Immerse yourself in a culturally-infused journey punctuated with remarkable landscapes, historic sites and natural wonders.
This itinerary is great for newcomers to Alberta, photography buffs, lovers of culture and anyone who appreciates phenomenal vistas.
At a glance
- 11 day itinerary
- 2614 km (1625 mi) total distance
- 32 hrs 25 mins drive time
- Your starting point is in Calgary
Drive to Banff National Park
Starting from Calgary, you’ll head west towards the iconic Banff National Park. Surrounded by rugged peaks, the town of Banff offers superb shopping and nightlife, with restaurants featuring some of the top chefs in the country.
Via Ferrata at Mount Norquay
Conquer a mountain just as real mountaineers do on this assisted climbing experience led by certified guides. You’ll climb up a steep rock face along fixed ladders, cables and across suspension bridges. As you maneuver your way up the mountain, you’ll be rewarded with views not many people access.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
For a unique on-the-water perspective of Banff’s stunning scenery, book the hour-long interpretive cruise. Learn about the park’s history, ecosystems and wildlife from knowledgeable guides. Keep your camera close to capture creatures foraging on the shore and stunning Canadian Rockies landmarks.
Trail Ride with Banff Trail Riders
Alberta’s cowboy culture remains strong, and you’ll experience that warm western hospitality first-hand horseback riding through some of Banff’s most stunning terrain. Enjoy the scent of evergreens as you saddle up on gentle, well-trained horses that are accustomed to all ages and abilities.
Check into Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
With its Scottish Baronial style, this historic hotel has earned its nickname, “The Castle in the Rockies.” Luxury accommodation, an award-winning golf course and luxe spa await. Instead of dinner, sample bites and beverages from around the hotel on Alberta Food Tours’ Eat the Castle experience.
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For panoramic views of six mountain ranges, get swept up Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola.
Brunch at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Situated less than an hour’s drive from Banff, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise sits directly upon the famed turquoise lake. Have an early lunch at Lakeview Lounge, admiring the majestic Victoria Glacier from the lounge’s cathedral-like arched windows. Afterwards, take a stroll along the lakeside trail.
Glacier SkyWalk
Incredible aerial views of glittering glaciers and rugged mountain peaks are yours as you step onto the glass-floored Glacier SkyWalk. This one-kilometre (0.6-mi) interpretive walkway is suspended 280 m (919 ft) above the Sunwapta Valley. It’s home to mountain goats and other wildlife that you may see.
Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure
It’s not every day you get to walk upon a glacier, let alone feel and drink from one. From the Glacier Discovery Centre, a massive Ice Explorer bus with giant wheels delivers you to the Athabasca Glacier. Along the way, you’ll learn about the fascinating history of this 10,000-year-old sheet of ice.
Check into Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Set amid 700-acres of mountain wilderness, Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge offers luxury lakefront accommodation with breathtaking views. For the ultimate Canadian Rockies’ experience, book a signature cabin overlooking the lake. A Stanley Thompson designed golf-course and outdoor heated pool await.
Jasper Planetarium & Telescope Experience
First, take part in a fun audience-participation tour of Jasper Dark Sky Preserve in a domed theatre with astronomy experts. Then, head outside to discover planets, stars, distant galaxies and the aurora under the darkest skies in the Rockies. Tours can stay at the lodge or go to a nearby mountain.
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There’s so much wildlife in the park – even in the townsite. Always have your camera at the ready.
Maligne Lake Cruise
Spirit Island, one of Canada’s most photographed sites, is only accessible by water, and this glass-enclosed, heated cruise delivers you right there. Guides share the region’s history and geology as you view the Maligne Mountain Range on one side and the Queen Elizabeth Mountain Range on your other.
Jasper SkyTram
Get swept up Whistlers Mountain upon the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. During the seven-minute flight, you’ll take in unprecedented views of several mountain ranges, the Athabasca River, gem-coloured glacier-fed lakes and the quaint town of Jasper.
Drive to Canmore along the Icefield Parkway
Travel to Canmore to continue your Rocky Mountain adventures. This gem of a mountain resort town, located in Kananaskis Country, is home to artisans, elevated dining and indie boutiques. K-Country, as it’s known by the locals, offers incredible hiking, horseback riding and whitewater rafting.
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There’s great shopping and cafes on Canmore’s 8th St, but local fave Crazyweed is outside downtown.
Canmore Cave Tours
Crawl, climb, slide and wiggle your way through Rat's Nest Cave – a wild, undeveloped cave (with no rats!) under Grotto Mountain near Canmore. As you maneuver past 7,000-year-old animal bones along the passages, you’ll learn about the cave’s history, ancient formations and pictographs.
