Canadian Rockies
Snapshot
Jessica designed this custom-made itinerary for a clients’ 25th anniversary trip in 2019. This itinerary is an indulgent, yet adventurous introduction to a very special pocket of the Canadian Rockies, staying at some of the most spectacular hotels in the country. It is perfect for any time of year, with a few seasonal suggestions.
This itinerary starts in Edmonton, and visits Jasper - the Athabasca Glacier - Lake Louise - Banff - and Calgary; all within Alberta, Canada (minimum 7 nights total; more is recommended)
Highlights
Take a boat tour of stunning Maligne Lake to Spirit Island
Star-gazing in Jasper, the world’s second largest dark sky preserve
Spot bears, moose, mountain goats, and elk on a guided wildlife tour
Stay at the unique & wonderful Glacier View Lodge along the scenic Icefields Parkway
Soak up the stunning natural beauty of Lake Louise, and learn about mountaineering with experts
Hike scenic forest trails & paddle on glacial lakes in the summer, OR ski some of the best mountains in winter
Browse local boutiques of Banff, before riding the famous gondola to the top for panoramic views
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings.
Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees.
The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop away from you like the leaves of Autumn.”
Fly into Edmonton International Airport (YEG), and pick up your rental car at the airport.
You can opt to stay overnight in Edmonton to rest up after your flight and depart the next morning, or get going right away.
Drive from Edmonton to Jasper, about 4 hours.
Jasper, 2-4 nights
Jasper is a low-key and unpretentious mountain town that provides easy access to the treasures of beautiful Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are many outdoor activities available for every season, from golfing in the summer months to skiing in the winter - not to mention great hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and star-gazing year-round.
Jasper is the perfect base to explore the wilderness, and experience many of Canada’s most iconic natural wonders.
Where to Stay?
Tucked within the beautiful Jasper National Park on the shores of Beauvert Lake, the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is arguably the top choice accommodation when staying in Jasper.
Just 10 minutes from the town, the Jasper Park Lodge is the highest rated property in the area (4 star), and it’s easy to see why.
Guests can enjoy picturesque lake views and be immersed in a rustic natural setting: the resort is set on 700 private acres, with cedar chalets & luxury cabins connected by forest paths, creating a small village surrounded by nature and wildlife.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
Other than its great scenery, Jasper Park Lodge boasts great amenities, such as 8 restaurants, an extensive spa, and a large, heated outdoor pool (pictured).
And, golfers will love the resort’s award-winning 18-hole golf course, with its stunning views and challenging holes.
The property is perfectly designed to help you unwind & relax between epic hiking and sight-seeing adventures.
Now, get out and explore.
Here are some of my top recommendations to check out while you’re staying in Jasper:
Wildlife
The area is a hotspot for wildlife of all kinds: bears, moose, deer, mountain goats, and elk call this place home, among many more forest critters. The best way to get up-close and personal with the local ‘residents’ is to go on a guided wildlife tour. This is also a great way to learn more than you ever would on your own.
The evenings are especially popular for spotting wildlife.
Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is home to a stunning waterfall tucked within a limestone slot canyon - it’s quite an incredible natural site.
The canyon is awesome to visit any time of year, but if you plan to visit during the coldest Winter months you’ll be treated with the magical experience of ice walks through the canyon (pictured).
Alternatively, if you visit in the Summer, Spring, or Fall months, you can take a scenic boat tour of beautiful Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, one of the most famous and most photographed sites in Canada.
Alternatively, if you visit in the Summer, Spring, or Fall months, you can take a scenic boat tour of beautiful Maligne Lake to Spirit Island (pictured).
This is one of the most iconic sites in Canada, and should be on every traveler’s Bucket List. Take your time enjoying the lake’s stunning setting, with its crystal-clear glacial waters surrounded by forests and rugged mountains.
Star Gazing
Did you know that Jasper National Park is the world’s second largest dark sky preserve?
It is one of a handful of places that has committed to protecting and preserving the night sky by trying to reduce or eliminate light pollution. This makes it one of the best places in the world for star-gazing.
The Jasper Dark Sky Festival takes place every year in October. This special annual event brings together everyone from recreational stargazers to professional astronomers, to celebrate all things about the beautiful night sky.
October 2020 was their 10th anniversary celebration, but unfortunately due to COVID-19, the festivities were much smaller than usual. In future (hopefully!) it will continue to be a fun event that offers lots of opportunities to learn and appreciate the stars.
