Why 5 Days?
5 days is the golden duration for the Rockies. 3 days is too short for Jasper, while 7 days might be tiring for some. 5 days allows you to comfortably enjoy the Icefields Parkway and key highlights of both parks.
Route Essence: About 1000km total. Ideally Open-Jaw (Calgary in, Edmonton out) but Round-trip from Calgary is most common and scenic.
Detailed Itinerary
D1
Day 1: Banff & Lakes
- Morning: Calgary -> Banff (Gondola)
- Afternoon: Lake Louise Walk
- Night: Stay at Lake Louise or Banff
D2
Day 2: Icefields Parkway
- 08:00: Drive North on Hwy 93
- 10:00: Bow Lake & Peyto Lake
- 13:00: Columbia Icefield Adventure
- 17:00: Athabasca Falls
- 18:30: Arrive in Jasper Town
D3
Day 3: Jasper Deep Dive
- Morning: Maligne Lake Cruise (Spirit Island)
- Afternoon: Maligne Canyon Hike
- Evening: Miette Hot Springs
- Stay: Jasper
D4
Day 4: Return to Banff
- Morning: Jasper -> Banff (Review Icefields Pkwy)
- Stop: Mistaya Canyon
- Afternoon: Johnston Canyon
- Night: Shopping in Banff Town
D5
Day 5: Calgary Departure
- Morning: Canmore Three Sisters Viewpoint
- Afternoon: CrossIron Mills Outlet Shopping
- Evening: Airport Drop-off
Pre-trip Tips
- Jasper Accommodation: You must book Jasper hotels 3-6 months in advance as supply is very limited.
- Park Pass: Buy the Parks Canada Discovery Pass (Family/Group ~ $151 CAD). It saves money for 3+ days.