The Grand Slam: 10-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip

We’re calling this one The Grand Slam because you’re truly hitting it out of the park with this bucket-list Canadian Rockies adventure! This 10-day road trip loops through some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery in North America, with a mix of iconic destinations and lesser-known gems that are just as unforgettable.

Whether it’s your first time visiting the Rockies or you’re finally checking off a long-awaited dream trip, this route is designed to help you experience the best of the region without feeling rushed. You'll explore major highlights like Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and the legendary Icefields Parkway, a scenic drive that’s often ranked among the most beautiful in the world.

Along the way, you can also build in extra time for nearby adventures like Kananaskis Country, Yoho National Park, and Waterton Lakes, or even cross briefly into British Columbia to explore Canada’s side of Glacier National Park. From glacier-fed lakes and alpine hikes to relaxing spas and quiet mountain towns, this route has something for every kind of traveler.

Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Spirit Island

What are some of the highlights in the Canadian Rockies?

The Canadian Rockies are packed with incredible places to explore, some world-famous, others pleasantly under the radar. Here are the best stops to include on your route, listed by region and roughly in order of distance from Calgary.

Kananaskis Country (Optional but Worth It)

Less crowded than Banff but just as scenic, Kananaskis is perfect for hiking, relaxing, and spotting wildlife.

• Tent Ridge: One of the best ridge hikes in the Rockies

• Ptarmigan Cirque: A short but rewarding alpine hike that’s especially beautiful in the fall

• Kananaskis Nordic Spa: Outdoor hydrotherapy pools surrounded by mountains

• Highwood Pass: The highest paved pass in Canada with stunning views

• Troll Falls: A short, family-friendly waterfall hike

• Jewell Pass: A moderate trail with forest, ridge, and lake views

• Jumpingpound Summit Trail: A local favorite with big summit views and fewer crowds

Banff National Park

Banff is the most famous park in the Canadian Rockies for a reason. It's beautiful year-round and full of things to do.

• Banff Gondola: Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views

• Johnston Canyon: Walk along catwalks to reach waterfalls

• Tunnel Mountain: A quick hike with great views of Banff town

• Banff Town: Cute shops, local restaurants, and great mountain views

• Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata: A guided climbing experience with fixed cables, ladders, and big views (no climbing experience needed)

Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

These two lakes are often the main reason people visit the Canadian Rockies, and they absolutely live up to the hype!

• Lake Louise: Rent a canoe or hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse

• Moraine Lake:Go mid-morning (around 8–9 a.m. in summer) for the best light; shuttles or guided tours are required, so book ahead

• Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley: A stunning alpine hike starting from Moraine Lake, especially famous in fall when the larches turn golden

• Fairview Lookout: A short, moderately steep trail to a great overlook of Lake Louise and the Fairmont Chateau

• Fairmont Chateau: Splurge on a bucket-list stay or enjoy a meal on the Lakeview Lounge patio overlooking the lake

Yoho National Park

Located just west of Lake Louise in British Columbia, Yoho is smaller but full of impressive sights.

• Emerald Lake: A peaceful spot with canoe rentals and shoreline trails

• Takakkaw Falls: One of the tallest waterfalls in Canada

• Wapta Falls: A wide, powerful waterfall reached via a forested hike

• Lake O’Hara: A protected alpine area with limited access; reserve the Parks Canada day-use bus months in advance to visit

• Lake Oesa via Alpine Circuit: One of the most stunning hikes in the Rockies, with turquoise lakes, rocky ridgelines, and sweeping views (starting from Lake O’Hara)

Emerald Lake Loop, Yoho National Park

Icefields Parkway

This 144-mile (232 km) stretch between Lake Louise and Jasper is one of the most scenic drives in the world.

• Peyto Lake: A bright turquoise lake with a famous overlook; its wolf-head shape is best seen from above

• Mistaya Canyon: A short, easy walk to a dramatic canyon carved by rushing glacial meltwater

• Parker Ridge Trail: A quick but steep trail with wide-open views of the Saskatchewan Glacier (best in summer)

• Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier: Walk to the glacier’s toe or take a guided tour onto the ice

• Wilcox Pass: A scenic alpine trail with glacier views and a good chance of spotting bighorn sheep

• Sunwapta Falls: A powerful waterfall with a dramatic drop just steps from the parking area

• Athabasca Falls: One of Jasper’s most iconic sights, known for its forceful flow and narrow canyon

🎯 Here’s our beginner’s guide to driving the Icefields Parkway!

