3-Week Canadian Rockies Itinerary
Our three-week Canadian Rockies travel itinerary helps you plan your holiday, including the best things to do, activities, and stops along the way. This road trip itinerary starts in Calgary and features top places in Banff, Jasper, Yoho, or Kootenay and can be easily adjusted to a two-week alternative if needed.
The Canadian Rockies is one of the most beautiful destinations we've ever visited, and it is one of the reasons we keep returning to this place, which we normally don't do as there are so many countries to see.
This area is world-known because it is easily accessible, and all types of travelers - avid hikers, bikers, luxury travelers, or road trippers - can adjust the itinerary the way they prefer.
No matter what's your travel budget or travel style, we believe it is impossible not to find turquoise lakes, towering snow-capped mountains, thick forests, glaciers, and wildlife captivating.
Creating the Canadian Rockies itinerary is not that easy as it could seem, not because the planning part would be that hard, but because of the number of top attractions.
There are so many wonderful places to visit that you'll have to prioritize, no matter if you have a week, ten days, two or three weeks, or even longer.
There are many ways how to plan your itinerary. It is possible to base yourself on one spot and start exploring a smaller area more thoroughly; you can plan an ultimate road trip and spend every night in a new location, or pack a rucksack for a week and get lost in the Canadian wilderness.
We went the road-tripping way, but we believe you can find it helpful even if you prefer different alternatives.
As we've already mentioned, we had visited the Canadian Rockies several times and had enough opportunities to see the best this place has to offer.
This led us to an idea to create a travel itinerary that includes the very best of Alberta and British Columbia provinces. Famous photo spots, unique hiking trails, sightseeing in the city, and a bit of history.
Our Canadian Rockies' three-week itinerary was designed for travelers who want to get a complex experience and want to spend as much time as possible outdoors with a short trip to cities such as Calgary or Drumheller.
Even if you do not have that much time or start your Canada adventure in another city than Calgary, feel free to follow this itinerary, only adjust it to your needs.
PLANNING YOUR CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
When it comes to planning your Canadian Rockies trip, it is equally important to define how much time you're going to have and how you will get around.
Our travel itinerary assumes you will have a car, which is, according to us, the best way how to explore this destination and set off on an unforgettable road trip of a lifetime.
Renting a car in either Calgary or Edmonton is super-easy (demand is high in the summer, though), but it is not a problem to find a suitable vehicle in smaller towns such as Jasper or Banff.
In case you decide to get around by public transport or with a tour (in this case, your itinerary will be already set), it is also possible, but you must adjust your plans as you won't be able to visit that many sites as we did.
To get more helpful information about planning your upcoming adventure, read our complete Canadian Rockies Travel Guide.
Don't forget that distances in Canada are vast so incorporate travel times into your itinerary as well to avoid being pressed for time. Also, in the peak season, it can be hard to find your accommodation, and it doesn't matter if you sleep in campgrounds or five-star hotels, so don't forget to make your reservations well in advance.
To get an idea of how much things in Canada cost, how much we spent, and ways to save money, read our Canadian Rockies Budget Guide.
If you have decided to stay at campgrounds, read our Guide to Camping in the Canadian Rockies.
DIRECTIONS
Where to start exploring the Canadian Rockies? There are more options. Two traditional gateways to the Rockies are Calgary or Edmonton. We started the trip in Calgary, and our itinerary reflects that.
In case your starting point is Edmonton, you will also be able to create your own itinerary based on ours; just follow our footsteps in reverse order.
However, the first time we flew to Canada, flight tickets were insanely overpriced, so we booked a ticket to Seattle, USA, took a bus to Vancouver, rented a car, and traveled to the Rockies via Garibaldi Provincial Park and Wells Gray Park, among others.
We share this story because it is essential to know there is no correct way to plan your trip; sometimes, things do not go the way we want, but the outcome can always be a perfect itinerary.
DAY 1: CALGARY
Ok, we assume the first destination on your itinerary is Calgary. We lived in this city for over a year, and during this time, we walked the streets numerous times and must admit that after the initial lukewarm welcome, we became fond of this place.
This is why we do not want you to miss a thing. Of course, it all depends on your time of arrival. If you arrive in the morning, you have plenty of time to see the best the city center has to offer.
