - 14.5.: TUE - SUN 10:00 - 17:00, last entry 16:00, closed on MON
rest of the year: open daily 9:00 - 21:00, last entry 20:00
Museum information - see web
Around the museum, you'll find short trails through the local badlands. One such trail, the Interpretive Trail, takes you along a paved path through the arid wilderness around the hoodoos.
A charming attraction at the start of the Dinosaur Trail scenic drive is this small chapel located in the middle of the rugged badlands. While it's primarily a tourist attraction and frequently photographed, its original purpose of prayer and spiritual contemplation has been preserved. The entire church, including the interior, is a miniature, architecturally realistic chapel, complete with a tower and windows. Inside (free entry), you'll find miniature pews, an altar, and a pulpit.
NOTE: The church is a popular venue for small weddings and ceremonies
From the small church, head out on the Dinosaur Trail loop road, divided by the Red Deer River canyon into northern and southern sections connected by a cable ferry across the river. During the scenic drive leading among the hoodoos, you will pass by many viewpoints into the canyon and various attractions of this paleontologically significant site.
One of the most photogenic spots around Drumheller leads you to the edge of a cliff with a beautiful view of the dramatic formations of the local badlands landscape. There is no official trail into the canyon; it is more of a viewpoint from the top of the rocks. You can walk the bottom of the canyon later in Horseshoe Canyon on the way back to Calgary.
A historic cable ferry provides passage across the Red Deer River. It operates from spring to fall and is provided by the province of Alberta as a free service. No reservation is needed, just show up and wait for the ferry, which will take you to the other side after a 5-minute ride. You can find more here.
Say goodbye to the desolate badlands landscape with a view of this beautiful canyon. Unlike Horsethief Canyon, you can descend directly to its bottom and walk around the colorful hoodoos. If you are satisfied with the view from above, the observation deck is right next to the parking lot. You can also walk along the path that copies the edge of the cliff and enjoy the canyon from different angles.
Your Canadian adventure is coming to an end, and all that remains is a safe transfer to the airport, returning the car, checking in, and returning home. Don't forget to allow plenty of time – the formalities associated with returning the car, possible traffic jams, the check-in process, customs controls, etc. can take up a lot of time.
Depending on the time of your departure, you may still have some time for last visits to interesting places in the city or surroundings. You can visit some of the places offered on the arrival day, which you may not have reached for time reasons, or return to some of them.
If you have already exhausted all the places and still have time, consider visiting Chinatown located by the Bow River near Downtown along the main street Center Street. Visit Dragon City Mall or Sien Lok Park there. You can relax before your departure in St. Patrick's Island Park located on an island at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The designer George C. King Bridge leads to it from Downtown. For shopping and street art, you can then head to the pedestrian zone Stephen Avenue Walk.
You've arrived at the airport, which means only one thing - return the car and let's get through the check-in process. Goodbye, Alberto.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent demanding flight, you have enough space to finalize the recapitulation of your Canadian adventure.
This road trip took you through the greatest gems of Alberta and, indeed, all of Canada. The panoramas in the local Rockies, formed by sharp peaks with glaciers and crystal-clear lakes, are truly breathtaking displays of nature's beauty, power, and energy. Picturesque canyons formed by wild mountain rivers, grassy meadows, and endless taiga are a feast for the eyes and soul, while the local mighty waterfalls and turquoise lakes are grateful subjects for photographs. Add the adrenaline associated with encountering bears, the kind and helpful Canadians, and dinosaur fossils in the local steppes, and you'll have plenty of fun, adventure, and lifelong experiences.
If you didn't get enough of the natural beauty of the Canadian mountains during your road trip, don't despair - you can always come back and explore another area. There is so much to see in Canada. The author of the itinerary offers another Canadian road trip - this time through British Columbia, which, in addition to its beautiful mountains, also offers exploration of the Pacific coast on Vancouver Island. Your eTA form is valid for 5 years, so you'll have one less worry and expense on your next trip within this period.
So bye bye, Canada! See you next time!
itinerary by Jakub
Canada - the land of the maple leaf, the cradle of hockey, an endless landscape of lakes, taiga, and mountains covered with glaciers... this country hardly needs a long introduction. There are many reasons to visit this second-largest country in the world. From modern and clean cities on the east coast, through Niagara Falls on the border with the USA, dinosaur fossils in the arid inland steppes, to the majestic mountains with glaciers, lakes, and bears in the western part of Alberta and British Columbia - every traveler will find something for themselves in Canada.
In this itinerary, you will explore what many consider the most beautiful part of Canada - the mighty Rocky Mountains rising in the western part of the country on the border between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. During a classic road trip, you will enjoy incredible scenery of rugged mountain landscapes covered with snowy peaks with flowing glaciers, turquoise blue lakes, and endless taiga, which is home to wildlife led by the grizzly bear and black bear - the unofficial lords of the local wilderness. If you are lucky (or unlucky - depending on your point of view), you may even spot one of these predators.
This rugged mountain landscape rises sharply from the surrounding flat plains of eastern Alberta surrounding the metropolis of Calgary - a city of cowboys and rodeo. Here your journey begins and ends, and with a bit of luck, you will manage to visit the local phenomenon - the Stampede cowboy festival held every year in the first half of July and lasting 10 days. In the spring or autumn months, you might catch a preparatory match of the local Flames hockey team playing in the legendary Canadian-American NHL league.
In any case, just an hour's drive west of Calgary separates you from unforgettable experiences full of breathtaking views and beautiful photos that the local "Rockies" offer. Follow in the footsteps of this itinerary (and the footsteps of local bears) to explore them, and you certainly won't regret it.
Practical information about Canada and traveling in it can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! Don't forget to book shuttle buses to Moraine Lake (see day 4) and Louise (see day 5) before your trip. You can't get to Moraine Lake by your own car, and there is a lot of interest in the buses. Shuttle bus reservations for both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15th at 8:00 AM local time. More detailed information on reservations can be found in the descriptions of the places mentioned.
Your arrival day is mainly for rest and acclimatization. You need to get used to the different time zone, climate, and culture. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city or the surrounding desolate landscape covered with arid steppe. In the summer months, however, watch out for the great heat - the inland steppe gets very hot.
The places mentioned for today are a range of options for how to spend not only your arrival day but also any time on your departure day. If you have the time and inclination, head to the city center (called Downtown in Canada and the USA). Here you can walk around Olympic Plaza park and imagine yourself as Olympic winners who were awarded medals right here during the ceremonies at the Winter Olympics, which the city hosted in 1988. You can view the city and the surrounding steppe from a bird's eye view from the lookout point of the nearby local landmark - the Calgary Tower.
Whether you have visited the city of cowboys during the Stampede festival, hockey season, or other major cultural or sporting event, you can visit the Scotiabank Saddledome multi-purpose stadium - home of the Calgary Flames hockey team. It is located in the center of the vast Stampede Park, where the aforementioned Cowboy Festival takes place.
From another angle, there is the Heritage Park Historical Village open-air museum located in the southern part of the city on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir. A visit to it will take you back to the old days of the Wild West.
The mentioned places and brief information about them are provided below, it depends on your time whether you visit them.
Hello, welcome to Canada! Welcome to Alberta, a mountainous province full of the oldest national parks surrounded on the east side by endless grassy plains. Today will be more about organization (immigration control, picking up the car - according to the instructions you received before the trip) and relaxation after a tiring flight, however, depending on the time of your arrival, it is possible to make good use of this day as well.
After arrival, pick up the car (according to the instructions you receive before departure) and move to your accommodation (depending on the time of your arrival and check-in), where you can rest and refresh after a tiring flight. On the way from the airport or later after a stop at the hotel, you can replenish your energy after a tiring flight in one of the many more or less known fast foods and tune in to the local food culture. You can also try Canadian national food - fries topped with brown meat sauce sprinkled with cheese, so-called poutine. It can be slightly improved, for example, by adding bacon or pulled meat.
The heart of the city is this well-maintained park surrounded by important buildings such as City Hall, the American Embassy, a theater with a concert hall, the Glenbow Museum dedicated to the history of Western Canada, the extensive TELUS Convention Centre, or the cathedral.
The Olympic Park itself was built in connection with the 1988 Winter Olympics, which were indelibly etched in sports history, especially by the unexpected success of the Jamaican bobsleigh team, which even received a film adaptation thanks to the legendary film Cool Runnings. The medal ceremonies were held in the park.
Parking: The best place to park is in the City Hall Parkade underground garages at City Hall, or in the surrounding hotel and convention center buildings. You can also find a few parking spaces directly on the street in the center. Another option is to park in Stampede Park and start your journey there. All parking is paid.
NOTE: after 6:00 PM, parking in downtown Calgary is cheaper or even free (on the street)
TIP: If you don't want to drive around downtown and pay for parking, all places in Downtown are accessible by the city's "tram" LRT (Light Rail Transit) called CTrain. The nearest stops from the square are Centre Street or City Hall. These are served by both city lines - Red and Blue. The frequency of connections is approx. 5 - 10 min, in the center (Downtown) the fare is free, within the so-called Free fare zone. Outside this zone, the fare is approx. 4 CAD
So consider parking outside downtown at one of the Park & Ride car parks at a CTrain station and take the train to the city center - it is often faster and, above all, significantly cheaper than looking for parking in the center.
You can find information about public transport here
Dominantou města je tato 191 m vysoká věž postavená jako turistická atrakce za účelem vyhlídky. Ve výšce 150 metrů najdete vyhlídkovou plošinu, ze které máte město a okolní nekonečnou step jako na dlani. Za jasného počasí lze v dálce zahlédnout i zasněžené Rocky mountains. Informace o věži najdete zde.
otevírací doba: červen - srpen: 10:00 - 22:00, září - květen: 10:00 - 21:00
TIP autora: I přes výraznou podobu věže tyčící se nad městem se výstup na ní dle názoru autora příliš nevyplatí. Vzhledem k plochému reliéfu města s pár mrakodrapy v okolním downtownu a "nudnou stepí" kolem města toho není příliš k vidění. Šance na spatření Rockies není až tak velká a hlavně se v nich budete většinu času pohybovat - nemusíte tedy kvůli nim platit za vyhlídku, samotné hory nabídnou mnohem krásnější pohledy
Rozlehlý areál se stadiony a stagei se každý rok v první polovině července stává středobodem dění celé provincie během 10 dní trvajícího festivalu Stampede oslavujícího kovbojskou tradici města a historii místních domorodců. Sledovat zde můžete závody dostavníků, koncerty či výstavy domorodých indiánských kmenů. Festival si vysloužil nepříliš skromnou přezdívku "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
Located right in the heart of Stampede Park, this multi-purpose arena with a roof resembling a saddle may not look like much from the outside, but it's home to the Calgary Flames hockey team. Besides hockey, it also hosts concerts, lacrosse games, and other major sporting or cultural events.
This open-air museum is the largest living historical museum in Canada. It is located in the southwest of the city near the Glenmore Reservoir and offers a glimpse into the lives of local residents with 180 historical buildings such as schools, saloons, post offices and shops. The atmosphere is enhanced by people moving around in period costumes and riding in horse-drawn carriages. Information about the park can be found here.
Opening hours: vary depending on the attraction, more here
Your adventure in the land dedicated to winter sports begins on the western edge of Calgary, where you will find yourself at the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Olympic Park. There you can enjoy a ride in "go-karts" down the slope or visit the Sports Hall of Fame. Later, you will move to the magnificent Rocky Mountains (the Rockies), where you will spend most of the itinerary admiring the beautiful lakes, glaciers, and endless taiga. You will start in Canada's oldest national park - Banff National Park. Your journey in the footsteps of bears begins here!
The Olympic Park was created on the occasion of the Winter Olympics, which the city hosted in 1988. Today, it still serves locals and tourists for sports activities throughout the year. In addition to the ski slope, ski jump, bobsleigh track, gymnastics hall and multi-purpose hall, an interesting attraction for summer days is downhill karting on an asphalt road. You can buy tickets at the box office (for a single ride or a package of, for example, 3 or more rides), take the cable car to the top and then ride down in this "go-kart". You can find information about the ride here.
Also interesting is the monument to the curious start of the Jamaican bobsleigh at the 1988 Olympics, which is commemorated by a replica of the Jamaican bobsleigh standing in front of the entrance to the WinSport ski hill.
The park also includes the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. You can find information here.
You can find detailed information about the entire Olympic Park here.
Right on the Trans Canada Highway 1, just past the mountain resort of Canmore, you'll arrive at the entrance gate to Banff National Park. Here, you can purchase either a one-time entry for a specific number of days for individuals or families (groups), or an annual pass for entry to all parks valid for 1 year, which I recommend given the number of days spent in the national parks.
Entry Prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Annual Discovery Pass for one person - 83.50 CAD
Annual Discovery Pass for family/group - 167.50 CAD
Enter the oldest and most popular national park in Canada - Banff - through the gateway near the town of Canmore.
Your first stop in the national park should be the Banff National Park Visitor Centre. Here you can view an exhibit dedicated to local nature, including the king of the jungle - the grizzly bear. You can also plan your visit and trips, with the help of local rangers who are happy to assist. You will also find information about local shuttle buses. I recommend leaving your car parked at your hotel and getting around Banff and the surrounding area carefree on foot and by shuttle bus. However, you can also use a car - entry to all places around Banff is allowed. However, you will have to deal with parking in the town.
NOTE: Shuttle buses are paid, you can buy a ticket in cash with the exact amount from the driver or via applications such as Token Transit App or the Transit App, or at the information center and at some stops in vending machines (cash and card). The starting point (crossing of all bus lines) is the Banff high school transit hub stop.
Information center opening hours:
Winter season (8/9 - 14/5): 9:00 - 17:00
Summer season (rest of the year): 8:00 - 20:00
Park information - see the Parks Canada website
Information about shuttle buses including routes and timetables - here
Shuttle bus routes and timetables - here
You can tune into the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, which you will explore in considerable detail during this itinerary, in this cozy museum right in Banff. In it, you can see stuffed local fauna, such as grizzly or black bear, cougar, moose, etc.
Since it is a national historic site (one of the oldest natural history museums in the country), admission is included with your Discovery Pass. A one-time entry without a pass costs 5 CAD (March 2026). More information can be found here.
Opening hours: May 15 - October 15: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
NOTE: The museum is mainly about the nature of the Rocky Mountains. If you are more interested in life in the harsh mountains. In addition to stuffed local fauna such as grizzly or black bear, cougar, moose, etc., you will also find information about the indigenous inhabitants of the mountains, including their culture and art, as well as something about local research and mountaineers Whyte Museum
You can reach Lake Minnewanka by your own car or the blue line 6 shuttle bus.
The Canadian Rockies are full of glacial lakes. One such lake, over 20 km long, Lake Minnewanka, is easily accessible by car or shuttle bus. You can drive right to its western shore. You can take a forest trail along the lake, perhaps to the footbridge over the Cascade River and enjoy the beautiful views and merging with the surrounding nature, or take a more challenging hike along one of the many hiking trails. Cycling enthusiasts can rent a bike and cycle around the area, or take a scenic cruise on the lake.
Information about the lake and activities in the area can be found here.
Alternatively, take the pink line 7 shuttle bus towards Fenlands from downtown Banff (Banff High School transit hub stop) to the trailhead. The shuttle bus stop is called Tunnel Mountain trailhead. There is also a parking lot here in addition to the stop. The trail starts near the center and can also be easily reached on foot directly from the center.
Take a moderately challenging trail to climb Tunnel Mountain. While it's not a towering peak compared to the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, its location near the center and easy accessibility make it a popular hike that doesn't take too much time. You'll be rewarded with a view of the town of Banff lying below you and the Bow Valley formed by the river of the same name. Information about the mountain and the ascent can be found here.
TIP: Plan your ascent to be at the summit for sunset.
The route to the summit via the Tunnel Mt. summit trail is here.
NOTE: The name Tunnel Mt. comes from the original intention to run a railway tunnel under the mountain. Although the plan was abandoned due to the difficulty, the name remained.
You can easily get to the hotel by car, shuttle bus or on foot.
You will fully immerse yourself in exploring the beautiful surroundings of the Banff mountain resort, located in the heart of the national park of the same name. First, you will delve into the history of the local indigenous tribes inhabiting the local caves filled with mineral springs, which are typical of the area. Later, you will also take a bath in one of these hot springs. The hot bath will give your body, tired from previous trips around the beautiful mountains, a welcome relaxation, especially with the bonus of the surrounding mountain panoramas, which you can observe from the comfort of the hot tub.
You can reach the mineral spring cave by car or the yellow line shuttle bus no. 4.