Jasper National Park

Jasper is quieter than Banff and full of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors without big crowds.

• Maligne Lake & Spirit Island: Take a boat tour or rent a canoe

• Valley of the Five Lakes: A fun loop trail with colorful lakes, forest views, and lots of variety

• Maligne Canyon: A scenic walk along deep limestone gorges

• Miette Hot Springs: A relaxing soak with mountain views

• Jasper Planetarium: Catch a star show under some of the darkest skies in Canada

Glacier National Park of Canada (Optional Add-On)

Not to be confused with the U.S. version, Canada’s Glacier NP is a quieter park with lush forests, big climbs, and rugged beauty.

• Rogers Pass: A historic mountain pass with a Parks Canada visitor centre, railway history, and sweeping views of the Selkirk Mountains

• Hemlock Grove Boardwalk: A short, accessible loop through an old-growth forest with interpretive signs and peaceful surroundings

• Balu Pass Trail: A challenging but rewarding alpine hike with wildflower meadows, glacier views, and a chance of spotting grizzlies (bring bear spray!)

• Great Glacier Trail: A moderate out-and-back hike leading to a dramatic view of Illecillewaet Glacier and surrounding peaks

• Meeting of the Waters: A scenic riverside area where two glacier-fed rivers meet; look for the red Parks Canada chairs nearby for a perfect photo stop

• Bear Falls Trail: A short, lightly trafficked hike through forest to a small but pretty waterfall (great for a quieter stroll!)

• Abbot Ridge Hike: A strenuous full-day hike with incredible ridgeline views, glaciers, and high alpine terrain (best for experienced hikers)

Great Glacier Trail, Glacier National Park

Waterton Lakes National Park (Optional Add-On)

If you’re extending your trip south, Waterton offers peaceful trails, dramatic views, and a slower pace compared to the busier parks to the north.

• Red Rock Canyon: A short, colorful hike along bright red rock walls with easy loops and great photo spots

• Bear’s Hump Trail: A quick but steep climb with sweeping views of Waterton townsite, the lake, and surrounding peaks

• Cameron Lake: A scenic drive leads to this quiet lake where you can rent canoes, spot wildlife, or relax by the water

• Carthew-Alderson Trail: A challenging point-to-point hike with high alpine ridges, hidden lakes, and stunning views (best done as a shuttle or with two vehicles)

• Crypt Lake Trail: One of Canada’s most famous hikes, featuring a boat ride, tunnel, ladder climb, and dramatic cliffside trail to a turquoise alpine lake

• Dark Sky Park: Waterton is a designated Dark Sky Preserve; Cameron Bay is a favorite local spot for stargazing and Milky Way views
  

Each stop on this list offers a mix of easy roadside views and more active options like hiking, paddling, or soaking in a hot spring. Pick and choose based on how much time you have and how adventurous you want your trip to be!

What’s the best time of year to visit?

The best time of year to road trip the Canadian Rockies is late June through mid-September. During this window, alpine roads are fully open, most hiking trails are snow-free, and popular activities like glacier tours, gondola rides, and lake shuttles are up and running.

You’ll also catch wildflowers in bloom, active wildlife, and the warmest weather the region offers (though temperatures can still vary). Avoid early spring or late fall unless you're prepared for snow, road and trail closures, and limited services.

What’s the best way to road trip the Canadian Rockies?

The best way to road trip the Canadian Rockies is to start and end in Calgary, make a loop through the mountains, and give yourself 10 days or more to explore at a relaxed pace. This route lets you hit the highlights—like Banff, Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and Jasper—while also allowing time for quieter gems like Kananaskis, Yoho, and Waterton Lakes if you want to branch out.

Here’s what we recommend for a first-time visit:

Start in Calgary (YYC)

• Fly into Calgary International Airport, pick up a rental car, and stock up on snacks or supplies.