If you arrive late in the evening and want to hit the road first thing in the morning, it is possible as well; we just recommend visiting Calgary on the last day of your travels, assuming you have a round ticket.
After arrival, pick up your rental car at the airport and drive to your hotel. There is plenty of things to do in Calgary, both in the summer and winter; you can wander around downtown, cross the bridge to Prince's Island and if time allows, walk up to Sunnyside to catch the sunset.
This was actually our favorite photo spot as the atmosphere here was relaxed, and we could feel for a while disconnected from the busy city.
Winter in Calgary is beautiful too, though this time of the year is not the best for visiting the Canadian Rockies.
Of course, Calgary is home to many fascinating museums or even a zoo, so plan your first day in a new country wisely.
WHERE TO STAY IN CALGARY
Budget | Aloft Calgary University - A modern and clean hotel close to Calgary's university is the right place for you if you like design hotels with excellent service.
Mid-range | Calgary Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel - Short walk to the international airport, stylishly designed rooms, and comfy beds with the cityscape overlook.
Luxury | Hotel Le Germain Calgary - A newly renovated hotel in the city center, just across the street from the Calgary Tower, is definitely one of the best picks for the price you can find in Calgary.
DAY 2: DRUMHELLER
You might wonder why on earth we are sending you first to Drumheller, and we don't head directly to the Canadian Rockies.
But no worries, having three weeks is a blessing that gives you enough time to explore mountains and other worthwhile places.
Of course, if your main purpose of the trip is hiking as many trails as possible, feel free to skip Drumheller; you won't have a problem finding a substitute program in no time.
Calgary is very close to Drumheller, it is actually only an hour and a half drive, and we think it would be a shame not to visit one of the world's best and biggest dinosaur museums - the Royal Tyrrell Museum, which is a pride of this town.
Even if you are not a fan, we think you'll leave the museum in awe, and personally, we were glad we incorporated it in our itinerary, although we at first were not sure whether it is a good idea.
Some travelers can spend in the museum full day (or even two). We made it in four hours because when in the area, we wanted to see more as our coworkers emphasized this is their favorite weekend getaway that has more to offer.
So after visiting the museum, you can drive a loop around Drumheller to visit Horsethief Canyon, Horseshoe Canyon and cross the river with the Bleriot Ferry.
Drumheller is also known for hoodoos, weathered rocks that created a small natural geological exposition.
WHERE TO STAY IN DRUMHELLER
Mid-range | Canalta Jurassic - Hotel Jurassic Canalta offers a large indoor hot tub, spacious rooms, sauna, fitness room, free Wi-Fi, complimentary hot breakfast, and a great location right off the SH 9.
Mid-range | Badlands Motel - A very classic motel features air-conditioned rooms, an on-site restaurant, and basic rooms for an affordable price. Badlands Motel has an excellent location on the Dinosaur Trail road close to the Royal Tyrrell Museum.
DAY 3-5: BANFF NATIONAL PARK
After the first two days, when we took it slowly, it is finally time to get serious and hit the road. There's probably not a single traveler who does not have Banff National Park on the itinerary, and there's a reason.
This area is absolutely breathtaking, and it is even possible to spend here an entire holiday without getting bored. But this is not our case, so we'll pick only the very best sites around Banff township has to offer.
From Drumheller, drive about three hours to Johnston Canyon. The drive is very scenic, and you can, for the first time, get a glimpse of the Canadian Rockies peaks.
Try to arrive at Johnston Canyon as early as possible because it's the most visited place around Banff and gets crowded quickly, or leave the canyon exploring for the following day.
It is good to know that further from the parking lot you go, the fewer people you meet. Johnston Canyon is accessible both in the summer or winter during the cold months; we recommend taking a Johnston Canyon Icewalk Tour for your safety.
In reality, you have about two and a half-day for exploring Banff, and this is where it gets exciting because there's no shortage of hikes in Banff's surroundings.
You can choose a trek that suits you best, don't hesitate to stop by in the Visitors Center in case you are still hesitant about what to see or if you are not sure whether your level of fitness is sufficient for a trail you picked.
The staff here is knowledgeable and really helpful because they all are outdoor enthusiasts. We've done a few hikes within driving distance from Banff, so that we can recommend you a few.