Experience a combination of nature and history at this National Historic Site, which houses a cave with hot sulfur springs known and used by local indigenous people. It was here that the tradition of Canadian national parks was founded. Today you will find a museum and interactive exhibitions about the history of parks in Canada, period photographs and old spa buildings with a swimming pool. In the surrounding area, you can walk along wooden walkways through the local wetlands and perhaps spot the local unique species of snail - the so-called Banff Springs snail, which lives nowhere else.
As it is a National Historic Site, admission is included with your Discovery Pass. A one-time entry without a pass costs 10 CAD (March 2026). More information can be found here.
Opening hours:
May 15 - Oct 15: daily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Rest of the year: Thursday - Monday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
You can return to the center, to the Bow River bridge, by car or by the yellow line shuttle bus no. 4. From there, continue by shuttle bus no. 4 directly to the falls, or by car or the blue line no. 2 to the Banff Springs Hotel stop with parking, from where the falls are a short walk away. Alternatively, you can leave your car in the center and walk to the falls along the river.
While the Bow Falls, created on the river of the same name, aren't the highest you'll see on your trip (much more majestic ones await you higher in the mountains), their location almost in the city center and easy access via an asphalt path through the park on the riverbank make them well worth a short visit combined with a walk. More information here.
You can get to the bottom station of the cable car by car or the green shuttle bus no. 1 (Sulphur mountains towards Banff gondola).
The lower station of the cable car leading to Sulphur Mountain (or just below its summit) will take you to a viewing platform with a tourist center including restaurants and cafes with viewing terraces, gift shops and a cinema.
Information about the cable car (opening hours, price, etc.) can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! During the summer season and weekends, it is better to book the cable car in advance
You can reach the summit either by gondola lift, which takes about 8 minutes and overcomes an elevation difference of almost 700 meters, or you can hike up a moderately difficult (but relatively uninteresting) trek along the Sulphur Mountain Trail.
TIP: If you choose to hike up, you can get a half-price ticket for the gondola ride down.
A wooden walkway leads directly from the center to the upper cable car station, along the ridge of the mountains with several viewing platforms, from where you will have wonderful views of the town of Banff, the Bow Valley and several prominent peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The walkway will take you to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. More about the mountain can be found here.
TIP: Fitter individuals can head in the opposite direction from the station along the challenging trail to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
For the return trip to the parking lot, you can either take the cable car again (if you used it for the way up, the price automatically includes the ride down), or walk down the hill along the trail.
Treat your body, tired from mountain hikes, to some relaxation in the popular hot mineral baths near the lower cable car station. Soak your weary body in the hot pool and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains surrounded by rising hot steam.
More information about the spa can be found here https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/sources-banff-springs
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time.
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery pass does not apply to the entrance to the spa, you need to pay an extra entrance fee, which in March 2026 was 20 CAD
Additional fees (March 2026):
Locker token for personal belongings: 2 CAD
towel: 3 CAD
swimsuit: 5 CAD
TIP: Youth up to the age of 17 have free entry
opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
Return to downtown Banff by car or the green shuttle bus No. 1.
Your journey through Canada's oldest national park continues today. First, you'll leave the civilization of the town of Banff and take a leisurely walk along a wild river gorge trail to two magnificent waterfalls, which you'll view from observation platforms. You'll even walk through a tunnel in the rock to one of them. A little higher in the mountains, you'll experience one of the most beautiful views not only of this trip but probably of your lives - the glacial Moraine Lake is simply iconic and it is not for nothing that it appears in many photographs promoting Canada. The turquoise blue surface surrounded by glacier-covered mountain peaks and dark green taiga is simply breathtaking.
!!ATTENTION!! The road to Moraine Lake is not open to private cars. You need to use the shuttle bus from Lake Louise resort. Especially in the summer season, there is great interest in the lake, so don't forget to book the shuttle bus in time. More information about the lake and transport to it can be found in the description of Moraine Lake and also in the introduction to the route.
The system of three shallow lakes connected by Echo Creek begins on the western edge of Banff along the Trans Canada Highway 1. You can drive along the shores on the side road (by car or bike) or stop at the viewpoint directly on the highway, from where you have the lakes at your fingertips. On clear days, the surrounding mountain peaks are beautifully reflected on their surface. More information about the lake and surrounding activities can be found here.
The journey into the interior of Banff National Park is either via the Trans-Canada Highway, or along the secondary mountain road, the Bow Valley Parkway, which leads to the Lake Louise resort. I recommend choosing this road, as it offers beautiful views and stops at interesting places along the way.
One of the most beautiful places near Banff is definitely this narrow gorge created by the river of the same name. From the parking lot, take an easy, comfortable, and paved path upstream to the first waterfall (Lower Falls), which you can reach through a small tunnel in the rock, and then continue to the higher Upper Falls. Enjoy the view from several viewing platforms that offer the waterfall from different angles and distances. More about the canyon here.
TIP: If you have the desire, time, and energy, continue from the upper waterfall along the forest path to the natural mineral pools Ink pots. Here, unlike the path to the waterfalls, you won't encounter crowds.
This is a large parking lot in a ski resort with a cable car and slopes. Park your car here and take the shuttle bus (reserved in advance) that will take you directly to the lake. Information about the shuttle bus can be found in the description of Moraine Lake and also in the introduction to the trip.
Take the shuttle bus from Lake Louise. It will take you to the shores of the lake. The price is around 8 CAD + another approximately 3 - 4 CAD for the reservation fee on the website (March 2026).
One of the most beautiful places not only in the Rockies, but in all of Canada, is this glacial lake located in the valley of the ten peaks with a beautifully turquoise surface, surrounded by steep mountain peaks with rocky debris sliding directly into the blue depths on one shore and dense green taiga on the other. The view of the lake and the surrounding ten peaks from the rocky hill on the Rockpile trail near the parking lot on the northern shore of the lake is one of the typical subjects of postcards and posters from Canada and will be an experience that you will not easily erase from your head. The view of this magnificent work of nature is simply incredible and is one of the TOP experiences on this trip.
In addition to the views of the lake, you can take an easy one-way trail copying the western shore, and you can extend the route with one of the trails leading to the surrounding mountains to the Neil Colgan Hut. However, these are very challenging treks involving walking on a glacier and are therefore not relevant for most ordinary tourists. If you want to take a trek that is easier in terms of time and energy, consider the Larch Valley Trail - near the boat rental, turn right into the wooded hills. The trail leading first through a dense forest, later a mountain meadow, and finally a barren moraine leads to Lake Minnestima and further to the Sentinel Pass.
Another option is, of course, renting a canoe and sailing on the lake with a view of the surrounding peaks. However, this is definitely not a cheap affair. The price for an hour's rental is around 180 CAD.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the lake's great popularity among visitors and the small parking lot, the road leading to the lake is closed to personal cars, or heavily restricted. It is therefore advisable (rather essential) to choose a shuttle bus for transport to and from the lake, which you should definitely book well in advance.
!!Shuttle bus reservations to both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15 at 8:00 local time!!
Information on visiting Morraine and Louis Lakes using the shuttle bus - here
Shuttle bus reservation to Moraine and Louise Lakes - here
Take the shuttle bus back to the parking lot at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
After yesterday's moraine lake, today it's time for another of the Canadian natural gems - the iconic Lake Louise. The view from the viewpoints on the slopes above the lake of its sparkling blue surface with the legendary hotel standing on its eastern shore is another unforgettable experience. Lake Louise also offers many relatively easy trails around it, so you can easily spend the whole day wandering along forest paths, sharp moraines and glaciers. Maybe you will meet an interesting representative of the local fauna in the local wilderness. Black bears, who are excellent climbers, are also common here. So look not only around you, but also into the treetops.
!!ATTENTION!! The road to Lake Louise is usually open for cars, but the parking capacity (which is also paid) is limited. I recommend using the shuttle bus from the Lake Louise resort. Especially in the summer season, there is great interest in the lake, so be sure to book the shuttle bus in advance. You can find more information about the lake and transport to it in the description of Moraine lake and also in the introduction to the trip.
Before heading to the lake, it's worth taking a look at the Lake Louise area and Banff National Park visitor center. Here, you can learn about the local rich flora and fauna, geology, and ecology using stuffed animals and interactive exhibits. With the help of rangers and maps, you can then plan a visit to the lake and other places in Banff. The rangers will also answer any questions about transportation to the lake by shuttle bus or your own car and parking.
Opening hours:
Winter season (23/9 - 5/6): 9:00 - 17:00
Summer season (rest of the year): 9:00 - 18:00
If you use the shuttle bus to get to the lake (which I recommend), you will depart from the same place as yesterday.
The best option is again to use the shuttle bus (as with Lake Moraine, it needs to be booked well in advance). The price is approximately 5 CAD (March 2026). Driving your own car is possible, but parking spaces are limited and paid. The last option is also a walk - the lake is close to the center and the Louise Creek Trail is not challenging and leads through a pleasant forest along the river.
Compared to yesterday's remote and less "commercial" moraine lake, this lake (named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta) is a bit more accessible and therefore more frequented. However, it is no less beautiful thanks to its location surrounded by glaciated and forested mountain peaks. In addition to the views of the surface from the area around the parking lot and the hotel, it is worth taking a walk along the shore on the comfortable paved path that runs along the northern shore of the lake. You can also take several longer hikes here (described below) or rent a canoe.
Recommended routes and destinations:
Fairview lookout: a relatively easy route leading to a viewpoint on the south side of the lake
Lake Agnes Trail - leads from the shore of Lake Louise along a forest path first to Mirror Lake, then on to Lake Agnes, on the shore of which stands the historic Lake Agnes Tea House
Plain of Six Glaciers - this route starts with a comfortable paved path leading from the parking lot along the northern shore of Lake Louise, later changing into a relatively challenging path leading over sharp moraine fragments to the foot of the Victoria Glacier → back, Fairview Trail
TIP: If you want to complete both of the last two mentioned routes, you don't need to return from Lake Agnes via the Lake Agnes Trail, but you can connect directly to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail using the Big Beehive Trail leading around the northern shore of Lake Agnes and then the connecting Highline Trail, which connects to the Plain of Six Glaciers.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the lake's popularity among visitors and limited (paid) parking, it is advisable to choose a shuttle bus for transport to and from the lake, which you should definitely book well in advance.
!!Shuttle bus reservations to both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15 at 8:00 AM local time!!
Information on visiting Lakes Morraine and Louis using the shuttle bus - here
Shuttle bus reservation to the lakes Moraine and Louise - here
Return by shuttle bus (or by car or on foot) back to the center.
You will set off on the beautiful Icefields Parkway, connecting the two most precious Canadian national parks, Banff and Jasper. Just drive out of the town of Lake Louise and the hundreds of kilometers-long route leading through dense taiga at the foot of mountain massifs, glacier-covered ridges with wild rivers, waterfalls and turquoise lakes can begin. However, it would be a shame to just drive through what many consider the most beautiful road in the world. In addition to other things, the picturesque Peyto Lake with its beautifully blue-colored surface or the mighty Athabasca Glacier, which you can ride on with a special bus or observe from the viewpoint during the path in the clouds, invite you to stop and stretch your legs. The journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies will definitely be another unforgettable experience that you will bring back from this trip.
TIP: To plan trips along the Icefields Parkway, use this website, where you will find information about possible trails.
The first natural beauty worth stopping at is Bow Lake, located on the river of the same name and fed by the flowing glacier, named none other than Bow. Here you can enjoy views of the surface from the comfort of picnic tables, stroll along the shore, or lie on the beach on the north shore near the hotel. From here also begins the more challenging Bow Glacier Falls Trail leading to the waterfalls and glacier.
Not far from Bow Lake you will find another gem of the Canadian mountains. When you look at Peyto Lake in photos, you might think that its water color can't be real and is the result of various filters. However, when viewed from the viewing platform, you will see that the photos do not lie. The sparkling blue color of the lake surface seems almost chemically treated, but it is the work of glacially deposited minerals. In any case, it is one of the most photogenic places in the Rockies. At the same time, few natural gems are so easily accessible - a short and comfortable paved road leads from the parking lot to the viewpoint. I recommend walking a little higher along the nature trail to the rocky viewpoint, from where you can take even more beautiful photos. But mainly there will be noticeably fewer people here.
TIP: If you want to go down to the shores of the lake, you need to go further and use this trail
One of the most beautiful and easily accessible canyons in Banff offers a breathtaking view of the power of the wild river, which uncompromisingly carved its way through the surrounding rocky subsoil. A short path from the parking lot first leads to a footbridge over the river, from where you have the Mistaya Canyon and the river at your fingertips. Then you can walk along the rocky and wooded edge of the canyon and get wet in some places. More information can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! The current is really strong and the stones are slippery, do not underestimate the seemingly easy terrain
A somewhat challenging, yet beautiful trip is the hike to the viewpoint along the Parker Ridge Trail. From the parking lot, you initially ascend quite steeply, but then the trail more or less levels out and leads along the mountain ridge to the edge of a rock massif, which offers an imposing view of the mighty Saskatchewan Glacier flowing into a lake that is the source of the North Saskatchewan River - one of the two branches of the major river flowing across a large part of Canada. The view of the glacial tongue flowing into the valley and disappearing into the blue depths of the lake is truly breathtaking.
During the transfer between Parker Ridge and Columbia Icefield center, you will enter Jasper National Park, specifically at the Sunwapta Pass here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=1037792898&ds=1&x=-117.1611039&y=52.2123091&z=16
The focal point of activity along the Icefields Parkway is this visitor center, which, in addition to classic refreshments and an exhibition dedicated to local geology and climate in the local museum, also offers special attractions, namely admission to the Icefield Skywalk or a snow bus tour of the glacier. These attractions are described in more detail below.
Information about admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and the bus tour on the Athabasca Glacier can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! Both of these special attractions are very popular and it is good to book them in advance
Discovery Center opening hours: May - October: 10:00 - 17:00, during July and August until 18:00
There are two ways to explore the massive Athabasca Glacier:
1) On foot - from the visitor center, cross the road and walk (or drive) to the parking lot, from where you can walk towards the foot of the glacier. Depending on the time of your visit and the associated amount of snow and trail conditions, you may be able to reach its base. Along the path from the parking lot to the glacier, you will find a sad reminder of the state of the climate - due to constant warming, the glacier is receding, as evidenced by signs informing you how far the glacier reached in certain years. You can try to find a sign with your year and find out how far the ice reached in the year you were born.
2) By snow bus (Ice Explorer) - riding on the glacier in a special all-terrain bus in Canadian colors is a truly extraordinary experience. The bus departs from the visitor center and travels along a designated route across the moraine directly to the glacier, where you can get off and walk on the snow. The whole experience lasts about an hour. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center or online. The price in March 2026 was 125 CAD and also includes admission to the nearby Skywalk (see below). However, you can also purchase a separate ticket only for the Ice Explorer. Look for Columbia Icefield Glacier Only Experience here https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield/experiences/columbia-icefield-glacier-only-experience/
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in summer, I recommend booking tickets in advance on the website here https://bookings.banffjaspercollection.com/RKY/activities/details/1/ICE-BTC-BA-GA/Attraction?WebLink=w0BMA%2bAeAicpoyoelyYgHg%3d%3d&agencyNumber=5008664&wlid=968&lob=Glacier+Adventure#/select-ticket/book-adventure
If you decide to take a walk on the Skywalk, a shuttle bus will take you to it from the information center and then back.
The second of the two main attractions of the Columbia Icefield Discovery area is a walk on the arched suspension bridge with a glass bottom and a viewing platform hanging over a deep canyon, offering spectacular views of the mountain peaks and the Athabasca Glacier. You can buy a ticket in person or on the website, then take a shuttle bus from the information center to the viewpoint and back. The entrance fee for the Skywalk only in March 2026 was 48 CAD, in combination with a ride on the glacier in the Ice Explorer then 125 CAD.
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in summer, I recommend booking tickets in advance on the website here
AUTHOR'S TIP: The viewpoint is crowded and quite expensive. Given the many free views you have experienced or will experience in the mountains, I would not recommend entering the Skywalk.
The cascading waterfall flowing down the rocky cliff is worth a short stop. It is visible directly from the road, but lovers of minor climbing will surely enjoy climbing up the boulders towards the waterfall.
One of the many beautiful waterfalls you can visit in the Canadian Rockies is easily accessible due to its location near the Icefields Parkway. In addition to the main waterfall with a viewpoint near the parking lot, take a walk along the river to the lower waterfall. The view of the roaring water is truly amazing. More information can be found here.
