Sweeping mountain views, unabashedly aqua glacial lakes, evergreen forests and majestic glaciers; just a few of the amazing encounters you’ll experience on your Canadian Rocky Mountain Adventure. If you’re like me, Banff National Park is towards the top of your bucket list. I decided it was finally time to tick that destination off of my bucket list and booked the flight to Calgary. I had 5 full days to explore, not nearly enough time, but made the most of it and packed in as many highlights as humanly possible.
Day 1
Morning: Lake Louise
Start your day at one of the most iconic destinations in Banff National Park. There are many options for adventures at Lake Louise. Begin with absorbing the breathtaking views and unbelievable turquoise water that is Lake Louise. Grab a coffee or tea from the Chateau and sit and bask in the beauty.
Once you’ve fully absorbed the beauty, it’s time to start exploring. There are many hiking trails around Lake Louise and vary in difficulty, from meandering down the Lake Shore Trail to moderate hiking on the Plain of 6 Glaciers & Lake Agnes to the Teahouse, all the way to extreme rock climbing.
If hiking isn’t your cup of tea, consider renting a canoe and gliding through the tranquil turquoise water. You’ll definitely set the stage for a perfect Instagram post. When you’ve burned off your breakfast, head into the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a fancy lunch.
Afternoon: Moraine Lake
Afternoon adventures commence at Moraine Lake with more awe-inspiring views and amazing hikes. The unbelievable blue-green color is caused by light refracting off the rock flour (silt-sized rock particles) in the glacier run-off. Consider hiking the Rockpile Trail for an elevated view or rent a canoe for a close up inspection of the placid water.
Evening: City of Banff
At this point, you’ll be exhausted from all the hiking and activities, so its time to relax and get some food. Banff Avenue, the Main Street in the City of Banff, has many offerings for amazing dining experiences. My favorites include; The Maple Leaf for fine dining, Park Distillery Restaurant & Bar for wood-fired gastropub delectables and Grizzly House Restaurant for a truly unique fondue experience.
There are plenty of shops and art galleries located on Banff Avenue as well, so finish out the evening perusing the local goods and souvenirs. If a night cap is on your list, stop at Banff Avenue Brewing for a local brew or Park Distillery for some creative cocktails.
Day 2
Before we officially start day 2; I would recommend purchasing the GyPSy Guide Canadian Rockies National Parks App. Find more info on the app here: www.gypsyguide.com. This app is a game changer for informative travel. I wish GyPSy could guide me on every road trip I take!
Morning: Icefields Parkway
Another day, another adventure, so here we go!! First stop: Peyto Lake and Bow Summit Outlook. Peyto Lake is another awe-inspiring glacial lake, that should not be missed! The hike to Bow Summit provides sweeping views of Peyto Lake and the surrounding mountains. I truly appreciated Peyto Lake, as we practically had the place to ourselves. This stop was a highlight of the entire trip!
There are an abundance of amazing lookouts along the Icefields Parkway. Don’t have any clue as to where to stop and what’s coming around the corner? The GyPSy Guide is basically like having a private tour guide in your car without having to put of with the shenanigans of a crowded tour bus. GyPSy explained points of interest along with history of the area as well.
Time for another hike? Pull on over at Parker Ridge for a breathtaking climb to the summit to view the Saskatchewan Glacier. If you packed a lunch, this is a great spot to rest and enjoy the view.
Afternoon: Columbia Icefields & Glacier Skywalk
Next stop: Columbia Icefield Adventure! Here you will have the “Ultimate Glacier Experience!” Climb aboard the Ice Explorer, a specialized snow coach, to venture out on the Athabasca Glacier. You can hop off the Ice Explorer and roam a section of the glacier and collect glacial water to drink.
After the glacier tour, hop the bus to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk to experience a glass floored lookout over the Sunwapta Valley. If you’re brave, look down…its a 918 foot drop to the bottom of the valley!
Day 3
Morning: White Water Rafting
Adventure seeking humans, rejoice! The white water rafting scene near Banff is exceptional! Check out Chinook Rafting for an invigorating half day paddle of Horseshoe Canyon. The aqua blue waters of the Bow River set the scene for an unforgettable experience rafting through the raging rapids. For the ultimate adventure seeker, take the plunge and join in on a cliff jump into the chilly water!
Afternoon: Minnewanka Loop & Vermilion Lakes Road
After a morning of thrills, its time to relax and enjoy the views. The short drive on Minnewanka loop takes you past Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. Keep your eyes peeled and you just might see some mule deer, sheep or even a black bear.
Vermilion Lakes Road is a scenic route around the, non-other than, Vermilion Lakes. From this drive you will have an amazing view of Mt. Rundle and also get to experience a natural sulphur spring. Be sure you take a good whiff of the natural spring!
Evening: Banff Gondola
For a romantic evening, hop on the Banff Gondola and experience the breathtaking sunset views on the summit of Sulphur Mountain. They even have dining packages available for purchase with your gondola ticket, so enjoy a dinner at one of the restaurants atop the mountain.
Day 4
Morning: Bow Valley Parkway
Canadian Highway 1A, Bow Valley Parkway, takes you on a slower, more scenic route through parts of Banff National Park. There are many stops and lookouts along the drive, so turn on GyPSy Guide and let them lead the way.
A definite “must-visit” along the way is Johnston Canyon. Plan to spend a few hours here to hike to the lower and upper falls. Wander along on an elevated catwalk through the canyon and admire the rushing water below. Cross the bridge and climb through the limestone tunnel to view the “thundering cataract” of the lower falls. The upper falls are just as stunning as you cross another catwalk to a viewing platform.
Continue on the Bow Valley Parkway to Morant’s Curve for a quick stop to see one of the most photographed spots in Banff National Park.
Afternoon: Yoho National Park
Bow Valley Parkway ends at Lake Louise. From here hop on the Trans Canada Highway to Yoho National Park. Check out:
- Emerald Lake: hiking, paddling & relaxing
- Spiral Tunnels: a series of tunnels to reduce the railway grade in Kicking Horse Pass. Catch a train as it passes through; up to 30 trains pass through every day during the summer.
- Takakkaw Falls: a 1,260 foot waterfall, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada
Day 5
Morning: Canmore
Since, we’ve explored Banff for a few days, let’s head east and check out the town of Canmore. This quaint town has much to offer and less crowds than the town of Banff. Check out the stores and galleries in downtown and then head out for some hiking.
Plan to spend 1-2 hours hiking Grassi Lake Trail Loop. It is a moderate hike that leads to a waterfall and tranquil, crystal clear lake.
Afternoon: Smith-Dorrien/Spray Trail Road & Nordic Spa
On the final day in Canadian Rockies, it is time to hop off the beaten path and take a true “scenic route.” From Grassi Lakes, head south on Highway 742 also known as Smith-Dorrien Trail. This is a gravel road that takes you through the Smith-Dorrien Valley, past turquoise lakes and over mountain streams. It is approximately 35 miles to Highway 40. Once you hit the pavement of Highway 40, head north for a relaxing experience amongst scented evergreens and majestic mountains at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
After all of the hiking and sightseeing, it is time to relax, unwind and reflect on all the amazing adventures the Canadian Rockies provide and check in at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa in Kananaskis Village. Follow the hydrotherapy cycle of hot and cold pools, saunas, steam cabin and relaxation areas for a fully relaxing experience. Consider booking a massage to round out the day.
Hot. Warm. Cold. Rest. Repeat.
My hope is that this itinerary inspires your own Canadian Rockies Adventure! There is so much to see and do, that 5 days is not long enough. Banff National Park and surrounding area was one of my most memorable vacations and I plan to travel there again soon.
