The Canadian Rocky Mountains are a haven for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering some of the most breathtaking landscapes in North America. From turquoise alpine lakes to towering glacial peaks, these ancient mountains provide endless opportunities for adventure and awe. In this guide, I'll share my experience of a perfect 7-day hiking itinerary through Banff and Jasper National Parks, along with essential tips to make your Rocky Mountain adventure unforgettable.
Day 1: Arriving in Banff - Gateway to the Rockies
Most Rocky Mountain adventures begin in the charming town of Banff, nestled in the heart of Canada's first national park. After arriving at Calgary International Airport, the drive to Banff takes approximately 90 minutes along the scenic Trans-Canada Highway.
Accommodation: Banff offers a range of options from luxury hotels like the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs to cozy lodges and budget-friendly hostels. I recommend booking accommodations well in advance, especially during the peak summer season (June-September).
Afternoon activity: Ease into your adventure with a gentle 1.1 km stroll along the Bow River at Fenland Trail. This flat, accessible path provides beautiful river views and a chance to spot local wildlife while acclimating to the elevation (1,383m).
Evening: Explore Banff Avenue, the town's main street, lined with shops, restaurants, and galleries. Enjoy dinner at The Bison Restaurant for locally-sourced Canadian cuisine, or try Park Distillery for mountain-inspired comfort food.
Day 2: Johnston Canyon and Lake Louise
The stunning turquoise waters of Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier in the background
Start early to beat the crowds at two of Banff's most popular attractions.
Morning hike: Johnston Canyon (5.8 km round trip to the Upper Falls). This accessible trail features steel catwalks built into the canyon walls, allowing hikers to witness the power of Johnston Creek as it carves through limestone rock. The Lower Falls (1.1 km) and Upper Falls (2.9 km) offer spectacular viewpoints. For a less crowded experience, continue beyond the Upper Falls to the Ink Pots, a collection of mineral springs (5.8 km one way).
Afternoon: Drive 40 minutes to Lake Louise, the jewel of Banff National Park. Take the Lake Agnes Tea House trail (7.6 km round trip), a moderately challenging hike with 400m elevation gain rewarding you with mountain views and a historic tea house dating back to 1905. The tea house operates seasonally (June-October) and accepts only cash.
Evening: Return to Banff or stay overnight in Lake Louise Village. If time allows, visit Moraine Lake for sunset – the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks view is most spectacular in late afternoon light.
Day 3: Icefields Parkway - Journey to Jasper
Today involves an epic 230 km drive along the Icefields Parkway, consistently rated one of the world's most scenic highways.
Morning: Depart early and drive north, stopping at viewpoints along the way. Don't miss Bow Lake and Peyto Lake – a short 15-minute hike from the parking area leads to a viewpoint overlooking the wolf-shaped turquoise lake.
Midday experience: Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. Take a tour on the massive Ice Explorer vehicles to walk on the glacier, or hike the self-guided interpretive trail to view the glacier from a distance. Learn about the formation of glaciers and their rapid retreat due to climate change.
Afternoon stop: Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls – both short walks from their respective parking lots – showcase the power of glacier-fed rivers carving through ancient rock.
Evening: Arrive in Jasper, a more laid-back mountain town than Banff. Check into your accommodations and enjoy dinner at Jasper Brewing Co. or Evil Dave's Grill.
Day 4: Maligne Lake and Valley of the Five Lakes
Spirit Island sits in the middle of pristine Maligne Lake, one of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies
Morning: Drive 45 minutes to Maligne Lake, the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. Take the boat tour to Spirit Island (reservations recommended), or rent a kayak to explore the shoreline. For hikers, the 7.4 km Bald Hills Trail offers panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Wildlife watching tip: Drive the Maligne Lake Road slowly, especially early morning or evening, for the best chance to spot bears, elk, moose, and bighorn sheep.
Afternoon hike: Valley of the Five Lakes (4.5 km loop). This relatively easy trail takes you past five small, brilliantly colored lakes, each with its distinctive hue ranging from emerald to jade.
Evening: Return to Jasper for dinner. After sunset, visit Pyramid Lake or Lac Beauvert for stargazing – Jasper is the world's second-largest Dark Sky Preserve, offering exceptional views of the night sky with minimal light pollution.