Cory and Edith Pass Loop is a demanding yet rewarding trail that leads through stunning nature and offers fantastic views from the pass.
Bourgeau Lake & Harvey Pass is an in-and-out trail, often overlooked by international travelers, but we believe it has its magic. The lake is just stunning, and we recommend you to continue as the views from Harvey Pass are breathtaking.
Another popular area near Banff is Lake Minnewanka. It is a perfect place for sunbathing, picnicking, boat tripping, but if you still do not have enough walking, you should check out this challenging hike to Aylmer Lookout, known for one of the best views of Lake Minnewanka from above.
As you can see, Banff could easily keep you busy for a long time, and when the weather plays along (but even when it is moody), it is a true playground for all nature lovers.
WHERE TO STAY IN BANFF
Budget | HI-Banff Alpine Center - From dormitories to private rooms with private bathrooms, this accommodation offers perfect comfort only a couple of minutes' drive out of Banff's center. For those of you, who want to save on food, we have great news; the public kitchen is available on this property. Also, all guests will receive a free bus pass for the local transport.
Mid-range | Banff Inn - Perfectly located hotel is a great place to stay both in the summer and winter. Except for modern rooms, guests can enjoy a hot tub, steam room, sauna, and functional facilities such as luggage storage and ski storage.
Luxury | Fairmont Banff Springs - An iconic hotel from 1888 is a national heritage site, and if you decide to make a reservation here, we promise you will have the best experience ever. Except for the amazing rooms, the hotel is exceptional for a lap pool and heated outdoor pool. Services are top-notch here, and if you can afford it, we highly recommend you to stay here.
DAY 6-7: LAKE LOUISE
Lake Louise is a village within Banff National Park, but it is so prominent that it deserves not only a unique paragraph but also another at least two days.
Lake Louise would, under normal circumstances, be a regular mountainous town surrounded by high peaks and pristine nature, but it is the lakes that turned this sleepy little town into a must-visit destination known globally.
Lake Louise area is also a hiking paradise, but you meet here many road trippers who have no intention to explore off the beaten path. Rather the opposite.
Once you arrive in Lake Louise, you know there are two places that all travelers, without exception, have on the itinerary. What is all the fuss about? We'll tell you only two names. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.
No matter how many times you've seen Moraine Lake or Lake Louise in pictures, you must visit these places on your own, as even the most beautiful photo lacks the feeling you'll get when standing on the shore.
Insanely blue lakes are nothing uncommon in the Canadian Rockies; after all, you can read our article the Most Beautiful Lakes, but there's a reason why these two lakes have a special place on this list.
Plan your visit carefully as both sites get crowded during the day, and parking lots usually cannot serve travelers' numbers.
Moraine Lake is a famous sunrise and sunset spot, but we recommend arriving early, then walk along the shore and maybe take a half-day hike; there are a few trails to choose from (Larch Valley Hike or Eiffel Lake Hike are the most popular ones).
The next day you can travel to Lake Louise, and after you soak in the views, walk the Shoreline Trail, and we strongly recommend including it in your itinerary path to Plain of Six Glaciers.
It is one of our favorite day hikes in the Rockies as it offers the very best of this mountainous landscape.
WHERE TO STAY IN LAKE LOUISE
Budget | HI Lake Louise Alpine Center - We know it is pretty hard to find budget-friendly accommodation in the Rockies, but this accommodation is your best bet. You can choose between staying in a dormitory or a private room.
Mid-range | Lake Louise Inn - Wonderful location with views of surrounding mountains, heated indoor pool, and modernly furnished rooms are the main reason why you should check out this hotel.
Luxury | Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - This large 4* resort offers panoramic views over Lake Louise, and if you want to experience something unique, make sure you reserve at least one night here. The resort offers a large number of services, for instance, eight restaurants, so we are sure the time here will be well spent.
DAY 8: ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Today, you will drive one of the most beautiful roads in the world! Columbia Icefields Parkway is a destination on its own; it is basically an exhibition that on 232 kilometers squeezed all the best the Canadian Rockies are famous for.
This road, which is officially known as State Highway 93, links Lake Louise and Jasper and Banff National Park with Jasper National Park.
