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2 Week Canadian Rockies National Parks Itinerary: Banff, Waterton, Kootenay, Yoho & Jasper (Part 2)
- andrewsco3
- 16 hours ago
- 13 min read
Welcome to Part 2 of our Canadian Rockies National Park Itinerary!
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out Part 1 where we covered the first half of the trip, including the best things to do in Calgary, Waterton Lakes, Kananaskis, Banff National Park, and Lake Louise.
In this post, we’ll pick up where we left off and guide you through the second week of this incredible journey. Part 2 of this guide includes the best activities in Kootenay, Yoho and Jasper National Parks, and along the stunning Icefields Parkway.
Before you start reading, don’t forget that a Canadian Rockies Park Pass is required for this itinerary. For all the details, including where to buy it, how much it costs, and when you need it, read our comprehensive Park Pass Q&A.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Due to the amount of information we wanted to include in this travel guide, we’ve split this blog post into two parts:
In Part 1, we covered:
Day 1: Calgary
Day 2 & 3: Waterton National Park
Day 4: The Cowboy Trail & Highwood Pass in Kananaskis
Day 5, 6 & 7: Banff National Park & Lake Louise
To Read Part 1 of this guide click here.
In Part 2, we cover:
So without further ado, here is part two of our two week itinerary for exploring the National Parks in the Canadian Rockies, starting with a map to show where everything is located.
MAP OF CANADIAN ROCKIES 2 WEEK ITINERARY
To use this map, click the tab in the top left corner to toggle between layers and for more details about each attraction. To save the map to your Google Maps account, click the star next to the title. To access it later, open Google Maps, go to “Your Places,” and find it under “Maps.”
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
DAY 8
KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK
We've travelled through Kootenay National Park many times, and there are lots of interesting things to see along the route. We’ve written a blog post detailing the best things to do between Banff and Invermere along Highway 93 where you can read more details, but here are the highlights.
The Continental Divide
The Continental Divide serves as the separation line between Alberta and British Columbia, and determines the direction in which water drains – either towards the Pacific or the Atlantic ocean. Be sure to stop and snap a photo as it only takes a few minutes.
Marble Canyon
Marble Canyon is accessed via a short 1.8 km out-and-back hike that takes you across seven bridges, with each offering increasingly dramatic views of the canyon’s steep drops.
The Paint Pots
Of all the stops along the route from Invermere to Banff, the Paint Pots is our favourite. The kids love it, and having visited a few times now, we think the Paint Pots are unique compared to most of the other activities along the route.
It’s a 2 km out-and-back trail, but it can get pretty muddy, so it’s not the best trail for bright white sneakers!
Numa Falls
Numa Falls is a quick stop, but definitely worth seeing, as the view of the waterfall is fantastic and requires minimal effort. The falls are just a short 2-minute walk along the river.
Invermere / Radium
It should take you most of the day to reach the town of Radium, home of the Radium Hot Springs. If you've already visited the hot springs in Banff, unless you're really craving more relaxation, I think the ones in Banff are better.
Invermere is a lovely town with a stunning lake, and there are plenty of activities nearby, including world-class mountain biking, ziplines, and adventure parks.
From here, you'll head to Yoho National Park along Highway 95, which follows the Columbia Wetlands. The main stop along this route is the hike to Lower Bugaboo Falls. Then, continue to the town of Golden, where you'll stay for two nights.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
DAY 9
YOHO NATIONAL PARK
You are about to tick off your 4th National Park on this itinerary, Yoho National Park, which borders onto both Banff and Kootenay National Parks. Another stunning park that has some beautiful waterfalls, and of course the famous Emerald Lake.
Golden
Golden is a mountain town that has grown quite a bit in recent years. Its town center is getting better each year, and has a nice mix of shops, a brewery, and a fantastic Mexican restaurant.
While not part of this itinerary, Golden makes a great central base if you're continuing to Glacier National Park or Mount Revelstoke National Park.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a popular ski destination in the Canadian Rockies but has plenty of activities in the summer as well. You can ride the gondola to the top for incredible views from the observation desk, ride world-class mountain biking trails, or try the via ferrata. There are various hiking trails from the summit as well.
You can also visit the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Sanctuary, home to Boo, an orphaned bear that was rescued as a baby. The interpretive centre is open daily in the summer and lets you observe Boo in his 20-acre natural habitat.
Mount 7
For fantastic views over Golden without the cost of another gondola ride, consider driving to Mount 7, which is a popular hang gliding launch pad. It's a steep hill, but you can drive right up to the launch pad for stunning views of Golden and the Columbia Valley. The drive takes about 30 minutes - just make sure your breaks work for the drive down!
Golden Skybridge
Golden Skybridge is a great option for some adventure if you aren't afraid of heights! The skybridge is Canada’s highest suspension bridge at 426 feet above the canyon below. It’s not just the bridge though - they also have a zipline, a mountain coaster and a canyon swing too!
DAY 10
Emerald Lake
Emerald Lake is the largest in Yoho National Park and one of the most recognizable lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Its striking emerald color makes it a must-visit on any Rockies itinerary.