From Banff Park, you smoothly transitioned along the Icefields Parkway to another giant among parks - Jasper. Like its older neighbor, it offers magnificent scenery of the Rocky Mountains, so there will be plenty of views of snow-capped mountain peaks, mighty thundering waterfalls, and walks along turquoise lakes. You can manage all these activities this day. So get a good night's sleep, have a hearty breakfast, and head towards another adventure full of the beauty of the local fantastic nature. Maybe you'll even meet a bear :)
Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful and impressive in the Rockies. The force with which the river relentlessly flows through the channel and then falls and crashes against the rocks at the bottom is breathtaking. There are convenient trails and viewpoints in the surrounding area, and you can enjoy the power of the waterfall from a footbridge over the river that created this natural work. More here
You can enjoy amazing natural scenery in the area around Mount Edith Cavell. It's like the "Rockies in a nutshell" because you'll see a bit of everything in a relatively small space. First, you will walk along a rocky path from the parking lot towards a picturesque lake fed by the melting glacier lying below it. From the lake, you can then climb steep, wooded trails above the treeline into a landscape of mountain meadows (a place made for grizzly bears - maybe you'll get lucky :)), which a few hundred meters further turn into a rocky scree that you can reach the East-ridge Summit. However, you don't have to bother climbing all the way to the top - the circular trail through the mountain meadow is also beautiful. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the blooming meadow and the iconic Angel glacier resembling angel wings. More here
As the name suggests, during a comfortable and easy trail, you will gradually pass around five glacial lakes located in a mountain valley. The ideal route covering all five lakes is here. Between the third and fourth lakes, you will find a small open space where iconic red chairs are installed - unmistakable symbols of Canadian national parks, which you will encounter again along the way. The chairs offer a pleasant view of the third lake.
More information can be found here.
You've technically been in Jasper National Park since yesterday, but this is where you'll pass through the entrance gate. Here, you'll either show the rangers your Discovery Pass or purchase a one-time entry for a certain number of days for individuals or a family (group).
Entry Fees (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Entering through the entrance gate located south of the town of Jasper, you officially enter the national park of the same name.
When exploring Jasper National Park, don't miss a visit to the visitor center. Here you can view a small exhibition dedicated to local nature. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who are happy to help. You will also find information about local shuttle buses that you can use. However, it is easy to get around Jasper by car, which I recommend.
NOTE: Shuttle buses are paid, you can buy a ticket in cash with the exact amount from the driver or via applications such as the HotSpot App, or at the stand in the hub station called The Hub.
Visitor center opening hours:
winter season (28/9 - 14/5): 9:00 - 17:00
summer season (rest of the year): 9:00 - 19:00
Park information - see the website Parks Canada
Information about shuttle buses including routes - here
Patricia Lake is more of just a stop on the way to the more distant Pyramid Lake. However, it is worth slowing down and rolling down the car window on the road that copies its northeast coast :) The view of the lake and the stunning Pyramid Mountain is worth it.
Of the pair of lakes beneath Pyramid Mountain, north of Jasper town, Pyramid Lake is definitely the more interesting, mainly due to the possibility of accessing the small island almost in its center (see sub-location). You can rent a canoe or kayak at the lake and enjoy the lake and surrounding mountains directly from the water, or relax on the beach. More information can be found here.
A pleasant place to end the day with a walk or sit and relax while watching the setting sun is the small island, which you can reach via a footbridge arching over the surface of the lake. The footbridge starts near the parking lot by the road. On the island, you'll find a few walking paths leading around the shore, where you can sit on one of the benches or in the gazebos and enjoy views of the lake and surrounding mountains, led by the peak of Pyramid Mountain. All under the beautiful play of colors of the setting sun.
It's a demanding day, rich in experiences, so it's worth getting up a bit early. You can kickstart your body with a morning stretch on the beach by the picturesque lakes near Jasper. Once you're sufficiently awake, head to the magnificent gorge created by the wild river flowing from the glacier and observe its roaring channel with waterfalls from the footbridges and viewpoints along the groomed footpath. Later, venture into the heart of the park towards the stunning glacial landscape surrounding the picturesque lake and head to the mysterious islet surrounded by a fairytale landscape. After a demanding day, warm your tired body in the hot springs of the local spa, all under the watchful eye of the local mountain peaks.
!!ATTENTION!! Maligne Canyon has been closed since 2024 due to wildfires (current as of March 2026). For the current status, please refer to the information on the website here.
Lakes Annette and Edith, located near the town of Jasper along the main road, are ideal for a morning stretch. You can take a walk around the lake on the paved path, watch the rising sun from the comfort of the beach, and the more hardy can even take a swim. Around the lake are areas suitable for, e.g., yoga or small sports activities. Picnic tables with fire pits and public grills offer the possibility of breakfast in a very pleasant environment. More about both lakes can be found here.
Right next to Annette Lake lies another equally beautiful lake, which you can reach on foot directly from the beach of Annette Lake. So you don't have to go anywhere else. This lake also offers beaches with a pleasant backdrop of the blue-green waters of the lake and the surrounding panorama of wooded mountains. You can once again walk around the lake on a comfortable path, or enjoy the calm surface and surrounding nature from the comfort of traditional red chairs. The nature is active in the morning, I recommend taking binoculars.
One of the most beautiful natural areas of Jasper National Park is very accessible and easy to walk for all visitors thanks to the comfortable path along the Maligne River. Over many years, its wild flow has carved a channel through the rocky subsoil, creating a beautiful steep gorge full of wild river sections and waterfalls. You can observe this from a safe path separated from the slope by a railing with several viewing platforms and footbridges across the river. I recommend completing the entire circuit including all five footbridges. The recommended route is here. You can find more about the canyon here.
!!ATTENTION!! The canyon is currently (March 2026) still closed after the forest fires of 2024, which damaged the surrounding forests, and there is a risk of falling trees, among other things. Follow current information here
Seemingly just another ordinary glacial lake, it actually has unique geological characteristics and a water regime. The lake is fed by the surrounding glaciers and the Maligne River flows through it, but thanks to the unique geology of the bottom, it disappears under the surface, where it drains from the lake further into the Maligne Canyon through a complex underground network of channels. You can view the lake from viewpoints near the parking lot on its western shore, from where you can also descend to it. More here.
The road that follows the entire length of the north shore gives you one last chance to see this unique lake.
This remote lake, named after the river that flows from it, offers more recreational opportunities. Thanks to its remoteness, it offers a beautifully turquoise surface surrounded by wilderness consisting of dense taiga and high mountain peaks with majestic glaciers, whose runoff feeds the lake. Information about the lake and surrounding activities can be found here.
What to do at and around the lake:
1) Water activities: boat trip (from here) to the iconic island Spirit Island or a ride on the lake by canoe or kayak
2) Hiking:
a) short walk from the parking lot along the northern shore of the lake to the iconic red chairs, picnic by the lake
b) Moose Lake Trail - an easy forest trail will take you to a remote lake where you can watch the local wildlife, and if you're lucky, you might even spot the huge moose that gave the trail its name
b) Bald Hills Trail - you can connect to it from the previous "Moose" trail, it is a relatively challenging climb that gradually takes you above the forest line into an environment of mountain meadows and rocky scree with beautiful views of the surrounding glacial landscape
NOTE: In winter, the lake area is a popular location for cross-country skiing
Similar to Banff, Jasper National Park also has its hot springs. You can regenerate your body in the hot springs with a view of the mountain panorama after many challenging hikes, approximately halfway through your stay. Compared to the springs in Banff, you will find more pools with different water temperatures here.
If you want to really earn the spa experience, you can further challenge your body on a moderately difficult trek along the Sulphur trail skyline leading to a viewpoint from which you have the hot springs and forested peaks of the surrounding mountains at your fingertips.
You can find information about the spa here.
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery Pass does not apply to entry to the spa; you need to pay an extra admission fee, which was 20 CAD in March 2026.
Additional fees (March 2026):
towel: 4 CAD
swimsuit: 6 CAD
TIP: Youth up to the age of 17 have free entry
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
Today will be somewhat in the spirit of hunting local peaks. First, in Jasper, you'll conquer Whistlers Mountain using the SkyTram and a short hike, rewarding you with fantastic views of the Rockies. A little further on, you'll come face to face with the snow-covered peak of Mount Robson, located in the park of the same name – the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Although you won't conquer its summit due to the extreme conditions, the view from the shores of the glacial lake of its frightening-looking shield will be unforgettable. Later in the afternoon, you'll begin a road trip through the mountainous landscape of British Columbia, where you'll move today. Driving enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven on the local quality road winding through the mountainous landscape between glacial peaks.
Just as Banff has its famous gondola to Sulphur Mountain, Jasper has its "SkyTram" that takes you below the summit of Whistlers Mountain. Step aboard and enjoy an unforgettable ride to the summit with views of the town of Jasper and the mountain scenery, including Maligne Lake or Pyramid Lake.
Information about the cable car (opening hours, price, etc.) can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! During the summer season and weekends, it is better to book the cable car in advance here
You can reach the summit either by gondola lift, which takes about 7 minutes and climbs almost 1000 meters, or you can hike up a challenging trek along The Whistlers trail (not recommended). The price for a round trip was approximately CAD 77 in March 2026, including all taxes.
The SkyTram will take you to the upper station near the summit, where you will find a viewing platform and tourist facilities (restaurant, shop, etc.). From there, head towards the summit of Whistlers Mountain along an approximately 1 km long path, during which there will be plenty of beautiful views. At the top, all that remains is to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding Rockies, including their highest peak - Mount Robson. Good visibility is, of course, a prerequisite.
Take the trail back to the top of the cable car and from there down to the car parked at the bottom station.
During your journey for another adventure, you will leave Jasper National Park and the province of Alberta and enter Mount Robson Provincial Park (named after the symbol of the Canadian Rockies and its highest peak), which is already in the province of British Columbia. Admission is free, so you will not be passing through any entrance gates. You certainly won't be bored during the relatively long journey - the surrounding landscape is beautiful and offers plenty of places to stop.
The first stop in Mount Robson Provincial Park will be these impressive waterfalls, easily accessible via a short trail leading from the parking lot located right off the highway. You can easily view these cascading waterfalls from the lookout above the bank, or take a short walk along the trail around the river.
Before you head out on a trek to the lakes, don't miss a visit to the local visitor center. Here, with the help of rangers, you can plan your tour and consult on the current condition of the trails, weather, or wildlife activity. You can also view a small exhibition dedicated to local nature, geology, and history. There is also the possibility to replenish water, have lunch in the restaurant, or buy supplies for the trek in the local store.
Visitor center opening hours: approximately 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Mt. Robson Park Information - see web
A little further down the road from the information center, you will find a large parking lot where the park's most popular trek begins – the Berg Lake Trail, which leads to the glacier lake of the same name. Completing the entire trek there and back in one day is unrealistic, as it is approximately 19 km long (one way only). To complete it, you need to obtain a permit at the information center for camping and divide the trek into two days. However, you can take the trail and after less than five kilometers on a relatively easy trail along the Robson River, you will reach the closer Kinney Lake, which lies at the foot of Mount Robson, whose snowy peak you can observe from there.
Hike the Berg Lake Trail.
A beautiful glacial lake at the foot of Mount Robson, from where you can observe its snow-capped peak. The elevation difference from the lake's surface to the summit is an incredible 3,000 meters. Due to the relative ease of the trek to the lake and its location directly at the foot of the mountain, it is one of the best places to observe this majestic peak.
Return back the same way. It will be faster downhill :)
You can break up the long drive to your hotel with a visit to another provincial park - Jackman Flats. It is a unique landscape for the Canadian Rockies, consisting of sand dunes and dry plains blown by the wind in the ice age. This unique landscape is logically home to unique organisms. You can explore this interesting ecosystem on the pleasant Juniper trail.
The journey to the hotel is long, but thanks to the constant presence of the mountain scenery, there is no risk of boredom. Enjoy a classic road trip along a well-maintained road across the mountains, stopping occasionally to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of the local landscape.
The first of the visited national parks in the beautiful province of British Columbia is located around the peak of Mount Revelstoke, towering above the town of the same name, which is a famous ski resort. In addition to classic downhill skiing, ski jumping also has a tradition here, and you can also take on the role of a jumper soaring over the slope thanks to a funny monument standing in the middle of "nowhere". After you try flying without wings, head to the very top of the mountain through mountain meadows among blooming flowers to the picturesque lakes with crystal clear water reflecting the surrounding mountain peaks. There will be plenty of wonderful views, crystal clear lakes and colorful flowers today, as well as great hikes. So grease under your knees and set out to explore this interesting national park.
Your first trip in Mount Revelstoke National Park should lead to the visitor center, which is located a bit unusually outside the park area directly in the town of Revelstoke. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local history and plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
visitor center opening hours: MON - FRI: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Mount Revelstoke Park Information - see Parks Canada website
TIP: Outside the national park, it is possible to experience a bit of adrenaline in the ski resort Revelstoke Mountain Resort, specifically riding a wheeled "bobsleigh" down the slope, called The Pipe Mountain Coaster. The author of the itinerary has no personal experience with this, but if you are interested, check out this website.
From the information center, take the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which winds through Revelstoke Mountain National Park to the summit of Mount Revelstoke. At the beginning, you will pass through a toll booth where you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for an individual or family (group), or you can present a Discovery pass.
Entry prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
The entrance gate is located directly on the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway. Follow it further to the beginning of the short forest trail Nels Nelson Ski Jump Trail, named after the legendary Canadian ski jumper, which will take you to the historical ski jumping area that was one of the first in Canada. Here, you can imagine yourself as a ski jumper soaring over the slope thanks to the wittily installed ski jumping monument.
The large parking lot by Balsam Lake is the starting point for exploring the park. First, you can walk around the lake on a beautiful path leading through a blooming mountain meadow to a viewpoint. Then, take the Upper Summit Trail to the summit.
The asphalt road and civilization end here at Heather Lake, just below the summit of Mount Revelstoke, which you can easily reach via the easy First Footsteps Trail.
On the west side of the road, take a pleasant walk through the trails leading through mountain meadows and offering stunning views of the mountain valleys below from the local viewpoints and the old fire tower, which you can climb.
Walks around the summit are just a warm-up for a proper trek that starts on the north side of Heather Lake. Take the pleasant Miller Lake Trail to the shores of this lake. The route is shown here.
The following treks to all three lakes are described in more detail here.
Most of the Miller Lake Trail follows a pleasant, wide path that alternates between forest and mountain meadow. However, the gentle descent along a relatively firm trail is replaced in the final section by a rather steep climb along a path above the lake.
The reward for your efforts is a view of the crystal-clear surface of the glacial lake, on the shore of which you can enjoy the amazing tranquility of the local nature. Due to its remoteness, you will encounter a minimum of people here, unlike the area around the parking lot.
Once you have sufficiently enjoyed the genius loci of this place, continue to the next lake via the Eva lake trail. The route is here.
The path to the next lake is short and almost without elevation, making it easy.
You can walk around another of the quiet lakes and enjoy its calm surface reflecting the surrounding mountains. There is a campsite on the shore of the lake, and when you look at the beauty of the surrounding nature, you have to admit that the night here must be amazing.
Depending on your time and energy, it is possible to reach a third lake. However, it is quite far away and the path to it is relatively difficult. Consider whether a visit to Jade Lake is within your reach, even with the long journey back to the parking lot.
Route to Jade Lake - here
Route from the lake back to the parking lot - here
The route is quite challenging and long, with steep uphill and downhill sections.
The wonderfully turquoise lake (thanks to minerals and clear water from the surrounding glaciers) guarantees you a peaceful merging with nature due to its remoteness (you will most likely be completely alone here) and also an adventure on the way to it.
Your wanderings in Mount Revelstoke National Park are over, head back to the town of Revelstoke to your hotel.
Before you definitively leave Revelstoke Park, take a walk along the wooden walkways leading through the local ancient rainforest with magnificent specimens of centuries-old cedars. A little further on, in the mountainous Glacier National Park, you will be greeted by true wilderness. Sharp mountain peaks covered with massive glaciers feeding the wild rivers and turquoise lakes will engulf you with their energy. It is here that you will experience the true wilderness and rawness of the local nature while walking along more or less challenging trails that will take you to the foot of glaciers, wild waterfalls, and rapid rivers. Another bear hunt can begin, you have a really good chance here :)
A rest area right by the highway with facilities such as covered picnic tables and toilets is a popular stop when traveling along the Trans Canada Highway. A short educational circuit through the local wetlands leads directly from it. On the way along the wooden walkway through forest swamps and marshes, you will learn interesting information about the local vegetation and fauna. The symbol of this ecosystem is the yellow-flowering skunk cabbage.
!!ATTENTION!! The nature trail is currently closed due to damage to the walkway. Follow current information here
NOTE: The author met a bear here, who was walking right through the parking lot :)
If the Skunk Cabbage interpretive trail didn't work out for you, you can certainly make up for it with a walk through the even more beautiful landscape of an ancient rainforest made up of cedars (cedar tree) that are over 800 years old. Take a walk along the comfortable wooden walkway among these giants with trunks over 4 meters wide. The wild rainforest atmosphere is complemented by the ubiquitous beautiful green mosses, ferns and lichens, which are obviously thriving in the local humidity.