It is also one of the places where you appreciate your rental car the most as there are so many stops and places to visit that you really need to be flexible, and it is only up to you how you decide to plan your day.
Icefields Parkway is a real gem, and you need to know two things: try to start early to beat crowds and, more importantly, have your camera ready. Although the scenery is out of this world, always keep your eyes on the road and drive safely.
To make most of your trip, get inspired with our Icefields Parkway Guide.
It will be a long day as there are many notable stops along the road.
As the accommodation along the route is not sufficient and is quite expensive, many travelers decide to drive Icefields Parkway in one day, but if you can, try either to split the ride into two days or if you do not have three weeks and you do not plan on following this itinerary entirely, you can always drive back and enjoy the road one more time when returning from Jasper.
And what are the top attractions along Columbia Icefields Parkway?
You should certainly not miss Bow Lake, one of the most famous stops, Peyto Lake, Waterfowl Lakes, or Saskatchewan Crossings Viewpoint.
Then, it is time to stretch your legs, you can choose between hiking Wilcox Pass or Parker Ridge Trail. If time allows, you can even combine both of them as we did.
Another gem is Athabasca Glacier, which you can visit via short trail. If you want to spice up your travels, consider exploring the glacier on foot and sign up for Athabasca Hike Guided Tour.
The glacier is followed by Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls which are located a bit further along the way.
These are the top attractions we visited, but if you look on the map, you'll soon realize there is much more to see, and you'll have to prioritize according to your interests.
Icefields Parkway will take you to Jasper, where you can spend the night unless you decided to split the drive into more days.
WHERE TO STAY ALONG ICEFIELDS PARKWAY
Budget | Hi-Athabasca Falls - Very basic hostel, that on the other hand, offers one of the most stunning locations as it sits close to super-famous natural attraction, Athabasca Falls. The hostel is about 30 kilometers drive from Jasper, and you can choose a bed in the dormitory; the selection of private rooms is very limited.
Mid-range | Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge - This hotel offers mediocre accommodation for the price, but on the other hand, it is rustic, clean, and the staff is friendly. We would have booked this property because of the location, but we could not justify the rate.
Luxury | Glacier View Lodge - If you want to break the journey and stay in a tranquil place that features amazing views of the glacier, stop at Glacier View Lodge, which is about a 1-hour drive from Jasper. It does not matter if you travel to Banff or in the opposite direction; this outstanding property has a lot to offer.
DAY 9-11: JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Jasper National Park is another must-visit destination, and those of you who plan only a two-week itinerary should make it at least there before returning to Calgary.
Jasper is a town at the northern end of Icefields Parkway, and although it is smaller than Banff, its surroundings definitely have lots to offer.
Three days in the park are enough to see all the top sights, although you can stay here even longer, same as many travelers before you, who were reluctant to leave.
To us, Jasper National Park seemed less touristy, but it was probably only because we chose a program that introduced us also less visited areas.
What should you do on the first day in Jasper?
You should definitely plan to explore Maligne Road. This road is very scenic. That's by now nothing new, but it also offers worthwhile stops.
One of them is Maligne Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the Canadian Rockies. The beautifully colored river makes its way through the narrow gorge, and you can observe it from a several kilometers long trail that follows the river for a while.
For some, Maligne Canyon is a quick photo stop, but others can easily spend hours here.
Then carry on to Maligne Lake, another wonderful water surface with mountains in the backdrop that is a popular hiking and relaxing destination. If you want, rent a kayak, but we opted for Opal Hills Trail that took us to an alpine environment.
The second day can be dedicated to hiking Sulphur Skyline Trail. This out and back trek provides persistent travelers with 360-degree views, but that's not it.
The trailhead starts at Miette Hot Springs parking lot, and you simply have to end up here after the tiring climb and relax.
On the last day, you can explore more closely the impressive area of Mount Edith Cavell and admire the Angel Glacier and the pond beneath.
We could go on and on when talking about things to do in Jasper National Park, one more activity that is certainly worth mentioning is Jasper Skytram.
This scenic gondola ride takes you in no time to 2263 meters above sea level, from where you can admire the surroundings or you can lace up your hiking boots and get the most of this unique environment. Shortly, you won't get bored in Jasper.
