Exploring Northern Rockies

Day 1: Arrival in Calgary and Drive to Banff

Arrive in Calgary, either by flight to Calgary International Airport or by other means of transportation.

Rent a car and drive to Banff, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Calgary.

Check into your accommodation in Banff and take some time to rest after your journey.

In the afternoon, you can check out this hidden gem very close to Banff downtown.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

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Before heading to Banff Upper Hot Springs, you can check out this hidden gem where you can take an educational tour and learn the origin of Banff National Park and these hot springs.

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In the evening, explore the charming town of Banff. Walk along Banff Avenue, visit local shops, and have dinner at one of the town's restaurants.

Banff Accommodation

Fox Hotel & Suites

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HI Banff Alpine Centre

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Day 2: Banff National Park

Start your day early and head to Moraine Lake, one of the most iconic and picturesque spots in the Canadian Rockies. Arrive early to beat the crowds and enjoy the stunning turquoise lake surrounded by towering mountains.

Moraine Lake

@anushkamaheshwari

This right here, is the best lake you can find in Alberta! I suggest booking your excursion beforehand since you can't take a private vehicle to the lake anymore. Or you can choose to stay at Moraine Lake Lodge, which will give you access to the lake anytime.

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After spending some time at Moraine Lake, continue to Lake Louise. Hike around the lake or rent a canoe to experience the tranquility of this famous glacial lake.

Lake Louise

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Another famous gem in Alberta! Take a hike or just walk alongside the water, Lake Louise is quite a sight to behold. Something to consider would be that it gets pretty busy after 8 am, so I suggest you make an early morning trip to avoid the crowd.

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In the afternoon, take a scenic drive along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Stop at viewpoints, such as Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield (consider taking a guided glacier walk or the Glacier Skywalk).

Athabasca Glacier

@anushkamaheshwari

Columbia Icefield was formed 240,000 years ago, and Athabasca Glacier is just one of the enormous glaciers that makes Columbia Icefields. It is considered one of the biggest discoveries that happened in the 1800s and now it is available to you to explore. A must-visit!

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Return to Banff and relax in the evening. 

Day 3: Jasper National Park

Check out from your Banff accommodation and drive to Jasper, which is around a 3.5-hour drive from Banff.

The drive along the Icefields Parkway is incredibly scenic, so take your time to enjoy the views and make stops along the way.

Once in Jasper, check into your accommodation and have some lunch.

Spend the afternoon exploring Jasper National Park. You can visit Maligne Lake and take a boat cruise to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies.

Maligne Lake

@anushkamaheshwari

The breathtaking mountains and turquoise glacial-fed lake, you experience it all here. You can either go for a hike and explore this beauty or book to cruise tour to take you around. Whatever you do, keep your eyes open for the rare wildlife you can find here!

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Alternatively, consider hiking to some of the beautiful waterfalls in the area, such as Athabasca Falls or Sunwapta Falls.

Athabasca Falls

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With majestic mountains giving a gorgeous background, Athabasca Falls screams beauty! It is breathtaking to experience the falls from close and see the gorgeous rock formations around it.

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Or hike to Valley of The Five Lakes, and experience not one, or two, but five beautiful lakes in one place. 

Valley of the Five Lakes

@anushkamaheshwari

As the name suggests, you get to explore five different lakes all in one place while going through a beautiful trail. The difficulty level varies depending on which loop you choose, but there is something for everyone.

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Return to Jasper and have dinner in the town.

Jasper Accommodation

Tonquin Inn

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Jasper Inn & Suites by INNHotels

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HI Jasper

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Day 4: Canmore and Departure from Calgary

Check out from your Jasper accommodation and start your journey back towards Calgary.

On your way, stop at the town of Canmore, which is approximately a 4-hour drive from Jasper. Canmore is a charming mountain town with great hiking trails and beautiful views of the Rockies.

Enjoy some time in Canmore, exploring the town and having lunch.

Downtown Canmore

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Surrounded by mountain peaks, this small and beautiful town makes for a perfect stop for lunch with views.

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After lunch, continue driving to Calgary, which is about a 1-hour drive from Canmore.

Depending on your departure time, you might have some time to explore Calgary. Visit places like the Calgary Tower or the Glenbow Museum if time allows. Depart from Calgary, either by flight from Calgary International Airport or other transportation.