Welcome to Glacier National Park, known for its rugged mountains with sharp peaks and many massive glaciers in the wild Selkirk Mountains. If there's a really good chance to encounter a bear or other wildlife, it's here. You won't find a classic entrance gate here; if you have a Discovery Pass, display it behind your car window. If you want to pay a one-time entry fee, do so at the information center, which you'll reach during the day.
The first stop in this otherwise rugged park full of challenging trails is a leisurely circular trail through an old-growth forest on a wooden boardwalk (similar to the previous stop). The local old-growth forest is made up of ancient Western Hemlock trees. In addition to them, cedars and swamp cypresses also grow here, and of course, a rich moss cover.
Glacier Park is not just about the rugged mountain scenery, but also has its historical significance. Among other things, it was an important section of the Canadian Pacific Railway route, which crossed the local mountains and passes, and due to natural obstacles it was necessary to build a network of tunnels dug through the mountains. This circular trail follows the route of the former railway line that was part of the mentioned route. During the circuit you will see several remains of railway tunnels and bridges that crossed the local rugged landscape. In addition, you will enjoy the beauty of the local nature full of forests and flowering hillsides.
Before heading out on more challenging treks in the local wilderness, head to the park's visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature, including taxidermied local predators such as cougars and bears. You can also learn to identify animals by their tracks or droppings. Due to the historical importance of the pass thanks to the Canada Pacific Railway route, the Rogers Pass area is designated as a National Historic Site, and in addition to information about nature, you will also find exhibits, monuments, and photographs dedicated to the history of this place in and around the information center. Take advantage of the local rangers, who will be happy to help you plan routes, including information on trail conditions, weather, and animal activity. It may happen that some routes are closed due to bear or cougar activity or natural elements.
Visitor Center Opening Hours: Varies by season, usually in summer (May - October) approx. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Park Information - see the website Parks Canada
Visitor Center Website - here
NOTE: If you do not have a Discovery Pass, you will pay the park entrance fee here at the information center.
Entrance Fees (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Many more or less challenging treks can be undertaken from the information center and its surroundings. You can find a list and description here.
Park at the end of the campground, where several treks into the wilderness towards glaciers, led by the iconic Illecillewaet Glacier - a symbol of the park, begin at the Arthur Wheeler hut. The true exploration of the park starts right here.
The author has chosen one easy and one more challenging trek that he has completed himself. However, there are more options available. Choose from the list and description of treks here, or explore Mapy.com, with Arthur Wheeler Hut as the starting point.
First, from the parking lot and cabin, take a short section of the Perley Rock Trail, after which you connect to the Meeting of the Waters Trail. This pleasant trail will take you to the confluence of the Illecillewaet River and the Asulkan River, which you can observe from the footbridge from the comfort of Canada's typical red chairs. During the easy trail, you will enjoy dramatic mountain scenery and the rushing flow of the wild river that accompanies you all the way.
At the end of the Meeting of the Waters Trail, the more challenging Great Glacier Trail follows, which will take you closer to the llecillewaet Glacier. The entire route is approximately 6.5 km (round trip) and you will ascend about 330 meters in altitude.
Return to Arthur O. Wheeler hut. Depending on your taste and time, you can set off on another trek.
For a tougher trek, you can choose to climb to the foot of the Avalanche Glacier. The trek, which leads first mainly through the forest and later over rocky debris, is approximately 4.5 km in one direction and climbs approximately 900 meters in altitude. The route is here.
While traveling between these two places, the itinerary author encountered a bear walking directly on the highway.
You can say goodbye to the wildly beautiful landscape of the park via a relatively easy, albeit quite steeply ascending trail, which will lead you to a magnificent waterfall created by the Connaught River.
Welcome to Yoho National Park. This magnificent park offers dramatic scenery so typical of the Rocky Mountains. You will visit beautiful waterfalls, an emerald lake, and of course, endless dense forests interwoven with rushing rivers flowing from glaciers, which are home to wildlife. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to meet something interesting here :) And because the end of your journey through the Rockies is slowly approaching, it's time to once again give your hike-weary body a rest in the spa. An evening bath in Radium Hot Springs under the supervision of mountain ranges will be a beautiful end to your adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Right on the Trans Canada Highway 1, you'll reach the entrance gate to Yoho National Park. Here, you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for individuals or families (groups), or show the rangers your Discovery Pass.
Entry Prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
You enter Yoho National Park through the entrance gate.
Your first trip in the national park should lead to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature and history. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
Visitor center opening hours: depending on the season, approximately 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (6:00 PM in summer)
Park information - see the website Parks Canada
Visitor center website - here
You can take many more or less challenging treks in the park. You can find their list and description here.
In addition to the view of the Kicking Horse River, an interesting viewpoint also offers a view of the historic spiral tunnel, which is part of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
One of the highest waterfalls in the whole country is easily accessible via a side road off the Trans-Canada Highway. From the large parking lot, a short and comfortable path leads to their base. This majestic waterfall, created by the river of the same name fed by the Daly Glacier, has a truly monumental drop, and the spray from the water crashing against the rocks will hit you even at a respectful distance from the waterfall. You can enjoy the view of the waterfall from another pair of red chairs.
From the end of the path to the waterfall, you can take the moderately difficult Takakkaw Lake Route to the lake from which the river forming this waterfall flows. Here you can enjoy peace and quiet surrounded by the beautiful nature created by rocky cliffs, glaciers and the blue-green surface of the lake.
The stunning lake with its emerald green surface reflecting the surrounding glacier-capped mountain peaks, led by the majestic summit of The President, is a popular spot for recreation. You can walk around it on a circular trail, take a canoe ride on the surface (rental here), or just sit and relax at one of the viewpoints on its shore.
TIP: From the lake shore, you can take the trail to Hamilton Falls.
!!ATTENTION!! The lake is one of the most popular places in the park and there may be parking problems. Cars often park along the access road far from the parking lot.
On the way back from the lake to the main road, be sure to stop at the natural bridge created by the eroding Kicking Horse River, which carved its way through the limestone bedrock. You can observe this work from several viewpoints, including a footbridge over the river.
A pleasant, approximately 2.5 km long path from the parking lot will take you to the mighty waterfalls, which are especially amazing due to their width of about 150 meters.
Banff has its Upper Hot Springs, Jasper has Miette Hot Springs, and in Kootenay National Park you'll find Radium Hot Springs - one of the most popular mineral spas in the Rockies. Here, treat your body, tired from mountain hikes, to some relaxation in hot springs rich in minerals such as sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are known for their relaxing and healing effects. Soak your weary body in the hot pool and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. When you get too hot, you can immerse yourself in the cooling pool, but be careful - its temperature is really very low and it will be a shock to a heated body.
You can find more information about the spa here
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time, use the cooling pool
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery Pass does not apply to the entrance to the spa, you need to pay an extra entrance fee, which was 20 CAD in March 2026
Additional fees (March 2026):
towel: 5 CAD
swimsuit: 9 CAD
opening hours:
May - September: 8:30 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
rest of the year: 10:30 - 21:00, last entry 20:30
You'll enjoy your last day in the Rockies in a manner befitting these majestic mountains - you'll visit virtually all the main natural gems they offer. From narrow rocky gorges and picturesque canyons created by wild rivers with waterfalls and rapids, you'll reach turquoise lakes flowing from picturesque glacier-covered mountain peaks. This beautiful natural play of colors is complemented by the dark green taiga and also mineral water-colored soil of local thermal springs. Kootenay National Park will be a more than worthy conclusion to the beauties of the Canadian Rockies.
Your first trip to the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature and history. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use the local rangers, who will be happy to help.
Visitor center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Park Information - see Parks Canada website
Visitor Center Website - here
There are many more or less challenging treks in the park. You can find their list and description here.
Right at the beginning of the road leading to Kootenay National Park, you will arrive at the entrance gate. Here you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for an individual or a family (group), or show the rangers your Discovery Pass.
Entry prices (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
The entrance gate leads you into Kootenay National Park. Immediately after entering, you will be greeted by the narrow rocky gorge of Sinclair Canyon, created by the river of the same name. The road then runs close to its wall. However, it would be a shame to just drive through the area. Therefore, I recommend parking near the entrance gate and walk through the canyon over the bridge to the viewpoint.
A pleasant spot for a morning picnic is offered by the shore of a picturesque lake surrounded by dense forests and rocky peaks.
Further into the park, take a moment to stop at this viewpoint, which is right by the road. Few places offering such beautiful panoramic views of the valley and the Kootenay River surrounded by mountains are so easily accessible.
A large parking lot with facilities such as picnic tables and restrooms is perfect for a lunch stop. The local Vermilion River will provide a beautiful backdrop, as it has created a massive cascading waterfall here. After lunch, go and see this beautiful natural work from the footbridge over the river.
The first significant stop definitely deserves these geothermal springs, which are colored in various shades from yellow to orange, brown, and green due to the presence of minerals. On the way from the parking lot, you will first cross a footbridge over the river, then the path leads alternately through the forest and along wooden walkways that will take you across the wetlands with dry feet. Not only the local water is colored, but also its banks, and the whole area resembles a painter's palette.
!!ATTENTION!! Some sections are quite slippery due to water flowing down the rocky subsoil
NOTE: Local natives used clay colored by the springs for the production of dyes
Another of the more significant stops and one of the most beautiful places in the park is this magnificent canyon created by the wild flow of the Tokumm River. The trail along the limestone cliffs cut by the wild and crystal-clear river full of rapids and waterfalls is an amazing experience. During the trail, you will pass over several footbridges, thanks to which you will find yourself directly above the riverbed and you will have all this beauty at your fingertips. At the end of the trail, you can sit in traditional Canadian Red chairs, which only enhances the experience of this place.
If you want to take a longer and more challenging trek in the park, avoid people, and blend in more with the local nature, a good choice is this trail leading upstream of the Stanley River flowing from the glacier of the same name. This trek through dense taiga offers magnificent views of rocky peaks, glaciers, limestone cliffs, and picturesque valleys. At the end of the trail, there is a footbridge over the river, where the trail splits into two directions, which together form a circuit. So you can continue along the circuit route to a small waterfall, or return back. The entire circuit is here.
A somewhat easier trek compared to the Stanley Glacier Trail is the path to the picturesque glacial lake Boom, hidden in the dense taiga and surrounded by mountain peaks.
NOTE: Undertaking both of the mentioned treks and other places in today's program is of course unrealistic in one day. Choose according to your preferences.
The return journey to Calgary largely retraces Banff National Park. Depending on your interests, you could substitute some locations from Kootenay and instead visit interesting spots in Banff Park that you missed at the beginning of your Rockies trip, or that you enjoyed and want to visit again. Also, consider driving the Bow Valley Parkway instead of the highway.
Your last day in Canada will be completely different. The mountainous Rockies, formed of sharp peaks, will be replaced by a flat plain. The lush taiga full of wild rivers, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers will be replaced by a steppe landscape covered with parched grass, grain and ubiquitous oil wells that tirelessly peck at the black treasure hidden beneath the surface. Alberta is an important source of shale oil, which formed here from extinct prehistoric animals. And that's what you're going to see today. The area around Drumheller is a well-known site for dinosaur fossils, which once roamed the now parched landscape of dry canyons and erosion-formed rock towers, the so-called badlands. You can explore their past in a great museum exhibiting models of skeletons of many species supplemented by interactive exhibits.
Your first steps to discover the dinosaur and mining past of this area should lead to the visitor center in the center of Drumheller, which welcomes you from afar with the iconic T-Rex model - the feared predator. It is said to be the largest dinosaur model on Earth. You can even climb the stairs leading through the inside of his body to the head and enjoy the view of the city from the observation deck. Entrance to the staircase is inside the information center for a fee of approximately 5 CAD (March 2026). In the information center, you can buy a dinosaur-themed souvenir or products from local vendors. You can also plan your visit and trips around the local badlands, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
information center opening hours: MON - FRI: 8:30 - 12:00, 13:00 - 16:30
Information about the Drumheller area and tips for activities - see the website of the province of Alberta
Visitor center website - here
In addition to fossil finds, the Drumheller area is famous for its mining. One such preserved coal mine is located near the town and is one of the most interesting technical monuments in the Canadian Badlands. It was even declared a national monument for its importance. In addition to tours of mine buildings and machines, including climbing the tower and descending into the tunnel, the biggest attraction is also a ride on the mine train. More about this monument can be found here.
Entrance fee (as of March 2026): Discovery pass is not valid here
basic admission (without a guide, movement on the surface) - 16.95 CAD
extra admission:
train ride (25 min) - 9.25 CAD
tower climb (Processing Plant tour), 45 min - 16.95 CAD
descent into the tunnel (Mine Portal Hike), 75 min - 19.25 CAD
NOTE: Admission to this monument is worthwhile mainly if you purchase one of the tours
!!ATTENTION!! It is better to book admission on the website, reservations are always launched 2 weeks in advance
opening hours: in the 2026 season from May 15 daily 10:00 - 17:00, last entry 16:00
The area around Drumheller is known for its inhospitable, barren landscape eroded by wind and water, called badlands. A typical feature of the badlands are rock towers formed by erosion, often with a narrower base made of softer rocks and an extended "cap" at the top made of more resistant, harder rock. One of the most pleasant and accessible trails where you can observe beautifully formed hoodoos is this easy trail starting at the parking lot near the main road to Drumheller. More here.
!!ATTENTION!! You must not climb on the hoodoos, they are a fragile element of the landscape
A quick stop on the way back to Drumheller can be this historic suspension bridge over the Red Deer River near the mining town of Rosedale. Formerly used by local miners, today it is more of an attraction providing access to the badlands and attracting tourists and local fishermen.
A must-see place near Drumheller is this amazing paleontological and natural history museum dedicated to dinosaurs and their fossils, which is part of the Midland Provincial Park. It is probably the best museum in the world focusing on this topic. In addition to fossils and skeletal models of many species of these ancient lizards, you can watch paleontologists at work. A life-size T-Rex skeleton welcomes you to the museum, and then you walk through a tunnel thematically arranged according to geological periods from the Paleozoic to the Quaternary. The museum is tastefully complemented by gaming and interactive elements and will entertain children and adults alike. Admission in the main season (from April) is 25 CAD (as of March 2026).
Opening hours:
1.9. - 14.5.: TUE - SUN 10:00 - 17:00, last entry 16:00, closed on MON
rest of the year: open daily 9:00 - 21:00, last entry 20:00
Museum information - see web
Around the museum, you'll find short trails through the local badlands. One such trail, the Interpretive Trail, takes you along a paved path through the arid wilderness around the hoodoos.
A charming attraction at the start of the Dinosaur Trail scenic drive is this small chapel located in the middle of the rugged badlands. While it's primarily a tourist attraction and frequently photographed, its original purpose of prayer and spiritual contemplation has been preserved. The entire church, including the interior, is a miniature, architecturally realistic chapel, complete with a tower and windows. Inside (free entry), you'll find miniature pews, an altar, and a pulpit.
NOTE: The church is a popular venue for small weddings and ceremonies
From the small church, head out on the Dinosaur Trail loop road, divided by the Red Deer River canyon into northern and southern sections connected by a cable ferry across the river. During the scenic drive leading among the hoodoos, you will pass by many viewpoints into the canyon and various attractions of this paleontologically significant site.
One of the most photogenic spots around Drumheller leads you to the edge of a cliff with a beautiful view of the dramatic formations of the local badlands landscape. There is no official trail into the canyon; it is more of a viewpoint from the top of the rocks. You can walk the bottom of the canyon later in Horseshoe Canyon on the way back to Calgary.
A historic cable ferry provides passage across the Red Deer River. It operates from spring to fall and is provided by the province of Alberta as a free service. No reservation is needed, just show up and wait for the ferry, which will take you to the other side after a 5-minute ride. You can find more here.
Say goodbye to the desolate badlands landscape with a view of this beautiful canyon. Unlike Horsethief Canyon, you can descend directly to its bottom and walk around the colorful hoodoos. If you are satisfied with the view from above, the observation deck is right next to the parking lot. You can also walk along the path that copies the edge of the cliff and enjoy the canyon from different angles.
Your Canadian adventure is coming to an end, and all that remains is a safe transfer to the airport, returning the car, checking in, and returning home. Don't forget to allow plenty of time – the formalities associated with returning the car, possible traffic jams, the check-in process, customs controls, etc. can take up a lot of time.
Depending on the time of your departure, you may still have some time for last visits to interesting places in the city or surroundings. You can visit some of the places offered on the arrival day, which you may not have reached for time reasons, or return to some of them.
If you have already exhausted all the places and still have time, consider visiting Chinatown located by the Bow River near Downtown along the main street Center Street. Visit Dragon City Mall or Sien Lok Park there. You can relax before your departure in St. Patrick's Island Park located on an island at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The designer George C. King Bridge leads to it from Downtown. For shopping and street art, you can then head to the pedestrian zone Stephen Avenue Walk.