• Spend the night in Calgary or drive straight to the mountains (Kananaskis or Canmore are about 1–2 hours away).

• Route: Calgary → Kananaskis → Banff → Lake Louise → Icefields Parkway → Jasper → Return via same route (optional stop in Glacier or driving past Calgary to Waterton Lakes)

Follow This Loop

1. Kananaskis Country (Optional but great hiking): 1–2 days for hiking or spa time

2. Banff + Canmore: 2 days to explore Banff town, hike scenic trails, and enjoy the gondola views

3. Lake Louise + Moraine Lake + Yoho: 2 days for sunrise lakes, alpine teahouses, and waterfalls in nearby Yoho (it won’t be enough, but you’ll see the highlights!)

4. Icefields Parkway: 1 day to drive slowly from Lake Louise to Jasper, stopping often along the way

5. Jasper National Park: 2 days to relax, hike, and explore trails and viewpoints

6. Return via the same route or add a detour to Glacier National Park of Canada or Waterton Lakes for a quieter finale before heading back to Calgary

How much time do you need?

• 10 days is the sweet spot to cover the full loop without rushing.

• 7 days works if you skip Kananaskis, Glacier, Yoho, and Waterton or limit your hiking. (With 7 days, focus on Banff, Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and Jasper!)

• 14+ days gives you room to explore deeper, add Glacier National Park (Canada), or enjoy a slower pace.

Canadian Rockies Road Trip Map

10-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1–2: Calgary + Kananaskis Country: Kick off your trip with peaceful hikes, quiet trails, and big mountain views. (If hiking isn’t a top priority, you can skip Kananaskis and head straight to Banff instead.)

Day 3–4: Banff + Canmore: Explore Canada’s most famous mountain town and its scenic surroundings.

Day 5–6: Lake Louise + Yoho National Park: Visit iconic lakes (including Moraine Lake) in both Alberta and British Columbia.

Day 7: Icefields Parkway: Enjoy one of the most scenic drives in the world! Get an early start, stay out until sunset, and give yourself plenty of time to stop for viewpoints, short hikes, and roadside surprises.

Day 8–9: Jasper National Park: Spend time in the quieter, wildlife-rich part of the Rockies.

Day 10: Return to Calgary: Make your way back to Calgary to wrap up the trip and catch your flight home. (Drive back on the Icefields Parkway!) If you have extra time, consider detouring to Waterton Lakes National Park or Glacier National Park of Canada for a quieter, less-traveled finish to your Rockies adventure.

📌 Best Things To Do By Region

Kananaskis Country (Days 1–2)

An underrated gem just outside Banff, with fewer crowds and just as many wow-worthy views.

• Hike Tent Ridge Horseshoe for panoramic summit views

• Relax at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa (adults-only, reservations recommended)

Where to Stay: Kananaskis Village or Canmore

Banff + Canmore (Days 3–4)

The iconic alpine town and surrounding parkland are just as dreamy as they look in photos.

• Ride the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain

• Hike Tunnel Mountain or Johnston Canyon (easy to moderate)

• Try the Via Ferrata at Mt. Norquay (beginner-friendly guided adventure)

• Explore Banff town—charming shops, great restaurants, and mountain views everywhere

Where to Stay: Banff town, Canmore, or Mount Norquay Lodge

Lake Louise + Moraine Lake + Yoho (Days 5–6)

Two of the most famous lakes in the world, and for good reason. Bonus: Yoho is right next door.

• Take a canoe out or walk the shoreline at Lake Louise

• Hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse from Lake Louise

• Visit Moraine Lake (shuttle or guided tour only—no personal vehicles!)

• Drive into Yoho National Park to see:

  • Emerald Lake

  • Takakkaw Falls

Where to Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Moraine Lake Lodge, Lake Louise Campground, or Banff town

Icefields Parkway (Day 7)

Arguably the most scenic highway in North America. Don’t rush this day.

