Enjoy 10 mountain-packed days in Southern Alberta and the Canadian Rockies with stops in Banff, Lake Louise, Canmore, Waterton and historic sites along the way.
This itinerary is great for explorers who love being surrounded by mountains, challenging themselves to something new, road tripping and soaking up local history.
At a glance
- 10 day itinerary
- 1435 km (892 mi) total distance
- 19 hrs 25 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Calgary
Calgary Tower
Take in the city's iconic architecture: sandstone city hall, award-winning new Central Library, the twisted silhouette of Telus Sky, and the Bow — the tallest skyscraper west of Toronto. On a clear day, you’ll see the Canadian Rockies to the west. Don't miss walking on the glass floor.
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Scampering lemurs, playful penguins and clever gorillas are just some of the nearly 1,000 animals you can meet at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Learn about critically endangered species from around the world and how the Wilder Institute helps. Zoo staff are always nearby to share facts about the animal residents.
The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland
Tune into a self-guided audio tour of the Indigenous history of the land. Then, head into the interpretive site to explore the permanent and rotating exhibits that dig into the complex history of colonialism and immigration in Calgary and shed light on what life was like here in 1875.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Head to nearby Inglewood — Calgary's original main street — for creative restaurants and fun shops.
The Fort Museum of the North-West Mounted Police
Whisky traders once ran wild in Southern Alberta, so the North-West Mounted Police built a fort in 1874 to lay down the law. Wander the recreated fort and barracks. Don’t miss the Musical Ride on horseback: relive how 19th century Mounties entertained each other way back when.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site
Bison thundered over this cliff, driven by Indigenous hunters, for thousands of years. Archaeologist Jack Brink calls it "the most productive food-getting enterprise ever devised." In a self-guided tour, learn about the dangerous and incredible buffalo hunt and a history of the Blackfoot people.
Waterton Lakes National Park Visitor Centre
Pop into the visitor centre to get your bearings in the national park. Whether you want to find the wild bison herd, hike through rare wildflowers, or go paddleboarding, the staff here can help. Be sure to ask them why it’s often so wildly windy in the area.
Cameron Falls
These falls are iconic and easily accessed — the perfect combination to wind down the day. Listen to the pounding of the water over Precambrian rock and capture your own postcard photo. And watch for wildlife like the American dipper, an aquatic songbird that wades through the water.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Waterton has sensational stargazing. See even more on a night hike with Dark Sky Guides.
Red Rock Canyon
Walk a canyon carved through striking red rocks. The bright colour comes from oxidized iron while greenish rocks in the area contain unoxidized iron. The 20-minute trail features interpretive panels to learn more about what’s happened in the area over the past 1.5 billion years or so.
Waterton Shoreline Cruise Co.
Cruise Waterton Lakes on an expertly guided tour. This family-owned company offers a shoreline cruise that visits the U.S.-Canada border. Highlights include lively commentary, wildlife sightings at the shoreline and the cutline through the trees that marks the 49th parallel between the two countries.
Prince of Wales Hotel
In 1927, this luxury hotel opened up, putting the previously sleepy town of Waterton on the map. Today, the hotel is a National Historic Site of Canada. Indulge in traditional afternoon tea with a sweeping view of Waterton Lake paired with pastries and sandwiches.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Drive the Bison Paddock Loop Road, where bison can be seen munching rough fescue prairie grasses.
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Lasso a replica steer, wander historic ranch buildings and sip a cup of campfire-roasted cowboy coffee. This national historic site commemorates Alberta ranching in the late 1800s. Don't miss the Stoney Nakoda camp to hear traditional stories and visit a tipi.
Eau Claire Distillery
A spirited history of whisky running here inspired the award-winning craft distillery's location. Visit for creative spirits made with Alberta barley harvested nearby by massive Percheron horses. Take a behind-the-scenes tour of the copper stills or book the immersive Prohibition Experience.
Canmore
The Canadian Rockies surround you in charming Canmore. Head to Main Street for art galleries, shopping and a bite to eat.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Pull off at Lundbreck Falls when you leave Waterton to watch the river plunge into a canyon.
Alpine Helicopters
Sparkling glaciers, rocky peaks and alpine lakes spread out beneath you on your helicopter tour. Somehow, the mountains look even more impressive from above. On the Continental Divide tour, see the impressive ridge that splits North America's river systems into the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.
Guided Tours or Rentals from Kananaskis Outfitters
Gear up for your own adventure or select a guided tour with the professionals. Tours include a survival hike, where you can learn to build a fire without matches, or a sightseeing hike complete with a suspension bridge and charcuterie lunch. Or rent mountain bikes, a canoe or hiking poles.