You've arrived at the airport, which means only one thing - return the car and let's get through the check-in process. Goodbye, Alberto.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent demanding flight, you have enough space to finalize the recapitulation of your Canadian adventure.
This road trip took you through the greatest gems of Alberta and, indeed, all of Canada. The panoramas in the local Rockies, formed by sharp peaks with glaciers and crystal-clear lakes, are truly breathtaking displays of nature's beauty, power, and energy. Picturesque canyons formed by wild mountain rivers, grassy meadows, and endless taiga are a feast for the eyes and soul, while the local mighty waterfalls and turquoise lakes are grateful subjects for photographs. Add the adrenaline associated with encountering bears, the kind and helpful Canadians, and dinosaur fossils in the local steppes, and you'll have plenty of fun, adventure, and lifelong experiences.
If you didn't get enough of the natural beauty of the Canadian mountains during your road trip, don't despair - you can always come back and explore another area. There is so much to see in Canada. The author of the itinerary offers another Canadian road trip - this time through British Columbia, which, in addition to its beautiful mountains, also offers exploration of the Pacific coast on Vancouver Island. Your eTA form is valid for 5 years, so you'll have one less worry and expense on your next trip within this period.
So bye bye, Canada! See you next time!
Canada - the land of the maple leaf, the cradle of hockey, an endless landscape of lakes, taiga, and mountains covered with glaciers... this country hardly needs a long introduction. There are many reasons to visit this second-largest country in the world. From modern and clean cities on the east coast, through Niagara Falls on the border with the USA, dinosaur fossils in the arid inland steppes, to the majestic mountains with glaciers, lakes, and bears in the western part of Alberta and British Columbia - every traveler will find something for themselves in Canada.
In this itinerary, you will explore what many consider the most beautiful part of Canada - the mighty Rocky Mountains rising in the western part of the country on the border between the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. During a classic road trip, you will enjoy incredible scenery of rugged mountain landscapes covered with snowy peaks with flowing glaciers, turquoise blue lakes, and endless taiga, which is home to wildlife led by the grizzly bear and black bear - the unofficial lords of the local wilderness. If you are lucky (or unlucky - depending on your point of view), you may even spot one of these predators.
This rugged mountain landscape rises sharply from the surrounding flat plains of eastern Alberta surrounding the metropolis of Calgary - a city of cowboys and rodeo. Here your journey begins and ends, and with a bit of luck, you will manage to visit the local phenomenon - the Stampede cowboy festival held every year in the first half of July and lasting 10 days. In the spring or autumn months, you might catch a preparatory match of the local Flames hockey team playing in the legendary Canadian-American NHL league.
In any case, just an hour's drive west of Calgary separates you from unforgettable experiences full of breathtaking views and beautiful photos that the local "Rockies" offer. Follow in the footsteps of this itinerary (and the footsteps of local bears) to explore them, and you certainly won't regret it.
Practical information about Canada and traveling in it can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! Don't forget to book shuttle buses to Moraine Lake (see day 4) and Louise (see day 5) before your trip. You can't get to Moraine Lake by your own car, and there is a lot of interest in the buses. Shuttle bus reservations for both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15th at 8:00 AM local time. More detailed information on reservations can be found in the descriptions of the places mentioned.
Your arrival day is mainly for rest and acclimatization. You need to get used to the different time zone, climate, and culture. Depending on your arrival time, you can explore the city or the surrounding desolate landscape covered with arid steppe. In the summer months, however, watch out for the great heat - the inland steppe gets very hot.
The places mentioned for today are a range of options for how to spend not only your arrival day but also any time on your departure day. If you have the time and inclination, head to the city center (called Downtown in Canada and the USA). Here you can walk around Olympic Plaza park and imagine yourself as Olympic winners who were awarded medals right here during the ceremonies at the Winter Olympics, which the city hosted in 1988. You can view the city and the surrounding steppe from a bird's eye view from the lookout point of the nearby local landmark - the Calgary Tower.
Whether you have visited the city of cowboys during the Stampede festival, hockey season, or other major cultural or sporting event, you can visit the Scotiabank Saddledome multi-purpose stadium - home of the Calgary Flames hockey team. It is located in the center of the vast Stampede Park, where the aforementioned Cowboy Festival takes place.
From another angle, there is the Heritage Park Historical Village open-air museum located in the southern part of the city on the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir. A visit to it will take you back to the old days of the Wild West.
The mentioned places and brief information about them are provided below, it depends on your time whether you visit them.
Hello, welcome to Canada! Welcome to Alberta, a mountainous province full of the oldest national parks surrounded on the east side by endless grassy plains. Today will be more about organization (immigration control, picking up the car - according to the instructions you received before the trip) and relaxation after a tiring flight, however, depending on the time of your arrival, it is possible to make good use of this day as well.
After arrival, pick up the car (according to the instructions you receive before departure) and move to your accommodation (depending on the time of your arrival and check-in), where you can rest and refresh after a tiring flight. On the way from the airport or later after a stop at the hotel, you can replenish your energy after a tiring flight in one of the many more or less known fast foods and tune in to the local food culture. You can also try Canadian national food - fries topped with brown meat sauce sprinkled with cheese, so-called poutine. It can be slightly improved, for example, by adding bacon or pulled meat.
The heart of the city is this well-maintained park surrounded by important buildings such as City Hall, the American Embassy, a theater with a concert hall, the Glenbow Museum dedicated to the history of Western Canada, the extensive TELUS Convention Centre, or the cathedral.
The Olympic Park itself was built in connection with the 1988 Winter Olympics, which were indelibly etched in sports history, especially by the unexpected success of the Jamaican bobsleigh team, which even received a film adaptation thanks to the legendary film Cool Runnings. The medal ceremonies were held in the park.
Parking: The best place to park is in the City Hall Parkade underground garages at City Hall, or in the surrounding hotel and convention center buildings. You can also find a few parking spaces directly on the street in the center. Another option is to park in Stampede Park and start your journey there. All parking is paid.
NOTE: after 6:00 PM, parking in downtown Calgary is cheaper or even free (on the street)
TIP: If you don't want to drive around downtown and pay for parking, all places in Downtown are accessible by the city's "tram" LRT (Light Rail Transit) called CTrain. The nearest stops from the square are Centre Street or City Hall. These are served by both city lines - Red and Blue. The frequency of connections is approx. 5 - 10 min, in the center (Downtown) the fare is free, within the so-called Free fare zone. Outside this zone, the fare is approx. 4 CAD
So consider parking outside downtown at one of the Park & Ride car parks at a CTrain station and take the train to the city center - it is often faster and, above all, significantly cheaper than looking for parking in the center.
You can find information about public transport here
Dominantou města je tato 191 m vysoká věž postavená jako turistická atrakce za účelem vyhlídky. Ve výšce 150 metrů najdete vyhlídkovou plošinu, ze které máte město a okolní nekonečnou step jako na dlani. Za jasného počasí lze v dálce zahlédnout i zasněžené Rocky mountains. Informace o věži najdete zde.
otevírací doba: červen - srpen: 10:00 - 22:00, září - květen: 10:00 - 21:00
TIP autora: I přes výraznou podobu věže tyčící se nad městem se výstup na ní dle názoru autora příliš nevyplatí. Vzhledem k plochému reliéfu města s pár mrakodrapy v okolním downtownu a "nudnou stepí" kolem města toho není příliš k vidění. Šance na spatření Rockies není až tak velká a hlavně se v nich budete většinu času pohybovat - nemusíte tedy kvůli nim platit za vyhlídku, samotné hory nabídnou mnohem krásnější pohledy
Rozlehlý areál se stadiony a stagei se každý rok v první polovině července stává středobodem dění celé provincie během 10 dní trvajícího festivalu Stampede oslavujícího kovbojskou tradici města a historii místních domorodců. Sledovat zde můžete závody dostavníků, koncerty či výstavy domorodých indiánských kmenů. Festival si vysloužil nepříliš skromnou přezdívku "The Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.”
Located right in the heart of Stampede Park, this multi-purpose arena with a roof resembling a saddle may not look like much from the outside, but it's home to the Calgary Flames hockey team. Besides hockey, it also hosts concerts, lacrosse games, and other major sporting or cultural events.
This open-air museum is the largest living historical museum in Canada. It is located in the southwest of the city near the Glenmore Reservoir and offers a glimpse into the lives of local residents with 180 historical buildings such as schools, saloons, post offices and shops. The atmosphere is enhanced by people moving around in period costumes and riding in horse-drawn carriages. Information about the park can be found here.
Opening hours: vary depending on the attraction, more here
Your adventure in the land dedicated to winter sports begins on the western edge of Calgary, where you will find yourself at the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics in Olympic Park. There you can enjoy a ride in "go-karts" down the slope or visit the Sports Hall of Fame. Later, you will move to the magnificent Rocky Mountains (the Rockies), where you will spend most of the itinerary admiring the beautiful lakes, glaciers, and endless taiga. You will start in Canada's oldest national park - Banff National Park. Your journey in the footsteps of bears begins here!
The Olympic Park was created on the occasion of the Winter Olympics, which the city hosted in 1988. Today, it still serves locals and tourists for sports activities throughout the year. In addition to the ski slope, ski jump, bobsleigh track, gymnastics hall and multi-purpose hall, an interesting attraction for summer days is downhill karting on an asphalt road. You can buy tickets at the box office (for a single ride or a package of, for example, 3 or more rides), take the cable car to the top and then ride down in this "go-kart". You can find information about the ride here.
Also interesting is the monument to the curious start of the Jamaican bobsleigh at the 1988 Olympics, which is commemorated by a replica of the Jamaican bobsleigh standing in front of the entrance to the WinSport ski hill.
The park also includes the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame. You can find information here.
You can find detailed information about the entire Olympic Park here.
Right on the Trans Canada Highway 1, just past the mountain resort of Canmore, you'll arrive at the entrance gate to Banff National Park. Here, you can purchase either a one-time entry for a specific number of days for individuals or families (groups), or an annual pass for entry to all parks valid for 1 year, which I recommend given the number of days spent in the national parks.
Entry Prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Annual Discovery Pass for one person - 83.50 CAD
Annual Discovery Pass for family/group - 167.50 CAD
Enter the oldest and most popular national park in Canada - Banff - through the gateway near the town of Canmore.
Your first stop in the national park should be the Banff National Park Visitor Centre. Here you can view an exhibit dedicated to local nature, including the king of the jungle - the grizzly bear. You can also plan your visit and trips, with the help of local rangers who are happy to assist. You will also find information about local shuttle buses. I recommend leaving your car parked at your hotel and getting around Banff and the surrounding area carefree on foot and by shuttle bus. However, you can also use a car - entry to all places around Banff is allowed. However, you will have to deal with parking in the town.
NOTE: Shuttle buses are paid, you can buy a ticket in cash with the exact amount from the driver or via applications such as Token Transit App or the Transit App, or at the information center and at some stops in vending machines (cash and card). The starting point (crossing of all bus lines) is the Banff high school transit hub stop.
Information center opening hours:
Winter season (8/9 - 14/5): 9:00 - 17:00
Summer season (rest of the year): 8:00 - 20:00
Park information - see the Parks Canada website
Information about shuttle buses including routes and timetables - here
Shuttle bus routes and timetables - here
You can tune into the beauty of the Rocky Mountains, which you will explore in considerable detail during this itinerary, in this cozy museum right in Banff. In it, you can see stuffed local fauna, such as grizzly or black bear, cougar, moose, etc.
Since it is a national historic site (one of the oldest natural history museums in the country), admission is included with your Discovery Pass. A one-time entry without a pass costs 5 CAD (March 2026). More information can be found here.
Opening hours: May 15 - October 15: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
NOTE: The museum is mainly about the nature of the Rocky Mountains. If you are more interested in life in the harsh mountains. In addition to stuffed local fauna such as grizzly or black bear, cougar, moose, etc., you will also find information about the indigenous inhabitants of the mountains, including their culture and art, as well as something about local research and mountaineers Whyte Museum
You can reach Lake Minnewanka by your own car or the blue line 6 shuttle bus.
The Canadian Rockies are full of glacial lakes. One such lake, over 20 km long, Lake Minnewanka, is easily accessible by car or shuttle bus. You can drive right to its western shore. You can take a forest trail along the lake, perhaps to the footbridge over the Cascade River and enjoy the beautiful views and merging with the surrounding nature, or take a more challenging hike along one of the many hiking trails. Cycling enthusiasts can rent a bike and cycle around the area, or take a scenic cruise on the lake.
Information about the lake and activities in the area can be found here.
Alternatively, take the pink line 7 shuttle bus towards Fenlands from downtown Banff (Banff High School transit hub stop) to the trailhead. The shuttle bus stop is called Tunnel Mountain trailhead. There is also a parking lot here in addition to the stop. The trail starts near the center and can also be easily reached on foot directly from the center.
Take a moderately challenging trail to climb Tunnel Mountain. While it's not a towering peak compared to the surrounding Rocky Mountain peaks, its location near the center and easy accessibility make it a popular hike that doesn't take too much time. You'll be rewarded with a view of the town of Banff lying below you and the Bow Valley formed by the river of the same name. Information about the mountain and the ascent can be found here.
TIP: Plan your ascent to be at the summit for sunset.
The route to the summit via the Tunnel Mt. summit trail is here.
NOTE: The name Tunnel Mt. comes from the original intention to run a railway tunnel under the mountain. Although the plan was abandoned due to the difficulty, the name remained.
You can easily get to the hotel by car, shuttle bus or on foot.
You will fully immerse yourself in exploring the beautiful surroundings of the Banff mountain resort, located in the heart of the national park of the same name. First, you will delve into the history of the local indigenous tribes inhabiting the local caves filled with mineral springs, which are typical of the area. Later, you will also take a bath in one of these hot springs. The hot bath will give your body, tired from previous trips around the beautiful mountains, a welcome relaxation, especially with the bonus of the surrounding mountain panoramas, which you can observe from the comfort of the hot tub.
You can reach the mineral spring cave by car or the yellow line shuttle bus no. 4.
Experience a combination of nature and history at this National Historic Site, which houses a cave with hot sulfur springs known and used by local indigenous people. It was here that the tradition of Canadian national parks was founded. Today you will find a museum and interactive exhibitions about the history of parks in Canada, period photographs and old spa buildings with a swimming pool. In the surrounding area, you can walk along wooden walkways through the local wetlands and perhaps spot the local unique species of snail - the so-called Banff Springs snail, which lives nowhere else.
As it is a National Historic Site, admission is included with your Discovery Pass. A one-time entry without a pass costs 10 CAD (March 2026). More information can be found here.
Opening hours:
May 15 - Oct 15: daily 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Rest of the year: Thursday - Monday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
You can return to the center, to the Bow River bridge, by car or by the yellow line shuttle bus no. 4. From there, continue by shuttle bus no. 4 directly to the falls, or by car or the blue line no. 2 to the Banff Springs Hotel stop with parking, from where the falls are a short walk away. Alternatively, you can leave your car in the center and walk to the falls along the river.
While the Bow Falls, created on the river of the same name, aren't the highest you'll see on your trip (much more majestic ones await you higher in the mountains), their location almost in the city center and easy access via an asphalt path through the park on the riverbank make them well worth a short visit combined with a walk. More information here.
You can get to the bottom station of the cable car by car or the green shuttle bus no. 1 (Sulphur mountains towards Banff gondola).
The lower station of the cable car leading to Sulphur Mountain (or just below its summit) will take you to a viewing platform with a tourist center including restaurants and cafes with viewing terraces, gift shops and a cinema.
Information about the cable car (opening hours, price, etc.) can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! During the summer season and weekends, it is better to book the cable car in advance
You can reach the summit either by gondola lift, which takes about 8 minutes and overcomes an elevation difference of almost 700 meters, or you can hike up a moderately difficult (but relatively uninteresting) trek along the Sulphur Mountain Trail.
TIP: If you choose to hike up, you can get a half-price ticket for the gondola ride down.
A wooden walkway leads directly from the center to the upper cable car station, along the ridge of the mountains with several viewing platforms, from where you will have wonderful views of the town of Banff, the Bow Valley and several prominent peaks of the Rocky Mountains. The walkway will take you to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. More about the mountain can be found here.
TIP: Fitter individuals can head in the opposite direction from the station along the challenging trail to the summit of Sulphur Mountain.
For the return trip to the parking lot, you can either take the cable car again (if you used it for the way up, the price automatically includes the ride down), or walk down the hill along the trail.
Treat your body, tired from mountain hikes, to some relaxation in the popular hot mineral baths near the lower cable car station. Soak your weary body in the hot pool and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains surrounded by rising hot steam.