WHERE TO STAY IN JASPER
Budget | Mount Robson Inn - It is almost impossible to find budget accommodation in the Canadian Rockies when not camping. This hotel is reasonably priced and offers clean facilities and excellent breakfast.
Mid-range | Jasper Inn and Suites - Convenient location, indoor pool, onsite restaurant, and clean and tidy rooms should convince you to stay here.
Luxury | Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge - You will hardly find better accommodation in Jasper. Beautiful surroundings, comfortable rooms, and great service are the main reasons to stay here.
DAY 12: MOUNT ROBSON PROVINCIAL PARK
Mount Robson Provincial Park borders with Jasper National Park, and we feel it's a bit overshadowed by its more famous neighbor. It is true that Mount Robson does not have the national park's status, but we found provincial parks in Canada equally beautiful.
Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Rockies, but the top is often hidden in clouds, so we hope you'll be lucky and get unobscured views.
One guy we met in the park told us that he has been driving through Mount Robson Provincial Park for the past twenty years, and he's never seen the peak.
One of the top half-day trips in Mount Robson Provincial Park is a trail to Kinney Lake that is considerably easy. It is also possible to make a reservation and stay overnight near beautiful Berg Lake, but you must make a reservation as soon as the booking system opens because spots fill up quickly.
We were fortunate when we secured the spot, but unfortunately, on the day we were heading to the park, there was a car accident, the road was closed, and we did not make it.
This only brings us to another point. When planning your travel itinerary, you should always think of a backup plan. There can be a car accident, or in the winter, roads can be blocked by snow, and it is always better to have a few more variants in mind.
WHERE TO STAY IN MOUNT ROBSON PARK
Valemount | Best Western Plus Valemount Inn and Suites | The traditional base for exploring Mount Robson Provincial Park is Valemount, a small town that, for its size, offers quite a good selection of hotels. Best Western is an international brand, so that you can expect here a certain level of services, cozy rooms, and even an indoor pool.
Valemount | Super 8 by Wyndham Valemount - Conveniently located on Highway 5, this motel is close to Mount Robson Provincial Park, and it is also within driving distance from Wells Gray Park.
DAY 13: WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK
Once you reach Mount Robson Provincial Park, you are past half of your time dedicated to the Canadian Rockies.
Although it is possible to slowly retrace your steps and start returning back to Calgary via Icefields Parkway while stopping at places you missed along the way (and then join our itinerary again at Yoho National Park), there's one more option.
We decided to make a loop and take a different road; this is why we'll visit Wells Gray Provincial Park and Glacier National Park, although they are technically not in the Rockies.
From Mount Robson, take Highway 5, which will take you to Clearwater in less than three hours.
Clearwater is a gateway to Wells Gray Provincial Park, so go inside the Visitors Center, where you can read more about the area and then drive to the waterfalls. Well, hadn't we mentioned it?
Wells Gray Provincial Park is the land of waterfalls, but except for hiking and admiring the walls, there are many more activities to do; you would have just needed more time.
To be honest, we discovered this park somewhat accidentally, but now we are glad we did.
There are many waterfalls along the Clearwater Valley Road, but when short on time, visit at least three of them - Helmcken Falls, Spahats Creek Falls, and Dawson Falls.
All of them are easily accessible, and each of them is different so that you won't regret this detour.
WHERE TO STAY IN WELLS GRAY PROVINCIAL PARK
Clearwater | Jasper Way Inn - This affordable accommodation offers spacious and clean rooms and a perfect location on the lake's shore, so you can easily spend here a few days and relax.
Kamloops | The Plaza Hotel a Trademark Collection by Wyndham - Excellent location, spacious rooms, helpful staff, and tasty breakfast. Great value for money, plus the park is less than an hour away.
DAY 14: GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
It is time to get closer to Calgary, but no worries, there are still many highlights we'll see along the way.
Today will be more about driving; it takes over four hours to get from Wells Gray Provincial Park to Glacier National Park, but you will regularly stop as the route via Revelstoke is scenic.
It depends on when you arrive in Glacier National Park, but if you started early in the morning, it means you still have the whole afternoon to spend your time actively.
There are several trails that reveal the unique scenery, but if there's one tip we could give you, opt for Glacier Crest Trail that provides tourists with panoramic views.
