Spectacular Lodges of the Canadian Rockies Road Trip

Day 1 Vancouver to Sun Peaks via Whistler | 478 km/297 mi Depart Vancouver along the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway, where the deep blue waters of Howe Sound meet towering coastal peaks. Stop at Shannon Falls and admire the sheer granite face of the Stawamus Chief before reaching Whistler. Continue along the spectacular Duffey Lake Road, a dramatic alpine route of rugged peaks, turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. If time allows, pause near Joffre Lakes for striking glacier views and vivid blue waters. Descending into British Columbia’s interior, the landscape opens into sweeping valleys and canyon country. Pass through historic Lillooet, where the Fraser River cuts through rugged cliffs, then follow the Thompson River through sunlit hills and ranchlands to Sun Peaks.

Day 2 Sun Peaks to Jasper | 444 km/276 mi Depart Sun Peaks and travel through British Columbia’s interior, following changing landscapes of forested valleys, rivers and mountain scenery. Continue toward Mount Robson Provincial Park, where the impressive slopes of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, rise above the surrounding wilderness. From here, travel east along the Yellowhead Route and enter Jasper National Park, a vast mountain landscape known for its wildlife, glacier-fed lakes, forests and dramatic peaks.

Day 3 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of three Jasper experiences. Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise | Operating season is weather dependent Cruise across Maligne Lake, one of Jasper National Park’s most photographed settings. Surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and brilliant alpine water, the journey includes views toward Spirit Island, one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic natural landmarks. Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting experience on the Athabasca River, offering a relaxed and scenic perspective of Jasper National Park. Drift through a wide mountain valley with views of forests, peaks and wildlife habitat while your guide shares stories of the area’s natural and human history. Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk Explore Jasper National Park on a guided nature walk through a landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and glacial lakes. Along the way, learn more about the plants, wildlife and mountain ecology that make this region so remarkable.

Day 4 Jasper to Moraine Lake | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 237 km/148 mi Depart Jasper and travel south along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world. This unforgettable route follows the spine of the Canadian Rockies, passing glacier-fed lakes, sweeping valleys, waterfalls and towering peaks. At the Columbia Icefield, step aboard the Ice Explorer for a journey onto ancient glacier ice, then continue to the Glacier Skywalk, where a glass-floored platform extends high above the Sunwapta Valley. These included experiences offer a powerful perspective on the scale, beauty and geology of this treasured region before you continue toward Moraine Lake.

Day 5 Moraine Lake to Emerald Lake | 36 km/23 mi Leave the dramatic alpine setting of Moraine Lake, surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks and famous for its brilliant turquoise colour. Often called the “Jewel of the Rockies,” this iconic lake offers one last look at one of Banff National Park’s most breathtaking landscapes before you travel west through scenic mountain passes into Yoho National Park. Arrive at Emerald Lake Lodge, set beside one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies. (Breakfast is included today.)

Day 6 Emerald Lake to Banff | 93 km/60 mi Depart the peaceful shores of Emerald Lake and travel east through Yoho National Park, whose name is a Cree expression of awe. This spectacular park is known for gem-coloured glacial lakes, waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, dense cedar and hemlock forests, historic railways, spiral tunnels and steep rock faces where mountain goats may be seen. Continue through mountain passes into Banff National Park. In summer, travellers may enjoy either the Bow Valley Parkway, known for its quieter pace, forested scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities (subject to seasonal closures), or the Trans-Canada Highway, which offers a faster route with sweeping mountain vistas. Along the way, Johnston Canyon is a popular highlight, where a paved trail follows the canyon walls to rushing waterfalls, turquoise pools and dramatic limestone scenery. Continue to Banff, surrounded by alpine beauty, mountain views and the lively atmosphere of one of Canada’s most iconic Rockies towns.