More information about the spa can be found here https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/sources-banff-springs
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time.
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery pass does not apply to the entrance to the spa, you need to pay an extra entrance fee, which in March 2026 was 20 CAD
Additional fees (March 2026):
Locker token for personal belongings: 2 CAD
towel: 3 CAD
swimsuit: 5 CAD
TIP: Youth up to the age of 17 have free entry
opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
Return to downtown Banff by car or the green shuttle bus No. 1.
Your journey through Canada's oldest national park continues today. First, you'll leave the civilization of the town of Banff and take a leisurely walk along a wild river gorge trail to two magnificent waterfalls, which you'll view from observation platforms. You'll even walk through a tunnel in the rock to one of them. A little higher in the mountains, you'll experience one of the most beautiful views not only of this trip but probably of your lives - the glacial Moraine Lake is simply iconic and it is not for nothing that it appears in many photographs promoting Canada. The turquoise blue surface surrounded by glacier-covered mountain peaks and dark green taiga is simply breathtaking.
!!ATTENTION!! The road to Moraine Lake is not open to private cars. You need to use the shuttle bus from Lake Louise resort. Especially in the summer season, there is great interest in the lake, so don't forget to book the shuttle bus in time. More information about the lake and transport to it can be found in the description of Moraine Lake and also in the introduction to the route.
The system of three shallow lakes connected by Echo Creek begins on the western edge of Banff along the Trans Canada Highway 1. You can drive along the shores on the side road (by car or bike) or stop at the viewpoint directly on the highway, from where you have the lakes at your fingertips. On clear days, the surrounding mountain peaks are beautifully reflected on their surface. More information about the lake and surrounding activities can be found here.
The journey into the interior of Banff National Park is either via the Trans-Canada Highway, or along the secondary mountain road, the Bow Valley Parkway, which leads to the Lake Louise resort. I recommend choosing this road, as it offers beautiful views and stops at interesting places along the way.
One of the most beautiful places near Banff is definitely this narrow gorge created by the river of the same name. From the parking lot, take an easy, comfortable, and paved path upstream to the first waterfall (Lower Falls), which you can reach through a small tunnel in the rock, and then continue to the higher Upper Falls. Enjoy the view from several viewing platforms that offer the waterfall from different angles and distances. More about the canyon here.
TIP: If you have the desire, time, and energy, continue from the upper waterfall along the forest path to the natural mineral pools Ink pots. Here, unlike the path to the waterfalls, you won't encounter crowds.
This is a large parking lot in a ski resort with a cable car and slopes. Park your car here and take the shuttle bus (reserved in advance) that will take you directly to the lake. Information about the shuttle bus can be found in the description of Moraine Lake and also in the introduction to the trip.
Take the shuttle bus from Lake Louise. It will take you to the shores of the lake. The price is around 8 CAD + another approximately 3 - 4 CAD for the reservation fee on the website (March 2026).
One of the most beautiful places not only in the Rockies, but in all of Canada, is this glacial lake located in the valley of the ten peaks with a beautifully turquoise surface, surrounded by steep mountain peaks with rocky debris sliding directly into the blue depths on one shore and dense green taiga on the other. The view of the lake and the surrounding ten peaks from the rocky hill on the Rockpile trail near the parking lot on the northern shore of the lake is one of the typical subjects of postcards and posters from Canada and will be an experience that you will not easily erase from your head. The view of this magnificent work of nature is simply incredible and is one of the TOP experiences on this trip.
In addition to the views of the lake, you can take an easy one-way trail copying the western shore, and you can extend the route with one of the trails leading to the surrounding mountains to the Neil Colgan Hut. However, these are very challenging treks involving walking on a glacier and are therefore not relevant for most ordinary tourists. If you want to take a trek that is easier in terms of time and energy, consider the Larch Valley Trail - near the boat rental, turn right into the wooded hills. The trail leading first through a dense forest, later a mountain meadow, and finally a barren moraine leads to Lake Minnestima and further to the Sentinel Pass.
Another option is, of course, renting a canoe and sailing on the lake with a view of the surrounding peaks. However, this is definitely not a cheap affair. The price for an hour's rental is around 180 CAD.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the lake's great popularity among visitors and the small parking lot, the road leading to the lake is closed to personal cars, or heavily restricted. It is therefore advisable (rather essential) to choose a shuttle bus for transport to and from the lake, which you should definitely book well in advance.
!!Shuttle bus reservations to both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15 at 8:00 local time!!
Information on visiting Morraine and Louis Lakes using the shuttle bus - here
Shuttle bus reservation to Moraine and Louise Lakes - here
Take the shuttle bus back to the parking lot at Lake Louise Ski Resort.
After yesterday's moraine lake, today it's time for another of the Canadian natural gems - the iconic Lake Louise. The view from the viewpoints on the slopes above the lake of its sparkling blue surface with the legendary hotel standing on its eastern shore is another unforgettable experience. Lake Louise also offers many relatively easy trails around it, so you can easily spend the whole day wandering along forest paths, sharp moraines and glaciers. Maybe you will meet an interesting representative of the local fauna in the local wilderness. Black bears, who are excellent climbers, are also common here. So look not only around you, but also into the treetops.
!!ATTENTION!! The road to Lake Louise is usually open for cars, but the parking capacity (which is also paid) is limited. I recommend using the shuttle bus from the Lake Louise resort. Especially in the summer season, there is great interest in the lake, so be sure to book the shuttle bus in advance. You can find more information about the lake and transport to it in the description of Moraine lake and also in the introduction to the trip.
Before heading to the lake, it's worth taking a look at the Lake Louise area and Banff National Park visitor center. Here, you can learn about the local rich flora and fauna, geology, and ecology using stuffed animals and interactive exhibits. With the help of rangers and maps, you can then plan a visit to the lake and other places in Banff. The rangers will also answer any questions about transportation to the lake by shuttle bus or your own car and parking.
Opening hours:
Winter season (23/9 - 5/6): 9:00 - 17:00
Summer season (rest of the year): 9:00 - 18:00
If you use the shuttle bus to get to the lake (which I recommend), you will depart from the same place as yesterday.
The best option is again to use the shuttle bus (as with Lake Moraine, it needs to be booked well in advance). The price is approximately 5 CAD (March 2026). Driving your own car is possible, but parking spaces are limited and paid. The last option is also a walk - the lake is close to the center and the Louise Creek Trail is not challenging and leads through a pleasant forest along the river.
Compared to yesterday's remote and less "commercial" moraine lake, this lake (named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta) is a bit more accessible and therefore more frequented. However, it is no less beautiful thanks to its location surrounded by glaciated and forested mountain peaks. In addition to the views of the surface from the area around the parking lot and the hotel, it is worth taking a walk along the shore on the comfortable paved path that runs along the northern shore of the lake. You can also take several longer hikes here (described below) or rent a canoe.
Recommended routes and destinations:
Fairview lookout: a relatively easy route leading to a viewpoint on the south side of the lake
Lake Agnes Trail - leads from the shore of Lake Louise along a forest path first to Mirror Lake, then on to Lake Agnes, on the shore of which stands the historic Lake Agnes Tea House
Plain of Six Glaciers - this route starts with a comfortable paved path leading from the parking lot along the northern shore of Lake Louise, later changing into a relatively challenging path leading over sharp moraine fragments to the foot of the Victoria Glacier → back, Fairview Trail
TIP: If you want to complete both of the last two mentioned routes, you don't need to return from Lake Agnes via the Lake Agnes Trail, but you can connect directly to the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail using the Big Beehive Trail leading around the northern shore of Lake Agnes and then the connecting Highline Trail, which connects to the Plain of Six Glaciers.
!!ATTENTION!! Due to the lake's popularity among visitors and limited (paid) parking, it is advisable to choose a shuttle bus for transport to and from the lake, which you should definitely book well in advance.
!!Shuttle bus reservations to both lakes for 2026 will be launched on May 15 at 8:00 AM local time!!
Information on visiting Lakes Morraine and Louis using the shuttle bus - here
Shuttle bus reservation to the lakes Moraine and Louise - here
Return by shuttle bus (or by car or on foot) back to the center.
You will set off on the beautiful Icefields Parkway, connecting the two most precious Canadian national parks, Banff and Jasper. Just drive out of the town of Lake Louise and the hundreds of kilometers-long route leading through dense taiga at the foot of mountain massifs, glacier-covered ridges with wild rivers, waterfalls and turquoise lakes can begin. However, it would be a shame to just drive through what many consider the most beautiful road in the world. In addition to other things, the picturesque Peyto Lake with its beautifully blue-colored surface or the mighty Athabasca Glacier, which you can ride on with a special bus or observe from the viewpoint during the path in the clouds, invite you to stop and stretch your legs. The journey through the heart of the Canadian Rockies will definitely be another unforgettable experience that you will bring back from this trip.
TIP: To plan trips along the Icefields Parkway, use this website, where you will find information about possible trails.
The first natural beauty worth stopping at is Bow Lake, located on the river of the same name and fed by the flowing glacier, named none other than Bow. Here you can enjoy views of the surface from the comfort of picnic tables, stroll along the shore, or lie on the beach on the north shore near the hotel. From here also begins the more challenging Bow Glacier Falls Trail leading to the waterfalls and glacier.
Not far from Bow Lake you will find another gem of the Canadian mountains. When you look at Peyto Lake in photos, you might think that its water color can't be real and is the result of various filters. However, when viewed from the viewing platform, you will see that the photos do not lie. The sparkling blue color of the lake surface seems almost chemically treated, but it is the work of glacially deposited minerals. In any case, it is one of the most photogenic places in the Rockies. At the same time, few natural gems are so easily accessible - a short and comfortable paved road leads from the parking lot to the viewpoint. I recommend walking a little higher along the nature trail to the rocky viewpoint, from where you can take even more beautiful photos. But mainly there will be noticeably fewer people here.
TIP: If you want to go down to the shores of the lake, you need to go further and use this trail
One of the most beautiful and easily accessible canyons in Banff offers a breathtaking view of the power of the wild river, which uncompromisingly carved its way through the surrounding rocky subsoil. A short path from the parking lot first leads to a footbridge over the river, from where you have the Mistaya Canyon and the river at your fingertips. Then you can walk along the rocky and wooded edge of the canyon and get wet in some places. More information can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! The current is really strong and the stones are slippery, do not underestimate the seemingly easy terrain
A somewhat challenging, yet beautiful trip is the hike to the viewpoint along the Parker Ridge Trail. From the parking lot, you initially ascend quite steeply, but then the trail more or less levels out and leads along the mountain ridge to the edge of a rock massif, which offers an imposing view of the mighty Saskatchewan Glacier flowing into a lake that is the source of the North Saskatchewan River - one of the two branches of the major river flowing across a large part of Canada. The view of the glacial tongue flowing into the valley and disappearing into the blue depths of the lake is truly breathtaking.
During the transfer between Parker Ridge and Columbia Icefield center, you will enter Jasper National Park, specifically at the Sunwapta Pass here https://mapy.com/cs/turisticka?source=osm&id=1037792898&ds=1&x=-117.1611039&y=52.2123091&z=16
The focal point of activity along the Icefields Parkway is this visitor center, which, in addition to classic refreshments and an exhibition dedicated to local geology and climate in the local museum, also offers special attractions, namely admission to the Icefield Skywalk or a snow bus tour of the glacier. These attractions are described in more detail below.
Information about admission to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and the bus tour on the Athabasca Glacier can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! Both of these special attractions are very popular and it is good to book them in advance
Discovery Center opening hours: May - October: 10:00 - 17:00, during July and August until 18:00
There are two ways to explore the massive Athabasca Glacier:
1) On foot - from the visitor center, cross the road and walk (or drive) to the parking lot, from where you can walk towards the foot of the glacier. Depending on the time of your visit and the associated amount of snow and trail conditions, you may be able to reach its base. Along the path from the parking lot to the glacier, you will find a sad reminder of the state of the climate - due to constant warming, the glacier is receding, as evidenced by signs informing you how far the glacier reached in certain years. You can try to find a sign with your year and find out how far the ice reached in the year you were born.
2) By snow bus (Ice Explorer) - riding on the glacier in a special all-terrain bus in Canadian colors is a truly extraordinary experience. The bus departs from the visitor center and travels along a designated route across the moraine directly to the glacier, where you can get off and walk on the snow. The whole experience lasts about an hour. Tickets can be purchased at the visitor center or online. The price in March 2026 was 125 CAD and also includes admission to the nearby Skywalk (see below). However, you can also purchase a separate ticket only for the Ice Explorer. Look for Columbia Icefield Glacier Only Experience here https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield/experiences/columbia-icefield-glacier-only-experience/
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in summer, I recommend booking tickets in advance on the website here https://bookings.banffjaspercollection.com/RKY/activities/details/1/ICE-BTC-BA-GA/Attraction?WebLink=w0BMA%2bAeAicpoyoelyYgHg%3d%3d&agencyNumber=5008664&wlid=968&lob=Glacier+Adventure#/select-ticket/book-adventure
If you decide to take a walk on the Skywalk, a shuttle bus will take you to it from the information center and then back.
The second of the two main attractions of the Columbia Icefield Discovery area is a walk on the arched suspension bridge with a glass bottom and a viewing platform hanging over a deep canyon, offering spectacular views of the mountain peaks and the Athabasca Glacier. You can buy a ticket in person or on the website, then take a shuttle bus from the information center to the viewpoint and back. The entrance fee for the Skywalk only in March 2026 was 48 CAD, in combination with a ride on the glacier in the Ice Explorer then 125 CAD.
!!ATTENTION!! Especially in summer, I recommend booking tickets in advance on the website here
AUTHOR'S TIP: The viewpoint is crowded and quite expensive. Given the many free views you have experienced or will experience in the mountains, I would not recommend entering the Skywalk.
The cascading waterfall flowing down the rocky cliff is worth a short stop. It is visible directly from the road, but lovers of minor climbing will surely enjoy climbing up the boulders towards the waterfall.
One of the many beautiful waterfalls you can visit in the Canadian Rockies is easily accessible due to its location near the Icefields Parkway. In addition to the main waterfall with a viewpoint near the parking lot, take a walk along the river to the lower waterfall. The view of the roaring water is truly amazing. More information can be found here.
From Banff Park, you smoothly transitioned along the Icefields Parkway to another giant among parks - Jasper. Like its older neighbor, it offers magnificent scenery of the Rocky Mountains, so there will be plenty of views of snow-capped mountain peaks, mighty thundering waterfalls, and walks along turquoise lakes. You can manage all these activities this day. So get a good night's sleep, have a hearty breakfast, and head towards another adventure full of the beauty of the local fantastic nature. Maybe you'll even meet a bear :)
Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful and impressive in the Rockies. The force with which the river relentlessly flows through the channel and then falls and crashes against the rocks at the bottom is breathtaking. There are convenient trails and viewpoints in the surrounding area, and you can enjoy the power of the waterfall from a footbridge over the river that created this natural work. More here
You can enjoy amazing natural scenery in the area around Mount Edith Cavell. It's like the "Rockies in a nutshell" because you'll see a bit of everything in a relatively small space. First, you will walk along a rocky path from the parking lot towards a picturesque lake fed by the melting glacier lying below it. From the lake, you can then climb steep, wooded trails above the treeline into a landscape of mountain meadows (a place made for grizzly bears - maybe you'll get lucky :)), which a few hundred meters further turn into a rocky scree that you can reach the East-ridge Summit. However, you don't have to bother climbing all the way to the top - the circular trail through the mountain meadow is also beautiful. Along the way, you will enjoy stunning views of the blooming meadow and the iconic Angel glacier resembling angel wings. More here
As the name suggests, during a comfortable and easy trail, you will gradually pass around five glacial lakes located in a mountain valley. The ideal route covering all five lakes is here. Between the third and fourth lakes, you will find a small open space where iconic red chairs are installed - unmistakable symbols of Canadian national parks, which you will encounter again along the way. The chairs offer a pleasant view of the third lake.
More information can be found here.
You've technically been in Jasper National Park since yesterday, but this is where you'll pass through the entrance gate. Here, you'll either show the rangers your Discovery Pass or purchase a one-time entry for a certain number of days for individuals or a family (group).
Entry Fees (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Entering through the entrance gate located south of the town of Jasper, you officially enter the national park of the same name.
When exploring Jasper National Park, don't miss a visit to the visitor center. Here you can view a small exhibition dedicated to local nature. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who are happy to help. You will also find information about local shuttle buses that you can use. However, it is easy to get around Jasper by car, which I recommend.
NOTE: Shuttle buses are paid, you can buy a ticket in cash with the exact amount from the driver or via applications such as the HotSpot App, or at the stand in the hub station called The Hub.