If the weather is good, it's worth hiking around the lake - though we once did it and got caught in a huge rainstorm, which wasn’t quite as enjoyable!
I recommend arriving early if you can since parking gets busy, though we've always managed to find a spot eventually.
Nature's Bridge
The Natural Bridge is a quick stop on the way to or from Emerald Lake. As the name suggests, it is a ‘bridge’ carved out of the Kicking Horse River. I’d visit on the way back since it's best to reach Emerald Lake early. You won’t need more than 30 minutes here.
Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls is one of the best waterfalls in this itinerary. At 373 meters tall, it's massive, and a short walk takes you to the base. If you go right up to it, you’ll get wet - which, depending on the weather, could be a good or bad thing!
Wapta Falls
Unlike the tall and narrow Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls is wide but just as impressive. It’s not right by the road like some other attractions, but the easy 4 km hike is well worth it. Unlike Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls are accessible in winter.
Get an early night, as tomorrow is another big day driving the Icefield Parkway.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
DAY 11
In July 2024, a devastating wildfire impacted the town of Jasper and surrounding areas. As a result, some locations mentioned in this post may be inaccessible or have limited access. Before visiting, please check for the latest updates from Parks Canada and local authorities regarding closures, road conditions, and safety advisories.
ICEFIELD PARKWAY
The Icefields Parkway is a stunning 230 km stretch of road that connects the Banff and Jasper National Parks. It is one of the most scenic drives in the world, and passes some of the Canadian Rockies' most beautiful lakes, waterfalls, and even a huge glacier. The highway is also a great place to spot wildlife - we’ve seen bears on this drive almost every time.
Set off as early as possible to make the most of the day. If you miss anything along the way, you can always catch it on the drive back.
Bow Lake
Due to a devastating rock fall that unfortunately killed two hikers in June 2025, the hikes to the glacier are closed until further notice.
As you head up the Icefields Parkway, Bow Lake is the first major stop about 25 minutes in and sits right beside the road.
Bow Lake is fed by meltwater from the Bow Glacier and is actually the source of the Bow River, which flows through Calgary. It’s fascinating how it all connects!
Peyto Lake
If you're thinking of sending a postcard home, skip the postage and share a photo from Peyto Lake instead! It’s the most photographed lake in the Canadian Rockies, and once you see it, you’ll understand why.
The turquoise color of the water is stunning. It can get busy in summer, and parking is a challenge, but you'll usually find a spot after circling a few times.
Columbia Icefield / Athabasca Glacier
The Columbia Icefield is the largest in the Canadian Rockies and the biggest south of the Arctic Circle. The icefield sits on a high-altitude plateau and feeds multiple glaciers, including the Athabasca Glacier, which can be seen from the Icefields Parkway, either from the parking lot or the viewing platform.
You can also explore the ice aboard massive 'Ice Explorer' snow coaches. I think this is one of the best things to do along the Icefield Parkway and is certainly a unique experience.
Glacier Sky Walk
The Glacier Skywalk is a glass-floored observation platform 920 feet above the Sunwapta Valley, which you access via the Discovery Trail. Keep in mind that both the Glacier Skywalk and the Ice Explorer on the Athabasca Glacier are included in the Pursuit Pass if you plan on doing multiple activities.
Sunwapta Falls
The Sunwapta Falls are one of two must-see waterfalls along the Icefields Parkway, located about 55 kilometers from Jasper. To reach the falls, it's a 1.3 km hike from the road, where a bridge serves as a viewing platform. The falls are most powerful in the spring, as the snowmelt gushes through the canyon. The iconic image of the falls with a small island in the background is one of the most famous views of the Canadian Rockies.
Athabasca Falls
The second waterfall on this list is Athabasca Falls, located just a 20-minute drive further along the Icefields Parkway. They are one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, especially in the spring when glacial meltwater surges through the canyon. It’s just a short walk to the falls, with many different viewpoints along the way.
Another trail leads to where the canyon widens and the water becomes calm - a complete contrast to just moments before.
From the Athabasca Falls it is around a 30 minute drive to Jasper, where you will stay for two nights.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
DAY 12
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
Jasper
As mentioned above, Jasper experienced devastating wildfires in the summer of 2024, and a significant portion of the town was unfortunately lost. Jasper was one of the first places we visited after arriving in Canada in 2012, and it was heartbreaking to watch the events unfold on TV.
The town is still being rebuilt, but Jasper needs tourism now more than ever to support local businesses and help the community recover. I strongly encourage you to visit, stay in town, and support the people and businesses that make Jasper such a special place. There are still plenty of incredible things to see and do.
After a long day of driving yesterday, today we will stay fairly close to town.
Jasper SkyTram & Whistler's Mountain
Of all the gondolas we've recommended throughout this itinerary, the Jasper SkyTram is actually Canada’s highest and longest. From the upper station, you can hike 1.4 km to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, where the views of Jasper and the Athabasca River are stunning.
Pyramid & Patricia Lakes
Patricia Lake and Pyramid Lake are two stunning lakes located almost side by side, so they are easily visited together. Pyramid Lake, in particular, is a relatively calm lake, making it perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or stand-up paddleboarding. It's easy to hire equipment there if you don't have your own. It was actually the first lake we ever canoed on in Canada back in 2012!