Day 7 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of seven Banff experiences. Option 1. Banff Gondola Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views over Banff, the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks of Banff National Park. At the top, enjoy viewing platforms, interpretive exhibits and time to take in one of the most impressive panoramas in the Canadian Rockies. Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise Cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka, surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and open alpine scenery. As you travel toward Devil’s Gap, enjoy a relaxed and scenic perspective of one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful glacier-fed lakes. Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy a gentle guided canoe tour along the Bow River, where calm waters, mountain views and riverside scenery create a peaceful way to experience Banff National Park. This fun and interactive excursion is ideal for families, with no paddling experience necessary. Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the celebrated landscapes of Banff National Park. Follow scenic riverside trails, take in mountain views and experience the Rockies in a classic western style. Option 5. Banff Townsite E-Bike Tour Explore Banff on a relaxed guided e-bike ride to some of the town’s most scenic highlights, including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, downtown Banff and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Enjoy mountain views, local history and an easy-paced ride suitable for beginners and families. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset Wildlife Adventure with Picnic Dinner Experience the beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during the soft glow of golden hour. Travel through the mountain landscapes of Banff National Park as the evening light brings out the colour of the turquoise lakes, surrounding peaks and forested valleys. Along the way, watch for wildlife such as elk and deer, enjoy scenic shoreline walks and savour a picnic dinner in one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic settings. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Continental Divide Helicopter Tour Take to the skies on a spectacular helicopter flight over the Canadian Rockies and the Continental Divide. From above, admire a dramatic landscape of jagged peaks, alpine valleys, glaciers, hidden lakes and remote wilderness that few visitors ever see from the ground. This upgraded experience offers an unforgettable aerial perspective of the scale and beauty of the Rockies.

Day 8 Banff to Calgary | 115 km/72 mi Say goodbye to the fresh mountain air and majestic scenery of the Rockies as you leave Banff National Park and follow the Trans-Canada Highway east. Along the way, the dramatic peaks, forested slopes and glacier-carved valleys gradually soften into rolling foothills and wide-open prairie landscapes. If time permits, consider a scenic detour to Cochrane, a western foothills town set above the Bow River, where ranching heritage, river pathways and wide views back toward the Rockies make a relaxed final stop before Calgary.

Day 1 Calgary to Banff | 115 km/72 mi Leave the Stampede City of Calgary and travel west toward the rising peaks of the Canadian Rockies. As the prairie landscape gives way to foothills and mountain views, continue into Banff National Park and the resort town of Banff, one of Canada’s most iconic alpine destinations. Surrounded by dramatic peaks, forested valleys and glacier-fed rivers, Banff offers a spectacular introduction to the natural beauty and wildlife of the Rockies.

Day 2 Banff | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 7 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of seven Banff experiences. Option 1. Banff Gondola Ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views over Banff, the Bow Valley and the surrounding peaks of Banff National Park. At the top, enjoy viewing platforms, interpretive exhibits and time to take in one of the most impressive panoramas in the Canadian Rockies. Option 2. Lake Minnewanka Cruise Cruise across the turquoise waters of Lake Minnewanka, surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and open alpine scenery. As you travel toward Devil’s Gap, enjoy a relaxed and scenic perspective of one of Banff National Park’s most beautiful glacier-fed lakes. Option 3. River Explorer Canoe Tour Enjoy a gentle guided canoe tour along the Bow River, where calm waters, mountain views and riverside scenery create a peaceful way to experience Banff National Park. This fun and interactive excursion is ideal for families, with no paddling experience necessary. Option 4. Bow River Horseback Adventure Saddle up for a guided horseback ride through the celebrated landscapes of Banff National Park. Follow scenic riverside trails, take in mountain views and experience the Rockies in a classic western style. Option 5. Banff Townsite E-Bike Tour Explore Banff on a relaxed guided e-bike ride to some of the town’s most scenic highlights, including Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, downtown Banff and the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Enjoy mountain views, local history and an easy-paced ride suitable for beginners and families. Option 6. Upgrade Option: Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset Wildlife Adventure with Picnic Dinner Experience the beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake during the soft glow of golden hour. Travel through the mountain landscapes of Banff National Park as the evening light brings out the colour of the turquoise lakes, surrounding peaks and forested valleys. Along the way, watch for wildlife such as elk and deer, enjoy scenic shoreline walks and savour a picnic dinner in one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic settings. Option 7. Upgrade Option: Continental Divide Helicopter Tour Take to the skies on a spectacular helicopter flight over the Canadian Rockies and the Continental Divide. From above, admire a dramatic landscape of jagged peaks, alpine valleys, glaciers, hidden lakes and remote wilderness that few visitors ever see from the ground. This upgraded experience offers an unforgettable aerial perspective of the scale and beauty of the Rockies.