Visitor center opening hours:
winter season (28/9 - 14/5): 9:00 - 17:00
summer season (rest of the year): 9:00 - 19:00
Park information - see the website Parks Canada
Information about shuttle buses including routes - here
Patricia Lake is more of just a stop on the way to the more distant Pyramid Lake. However, it is worth slowing down and rolling down the car window on the road that copies its northeast coast :) The view of the lake and the stunning Pyramid Mountain is worth it.
Of the pair of lakes beneath Pyramid Mountain, north of Jasper town, Pyramid Lake is definitely the more interesting, mainly due to the possibility of accessing the small island almost in its center (see sub-location). You can rent a canoe or kayak at the lake and enjoy the lake and surrounding mountains directly from the water, or relax on the beach. More information can be found here.
A pleasant place to end the day with a walk or sit and relax while watching the setting sun is the small island, which you can reach via a footbridge arching over the surface of the lake. The footbridge starts near the parking lot by the road. On the island, you'll find a few walking paths leading around the shore, where you can sit on one of the benches or in the gazebos and enjoy views of the lake and surrounding mountains, led by the peak of Pyramid Mountain. All under the beautiful play of colors of the setting sun.
It's a demanding day, rich in experiences, so it's worth getting up a bit early. You can kickstart your body with a morning stretch on the beach by the picturesque lakes near Jasper. Once you're sufficiently awake, head to the magnificent gorge created by the wild river flowing from the glacier and observe its roaring channel with waterfalls from the footbridges and viewpoints along the groomed footpath. Later, venture into the heart of the park towards the stunning glacial landscape surrounding the picturesque lake and head to the mysterious islet surrounded by a fairytale landscape. After a demanding day, warm your tired body in the hot springs of the local spa, all under the watchful eye of the local mountain peaks.
!!ATTENTION!! Maligne Canyon has been closed since 2024 due to wildfires (current as of March 2026). For the current status, please refer to the information on the website here.
Lakes Annette and Edith, located near the town of Jasper along the main road, are ideal for a morning stretch. You can take a walk around the lake on the paved path, watch the rising sun from the comfort of the beach, and the more hardy can even take a swim. Around the lake are areas suitable for, e.g., yoga or small sports activities. Picnic tables with fire pits and public grills offer the possibility of breakfast in a very pleasant environment. More about both lakes can be found here.
Right next to Annette Lake lies another equally beautiful lake, which you can reach on foot directly from the beach of Annette Lake. So you don't have to go anywhere else. This lake also offers beaches with a pleasant backdrop of the blue-green waters of the lake and the surrounding panorama of wooded mountains. You can once again walk around the lake on a comfortable path, or enjoy the calm surface and surrounding nature from the comfort of traditional red chairs. The nature is active in the morning, I recommend taking binoculars.
One of the most beautiful natural areas of Jasper National Park is very accessible and easy to walk for all visitors thanks to the comfortable path along the Maligne River. Over many years, its wild flow has carved a channel through the rocky subsoil, creating a beautiful steep gorge full of wild river sections and waterfalls. You can observe this from a safe path separated from the slope by a railing with several viewing platforms and footbridges across the river. I recommend completing the entire circuit including all five footbridges. The recommended route is here. You can find more about the canyon here.
!!ATTENTION!! The canyon is currently (March 2026) still closed after the forest fires of 2024, which damaged the surrounding forests, and there is a risk of falling trees, among other things. Follow current information here
Seemingly just another ordinary glacial lake, it actually has unique geological characteristics and a water regime. The lake is fed by the surrounding glaciers and the Maligne River flows through it, but thanks to the unique geology of the bottom, it disappears under the surface, where it drains from the lake further into the Maligne Canyon through a complex underground network of channels. You can view the lake from viewpoints near the parking lot on its western shore, from where you can also descend to it. More here.
The road that follows the entire length of the north shore gives you one last chance to see this unique lake.
This remote lake, named after the river that flows from it, offers more recreational opportunities. Thanks to its remoteness, it offers a beautifully turquoise surface surrounded by wilderness consisting of dense taiga and high mountain peaks with majestic glaciers, whose runoff feeds the lake. Information about the lake and surrounding activities can be found here.
What to do at and around the lake:
1) Water activities: boat trip (from here) to the iconic island Spirit Island or a ride on the lake by canoe or kayak
2) Hiking:
a) short walk from the parking lot along the northern shore of the lake to the iconic red chairs, picnic by the lake
b) Moose Lake Trail - an easy forest trail will take you to a remote lake where you can watch the local wildlife, and if you're lucky, you might even spot the huge moose that gave the trail its name
b) Bald Hills Trail - you can connect to it from the previous "Moose" trail, it is a relatively challenging climb that gradually takes you above the forest line into an environment of mountain meadows and rocky scree with beautiful views of the surrounding glacial landscape
NOTE: In winter, the lake area is a popular location for cross-country skiing
Similar to Banff, Jasper National Park also has its hot springs. You can regenerate your body in the hot springs with a view of the mountain panorama after many challenging hikes, approximately halfway through your stay. Compared to the springs in Banff, you will find more pools with different water temperatures here.
If you want to really earn the spa experience, you can further challenge your body on a moderately difficult trek along the Sulphur trail skyline leading to a viewpoint from which you have the hot springs and forested peaks of the surrounding mountains at your fingertips.
You can find information about the spa here.
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery Pass does not apply to entry to the spa; you need to pay an extra admission fee, which was 20 CAD in March 2026.
Additional fees (March 2026):
towel: 4 CAD
swimsuit: 6 CAD
TIP: Youth up to the age of 17 have free entry
Opening hours: 10:00 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
Today will be somewhat in the spirit of hunting local peaks. First, in Jasper, you'll conquer Whistlers Mountain using the SkyTram and a short hike, rewarding you with fantastic views of the Rockies. A little further on, you'll come face to face with the snow-covered peak of Mount Robson, located in the park of the same name – the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Although you won't conquer its summit due to the extreme conditions, the view from the shores of the glacial lake of its frightening-looking shield will be unforgettable. Later in the afternoon, you'll begin a road trip through the mountainous landscape of British Columbia, where you'll move today. Driving enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven on the local quality road winding through the mountainous landscape between glacial peaks.
Just as Banff has its famous gondola to Sulphur Mountain, Jasper has its "SkyTram" that takes you below the summit of Whistlers Mountain. Step aboard and enjoy an unforgettable ride to the summit with views of the town of Jasper and the mountain scenery, including Maligne Lake or Pyramid Lake.
Information about the cable car (opening hours, price, etc.) can be found here.
!!ATTENTION!! During the summer season and weekends, it is better to book the cable car in advance here
You can reach the summit either by gondola lift, which takes about 7 minutes and climbs almost 1000 meters, or you can hike up a challenging trek along The Whistlers trail (not recommended). The price for a round trip was approximately CAD 77 in March 2026, including all taxes.
The SkyTram will take you to the upper station near the summit, where you will find a viewing platform and tourist facilities (restaurant, shop, etc.). From there, head towards the summit of Whistlers Mountain along an approximately 1 km long path, during which there will be plenty of beautiful views. At the top, all that remains is to enjoy the magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding Rockies, including their highest peak - Mount Robson. Good visibility is, of course, a prerequisite.
Take the trail back to the top of the cable car and from there down to the car parked at the bottom station.
During your journey for another adventure, you will leave Jasper National Park and the province of Alberta and enter Mount Robson Provincial Park (named after the symbol of the Canadian Rockies and its highest peak), which is already in the province of British Columbia. Admission is free, so you will not be passing through any entrance gates. You certainly won't be bored during the relatively long journey - the surrounding landscape is beautiful and offers plenty of places to stop.
The first stop in Mount Robson Provincial Park will be these impressive waterfalls, easily accessible via a short trail leading from the parking lot located right off the highway. You can easily view these cascading waterfalls from the lookout above the bank, or take a short walk along the trail around the river.
Before you head out on a trek to the lakes, don't miss a visit to the local visitor center. Here, with the help of rangers, you can plan your tour and consult on the current condition of the trails, weather, or wildlife activity. You can also view a small exhibition dedicated to local nature, geology, and history. There is also the possibility to replenish water, have lunch in the restaurant, or buy supplies for the trek in the local store.
Visitor center opening hours: approximately 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Mt. Robson Park Information - see web
A little further down the road from the information center, you will find a large parking lot where the park's most popular trek begins – the Berg Lake Trail, which leads to the glacier lake of the same name. Completing the entire trek there and back in one day is unrealistic, as it is approximately 19 km long (one way only). To complete it, you need to obtain a permit at the information center for camping and divide the trek into two days. However, you can take the trail and after less than five kilometers on a relatively easy trail along the Robson River, you will reach the closer Kinney Lake, which lies at the foot of Mount Robson, whose snowy peak you can observe from there.
Hike the Berg Lake Trail.
A beautiful glacial lake at the foot of Mount Robson, from where you can observe its snow-capped peak. The elevation difference from the lake's surface to the summit is an incredible 3,000 meters. Due to the relative ease of the trek to the lake and its location directly at the foot of the mountain, it is one of the best places to observe this majestic peak.
Return back the same way. It will be faster downhill :)
You can break up the long drive to your hotel with a visit to another provincial park - Jackman Flats. It is a unique landscape for the Canadian Rockies, consisting of sand dunes and dry plains blown by the wind in the ice age. This unique landscape is logically home to unique organisms. You can explore this interesting ecosystem on the pleasant Juniper trail.
The journey to the hotel is long, but thanks to the constant presence of the mountain scenery, there is no risk of boredom. Enjoy a classic road trip along a well-maintained road across the mountains, stopping occasionally to stretch your legs and enjoy the beauty of the local landscape.
The first of the visited national parks in the beautiful province of British Columbia is located around the peak of Mount Revelstoke, towering above the town of the same name, which is a famous ski resort. In addition to classic downhill skiing, ski jumping also has a tradition here, and you can also take on the role of a jumper soaring over the slope thanks to a funny monument standing in the middle of "nowhere". After you try flying without wings, head to the very top of the mountain through mountain meadows among blooming flowers to the picturesque lakes with crystal clear water reflecting the surrounding mountain peaks. There will be plenty of wonderful views, crystal clear lakes and colorful flowers today, as well as great hikes. So grease under your knees and set out to explore this interesting national park.
Your first trip in Mount Revelstoke National Park should lead to the visitor center, which is located a bit unusually outside the park area directly in the town of Revelstoke. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local history and plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
visitor center opening hours: MON - FRI: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Mount Revelstoke Park Information - see Parks Canada website
TIP: Outside the national park, it is possible to experience a bit of adrenaline in the ski resort Revelstoke Mountain Resort, specifically riding a wheeled "bobsleigh" down the slope, called The Pipe Mountain Coaster. The author of the itinerary has no personal experience with this, but if you are interested, check out this website.
From the information center, take the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway, which winds through Revelstoke Mountain National Park to the summit of Mount Revelstoke. At the beginning, you will pass through a toll booth where you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for an individual or family (group), or you can present a Discovery pass.
Entry prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
The entrance gate is located directly on the scenic Meadows in the Sky Parkway. Follow it further to the beginning of the short forest trail Nels Nelson Ski Jump Trail, named after the legendary Canadian ski jumper, which will take you to the historical ski jumping area that was one of the first in Canada. Here, you can imagine yourself as a ski jumper soaring over the slope thanks to the wittily installed ski jumping monument.
The large parking lot by Balsam Lake is the starting point for exploring the park. First, you can walk around the lake on a beautiful path leading through a blooming mountain meadow to a viewpoint. Then, take the Upper Summit Trail to the summit.
The asphalt road and civilization end here at Heather Lake, just below the summit of Mount Revelstoke, which you can easily reach via the easy First Footsteps Trail.
On the west side of the road, take a pleasant walk through the trails leading through mountain meadows and offering stunning views of the mountain valleys below from the local viewpoints and the old fire tower, which you can climb.
Walks around the summit are just a warm-up for a proper trek that starts on the north side of Heather Lake. Take the pleasant Miller Lake Trail to the shores of this lake. The route is shown here.
The following treks to all three lakes are described in more detail here.
Most of the Miller Lake Trail follows a pleasant, wide path that alternates between forest and mountain meadow. However, the gentle descent along a relatively firm trail is replaced in the final section by a rather steep climb along a path above the lake.
The reward for your efforts is a view of the crystal-clear surface of the glacial lake, on the shore of which you can enjoy the amazing tranquility of the local nature. Due to its remoteness, you will encounter a minimum of people here, unlike the area around the parking lot.
Once you have sufficiently enjoyed the genius loci of this place, continue to the next lake via the Eva lake trail. The route is here.
The path to the next lake is short and almost without elevation, making it easy.
You can walk around another of the quiet lakes and enjoy its calm surface reflecting the surrounding mountains. There is a campsite on the shore of the lake, and when you look at the beauty of the surrounding nature, you have to admit that the night here must be amazing.
Depending on your time and energy, it is possible to reach a third lake. However, it is quite far away and the path to it is relatively difficult. Consider whether a visit to Jade Lake is within your reach, even with the long journey back to the parking lot.
Route to Jade Lake - here
Route from the lake back to the parking lot - here
The route is quite challenging and long, with steep uphill and downhill sections.
The wonderfully turquoise lake (thanks to minerals and clear water from the surrounding glaciers) guarantees you a peaceful merging with nature due to its remoteness (you will most likely be completely alone here) and also an adventure on the way to it.
Your wanderings in Mount Revelstoke National Park are over, head back to the town of Revelstoke to your hotel.
Before you definitively leave Revelstoke Park, take a walk along the wooden walkways leading through the local ancient rainforest with magnificent specimens of centuries-old cedars. A little further on, in the mountainous Glacier National Park, you will be greeted by true wilderness. Sharp mountain peaks covered with massive glaciers feeding the wild rivers and turquoise lakes will engulf you with their energy. It is here that you will experience the true wilderness and rawness of the local nature while walking along more or less challenging trails that will take you to the foot of glaciers, wild waterfalls, and rapid rivers. Another bear hunt can begin, you have a really good chance here :)
A rest area right by the highway with facilities such as covered picnic tables and toilets is a popular stop when traveling along the Trans Canada Highway. A short educational circuit through the local wetlands leads directly from it. On the way along the wooden walkway through forest swamps and marshes, you will learn interesting information about the local vegetation and fauna. The symbol of this ecosystem is the yellow-flowering skunk cabbage.
!!ATTENTION!! The nature trail is currently closed due to damage to the walkway. Follow current information here
NOTE: The author met a bear here, who was walking right through the parking lot :)
If the Skunk Cabbage interpretive trail didn't work out for you, you can certainly make up for it with a walk through the even more beautiful landscape of an ancient rainforest made up of cedars (cedar tree) that are over 800 years old. Take a walk along the comfortable wooden walkway among these giants with trunks over 4 meters wide. The wild rainforest atmosphere is complemented by the ubiquitous beautiful green mosses, ferns and lichens, which are obviously thriving in the local humidity.
Welcome to Glacier National Park, known for its rugged mountains with sharp peaks and many massive glaciers in the wild Selkirk Mountains. If there's a really good chance to encounter a bear or other wildlife, it's here. You won't find a classic entrance gate here; if you have a Discovery Pass, display it behind your car window. If you want to pay a one-time entry fee, do so at the information center, which you'll reach during the day.
The first stop in this otherwise rugged park full of challenging trails is a leisurely circular trail through an old-growth forest on a wooden boardwalk (similar to the previous stop). The local old-growth forest is made up of ancient Western Hemlock trees. In addition to them, cedars and swamp cypresses also grow here, and of course, a rich moss cover.
Glacier Park is not just about the rugged mountain scenery, but also has its historical significance. Among other things, it was an important section of the Canadian Pacific Railway route, which crossed the local mountains and passes, and due to natural obstacles it was necessary to build a network of tunnels dug through the mountains. This circular trail follows the route of the former railway line that was part of the mentioned route. During the circuit you will see several remains of railway tunnels and bridges that crossed the local rugged landscape. In addition, you will enjoy the beauty of the local nature full of forests and flowering hillsides.
Before heading out on more challenging treks in the local wilderness, head to the park's visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature, including taxidermied local predators such as cougars and bears. You can also learn to identify animals by their tracks or droppings. Due to the historical importance of the pass thanks to the Canada Pacific Railway route, the Rogers Pass area is designated as a National Historic Site, and in addition to information about nature, you will also find exhibits, monuments, and photographs dedicated to the history of this place in and around the information center. Take advantage of the local rangers, who will be happy to help you plan routes, including information on trail conditions, weather, and animal activity. It may happen that some routes are closed due to bear or cougar activity or natural elements.
Visitor Center Opening Hours: Varies by season, usually in summer (May - October) approx. 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Park Information - see the website Parks Canada
Visitor Center Website - here
NOTE: If you do not have a Discovery Pass, you will pay the park entrance fee here at the information center.