We know that less than one full day is certainly not enough for Glacier National Park, but if you're a nature lover and found visiting Drumheller at the beginning of our trip unappealing, you can skip the town and spend more time here (or elsewhere).
This national park is certainly less visited than Banff or Jasper, so it is perfect for travelers seeking a quiet experience.
You will spend the rest of the day in beautiful Glacier National Park. Once you're done for the day, drive for a bit and stay in Golden, a traditional base for visitors to the area.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Revelstoke | Coast Hillcrest Hotel - This hotel has a perfect location and features fantastic views. Newly decorated rooms are perfect for relaxing after all day hiking, same as on-site hot tub, gym, and sauna.
Golden | Best Western Mountainview Inn - Golden is a popular stop on the way to Yoho National Park, and Best Western is always a solid choice when it comes to accommodation. The rooms are clean and air-conditioned, plus a complimentary breakfast is included in the price.
DAY 15-17: YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Yoho National Park has been lately more and more popular, as it also has mountains and lakes, but on a much smaller scale.
In one day in Yoho National Park, your itinerary should include the famous Emerald Lake (once you'll stand on the shore, you'll understand the name is very fitting) and also Takakkaw Falls that are very impressive.
In case you are still full of energy, consider hiking Iceline Trail, a 14-kilometer out-and-back hike, that is moderately trafficked as the beginning is quite steep, but then the ascend is more gradual, and you won't regret the decision you’ve made the effort.
Until now, your only concern probably was to make a reservation for a car, accommodation, and maybe tours.
To complete your Canadian Rockies experience, we recommend you read more about the possibility of visiting the Lake O'Hara area; we believe our post will inspire you.
Lake O'Hara is one of the most special places in the Rockies. As it is necessary to make a reservation for a bus that will take you to the lake (unless you want to walk 11 kilometers one way), this bus is often known as the hardest bus to get on in the Canadian Rockies.
If you decide to spend the night in the area (in the campground or lodge), you simply have to make a reservation for the stay, and then the bus ride is included. If you've been able to secure your accommodation, head to the parking lot on a given day and jump on the bus.
We arrived in the afternoon, so that day, we only walked around Lake O'Hara and enjoyed the tranquil atmosphere. The fact that only a limited number of travelers manage to reach the lake daily made us feel incredibly happy.
There are several hiking trails in the Lake O'Hara surroundings, and one of the best ones that connect top natural sights is Lake O'Hara Alpine Circuit, which took us almost a whole day, and we were glad we arrived at the parking lot on time only to catch the bus back.
We found this option of spending three days in Yoho National Park perfect, but we spent two days out of three in Lake O'Hara.
If you won't be able to make a reservation or you simply do not put yourself through the hassle, then you have two more days that you can spend in the park or extend your stay in Glacier National Park or Kootenay National Park.
WHERE TO STAY IN YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Emerald Lake | Emerald Lake Lodge - Superb location on the Lake Emeralds' shores, stunning views, cabins with a fireplace, it's all there. You pay extra, though.
Field | Cathedral Mountain Lodge - This cozy lodge is located outside Field in the Kicking Horse Valley on the Yoho Valley road. Lovely cabins are well decorated, have a proper fireplace, and offer views of the surrounding mountains. The restaurant serves regional cuisine using organic and free-range ingredients.
DAY 18: KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK
As the next stop on our itinerary is Kootenay National Park, you have two options. Either drive via Lake Louise or retrace your steps a bit and drive via Radium Hot Springs, which is a welcoming and relaxing spot on the way.
What can you do in Kootenay National Park?
As this itinerary is designed for road trippers, you can simply drive Banff-Windermere Highway, which is a very photogenic stretch.
Other than that, there are also many hiking trails, from short, less than an hour-long walk to multi-day hikes, so plan according to your mood and energy.
We are fully aware that this itinerary is pretty packed, so Kootenay National Park can also easily be a place to disconnect and relax surrounded by pristine nature.
WHERE TO STAY IN RADIUM HOT SPRINGS
Mid-range | Radium Chalet - This hotel is only five minutes drive from Kootenay National Park, so it is a great choice. Rooms are comfortable, but the highlight here is definitely a view from a balcony. In the evening, you can chill by a fireplace.
