Canadian Rockies

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Calgary and Banff

From the emerald stillness of Lake Louise to the alpine ridgelines above Sulphur Mountain, each day reveals a new layer of Banff’s majestic quiet. Wander among turquoise lakes, towering canyons, and forested valleys where the Rockies speak in wind, stone, and water.

Days 1-7

Jasper

Travel the legendary Icefields Parkway, where ancient glaciers and mirrored lakes stretch across a wild northern horizon. In Jasper, serene cruises, canyon walks, and glassy alpine lakes unfold under endless sky.

Days 7-10

Highlights

  • Moraine Lake at Dawn - Stand in silence as the Ten Peaks are brushed with morning light, reflected perfectly in Moraine’s glacial blue — a moment where time feels paused.

  • Spirit Island, Maligne Lake - Glide across ethereal waters to reach Spirit Island, a timeless, untouchable place floating in stillness at the heart of the Rockies.

  • The Icefields Parkway Drive - One of the world’s most scenic routes — glacier-fed lakes, high alpine passes, and endless wilderness stitched together in a cinematic journey.

  • Banff Gondola & Bow River Walk - From sky-high panoramas to riverside strolls, Banff’s contrasts offer both grandeur and grace within a single afternoon.

  • Emerald Lake & Takkakaw Falls - A serene paddle across jade water followed by the thunder of one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls — Yoho’s wild elegance at its best.

Detailed Itinerary

Banff Awakening

Day 1 – Urban Gateway
Arrive in Calgary and begin exploring the city’s modern elegance and western heritage. Walk Stephen Avenue, where historic sandstone buildings meet contemporary energy. Admire the striking Wonderland sculpture and the evocative Family of Man, then head toward Prince’s Island Park and the graceful lines of the Peace Bridge. Follow the Bow River Pathway or head to Nose Hill Park for sweeping views of the city against the prairie skyline.

Day 2 – Into the Rockies
Leave Calgary behind as the horizon sharpens with the jagged silhouettes of the Canadian Rockies. Arrive in Banff and ascend Sulphur Mountain aboard the Banff Gondola, where alpine ridgelines stretch into the distance. Visit the roaring Bow Falls and admire the sweeping vista at Surprise Corner, before a quiet stroll along the Bow River Loop. Banff’s mountain energy sets the tone for days ahead.

Day 3 – The Emerald Circuit
Cross into Yoho National Park and begin your day on the still waters of Emerald Lake, its green depths mirroring snow-dusted peaks. Follow the shoreline path or drift quietly by canoe. Stop at the sculpted Natural Bridge and take a short walk to the mist-filled amphitheatre of Takkakaw Falls. Return to Banff in time to enjoy the changing evening light on the mountains.

Day 4 – Lakes & Canyon Trails
Begin early at Moraine Lake, framed by the Ten Peaks and one of the most iconic vistas in the Rockies. Walk the short Rockpile Trail for sweeping views before continuing to Johnston Canyon, where elevated catwalks lead to frothing waterfalls within a lush limestone gorge. Pause at Cascade of Time Garden or the tranquil Vermilion Lakes before returning to town.

Day 5 – Reflections at Louise
Arrive before the crowds to the glassy waters of Lake Louise, where the silence is broken only by breeze and birdsong. Follow the gentle lakeshore or ascend briefly to Fairview Lookout for an elevated perspective. Later, walk the wooded paths along Policeman’s Creek, where mountain reflections ripple across the stream.

Day 6 – Canyons & Suspension Views
Travel west to the dramatic Golden Skybridge, where suspension walkways stretch high above alpine ravines. Later, make your way to Wapta Falls, where a wide cascade thunders into a jade pool after a peaceful forest approach. Return to Banff for your final evening beneath towering ridges.

Jasper Stillness

Day 7 – The Icefields Parkway
Depart Banff and journey north along the legendary Icefields Parkway, a road carved through epic scenery. Pause at Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, their waters glowing with glacial minerals, then continue to the ancient ice of the Columbia Icefield. After stops at Tangle Creek Falls, the road leads you into the quiet wilderness of Jasper National Park.

Day 8 – Spirit of Jasper
Cruise across the glassy waters of Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, a timeless place of stillness and grandeur. Visit the haunting beauty of Medicine Lake, then explore the narrow passageways and rushing water of Maligne Canyon. Conclude with a light walk beside one of the Five Lakes, each reflecting a different hue of blue and green.

Day 9 – Peaks & Reflections
Begin with the raw force of Sunwapta Falls and the chiseled elegance of Athabasca Falls. Soar above the forest canopy on the Jasper SkyTram and gaze out over rivers, ridgelines, and distant glaciers. In the afternoon, visit Lac Beauvert, Lake Annette, Patricia Lake, and Pyramid Lake, each a perfect frame for Jasper’s natural silence.

Day 10 – The Road Home
Depart Jasper and journey through vast alpine valleys and glacier-carved wilderness, where each turn offers a final glimpse of towering peaks and still, reflective lakes. Whether tracing the Icefields Parkway south or heading east toward the open skies, the road offers a quiet farewell to the Rockies. By late afternoon, arrive in time for your onward flight — either from Calgary, following a scenic descent through mountain passes, or from Edmonton, as the forests give way to wide prairie light.

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