Icefields Parkway
Depart Jasper, and drive towards Lake Louise via Highway 95 North, also known as the Icefields Parkway (pictured). This is a spectacularly picturesque route running through the heart of Jasper and Banff National Parks.
This stretch of road is home to more than 100 glacials, and is celebrated as one of the world’s most beautiful drives.
For anyone who enjoys driving, this is the route for you.
Athabasca Falls
En route along the Icefields Parkway, make a stop about half an hour outside of Jasper to snap some photos of beautiful Athabasca Falls (pictured). This is a stunning waterfall that is easily accessible just off the highway, with a parking lot. Highly recommended!
Glacier View Lodge, 2-3 nights
This newly refurbished luxury mountain lodge is situated at the Athabasca Glacier, perfect as a mid-way point between Jasper and Lake Louise.
Glacier View Lodge is so much more than just another hotel; it is a unique alpine experience in the Rockies, and the ultimate glacier getaway.
The Lodge features Scandinavian-style minimalism that makes the most of its stunning surroundings, with large glass windows showcasing incredible mountain and glacier views in every direction.
Here, you’ll embrace an atmosphere of calm and “luxe hygge-style hibernation” that juxtaposes the wild, untamed beauty just outside.
At meals you’ll listen to live music while you feast on Canadian contemporary cuisine. Diners can sample gastronomic delights like tea-smoked King Cole duck, and artisan greens served with Canadian goat cheese.
Rooms are clean and modern, each with their own exceptional view. They are fairly simple (as the focus is on the destination itself) but offer everything you need to stay cozy and warm - including plush bedding, a seating area, and a Nespresso coffee machine.
The Lodge offers room-only rates, or a fantastic all-inclusive package that includes your room, a champagne reception upon arrival, first-class dining, and special outdoor adventures such as…
A private evening tour of the Athabasca Glacier
Star-gazing with expert interpreters and telescopes
Exclusive morning excursion by ice explorer vehicle across the Columbia Icefield
Private tour of the famous Columbia Skywalk (pictured)
At least a two-night stay is recommended - but however long you decide to linger, your stay at the Glacier View Lodge will be packed with incredible once-in-a-lifetime experiences sure to leave you in awe.
Check out of The Lodge and continue on your scenic adventure along the Icefields Parkway, continuing south towards Lake Louise. It is about a two-hour drive, without any stops.
But, if you’re up for it, opt for a lovely little hike to break up the trip.
Mistaya Canyon
This beautiful canyon was formed by the Mistaya River over hundreds of years. It is easily accessible just off the Icefields Parkway, but be warned - it can get busy (especially during peak seasons) and parking is fairly limited.
TIP: To avoid tourist crowds, always try to GO EARLY! It is likely that the earlier you get there, the less people will be there. Also, mid-week is typically less busy than weekends.
To get to the canyon’s viewing area, you have to do a short (half kilometre) easy hike that takes about 10-15 minutes each way.
You’ve got to see it in person to really appreciate the beauty of both the Mistaya canyon and the river.
To hear the river beating against the rocks when it flows through the curvy canyon is amazing.
Lake Louise, 3-4 nights
Lake Louise is definitely deserving of its name, “The Jewel of the Rockies”. There are incredible mountains, turquoise-hued lakes, forests and valleys all around that will take your breath away.
But, it needs to be said: Lake Louise can get quite busy during peak seasons, including summertime, holidays like Easter, March Break, and especially around Christmas/New years time.
It’s a beautiful place, and many people want to see it.
TIP: Visiting Lake Louise (and this area of Alberta in general) in off-peak times of the year is a great way to avoid crowds, tour buses, and higher prices at hotels. Being strategic about when to plan your visit can often change your entire experience of a new place; it really depends on what you want to see a and do most.
Where to Stay?
Where you stay will also make a big difference. Treat yourself to a sojourn at another one of the country’s most luxurious and iconic hotels: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Enveloped by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier and a glistening emerald lake, the natural beauty of this destination permeates every nook of this historic resort. It is a fantastic base for outdoor enthusiasts and alpinists, with extensive hiking trails in every direction.
The Chateau is situated right on stunning Lake Louise itself, making for amazing views (pictured) and easy access to paddle the lake’s glacial-blue waters or go hiking on nearby trails without getting back in the car.
The Chateau is a year-round luxury resort that specializes in offering extensive Guided Mountain Heritage programs, unparalleled skiing in the winter, exceptional food & beverage experiences, and a new wonderful spa. The Lakeview Lodge Restaurant in particular has some knockout views, and becomes an outdoor patio in the summer.