Mid-range | Bighorn Meadows Resort - This resort is set in the beautiful scenery, and the attention to details can be seen not only outside but also inside. The seasonal outdoor heated pool is only a cherry on the top.
DAY 19-20: MOUNT ASSINIBOINE PROVINCIAL PARK
We left one of the best experiences we've had in the Canadian Rockies almost to the end. According to us, visiting Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park is not that common, although it is one of the most stunning places in the Rockies.
We've planned the visit for two days; one day is certainly not enough.
There are several options on how to get to Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Once you are in Kootenay, one of the alternatives would be to hike in via Simpson River Trail, which is about 30 kilometers long.
As your car stays in the car park, this means you would have to either arrange transport in case you do not want to hike out the same path, or you would have to retrace your steps.
We have opted for a slightly different approach, and for once, we forgot about our strict travel budget.
We drove to Mount Shark Parking Lot, from where we booked a helicopter flight to Mount Assiniboine. This choice provided us with many advantages.
We enjoyed a spectacular flight, had more time in the area, and then we hiked the next day back to the parking lot via a path we've never walked before.
Assiniboine Provincial Park is very visually attractive.
In the center of attention is Mount Assiniboine, which resembles Matterhorn, a mountain in the Alps between Switzerland and Italy, but there are many more things to see, such as Magog Lake, Sunburst Lake, Cerulean Lake, or the views from Nub Peak.
Booking this adventure also requires a bit of planning as you need to coordinate reserving campsite and helicopter flight (in case you do not want to hike in and out), but it is really worth it.
The visit to Assiniboine Provincial Park was surely one of our Canadian Rockies trip highlights, and we even saw several grizzly bears along the trail. Make sure to read our guide How to Stay Safe in Bear Country.
WHERE TO STAY IN CANMORE
Mid-range | Malcolm Hotel - Canmore is a perfect alternative to Banff, and Malcolm Hotel is one of the best places to stay while there.
DAY 21: CALGARY
Unfortunately, the last day of your Canadian Rockies holiday has come to an end. It is time to drive back to Calgary and drop off your car. If time allows, there are certainly places you were not able to visit after your arrival.
Before your flight, take an elevator to an observation deck of Calgary Tower and visit one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.
For all culture enthusiasts, every summer, Calgary hosts a big outdoor show called Calgary Stampede.
No matter if you have arrived during summer or winter in Calgary, check out these articles Calgary: Best Things to Do in Summer and Best Things to Do in Calgary in Winter to get inspired in case you've run out of ideas.
WHEN TO VISIT THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
Although the Rockies is an all-year-round destination, this itinerary is designed for travelers who plan the trip in the summer season, between May and mid-October. During this time, all roads and hiking trails should be accessible.
Of course, feel free to follow this three-week schedule even when planning a winter adventure, but you must consider that this time of the year comes with challenges.
First of all, the road to Moraine Lake is closed for cars in the winter.
It is only one of the places on our itinerary, but you must do thorough research on other attractions as well. Columbia Icefields Parkways is not serviced in the winter, the snow is cleared, but restaurants and hotels can be closed.
Last but not least, the weather can change rapidly (it is actually the case even in the summer), and you have to check up-to-date information as the snow can make roads impassable, so you should always have a backup plan.
WHAT TO PACK
What should you pack when following this itinerary? As we've created a program that offers a mixture of hiking, sightseeing, and relaxing, you actually need a bit of everything.
For hiking, pack quality outdoor gear such as hiking boots, windbreaker, rain jacket, rain poncho, or down jacket.
Have a comfortable daypack where you can keep snacks, extra layers, and a water bottle. Pack a reusable water bottle as tap water in Canada is drinkable, or water bottle with a filter for hiking.
Also, make sure you have a bear spray, and in case you plan on camping, carry a cooking set, tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad.
It is also possible to pack jeans and a flannel shirt, but always dress adequately when hiking in the wilderness and wear these clothes only for photo shooting on the lake's shore.
Sun in the mountains is strong, so keep in your backpack sunscreen and lip balm, also bug repellent is a must-have during the summer months.
Finally, do not forget your trusty travel camera and telephoto lens to capture the wildlife while staying safe.
For more information, read our Canadian Rockies packing list.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