Carter-Ryan Gallery and Live Art Venue
For an immersive cultural experience, suss out the works by two of Alberta’s most celebrated artists, contemporary Cree visual artist Jason Carter and actress Bridget Ryan. Jason is an Indigenous soapstone sculptor and painter, who offers carving demonstrations and workshops.
Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary
Observe wolf behaviour firsthand and gain a better understanding of how these animals live in the wild. This sanctuary offers experiential tours that include a visit with its resident pack of wolfdogs. Without a tour, you can stroll through the pathways and view the animals.
WinSport's Canada Olympic Park
Get your adrenaline pumping at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park. The site of the 1988 Winter Olympics, it offers everything from mountain biking trails to a zip line and downhill karting on one of the world’s longest tracks. Mountain bike rentals are available for all sizes.
Overnight in Calgary’s vibrant East Village
Both the design and price point receive top marks at the Alt Hotel East Village. Situated mere moments from the Bow River, guests are within easy bag carrying distance of independent boutiques, plus hip bars and restaurants. From the hotel, explore the Bow River pathway by foot or bike rental.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
For splurge-worthy dining, book into Nupo, under the helm of acclaimed Chef Darren MacLean.
Heritage Park
Alberta's pioneer past is brought to life in this historical village. Wander through historic buildings, take a ride on an antique steam or get your thrills on the retro midway. There’s also cute farm animals to meet. Blackfoot and Métis programming tells stories of the region's Indigenous people.
Calgary Food Tour
Tour Calgary’s eclectic Kensington neighbourhood, receiving small food samples and discounts along the way. This self-guided experience will have you receiving clues, solving puzzles and discovering hidden gems as you taste your way through Kensington. A GPS-enabled mobile device is required.
Calgary Tower
Sweeping views from the Prairies to the rolling foothills to the Rocky Mountains are had from this observation tower. Complimentary multi-media tours share fun facts and stories while highlighting the city’s landmarks. Thrill-seekers can step onto the glass floor for one-of-a-kind views of Calgary.
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Before sunrise and each evening, there’s an LED light show on the Calgary Tower that’s cool to photograph.
Explore the hoodoos of Drumheller
Situated in the heart of the Canadian Badlands, Drumheller is less than two hours from Calgary. Drive the Hoodoo Trail 16 km (10 mi) east of Drumheller to Alberta’s protected hoodoos site. Walk the short trail to get a closer look at the eroded sandstone and limestone chimneys of rock.
Royal Tyrrell Museum
Uncover the prehistoric world inside this state-of-the-art museum. Housing Canada’s largest collection of prehistoric plant descendants and one of the world's largest displays of dinosaur remains, there’s much to discover. Guided hikes and fossil dig experiences are offered for all ages.
Explore Dinosaur Provincial Park
A two-drive from the museum, this designated UNESCO World Heritage Site has the highest concentration of late Cretaceous period fossils in the world. Many tour options are available, such as a guided excavation. Or visit with a paleontologist and take a behind-the-scenes tour to an active dig site.
Drive and overnight in Medicine Hat
Canada's sunniest city is set in a lush river valley among wide-open prairie and dramatic red rock cliffs. It’s easy to celebrate history, culture and unspoiled nature at Medicine Hat's history museums, cafés, art galleries and 100 parks and nature trails.
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Medicine Hat has a rich coffee culture, with tons of local roasters and independent coffee houses.
Saamis Teepee
The city’s most visible landmark is also the world’s tallest teepee. Storyboards encircling the teepee depict Indigenous culture and history. In the deep ravine below the teepee there’s a self-guided walking tour through one of the most important archaeological sites on the Northern Plains.
Medalta Potteries National Historic Site
Medalta pottery was once a staple in every Canadian home and a hot luxury item shipped to royalty around the world. A ceramic arts facility and gallery is now housed inside the century-old factory. Visitors can step inside a big beehive kiln and take cooking workshops using the sturdy crockery.
Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park
Less than an hour’s drive from Medicine Hat, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park is a protected oasis for wildlife that delivers seriously stunning picturesque landscapes. Canoes and kayaks can be rented for paddles around Elkwater Lake and there’s plenty of trails to explore, too.
Hell's Basement Brewery
Soak up the sun and nurse a pint on the patio of Medicine Hat's first craft brewery. This family friendly spot has plenty of board games and an old school record player to entertain kids of all ages. If interested, the brewmasters will happily share their story, plus the Rudyard Kipling connection.
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If you like meat, head to Skinny’s Smokehouse, one of the best barbecue restaurants in Alberta.
Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park/Áísínai’pi
It's a two-hour drive to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park/Áísínai'pi National Historic Site. This sacred land and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site contains the largest concentration of First Nation rock art – carved petroglyphs and painted pictographs – in North America.