Make sure to arrange your own mountain adventure during your stay here, on which you can soak up Lake Louise’s spectacular natural beauty and learn about its rich mountaineering history, with different tours available for summer vs. winter.
Speaking of which - the Chateau fully embraces and celebrates its locale’s stunning seasonal changes, offering summer wellness workshops and Fall foliage walks, but it is especially spectacular in the Winter. Have a look at what’s available for you to experience in the winter months in the below video.
If you are visiting Lake Louise during January 20 - 31st, 2021 you will be able to enjoy the the Ice Magic International Ice Carving Competition, which takes place right at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
It is a “perfectly magical winter experience” where you can watch incredible ice carvings take shape under the precise hands of skilled artists from around the world.
Marvel at the lustre of these frozen forms, and explore the iconic ice castle! (pictured)
After a few days uncovering the treasures of Lake Louise, take yourself on a day trip to the nearby town of Banff, just 40 minutes’ drive away.
It is close enough that you don’t need to switch hotels to stay in Banff, although booking a night or two at the Fairmont Banff Springs is a fantastic option if you’d like to extend your stay and explore Banff a bit more. Personally, I preferred staying in Lake Louise over Banff, and have heard that the Fairmont there is also better.
Below are suggestions for a fantastic day trip, which can easily be spread out over a couple days.
Banff
Soaring mountain peaks encircle the quaint alpine resort town of Banff, making for a very picturesque little spot. Its main street (pictured) is a nice area to shop and walk around, browsing the shops and boutiques that line it on either side. Many shops and restaurants in Banff are locally-owned, brimming with Canadian-made art and photography.
The food offerings found in Banff are ethnically diverse, but they include homegrown favourites such as Alberta steak, bison and elk. You can find many excellent restaurants here, depending on what you’re looking for.
After shopping in town, make your way to the base of Sulphur Mountain, to hop aboard the Banff Gondola.
The quick eight-minute journey in an enclosed cabin with windows brings you to the summit overlooking the town. The view is absolutely breathtaking: soak in the vista of dramatic peaks and glaciers, lush meadows of alpine wildflowers, and wildlife roaming freely below.
Grab a table at the Sky Bistro, “the dining sanctuary in the sky” where you can take in the amazing views while tasting the unique flavours of Canada through a handpicked selection of regionally-sourced local meats, produce and ingredients.
They also offer an all-Canadian wine program with wines from coast to coast, and a menu of creative, classic cocktails and local craft beers.
Sky Bistro is located on the third floor of the Banff Gondola summit, and “as part of your dining experience, [you can] enjoy a collection of world-class adventures. From sunset to stargaze, explore the interpretive centre and theatre, capture that perfect photo along the one kilometre mountaintop boardwalk, or warm up with rooftop fire pits.” - Sky Bistro
NOTE: reservations are highly recommended for Sky Bistro.
Finally… to end your time in Banff in the most relaxing way possible, book yourself a spa treatment at the award-winning Willow Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. This allows you to visit the ‘castle in the Rockies’ without having to stay overnight somewhere new.
Take in the panoramic views of the Bow Valley, Mount Rundle, and Tunnel Mountain from the hotel. It is quite a spectacular setting.
There are also two renowned golf courses at this property, if you are visiting in the summer and want to play a round. Impressive views come with each tee time, of course.
The Willow Spa is a serene alpine sanctuary of pampering and wellness, offering spa treatments and salon services.
When you book a treatment here, in addition to your selected spa experience, you receive access to the tranquility of three waterfall treatment pools, an indoor European styled mineral pool, and a private outdoor whirlpool (pictured).
There is also a relaxing fireplace lounge at the spa, the perfect spot to re-charge after your treatment before making the 40-minute trip back to Lake Louise.
Spend one final night enjoying your beautiful hotel, and perhaps dining out in Lake Louise. The next morning you’ll depart and drive to Calgary.
Calgary
Your final stop is Calgary, another bustling Canadian city that can be a lot of fun. If you have an extra day or two, why not stay and explore!
It’s a bit of an unknown secret that Calgary makes an excellent city for cycling. It’s landscape is very flat, and it has an impressive network of bike paths that weave throughout downtown's streets and parks. In fact, the city boasts the longest urban pathway system in North America.
Cruise by downtown sights like Olympic Plaza (built for the 1988 Olympic Winter Games) and its summertime wading pool, Arts Commons (home to six different performance spaces), statues honoring the "Famous Five" suffragettes, and the city's Fort Calgary birthplace – all before exploring dozens of alluring parks and islands.
Finally, drop off your rental car at the Calgary international airport, and catch your flight home.