Canadian Rockies Road Trip: 4- to 6-Day Guide to Banff National Park & Beyond

On our first day, we headed out to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine via Moraine Lake Bus Company. If you’re able, save these two lakes for a weekday to avoid some of the crowds during peak season! There are various hikes to choose from. We walked the shoreline of both lakes (including the Rockpile Trail) and then hiked Sentinel Pass at Moraine Lake. This was a difficult hike (about seven miles and five hours) but absolutely worth it. The views were incredible and we had fun trekking through the snow while sweating in the sun. I truly can’t put into words the color of these lakes. I’ve never seen anything like it! If possible, I do recommend splitting these lakes into two days (especially if you are a hiker).

I highly recommend staying in Canmore. It’s less touristy than downtown Banff and has more of an authentic mountain town/local vibe. It’s also more affordable, quieter, and has plenty to do and see!

On our second day, we hiked the Grassi Lakes Trail and stopped at the Canmore Engine Bridge (such a cool spot and great photo opportunity!). We then walked around downtown Canmore, which felt like a Hallmark movie. After checking out of Canmore, we began our drive to Jasper. This is about a four-hour drive but we planned multiple stops along the way. We made two stops in Yoho National Park: Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls. We hiked around Emerald Lake (if it’s rainy, prepare for mud). The drive to Takakkaw Falls felt like driving through Jurassic Park and was well worth it. In between the two, we stopped for lunch at Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge. Set in a tiny little town (about 170 people), we really enjoyed the delicious food, cozy atmosphere, and friendly service.

Lastly, we stopped at Peyto Lake. While it is a short hike to the lookout, be aware that it is a steep one (but 100 percent worth it for the sheer beauty and photo opportunities)! Be sure to take the Icefields Parkway, especially at dusk or dawn, for the opportunity to see wildlife. We saw mountain goats, elk, moose, bears (grizzlies and black bears), and eagles.

On our first day in Jasper, we had breakfast at Mad Grizzly Bistro Bar (unique and fun) and grabbed coffees at Snowdome Coffee Bar (in a laundromat and the best coffee we had the whole trip). Some of the girls went whitewater rafting (Jasper Rafting Adventures) and highly recommended it. The other half went to Maligne Lake and took the boat out to Spirit Island. It was very interesting hearing about the history while on the boat tour. At the end of the day, we drove to Banff. Pro tip: Banff has a great bus system and most hotels will provide free bus passes for guests!

We started our morning off with a short hike called Stewart Canyon at Lake Minnewanka. It was very quiet and peaceful here, and we did see a bear! We then walked through the Cascade of Time Garden and did a little shopping in downtown Banff. We stopped to see and walk through the grounds of the Fairmont Hotel and grabbed a drink (or two) at the Rutland Bar. It was a beautiful day and we were able to sit outside and enjoy the stunning views. We ended our day with a little walk to Bow Falls.