• Peyto Lake for turquoise glacial beauty

• Athabasca Glacier at the Columbia Icefield

• Wilcox Pass or Parker Ridge Trail for jaw-dropping views

• Sunwapta Falls (worth the quick stop)

Drive slow, stop often, and bring snacks. There’s limited cell service and no gas between Lake Louise and Jasper (except at the Crossing about mid-way). Map out your Icefields Parkway adventure here!

Jasper National Park (Days 8–9)

Quieter than Banff but equally stunning. This is where wildlife sightings skyrocket.

• Spirit Island boat tour on Maligne Lake (book ahead)

• Hike the Valley of the Five Lakes

• Explore Jasper town

• Watch for elk, moose, bears, and bighorn sheep

Where to Stay: Jasper town, cabins near Patricia Lake, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, or lodges along Maligne Road

Optional Day 10: Waterton Lakes or Glacier NP (Canada)

If you’re returning to Calgary and have time for a detour:

• Waterton Lakes National Park is peaceful, scenic, and full of short hikes

• Glacier NP (Canada) is lesser known but beautiful—think lakes, mountain passes, and wildflowers

Bear’s Hump Trail, Waterton Lakes National Park

Final Tips for First-Time Visitors

Before you go, a few final tips for planning your trip: Book everything early, especially if you're traveling in July or August—lodging, gondolas, lake shuttles, etc. can sell out fast.

Be sure to double check what reservations you’ll need through Parks Canada before your trip. Some of the most popular destinations in the Canadian Rockies now require advance bookings to manage crowds and protect the environment—and spots can fill up months in advance.

• Moraine Lake: Personal vehicles are no longer allowed. You’ll need to reserve a Parks Canada shuttle, Roam Transit, or book a commercial tour to visit. Shuttles operate from June to early October and must be booked online in advance.

• Lake O’Hara (Yoho National Park): Access is strictly controlled to preserve the fragile alpine ecosystem. To visit for the day, you’ll need to reserve a spot on the Parks Canada day-use bus—which opens for booking in the spring and sells out quickly.

• Backcountry Campsites: If you plan to do any overnight backpacking or multi-day hikes, most backcountry sites in Banff, Yoho, Jasper, and Kootenay require a backcountry permit and reservation.

• Teahouse Trails (Lake Agnes / Plain of Six Glaciers): These hikes don’t require reservations, but they’re very popular so plan to start early to avoid trail congestion and long lines at the teahouses.

• National Park Entry Pass: You’ll need a Parks Canada Discovery Pass or a valid day pass for each day you're in the parks. You can purchase online or at park gates, but buying ahead saves time.

We also recommend downloading offline maps ahead of time, since cell service is limited inside the parks and along the Icefields Parkway.

Pack layers, no matter the forecast—weather can swing from sunny and 80°F to chilly, windy, or even snowy, especially at higher elevations.

Bear safety is essential, so carry bear spray (pick it up once you arrive, you can’t fly with it!), hike in groups, and check for wildlife advisories on Parks Canada’s website.

And finally, respect the landscape. Stick to trails, don’t feed the wildlife, and follow Leave No Trace so these places stay beautiful for everyone.

Why We Love This Trip

This is one of those rare road trips where the highlights just keep coming, day after day and mile after mile. You might start the morning sipping coffee beside a turquoise glacial lake, spend the afternoon hiking through alpine meadows, and end the evening watching the sunset behind snow-dusted peaks. It's the kind of trip where the drive is just as memorable as the destinations, and even the roadside pullouts are worth stopping for. Yes, you’ll cover a lot of ground, but the scenery never lets up. The variety of experiences—from peaceful paddles to bucket-list hikes—makes every day feel fresh and different.

We took this 10-day trip ourselves and documented it in a full travelogue. It was one of the most scenic, satisfying, and adventure-filled routes we’ve ever driven. If you’re looking for a trip that delivers something unforgettable every single day, this one’s hard to beat. It’s a Grand Slam, after all!

The Details

• Trip Length: 10 days (option to extend)

• Start/End Point: Calgary International Airport (YYC)

• Best Time to Go: Late June – Mid September

• Region: Alberta + British Columbia, Canada

• Passport Required? Yes, for U.S. travelers

• Driving Time: ~900 miles total (loop route)