Fort Whoop-Up
Lethbridge was once a wild whiskey trading post, and Fort Whoop-Up was its infamous frontier outpost. Live performances, outdoor displays and interpretive galleries showcase the fort’s storied past. Also revealed is the legacy of the red coated Mounties and the Indigenous Peoples who lived here.
Galt Museum
Traditional meets modern at this quirky museum, where the local landscape infuses each of the exhibits. Sitting on the edge of the coulees (deep ravine) in downtown Lethbridge, you’ll find gardens and play-based learning spaces outside. Instagram opportunities abound both inside and out.
Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden
This urban oasis has all the elements of a classic Japanese garden, using plants local to the area. A symbol of international friendship between Japan and Canada, the garden features perfectly pruned trees, bridges and pathways begging to be strolled. Interactive programming is offered every day.
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Check out the Lethbridge Viaduct – the longest and highest bridge of its kind in the world.
Drive to Waterton Lakes National Park
Nowhere else in the world will you find a World Heritage Site, International Peace Park, Dark Sky Park and a Biosphere Reserve all rolled into one. The charming town of Waterton is surrounded by postcard-worthy mountains and lakes, which are easily accessible.
Alpine Stables
Mosey through wildflower studded meadows and along the lakeshore as you discover this dramatic landscape the old-fashioned way – by horseback. Alpine Stables can saddle you up for western adventures that range from hour-long trail rides to half-day, full-day and overnight experiences.
Lunch at Prince of Wales Hotel
Perched on a bluff above Waterton Lake, the Prince of Wales Hotel is the park's most recognized landmark. Constructed in 1927, it’s one of the remaining golden age of railway resorts. Panoramic views are had from the stately dining room, but also from inside their vintage-inspired open top vehicle.
Capture Cameron Lake and Waterfall
You’ll come upon Cameron Falls first, a popular spot for photos at the edge of Waterton. A short winding drive brings you to Cameron Lake, a shining blue-green jewel with an easy 3-km (1.8-mi) lakeside walk. Rent a canoe or paddle boat from the Visitor's Centre for an unforgettable perspective.
Waterton Shoreline Cruise
Schedule a scenic cruise along Upper Waterton Lake to watch for wildlife and learn about the geology and history of the area from local guides. Some tours even take you across the international border into Montana's Glacier National Park. On that quick trip to the U.S., no passport is required.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Pat’s on Main Street is more than a gas station. Here, you can score kayak, SUP and bike rentals.
Explore Red Rock Canyon
On your way out of Waterton, drive the narrow Red Rock Parkway to this colourful canyon. Here, you’ll come across red, green and white banded rock cliffs, green alpine forests and bubbling white waterfalls. Walk the short Canyon Loop for stunning views of the vibrant rock.
Drive to the Crowsnest Pass
The community of Crowsnest Pass is famed for its early days of coal mining. The region’s many historic sites and museums bring to life these booms and busts. It's also a favourite spot for locals to enjoy uncrowded hiking and mountain biking. For incredible waterfall action, swing by Lundbreck Falls.
Bellevue Underground Mine
A cool interactive history lesson awaits at this underground coal mine. Wearing a headlamp, you’ll venture 305 m (1,000 ft) into the mine, where you’ll be 46 m (150 ft) below the surface. Exploring the dark narrow tunnel, you'll learn about the many dangers turn-of-the-century miners faced.
Frank Slide Interpretive Centre
A horrific 90 seconds in 1903 devastated this small mining community. Perched over the rubble of Canada’s deadliest rockslide, the interpretive centre shares this tragic story through interactive exhibits and survivor stories. Walk through columns of rubble on the interpretive trail outside.
Overnight at Country Encounters Bed & Breakfast
Check into this charming B&B with its eclectic mix of antique and new furnishings. Housed in a historically sensitive, all suite two-story building, you’ll have some stellar views of the surrounding mountains. Breakfast is included and groups can book the chef's table for a memorable dinner.
TIP FROM A LOCAL
Take a nature based or historical tour with a local guide from Uplift Adventures.
Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site
This is one of the world's oldest and best-preserved Buffalo Jumps. For 6,000 years, Indigenous plains people used these steep cliffs as a bison hunting ground. The UNESCO World Heritage Site features an interpretive centre to learn about their history and culture, and the geology of the area.
Bar U Ranch National Historic Site
Established in 1882, one of longest standing ranches in Alberta offers a real glimpse into life in the Old West. It even regularly hosted royalty back in the day. You’ll want to visit the cookhouse, the blacksmith shop, learn how to rope a calf and sample some traditional cowboy cuisine.
Wet your whistle at Eau Claire Distillery
You’re less than an hour away from Calgary and the end of your grand adventure. Stretch out these final hours with a stop along the scenic Cowboy Trail at Alberta's first craft distillery. Situated in charming Diamond Valley, you can tour the distillery or set yourself up in the tasting room.
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