Day 5: Mount Edith Cavell and Whistlers Mountain
Morning: Drive to Mount Edith Cavell (45 minutes from Jasper). Hike the Cavell Meadows Trail (6-7 km return with 500m elevation gain) through alpine meadows with views of Angel Glacier cascading down the north face of the mountain. The best time for this hike is mid-July to mid-August when wildflowers carpet the meadows.
Safety note: Stay on designated trails in this area. The glacier is actively calving, and venturing off-trail can be dangerous.
Afternoon: Take the Jasper SkyTram up Whistlers Mountain. From the upper station, hike the remaining 1.2 km to the summit (2,463m) for 360-degree views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. The trail is rocky but manageable for most hikers.
Evening: Enjoy your last night in Jasper with dinner at The Raven Bistro or Fiddle River Restaurant, featuring Canadian ingredients with international flavors.
Day 6: Return to Banff via Wilcox Pass
Morning: Begin your journey back south along the Icefields Parkway.
Midday hike: Wilcox Pass (8 km return). This trail, opposite the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, offers some of the best views of the Athabasca Glacier without the crowds. The first 1 km is steep, but the trail levels out as you enter the alpine meadows, often dotted with bighorn sheep.
Afternoon: Continue south, stopping at Parker Ridge (5.4 km return). This moderate hike rewards with stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and North Saskatchewan River Valley.
Evening: Return to Banff or Lake Louise for your final night in the Rockies.
Day 7: Sunshine Meadows and Farewell
Hikers enjoying the alpine meadows in sunshine with mountain views
Morning hike: Sunshine Meadows (various trails from 1.5-9 km). Take the gondola and chairlift from Sunshine Village Ski Resort to access one of the best alpine hiking areas in the Canadian Rockies. The Rock Isle Lake viewpoint (1.5 km from the top of the chairlift) offers iconic views of three lakes surrounded by wildflower-filled meadows (best in late July-early August).
Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, take a final stroll around Banff, perhaps visiting the Banff Park Museum or the Whyte Museum to learn more about the cultural and natural history of the region.
Evening: Depart for Calgary, taking with you memories of one of the world's most spectacular mountain landscapes.
Essential Tips for Hiking in the Canadian Rockies
- Weather preparedness: Mountain weather is highly variable, even in summer. Pack layers, including a waterproof/windproof jacket, regardless of the forecast.
- Wildlife safety: Carry bear spray and know how to use it. Make noise while hiking, especially in areas with limited visibility. Store food properly and never approach wildlife.
- Trail conditions: Check with visitor centers for current trail conditions, closures, and wildlife activity before setting out.
- Altitude awareness: Many trails start above 1,400m elevation. Take time to acclimate and stay hydrated to avoid altitude sickness.
- Leave No Trace: Pack out all trash, stay on designated trails, and respect wildlife and other visitors to help preserve these spectacular environments.
The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most accessible wilderness experiences in the world, with well-maintained trails suited for hikers of all abilities. Whether you're seeking challenging alpine ascents or gentle walks to stunning viewpoints, this 7-day itinerary provides a perfect introduction to the breathtaking landscapes that have made Banff and Jasper National Parks world-famous destinations for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Comments (3)
Jennifer Parks
June 18, 2023This guide was exactly what I needed for planning my trip to the Rockies next month! The day-by-day breakdown is super helpful. Quick question - do you think the Wilcox Pass trail would be manageable for someone with moderate hiking experience but who isn't used to high elevations?
Michael Thompson Author
June 19, 2023Hi Jennifer! Yes, Wilcox Pass is definitely manageable for someone with moderate hiking experience. The initial climb is a bit steep for the first kilometer, but after that, it levels out significantly. Just take it slow at the beginning, drink plenty of water, and take breaks as needed. The views are well worth the effort! Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions about your trip.
David Chen
June 20, 2023Great article! I did a similar route last summer and would add one tip: if you're visiting Moraine Lake, get there before 6am or take the shuttle. The parking lot fills up incredibly early (sometimes by 5:30am in peak season). Also, the Larch Valley trail from Moraine Lake in late September is absolutely spectacular when the larches turn golden - worth planning a trip around if you can!
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