Cave & Basin National Historic Site
Discover the hot springs that inspired Canada's National Park system at this interpretive site. Explore on your own or take a tour on history or biodiversity. After the museum, walk the two boardwalks or take the 2.8-km (1.7-mi) Marsh Loop through a wetland.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Relax in mineral waters naturally heated within Sulphur Mountain. The thermal waters here were an important health resource for Indigenous people long before the national park was built. Today, you can rent a 1920s swimsuit and take in stellar views of Mount Rundle as you soak.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
The largest lake in the Rockies is a prime setting for a guided cruise and wildlife spotting. The Premium Cruise includes a stop at remote Devil’s Gap. It's been a key access point to the Rockies for Indigenous people for 13,000 years. Hiking to the same spot is a 30-km (18.6-mi) trip!
Discover Banff Tours Evening Wildlife Tour
Elk, bighorn sheep and sometimes even a grizzly may make an appearance in the evening wildlife safari. Relax on this bus tour while your guide shares stories of local animals and tips for continuing your wildlife spotting (safely) after the tour.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Get a Thermal Waters Pass if you plan to visit both the Banff Upper Hot Springs and Cave & Basin.
Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
Feel the alpine breeze as you ascend Mt. Norquay in an open-air chairlift. Wildlife regularly stroll past far below (black bears and grizzlies are occasional visitors) and the mountain views are a spectacle in all directions. At the top, grab a bite or a drink at the Cliffhouse Bistro.
Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata
Via Ferrata makes epic views and breathtaking summits accessible to travellers with a big sense of adventure — no climbing experience needed. Rungs, ladders and a super-strong cable pathway are built into the mountain. Your expert guide will help make it an unforgettable excursion.
Cliffhouse Bistro
Everything tastes better when you eat it on a mountain. Tuck into hearty lunch fare, local beers or a bracing cup of coffee. The bistro makes a great stop at the top of the chairlift or a celebratory destination after conquering Via Ferrata.
Banff Trail Riders Cowboy Cookout
What do cowboys eat? Hop on a horse and find out. Your evening starts with a trail ride along the shore of the Bow River. Dinner includes steak cooked to order with all the fixings. After dessert, trot a new route back, with fresh evening views of the Bow Valley.
Johnston Canyon Lower & Upper Falls
Limestone walls rise around you as you walk the iron catwalks through Johnston Canyon. Step through a rocky tunnel for a close-up view of the lower falls (and a refreshing spray of mist). Keep hiking upward for a view of the upper falls. To avoid a busy parking lot, catch the Roam Transit route 9 bus in Banff.
Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail
The otherworldly turquoise water of Moraine Lake makes for a stunning stroll. "Glacial flour" lends the lake its bright blue hue. It's an easy walk delivering breathtaking views. Book a Parks Canada shuttle for pick up at Lake Louise Ski Resort ahead of time, as private vehicles aren’t permitted.
Lake Agnes Tea House
This charming alpine tea house is a dreamy way to punctuate a hike studded with lake views. The soups, sandwiches and pastries are made onsite from ingredients hiked in or delivered by helicopter. Continue to Big Beehive for panoramic views of Lake Louise and the chateau.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Guided horseback trail rides are another way to reach Lake Agnes Tea House.
Ice Explorer Bus
Drink glacier water straight from the source when you land on a 10,000-year-old sheet of ice. Your transport to the interconnected glaciers of the Columbia Icefield is a 25,000-kg (55,000-lb) Ice Explorer bus. Explore the frosty landscape and enjoy commentary from your guide.
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
The glass-floored skywalk juts out 280 m (918 ft) above Sunwapta Valley, providing the kind of view that fills your chest with butterflies. Enjoy the interpretive walkway and keep an eye out for mountain goats, waterfalls and even fossils.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Dipping your paddle into Lake Louise as you canoe toward Victoria Glacier is equal parts relaxing and thrilling. Rent your maple-red canoe (and life jackets) from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise boathouse, then hit the water and breathe in that fresh mountain air. Photo stops are highly encouraged.
WinSport
At the site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, try your skills as a mountain biker. Beginner trails give new riders a chance to apply their cycling chops to a downhill environment. Ride the chairlift to the top of the hill or use your own leg power if you’re feeling energetic.
Heritage Park Historical Village
Unravel the story of Western Canada as you explore more than 200 exhibits at Heritage Park. Watch a blacksmith at work, learn some Blackfoot history, inspect antique 1900s cars and visit the goats, pig and donkey at this sprawling historical village.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Go for a walk at Weaselhead Flats, a wild urban park just 4.3 km (2.7 mi) from Heritage Park.
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