A Canadian Rockies Summer Family Adventure

Touch down in Calgary, Alberta’s vibrant hub, where modern cityscapes meet prairie skies and distant mountain peaks. After picking up your rental car, take a little time to shake off the travel day with an afternoon of discovery. Dive into a playful city scavenger hunt that reveals Calgary’s hidden murals, quirky landmarks, and fascinating history. Then head to the top of the Calgary Tower for panoramic views—on a clear day, the Rocky Mountains loom on the horizon like a promise of the adventures ahead.

As evening falls, settle in for a memorable dinner at The Wilde, a sophisticated rooftop restaurant known for its inventive cuisine and sweeping city views—the perfect place to toast the start of your Alberta journey.

Begin the day at Calgary Olympic Park, once the epicenter of the 1988 Winter Games and still a haven for adventure. Try downhill karting for a rush of adrenaline as you race down the track with the mountains in the distance.

After lunch, head west toward Banff. The transition from city streets to wilderness is dramatic—rolling plains give way to jagged peaks, alpine meadows, and crystalline rivers. Upon arrival, take a leisurely stroll through Banff’s charming town center. Boutiques, cafés, and galleries line the streets, framed by a backdrop of rugged summits glowing in the late-afternoon light. Cap off the day with dinner at Lupo, a beloved local favorite offering handmade pasta and a cozy alpine ambiance.

Today’s journey takes you along the legendary Icefields Parkway, often ranked among the most beautiful drives in the world. The 1.5–2 hour route is a destination in itself, with dramatic valleys, turquoise lakes, and towering peaks at every turn. Stop along the way to stretch your legs and take in the breathtaking scenery before arriving at the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest accumulations of ice south of the Arctic Circle.

Here, board the Ice Explorer, a massive vehicle designed to traverse the glacier itself. Stepping onto the Athabasca Glacier is a moment unlike any other—you’re walking on ancient ice, feeling the crunch beneath your boots, surrounded by jagged peaks and an otherworldly stillness. Afterward, experience the Skywalk, a glass-floored platform suspended over a deep valley with stunning views of the Sunwapta River far below.

It’s a full day of adventure, so plan for a casual dinner back at your hotel—a relaxed evening to recharge and reflect on the awe-inspiring landscapes you’ve experienced.

Start the morning with a hike on the Barrier Lake Trail, a serene route through whispering forests that opens up to views of a brilliant blue alpine lake. The trail is accessible yet rewarding, perfect for soaking in the crisp mountain air.

In the afternoon, trade hiking boots for a wetsuit and take on the Kananaskis River. Whitewater rafting here is a thrilling mix of splashes, teamwork, and pure exhilaration as you navigate playful rapids framed by breathtaking scenery. End the day with a hearty dinner at Three Bears Brewery, where wood-fired pizzas and local craft beers provide the ideal reward for a day of adventure.

Head west today to the Golden Skybridge, where suspension bridges stretch high above a forested canyon. Walk across with views of waterfalls tumbling far below, then add to the adventure with ziplining, a mountain coaster, or even axe-throwing—an adrenaline-filled playground surrounded by natural beauty.

Return to Banff in time for dinner at Sudden Sally, known for its rustic-meets-modern mountain fare. Then prepare for a highlight of the trip: a guided sunset and stargazing tour at Moraine Lake. The valley of the Ten Peaks reflects in the still, turquoise waters as the last light fades, giving way to a night sky ablaze with stars. It’s an unforgettable, almost surreal experience.

Begin the day with a horseback ride along the Bow River, a peaceful way to experience Banff’s wilderness the way early explorers once did. Surrounded by pine forests and framed by snow-capped peaks, this slow-paced adventure offers a moment to truly connect with the landscape.

In the evening, take to the skies on the Banff Gondola. The ride carries you up Sulphur Mountain for jaw-dropping views of the Bow Valley, where the peaks stretch endlessly in every direction. Stay for dinner at Sky Bistro, where floor-to-ceiling windows ensure the sunset over the Rockies is as much a part of the meal as the food itself—a fitting finale to your time in Banff.

No trip to Alberta’s Rockies is complete without visiting Lake Louise, and today is devoted entirely to its beauty. Take the shuttle to the lake and prepare to be awed by its legendary turquoise waters set against snow-dusted peaks. Rent a canoe and glide across the still surface, or wander along the shoreline trail for ever-changing perspectives of this postcard-perfect scene.

Pause for a simple lakeside picnic or a hot drink at the boathouse café, and linger until late afternoon—the colors of the lake seem to shift with the light, and each moment offers a new kind of magic.

On the journey back to Calgary, the mountains slowly recede in the rearview mirror, their rugged silhouettes etched into memory. After days of adventure, discovery, and awe-inspiring landscapes, it’s time to head home with a camera full of photos and a heart full of Alberta’s wild beauty.