Explore cities and mountains on this 8-day scenic road trip that starts in Edmonton, takes you through the beautiful Rocky Mountains and finishes with exploring the best that Calgary has to offer.
This itinerary is great for sightseers who like to see and experience things from a whole new perspective.
At a glance
- 8 day itinerary
- 1211 km (753 mi) total distance
- 17 hrs 13 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Edmonton
Edmonton Helicopter Tour
See Alberta’s capital city from a whole new perspective. Take off from YEG and fly over iconic Edmonton sights including the ICE District, Fort Edmonton Park and the Valley Zoo. Next, you’ll arrive at Prairie Gardens for a picnic, greeted by local farmers and a private farm-to-table experience in a 40-acre (16.2-hectare) preserve.
Royal Alberta Museum
Next, we turn back time as we head to the Royal Alberta Museum (RAM), on Treaty Six territory and homeland of the Métis. The RAM is one of Canada’s leading human and natural history museums. Within the permanent exhibits you’ll find more than 2.4 million objects showcasing the history of Alberta’s people, animals and landscapes.
Explore the ICE District
End your day in the ICE District and stay at the JW Marriott, where there is something for everybody. Enjoy innovative, state-of-the-art cleanliness protocols, prime access to Rogers Place and the ICE District, combined with amenities such as Braven Restaurant, Kindred Food + Drink, The Lobby Bar, Executive Lounge and In-Room Dining. A prime location and warm hospitality await you in downtown Edmonton.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
While at Prairie Gardens, explore the corn maze, which is open from August 2 until October 31.
Explore near the JW Marriott
Wander through Edmonton’s ICE District on foot. Take in the sights and enjoy a cup of coffee from one of the many café options available nearby.
Art Gallery of Alberta
The Art Gallery of Alberta is a centre of excellence for the visual arts in Western Canada, connecting people, art and ideas. The institution is focused on the development and presentation of original exhibitions of contemporary and historical art from Alberta, Canada and around the world.
Edmonton Food Tour
Taste your way through the historic Old Strathcona district with a local guide. Meet with Edmonton chefs, producers and farmers. Enjoy regional flavours, artisanal products and farm fresh produce at several neighbourhood eateries.
Fort Edmonton Park
Visit Fort Edmonton Park to step back in time more than 150 years and learn about the rich history of Indigenous culture. Nestled amidst 158 acres (64 hectors) of parkland, this living history museum brings stories from the fur trade and pioneer eras to life through costumed interpreters, interactive exhibits and historic replicas.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
While in the ICE District, stop by award-winning JACEK Chocolate Couture for a sweet treat!
Drive from Edmonton to Jasper
Driving from Edmonton to Jasper takes approximately four hours and it's an easy straight shot on Highway 16. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled and your camera ready as wildlife frequent the sides of the road.
Jasper SkyTram
Experience Canada’s longest and highest guided aerial tramway. You will see unprecedented views of six mountain ranges, the Athabasca River, glacier-fed lakes and the town of Jasper.
Warrior Women
Warrior Women offers a truly unique and personal experience through drumming, singing and interactive storytelling for any sized group. During your lunch at the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen, listen to drumming and singing and learn the legends through the eyes of the Cree.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Check in at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, a unique lakefront luxury accommodation. It’s nestled amidst pristine wilderness, and sprawls across 700 acres (283 hectares). Resort highlights include an award-winning 18-hole Stanley Thompson designed golf-course, destination spa, and beautiful outdoor heated pool with mountain views.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
The Jasper SkyTram is very popular in the summer, so be sure to book tickets in advance to save time.
Maligne Lake Cruise
Join Maligne Lake Boat Tours for a scenic exploration of one of Jasper National Park’s most majestic lakes. The 90-minute cruise to Spirit Island is one of Canada’s most photographed scenes. Enhance the experience with a lakeside lunch, fishing tour or canoe rental. (Note: The Maligne Lake Cruise opens in June.)
Jasper Food Tours
Sample delicious local food from some of Jasper’s best restaurants. This guided tour is a 1.5 km (0.9 mi) walk with stops at four restaurants. Taste four carefully selected dishes (one dish per restaurant), each paired with an alcoholic beverage.
Jasper Planetarium
Enjoy a full evening of cosmic exploration in the world's second-largest Dark Sky Preserve. Take part in an inspiring guided tour of Jasper Dark Sky Preserve in a domed theatre. Then, venture outside for a chance to explore planets, stars, the aurora and more under the darkest skies in the Rockies.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Weather in the Rockies can vary at different places or altitudes, so it’s best to dress in layers.
Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure
At the Glacier Discovery Centre, a massive Ice Explorer bus with giant rubber wheels takes you right up onto the Athabasca Glacier.
Glacier SkyWalk
Step out onto the glass-floored Glacier SkyWalk, suspended 280 m (919 ft) over the Sunwapta Valley, for stunning aerial views of glittering glaciers and rugged mountain peaks. This one-hour adventure begins at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, located about an hour south of Jasper.