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a world-class hotel and spa set on 700 acres in one of Jasper National Park’s most beautiful areas. It boasts one of the best golf courses in the Canadian Rockies, and the lake is perfect for a short hike or bike ride. Grizzly bear sightings on the course are common, but they never seem to mind!
Jasper Planetarium & the Dark Sky Preserve
Jasper is the world’s second-largest Dark Sky Preserve and offers some of the clearest views of the night sky in North America. Right next to the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, the Jasper Planetarium offers tours to help you learn about the stars and planets. If you prefer stargazing on your own, there are plenty of wonderful spots throughout the national park, with Pyramid Island being one of the best.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
DAY 13
Today, we’ll drive the scenic Maligne Lake Road to Maligne Lake, passing Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake, and plenty of stunning scenery along the way.
NOTE: If you’ve booked a Maligne Lake Cruise, you can head there first and visit the other attractions on the way back.
Maligne Canyon
Maligne Canyon is one of Jasper National Park’s most stunning canyons, but unfortunately, it experienced major damage during the 2024 wildfires. Parks Canada is actively working to make the area accessible again, so be sure to check for updates before planning your visit. While it may look different than it did in the past, the canyon will undoubtedly remain beautiful and worth exploring.
Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake is a convenient pull-off stop with stunning views. You can enjoy the lake right from the parking area, or take the wooden steps down for a short hike. Last time we visited, there was a grizzly in the area, so we skipped the hike, but it’s a beautiful spot to explore otherwise.
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake is one of the most picturesque spots in Jasper National Park and is home to the historic Maligne Lake Lodge. While it’s not cheap, the restaurant, The View, offers (you guessed it) stunning views of the lake. It’s also where you can rent a canoe from the boathouse or set off on a pre-booked cruise.
The Maligne Lake Cruise is a must-do experience for nearly every visitor to Jasper, so pre-booking is highly recommended. The standard 1.5-hour guided cruise takes you to Spirit Island, where you can step ashore for 15 minutes and take the short nature trail to a viewing platform, where you can snap the famous photo!
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
DAY 14
CANMORE / CALGARY
I'm sure you've had an incredible time, but it's time to make your way back to Calgary. If you are short on time, you will want to travel back along the Icefield Parkway as it’s the quickest route, passing through Canmore. If you are keen to get one last photo of the incredible mountains, I recommend stopping at this spot in particular for gorgeous views of the Three Sisters.
That said, if you have time and would like to see more of the area, you can head north past the Miette Hot Springs and loop around via the City of Edmonton for the final night.
Another option is to start down the Icefield Parkway, but part way down, take Highway 11 towards Rocky Mountain House where you can stop at Siffleur Falls and Abraham Lake.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?
There really is no single best time to visit the Canadian Rockies—it all depends on what you want to experience, as each season brings something unique.
Winter is perfect for those who love skiing and snowboarding, with world-class resorts in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. The colder temperatures also create great conditions for snowshoeing, exploring frozen waterfalls, and ice skating on lakes. However, some areas, like Moraine Lake, are closed during the winter due to avalanche risk, limiting access to certain scenic spots.
Spring is one of the best times for wildlife viewing, as bears emerge from hibernation and animals become more active. Waterfalls are at their most powerful as the snow melts, and trails start opening up for early-season hikes. However, not everything is at its most beautiful, as some lakes may be partially melted, leaving them looking less vibrant.
Summer is by far the most popular time for tourists to visit, and many attractions do get crowded, especially on weekends. However, it also offers the warmest weather and the longest days, making it great for hiking and sightseeing. It’s all about balance, as the busy trails and viewpoints come with the benefit of ideal conditions for outdoor adventures. Mosquitoes can be annoying in June and July, especially near lakes and in wooded areas.
Fall is my favourite season in the Canadian Rockies, with fewer people on the trails and stunning mountain scenery as the leaves change colour. The golden larch trees in higher elevations create some of the most breathtaking landscapes, and the weather is often still warm and dry enough for outdoor adventures.
HOW TO GET AROUND?
Renting a car is definitely the best way to explore this itinerary, as public transportation is limited and, in some cases, nonexistent. While you could travel between certain areas by coach or tour bus, it would likely cost more than renting a car and offer far less flexibility.
Banff is one of the easier places to navigate without a car, and some areas, like Moraine Lake, require shuttle access. However, relying on bus schedules adds extra planning and limits spontaneity.
Tours will cover many main of the main attractions, but you won’t have control over timing, where you stop or how long you stay. For example, along the Icefields Parkway, you might prefer a day hike over a stop at the Athabasca Glacier - something only self-driving allows.
So in summary, while it’s technically possible to drive this itinerary without your own vehicle, it’s not something we would recommend.
IN SUMMARY
We hope you enjoyed this 2 week itinerary for travelling through the Canadian Rockies with kids. A reminder that if you haven't read Part 1 of this guide, you can do so here.
If you have any questions about this itinerary, please be sure to leave a comment below - we'd be happy to help!