Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour

When you arrive at the Calgary airport, you can collect your rental car and drive to your first hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure in Calgary.

This morning, you’ll have some time to explore Calgary, home of the famous Calgary Stampede rodeo. Enjoy the views across the open plains while the distant mountains grow ever closer as you drive to Kananaskis Valley. Tonight, you’ll spend the night in the foothills at a hotel in Kananaskis.

Head to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and choose from one of the many hiking options that explore nature’s quiet beauty. Kananaskis was historically settled on horseback and is the perfect place to live out your cowboy dreams on a trail ride. At the end of the day, you’ll make the drive to Banff, where you’ll be staying for the next few days.

On your first morning in Banff, you may want to wander the charming downtown streets of this resort town while you decide how you want to explore the oldest national park in the country. You have many hikes to choose from, or maybe you’d rather paddle the otherworldly blue waters of Moraine Lake. You can also choose to book an optional Banff and Wildlife tour in the afternoon.

There are so many incredible trails to explore in Banff that this tour includes a second day to hike the spectacular mountain park. If you haven’t already had a chance, you may wish to visit the hot springs or enjoy a scenic gondola ride to take in the spectacular views from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Although your destination today is Golden, you can stop for lunch at the world-renowned Lake Louise on your way. A lakeside picnic with a view of the spectacular blue water beneath the rocky peaks is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon. Then, continue on a stunning stretch of Highway 1 as you drive deeper into the mountains.

Arrive in Golden, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Check out the local eatery, Reposados, for tasty burritos and tacos.

Golden is surrounded by three impressive mountain ranges and has no shortage of outdoor adventures for you. Today, you’ll visit Yoho National Park, where you can walk to Takakkaw Falls, an impressive cascade reaching 234 meters. The stunning peaks of the Kicking Horse Valley offer many awe-inspiring hiking opportunities. You can also book an optional (and highly recommended!) white-water rafting tour on the Kicking Horse River.

Grab a beer at the top-class Whitetooth Brewery, where you can sit outside and admire the Purcell Mountains behind you.

Today, you’ll drive the 300-kilometre route on the Icefields Parkway, famous for its path past sprawling glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and dramatic mountain passes. Watch out for wildlife—you never know what you’ll see grazing in a roadside meadow or on a cliff. Take your time to enjoy the journey, stopping at the sign-posted lookouts like the Athabasca Glacier. You’ll have the next three nights to enjoy Jasper, so there’s no rush to arrive. Get a brew and gourmet pub food at the local Jasper Brewing Company.

Jasper is another home to one of the glacier-fed lakes that awe us with its vibrant blue hue, Maligne Lake. Explore the lakefront or take a hike into the meadows to view the magnificent wildflower display. Finish your day with a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake to fully appreciate the exquisite mountain landscape. Spoil yourself with a fancy dinner at Syrahs of Jasper.

Jasper National Park is too beautiful and has too much to offer to spend only a single day here. So today, you have a second day to go hiking, paddling, or horseback riding in the park. You can take the SkyTram cable car to the Summit of the Whistlers, take an alpine hike, and even enjoy a meal while you admire the panoramic views. Treat yourself to some superb pizza from Jasper Pizza Place.

Today, you’ll return to the Icefields Parkway for another incredibly scenic drive to Lake Louise. Stop for a hike to see the spectacular Bow Glacier Falls, or challenge yourself with a scramble to Iceberg Lake, a hidden gem. When you arrive at stunning Lake Louise, you’ll have time to go for a hike or rent a canoe and paddle on its enchanting blue waters.

After spending the night at the mountain resort paradise of Lake Louise, you may have time to squeeze in a final hike before returning to Calgary. Return your car rental at the Calgary airport, where your tour officially comes to an end.