Rockies Heli Canada - Icefields Adventure Base
Experience next-level scenery with Rockies Heli Canada. Choose a 20-, 30- or 60-minute flight-seeing tour for jaw-dropping views of untouched glaciers, mountain peaks and alpine lakes and meadows.
Drive from Jasper to Lake Louise
Drive down Highway 93 and check in at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Overlooking one of Banff National Park’s most iconic lakes, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is surrounded by soaring mountain peaks and the majestic Victoria Glacier. It features elegant guest rooms, world-class dining, an award-winning spa and an endless array of outdoor recreational activities.
Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House
The Lake Agnes Tea House was originally built in 1901 by the Canadian Pacific Railway as a refuge for hikers, and started serving tea in 1905. The log building was replaced in 1981, but still features the original windows, tables and chairs.
Banff Gondola
Enjoy a beautiful drive to the town of Banff and head right to the Banff Gondola. Journey to the top of the Banff Gondola to discover restaurants, interactive exhibits, a multi-sensory theatre and a breathtaking 360-degree rooftop observation deck. And don’t forget to explore the awe-inspiring ridge-top boardwalk 884 m (2,900 ft) above Banff.
Lunch at the Sky Bistro
Once at the top of Banff Gondola, enjoy mountaintop dining at its best. Sky Bistro partners with the top farmers, suppliers, food artisans and producers in Western Canada to bring you a distinctly Canadian culinary experience.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
This geological phenomenon is where Canada's national park system began. A unique cave housing a hot spring, this recently restored iconic landmark commemorates the 1883 discovery of the hot springs that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park.
Check into the luxurious Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Styled after a Scottish Baronial Castle, the historic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is filled with luxury accommodation, exceptional dining opportunities, an award-winning 18-hole Stanley Thompson designed golf course, and a world-renowned destination spa – all of which are hallmarks of this iconic Canadian Rockies landmark.
Alberta Food Tours - Eat the Castle
Soak up the luxury in a small-group private access dining experience at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Sip and savour the food, as well as engage with the culinary teams and enjoy stories of the history, art and architecture brought to life by your guide.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Before leaving Banff, stop at the Banff Candy Store for a variety of imported and nostalgic treats.
Enjoy coffee and brunch at Rocky Mountain Bagel Co.
Drop in to enjoy great coffee and fresh-baked “mountain-style” bagels. Relax in the cozy living room-like atmosphere and get fueled for the day’s adventures.
Canmore Cave Tours
Canmore Cave Tours offers year-round, rain or shine, wild caving experiences in Rat's Nest Cave - a wild, undeveloped cave under Grotto Mountain near Banff and Canmore. Discover the incredible history of the cave during this four-hour experience, as you climb past 7,000 year old animal bones, ancient cave formations and pictographs.
Dinner at the Grizzly Paw Brewery
The Grizzly Paw Pub and Brewery serves up delicious traditional fare such as domestic and exotic handmade burgers, salads, fish and chips, and a smoked brisket sandwich that's to die for. Enjoy a pint of handcrafted beer on tap or try the taster set to sample one of each.
Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge
Check into this full-service resort, surrounded by pristine, rugged wilderness. It offers modern alpine-chic guestrooms, three restaurants, a casual pub, exceptional children’s programming and an indoor pool and water play-zone. The resort is also home to the outdoor Kananaskis Nordic Spa.
Wind down at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa
Bring your bathing suit and soak in the four-season Kananaskis Nordic Spa. Spanning 50,000 sq. ft. of contemporary indoor-outdoor space, the Kananaskis Nordic Spa features three outdoor pools, four steam and sauna cabins, eight indoor treatment rooms, and outdoor fireside lounges.
The Skyline Luge at WinSport
Get your adrenaline pumping while zooming down a hill in a purpose-built kart. Just hop in the driver's seat and let gravity do the rest. You're in full control of your speed as you ride down 1,800 m (5,905 ft) of the track with over 50 twists and turns along the way.
Calgary Food Tour
Indulge in some of the city’s top eateries on a guided three-hour walking tour. Enjoy Sunday brunch at a farmers’ market and learn about regional and seasonal ingredients, or explore one of Calgary’s food-focused neighbourhoods to meet with local chefs and discover hidden culinary gems.
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
If you’re ready to make some new animal friends, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is home to nearly 1,000 animals across 119 species. It’s the most visited zoo in Canada and is considered the gold standard for excellence in animal care and habitat design in the world
Heritage Park Historical Village
If taking a step back in time is more your thing, visit Heritage Park Historical Village where you can explore a full village made up of historic buildings and artifacts. It’s Canada’s largest living history museum with over 180 exhibits spread over 127 acres of land and friendly, costumed interpreters who bring that history to life.
Dinner at Major Tom
Enjoy dinner 40 floors above it all. Dine on global fare and sip craft cocktails served in a stylish, award-winning rooftop destination with sweeping city views.
Check into Hotel Arts
Stay at a hotel where personalized service meets a boutique experience, and where locals and tourists alike feel like they belong. Lounge poolside and sip an unconventionally delicious cocktail, or indulge in culinary delights at an exceptional, award-winning restaurant.
Discover more road trips & itineraries