Entrance Fees (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
Many more or less challenging treks can be undertaken from the information center and its surroundings. You can find a list and description here.
Park at the end of the campground, where several treks into the wilderness towards glaciers, led by the iconic Illecillewaet Glacier - a symbol of the park, begin at the Arthur Wheeler hut. The true exploration of the park starts right here.
The author has chosen one easy and one more challenging trek that he has completed himself. However, there are more options available. Choose from the list and description of treks here, or explore Mapy.com, with Arthur Wheeler Hut as the starting point.
First, from the parking lot and cabin, take a short section of the Perley Rock Trail, after which you connect to the Meeting of the Waters Trail. This pleasant trail will take you to the confluence of the Illecillewaet River and the Asulkan River, which you can observe from the footbridge from the comfort of Canada's typical red chairs. During the easy trail, you will enjoy dramatic mountain scenery and the rushing flow of the wild river that accompanies you all the way.
At the end of the Meeting of the Waters Trail, the more challenging Great Glacier Trail follows, which will take you closer to the llecillewaet Glacier. The entire route is approximately 6.5 km (round trip) and you will ascend about 330 meters in altitude.
Return to Arthur O. Wheeler hut. Depending on your taste and time, you can set off on another trek.
For a tougher trek, you can choose to climb to the foot of the Avalanche Glacier. The trek, which leads first mainly through the forest and later over rocky debris, is approximately 4.5 km in one direction and climbs approximately 900 meters in altitude. The route is here.
While traveling between these two places, the itinerary author encountered a bear walking directly on the highway.
You can say goodbye to the wildly beautiful landscape of the park via a relatively easy, albeit quite steeply ascending trail, which will lead you to a magnificent waterfall created by the Connaught River.
Welcome to Yoho National Park. This magnificent park offers dramatic scenery so typical of the Rocky Mountains. You will visit beautiful waterfalls, an emerald lake, and of course, endless dense forests interwoven with rushing rivers flowing from glaciers, which are home to wildlife. Maybe you'll be lucky enough to meet something interesting here :) And because the end of your journey through the Rockies is slowly approaching, it's time to once again give your hike-weary body a rest in the spa. An evening bath in Radium Hot Springs under the supervision of mountain ranges will be a beautiful end to your adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
Right on the Trans Canada Highway 1, you'll reach the entrance gate to Yoho National Park. Here, you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for individuals or families (groups), or show the rangers your Discovery Pass.
Entry Prices (as of March 2026):
Person per day - 12.25 CAD
Family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
You enter Yoho National Park through the entrance gate.
Your first trip in the national park should lead to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature and history. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
Visitor center opening hours: depending on the season, approximately 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (6:00 PM in summer)
Park information - see the website Parks Canada
Visitor center website - here
You can take many more or less challenging treks in the park. You can find their list and description here.
In addition to the view of the Kicking Horse River, an interesting viewpoint also offers a view of the historic spiral tunnel, which is part of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
One of the highest waterfalls in the whole country is easily accessible via a side road off the Trans-Canada Highway. From the large parking lot, a short and comfortable path leads to their base. This majestic waterfall, created by the river of the same name fed by the Daly Glacier, has a truly monumental drop, and the spray from the water crashing against the rocks will hit you even at a respectful distance from the waterfall. You can enjoy the view of the waterfall from another pair of red chairs.
From the end of the path to the waterfall, you can take the moderately difficult Takakkaw Lake Route to the lake from which the river forming this waterfall flows. Here you can enjoy peace and quiet surrounded by the beautiful nature created by rocky cliffs, glaciers and the blue-green surface of the lake.
The stunning lake with its emerald green surface reflecting the surrounding glacier-capped mountain peaks, led by the majestic summit of The President, is a popular spot for recreation. You can walk around it on a circular trail, take a canoe ride on the surface (rental here), or just sit and relax at one of the viewpoints on its shore.
TIP: From the lake shore, you can take the trail to Hamilton Falls.
!!ATTENTION!! The lake is one of the most popular places in the park and there may be parking problems. Cars often park along the access road far from the parking lot.
On the way back from the lake to the main road, be sure to stop at the natural bridge created by the eroding Kicking Horse River, which carved its way through the limestone bedrock. You can observe this work from several viewpoints, including a footbridge over the river.
A pleasant, approximately 2.5 km long path from the parking lot will take you to the mighty waterfalls, which are especially amazing due to their width of about 150 meters.
Banff has its Upper Hot Springs, Jasper has Miette Hot Springs, and in Kootenay National Park you'll find Radium Hot Springs - one of the most popular mineral spas in the Rockies. Here, treat your body, tired from mountain hikes, to some relaxation in hot springs rich in minerals such as sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and iron, which are known for their relaxing and healing effects. Soak your weary body in the hot pool and enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. When you get too hot, you can immerse yourself in the cooling pool, but be careful - its temperature is really very low and it will be a shock to a heated body.
You can find more information about the spa here
!!ATTENTION!! It is not recommended to stay in the hot water for more than 20 minutes at a time, use the cooling pool
!!ATTENTION!! The Discovery Pass does not apply to the entrance to the spa, you need to pay an extra entrance fee, which was 20 CAD in March 2026
Additional fees (March 2026):
towel: 5 CAD
swimsuit: 9 CAD
opening hours:
May - September: 8:30 - 22:00, last entry 21:30
rest of the year: 10:30 - 21:00, last entry 20:30
You'll enjoy your last day in the Rockies in a manner befitting these majestic mountains - you'll visit virtually all the main natural gems they offer. From narrow rocky gorges and picturesque canyons created by wild rivers with waterfalls and rapids, you'll reach turquoise lakes flowing from picturesque glacier-covered mountain peaks. This beautiful natural play of colors is complemented by the dark green taiga and also mineral water-colored soil of local thermal springs. Kootenay National Park will be a more than worthy conclusion to the beauties of the Canadian Rockies.
Your first trip to the national park should be to the visitor center. Here you can view an exhibition dedicated to local nature and history. You can also plan your visit and trips, for which you can use the local rangers, who will be happy to help.
Visitor center opening hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Park Information - see Parks Canada website
Visitor Center Website - here
There are many more or less challenging treks in the park. You can find their list and description here.
Right at the beginning of the road leading to Kootenay National Park, you will arrive at the entrance gate. Here you can purchase either a one-time entry for a certain number of days for an individual or a family (group), or show the rangers your Discovery Pass.
Entry prices (as of March 2026):
person per day - 12.25 CAD
family/group per day - 24.50 CAD
The entrance gate leads you into Kootenay National Park. Immediately after entering, you will be greeted by the narrow rocky gorge of Sinclair Canyon, created by the river of the same name. The road then runs close to its wall. However, it would be a shame to just drive through the area. Therefore, I recommend parking near the entrance gate and walk through the canyon over the bridge to the viewpoint.
A pleasant spot for a morning picnic is offered by the shore of a picturesque lake surrounded by dense forests and rocky peaks.
Further into the park, take a moment to stop at this viewpoint, which is right by the road. Few places offering such beautiful panoramic views of the valley and the Kootenay River surrounded by mountains are so easily accessible.
A large parking lot with facilities such as picnic tables and restrooms is perfect for a lunch stop. The local Vermilion River will provide a beautiful backdrop, as it has created a massive cascading waterfall here. After lunch, go and see this beautiful natural work from the footbridge over the river.
The first significant stop definitely deserves these geothermal springs, which are colored in various shades from yellow to orange, brown, and green due to the presence of minerals. On the way from the parking lot, you will first cross a footbridge over the river, then the path leads alternately through the forest and along wooden walkways that will take you across the wetlands with dry feet. Not only the local water is colored, but also its banks, and the whole area resembles a painter's palette.
!!ATTENTION!! Some sections are quite slippery due to water flowing down the rocky subsoil
NOTE: Local natives used clay colored by the springs for the production of dyes
Another of the more significant stops and one of the most beautiful places in the park is this magnificent canyon created by the wild flow of the Tokumm River. The trail along the limestone cliffs cut by the wild and crystal-clear river full of rapids and waterfalls is an amazing experience. During the trail, you will pass over several footbridges, thanks to which you will find yourself directly above the riverbed and you will have all this beauty at your fingertips. At the end of the trail, you can sit in traditional Canadian Red chairs, which only enhances the experience of this place.
If you want to take a longer and more challenging trek in the park, avoid people, and blend in more with the local nature, a good choice is this trail leading upstream of the Stanley River flowing from the glacier of the same name. This trek through dense taiga offers magnificent views of rocky peaks, glaciers, limestone cliffs, and picturesque valleys. At the end of the trail, there is a footbridge over the river, where the trail splits into two directions, which together form a circuit. So you can continue along the circuit route to a small waterfall, or return back. The entire circuit is here.
A somewhat easier trek compared to the Stanley Glacier Trail is the path to the picturesque glacial lake Boom, hidden in the dense taiga and surrounded by mountain peaks.
NOTE: Undertaking both of the mentioned treks and other places in today's program is of course unrealistic in one day. Choose according to your preferences.
The return journey to Calgary largely retraces Banff National Park. Depending on your interests, you could substitute some locations from Kootenay and instead visit interesting spots in Banff Park that you missed at the beginning of your Rockies trip, or that you enjoyed and want to visit again. Also, consider driving the Bow Valley Parkway instead of the highway.
Your last day in Canada will be completely different. The mountainous Rockies, formed of sharp peaks, will be replaced by a flat plain. The lush taiga full of wild rivers, waterfalls, lakes and glaciers will be replaced by a steppe landscape covered with parched grass, grain and ubiquitous oil wells that tirelessly peck at the black treasure hidden beneath the surface. Alberta is an important source of shale oil, which formed here from extinct prehistoric animals. And that's what you're going to see today. The area around Drumheller is a well-known site for dinosaur fossils, which once roamed the now parched landscape of dry canyons and erosion-formed rock towers, the so-called badlands. You can explore their past in a great museum exhibiting models of skeletons of many species supplemented by interactive exhibits.
Your first steps to discover the dinosaur and mining past of this area should lead to the visitor center in the center of Drumheller, which welcomes you from afar with the iconic T-Rex model - the feared predator. It is said to be the largest dinosaur model on Earth. You can even climb the stairs leading through the inside of his body to the head and enjoy the view of the city from the observation deck. Entrance to the staircase is inside the information center for a fee of approximately 5 CAD (March 2026). In the information center, you can buy a dinosaur-themed souvenir or products from local vendors. You can also plan your visit and trips around the local badlands, for which you can use local rangers who will be happy to help.
information center opening hours: MON - FRI: 8:30 - 12:00, 13:00 - 16:30
Information about the Drumheller area and tips for activities - see the website of the province of Alberta
Visitor center website - here
In addition to fossil finds, the Drumheller area is famous for its mining. One such preserved coal mine is located near the town and is one of the most interesting technical monuments in the Canadian Badlands. It was even declared a national monument for its importance. In addition to tours of mine buildings and machines, including climbing the tower and descending into the tunnel, the biggest attraction is also a ride on the mine train. More about this monument can be found here.
Entrance fee (as of March 2026): Discovery pass is not valid here
basic admission (without a guide, movement on the surface) - 16.95 CAD
extra admission:
train ride (25 min) - 9.25 CAD
tower climb (Processing Plant tour), 45 min - 16.95 CAD
descent into the tunnel (Mine Portal Hike), 75 min - 19.25 CAD
NOTE: Admission to this monument is worthwhile mainly if you purchase one of the tours
!!ATTENTION!! It is better to book admission on the website, reservations are always launched 2 weeks in advance
opening hours: in the 2026 season from May 15 daily 10:00 - 17:00, last entry 16:00
The area around Drumheller is known for its inhospitable, barren landscape eroded by wind and water, called badlands. A typical feature of the badlands are rock towers formed by erosion, often with a narrower base made of softer rocks and an extended "cap" at the top made of more resistant, harder rock. One of the most pleasant and accessible trails where you can observe beautifully formed hoodoos is this easy trail starting at the parking lot near the main road to Drumheller. More here.
!!ATTENTION!! You must not climb on the hoodoos, they are a fragile element of the landscape
A quick stop on the way back to Drumheller can be this historic suspension bridge over the Red Deer River near the mining town of Rosedale. Formerly used by local miners, today it is more of an attraction providing access to the badlands and attracting tourists and local fishermen.
A must-see place near Drumheller is this amazing paleontological and natural history museum dedicated to dinosaurs and their fossils, which is part of the Midland Provincial Park. It is probably the best museum in the world focusing on this topic. In addition to fossils and skeletal models of many species of these ancient lizards, you can watch paleontologists at work. A life-size T-Rex skeleton welcomes you to the museum, and then you walk through a tunnel thematically arranged according to geological periods from the Paleozoic to the Quaternary. The museum is tastefully complemented by gaming and interactive elements and will entertain children and adults alike. Admission in the main season (from April) is 25 CAD (as of March 2026).
Opening hours:
1.9. - 14.5.: TUE - SUN 10:00 - 17:00, last entry 16:00, closed on MON
rest of the year: open daily 9:00 - 21:00, last entry 20:00
Museum information - see web
Around the museum, you'll find short trails through the local badlands. One such trail, the Interpretive Trail, takes you along a paved path through the arid wilderness around the hoodoos.
A charming attraction at the start of the Dinosaur Trail scenic drive is this small chapel located in the middle of the rugged badlands. While it's primarily a tourist attraction and frequently photographed, its original purpose of prayer and spiritual contemplation has been preserved. The entire church, including the interior, is a miniature, architecturally realistic chapel, complete with a tower and windows. Inside (free entry), you'll find miniature pews, an altar, and a pulpit.
NOTE: The church is a popular venue for small weddings and ceremonies
From the small church, head out on the Dinosaur Trail loop road, divided by the Red Deer River canyon into northern and southern sections connected by a cable ferry across the river. During the scenic drive leading among the hoodoos, you will pass by many viewpoints into the canyon and various attractions of this paleontologically significant site.
One of the most photogenic spots around Drumheller leads you to the edge of a cliff with a beautiful view of the dramatic formations of the local badlands landscape. There is no official trail into the canyon; it is more of a viewpoint from the top of the rocks. You can walk the bottom of the canyon later in Horseshoe Canyon on the way back to Calgary.
A historic cable ferry provides passage across the Red Deer River. It operates from spring to fall and is provided by the province of Alberta as a free service. No reservation is needed, just show up and wait for the ferry, which will take you to the other side after a 5-minute ride. You can find more here.
Say goodbye to the desolate badlands landscape with a view of this beautiful canyon. Unlike Horsethief Canyon, you can descend directly to its bottom and walk around the colorful hoodoos. If you are satisfied with the view from above, the observation deck is right next to the parking lot. You can also walk along the path that copies the edge of the cliff and enjoy the canyon from different angles.
Your Canadian adventure is coming to an end, and all that remains is a safe transfer to the airport, returning the car, checking in, and returning home. Don't forget to allow plenty of time – the formalities associated with returning the car, possible traffic jams, the check-in process, customs controls, etc. can take up a lot of time.
Depending on the time of your departure, you may still have some time for last visits to interesting places in the city or surroundings. You can visit some of the places offered on the arrival day, which you may not have reached for time reasons, or return to some of them.
If you have already exhausted all the places and still have time, consider visiting Chinatown located by the Bow River near Downtown along the main street Center Street. Visit Dragon City Mall or Sien Lok Park there. You can relax before your departure in St. Patrick's Island Park located on an island at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers. The designer George C. King Bridge leads to it from Downtown. For shopping and street art, you can then head to the pedestrian zone Stephen Avenue Walk.
You've arrived at the airport, which means only one thing - return the car and let's get through the check-in process. Goodbye, Alberto.
During the long check-in procedures and the subsequent demanding flight, you have enough space to finalize the recapitulation of your Canadian adventure.
This road trip took you through the greatest gems of Alberta and, indeed, all of Canada. The panoramas in the local Rockies, formed by sharp peaks with glaciers and crystal-clear lakes, are truly breathtaking displays of nature's beauty, power, and energy. Picturesque canyons formed by wild mountain rivers, grassy meadows, and endless taiga are a feast for the eyes and soul, while the local mighty waterfalls and turquoise lakes are grateful subjects for photographs. Add the adrenaline associated with encountering bears, the kind and helpful Canadians, and dinosaur fossils in the local steppes, and you'll have plenty of fun, adventure, and lifelong experiences.
If you didn't get enough of the natural beauty of the Canadian mountains during your road trip, don't despair - you can always come back and explore another area. There is so much to see in Canada. The author of the itinerary offers another Canadian road trip - this time through British Columbia, which, in addition to its beautiful mountains, also offers exploration of the Pacific coast on Vancouver Island. Your eTA form is valid for 5 years, so you'll have one less worry and expense on your next trip within this period.
So bye bye, Canada! See you next time!