Day 3 Banff to Emerald Lake | 93 km/60 mi Depart Banff and travel west through the heart of the Canadian Rockies toward Yoho National Park. In summer, travellers may enjoy either the Bow Valley Parkway, known for its quieter pace, forested scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities (subject to seasonal closures), or the Trans-Canada Highway, which offers a faster route with sweeping mountain vistas. Along the way, Johnston Canyon is a popular highlight, where a paved trail follows the canyon walls to rushing waterfalls, turquoise pools and dramatic limestone scenery. Continue through mountain passes into Yoho National Park, whose name is a Cree expression of awe. This spectacular park is known for gem-coloured glacial lakes, waterfalls, snow-covered peaks, dense cedar and hemlock forests, historic railways, spiral tunnels and steep rock faces where mountain goats may be seen. Arrive at Emerald Lake Lodge, set beside one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 4 Emerald Lake to Moraine Lake | 36 km/23 mi Leave the peaceful shores of Emerald Lake and travel back through scenic mountain passes toward Moraine Lake. Surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is famous for its brilliant turquoise colour and dramatic alpine setting. Often called the “Jewel of the Rockies,” this iconic lake offers one of the most breathtaking landscapes in Banff National Park, with glacier-fed waters, rugged peaks and forested slopes creating a truly unforgettable arrival at Moraine Lake Lodge.

Day 5 Moraine Lake to Jasper | Ice Explorer + Skywalk | 237 km/148 mi Depart Moraine Lake and travel north along the Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular mountain drives in the world. This unforgettable route follows the spine of the Canadian Rockies, passing glacier-fed lakes, sweeping valleys, waterfalls and towering peaks. At the Columbia Icefield, step aboard the Ice Explorer for a journey onto ancient glacier ice, then continue to the Glacier Skywalk, where a glass-floored platform extends high above the Sunwapta Valley. These included experiences offer a powerful perspective on the scale, beauty and geology of this treasured region before you continue to Jasper. (Breakfast is included today.)

Day 6 Jasper | Freedom of Choice - Choose 1 of 3 Excursions Today you can tailor your day by selecting one of three Jasper experiences. Option 1. Maligne Lake Cruise | Operating season is weather dependent Cruise across Maligne Lake, one of Jasper National Park’s most photographed settings. Surrounded by mountain peaks, forested shoreline and brilliant alpine water, the journey includes views toward Spirit Island, one of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic natural landmarks. Option 2. Jasper River Float Enjoy a gentle rafting experience on the Athabasca River, offering a relaxed and scenic perspective of Jasper National Park. Drift through a wide mountain valley with views of forests, peaks and wildlife habitat while your guide shares stories of the area’s natural and human history. Option 3. Jasper Nature Walk Explore Jasper National Park on a guided nature walk through a landscape of rolling hills, jagged peaks, forests, meadows, marshes, streams and glacial lakes. Along the way, learn more about the plants, wildlife and mountain ecology that make this region so remarkable.

Day 7 Jasper to Sun Peaks | 444 km/276 mi Leave Jasper National Park and travel west along the Yellowhead Route, passing the impressive slopes of Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. Beyond Mount Robson Provincial Park, the journey follows river valleys, mountain scenery and changing landscapes as you continue through the Monashee and Cariboo mountain regions. Arrive in Sun Peaks, a welcoming alpine resort village surrounded by forested hills and mountain views.

Day 8 Sun Peaks to Vancouver via Whistler | 478 km/297 mi Depart Sun Peaks and travel through British Columbia’s interior, following the Thompson River through sunlit hills, ranchlands and sweeping valley scenery. Pass through historic Lillooet, where the Fraser River cuts through rugged cliffs, before continuing into dramatic canyon country and alpine landscapes. Follow the spectacular Duffey Lake Road, a scenic mountain route of rugged peaks, turquoise lakes and cascading waterfalls. If time allows, pause near Joffre Lakes for striking glacier views and vivid blue waters. Continue to Whistler, then travel south along the iconic Sea-to-Sky Highway, passing the sheer granite face of the Stawamus Chief and Shannon Falls before following the deep blue waters of Howe Sound and coastal peaks into Vancouver.