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2 Week Canadian Rockies National Parks Itinerary: Banff, Waterton, Kootenay, Yoho & Jasper (Part 1)
- andrewsco3
- Mar 27
- 13 min read
Updated: Sep 4
A road trip through the Canadian Rockies is an experience everyone should have at least once. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places on earth, and that's not just because we’re fortunate enough to call it home.
Every turn feels like a scene from a postcard. You'll drive through charming mountain towns, pass snow-capped peaks, clear lakes, cascading waterfalls, glaciers, and dramatic canyons, just to name a few.
It’s also a nature lover’s dream, with plenty of opportunities to spot abundant wildlife along the drive.
ABOUT US: We are a family of four who moved to Alberta in 2012 and have explored extensively throughout Alberta and British Columbia. We create travel guides and itineraries with families in mind, helping others plan their own unforgettable trips.
We've highlighted the best things to do along the route, included interactive maps, and added plenty of photos to help you plan your journey.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES NATIONAL PARK
ROAD TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
This guide covers the drive from Calgary to Waterton National Park, followed by the scenic Cowboy Trail through the prairies, Highway 40 through Kananaskis country up to Banff and Lake Louise. From there, it loops through Kootenay National Park, continues to the town of Golden and Yoho National Park, then takes you on the legendary Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park, before concluding back in Calgary.
This itinerary covers a lot of ground and there is a lot of driving! On this road trip you will drive around 2,000 km and this doesn't include any additional kilometers for detours.
During this incredible road trip through the Canadian Rockies, you’ll enjoy a variety of unforgettable experiences, including:
Travel through FIVE National Parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay & Waterton)
Calgary and the famous Cowboy Trail
Highwood Pass Drive through Kananaskis
Mountain towns of Banff, Canmore, Golden & Jasper
Lake Louise
Radium Hot Springs
Crystal clear lakes (e.g Peyto and Emerald)
Stunning Waterfalls (e.g Athabasca, Takakkaw)
Glaciers
Fantastic hiking
Some of the friendliest people in the world!
This itinerary has been written with those travelling with kids in mind, although this Canadian Rockies road trip is great for all ages, and is perfect for families that want to experience the outdoors in this wonderful part of Canada.
Important 2025 Update:
The Canada Strong Pass, which granted free admission to Canada's National Parks for the summer, ended on September 2, 2025. From September 3, 2025, a valid Parks Canada pass such as a Discovery Pass or daily entry fee is required for any time spent in the parks.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES NATIONAL PARK
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Due to the amount of information we wanted to include, we’ve split this blog post into two parts:
In Part 1, we cover:
In Part 2, we cover:
So without further ado, here is 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
Whenever we plan a trip, we always start with Google Maps. It helps us visualize locations and create efficient itineraries. We’ve added all the sights and attractions to the map below to help you see where everything is and plan your own 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 1
CALGARY
Calgary is our home, and we think it’s worth spending at least a day at the start of your road trip to explore the city. Rather than listing everything, here are a few blog posts to help you decide what you would like to do, along with a two-day itinerary to help you plan your day:
If you are short on time, then these resources are a good place to start.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
DAY 2
WATERTON NATIONAL PARK
Waterton Lakes National Park is one of the Rockies' best-kept secrets. The park is located three hours south of Calgary on the Montana border, and although it sees far fewer visitors than the other National Parks in this itinerary, it is just as stunning. In fact, the view from the Bear's Hump hike recently won the 'best view in Canada' award.
There are two ways to reach Waterton Lakes National Park. The fastest is via Highway 2, but the more scenic Cowboy Trail (Highway 22) adds just 15 minutes and is well worth it. This route also passes Lundbreck Falls, a beautiful waterfall and great swimming spot.
Lundbreck Falls
From here, the drive passes through Pincher Creek and gets more scenic as the southern plains give way to the approaching mountains.
Explore Red Rock Canyon
The famous Red Rock Canyon is our favourite thing to do at Waterton Lakes, and makes for a great first stop in Waterton.
The canyon is a great spot for kids on a warm day, with natural rock slides and plenty of rocks to climb. In summer, the water is usually shallow, making it suitable for all ages (even our dog has joined in). Two short hikes start here - Red Rock Canyon Loop (0.8 km) and Blakiston Falls (2.4 km).
We’ve written a full blog post with tips for visiting the canyon. You can read it here.
Photograph the Prince of Wales Hotel from Driftwood Beach
If you are looking for that iconic shot of the Prince of Wales hotel, then it more than likely was taken from Driftwood Beach.
Spend the rest of the evening in town - there are lots of places to eat along Waterton Avenue.
DAY 3
The Bear's Hump Hike
The Bear's Hump hike is one of the best hikes in Waterton, and although it is short in distance (2.7km), it is pretty much uphill the whole way. It's pretty exposed to the elements so worth doing early in the morning to avoid the heat. The trailhead is located opposite the Prince of Wales hotel, and there is free parking at the base of the trail.
At the top you are rewarded with one of the best views in the whole of the Canadian Rockies. You get a fantastic view over the town and on a clear day, you can even see as far as Montana in the United States.
Afternoon Tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel
It's hard not to be impressed by the imposing Prince of Wales hotel, that is perched at the top of a hill at the end of Upper Waterton Lake.
The views from the hotel are stunning, and if you decide against hiking the Bear's Hump, then this is your next best option.
You don’t have to be a guest to visit - stop in for afternoon tea, browse the gift shop, or check out the beautiful lobby. Public toilets are also available.
Enjoy Waterton's Beaches
The Waterton townsite is compact, making it easy to stroll the main street, grab a bite or drink, relax at the beach, or rent a bike or paddleboard.
Photograph Cameron Falls
Cameron Falls is just a 5-minute walk from the Waterton townsite. It’s one of the prettiest waterfalls, as the water cascades down the layered rocks in a beautiful way. Even if you only have a few minutes on your way out of the park, it’s worth stopping by. There is plenty of free parking available.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
DAY 4
Drive the Cowboy Trail (Hwy 22)
Since Day 4 involves about four hours of driving, it’s best to start early. Head north on the Cowboy Trail to the small town of Longview. If you missed Lundbreck Falls on the way down, you can stop by now.
Kananaskis & the Highwood Pass
At Longview turn onto Highway 541 toward Kananaskis and head towards the Highwood Pass. Eventually Highway 541 turns into Highway 40, at which point you'll need a Kananaskis Pass.
A reminder that you require a Kananaskis Conservation Pass to stop anywhere along this route. We have written a detailed Q&A on the Kananaskis Pass here.
From here, you have two route options. You can either continue on Highway 40 all the way to Highway 1, passing Kananaskis Village, or take Highway 742 past Spray Lakes and merge onto Highway 1 farther along. See both route options below:
NOTE: Parts of Highway 40 close annually from December 1 to June 14. If you're traveling during these dates, you won’t be able to take either route, and will need to access Highway 1 via Calgary instead.
The drive through the Highwood Pass is breathtaking, and it’s the highest paved pass in Canada, at 7,239 feet above sea level. You’ll pass close to some impressive rock faces!
The pass is also home to some excellent hikes, ranging from easy options like Ptarmigan Cirque and Arethusa Cirque, to more challenging routes such as Pocaterra Cirque and Little Highwood. The Pocaterra Ridge Walk is especially stunning in September during larch season when many trees turn a beautiful gold.
Rawson Lake
Rawson Lake is a fantastic kid-friendly hike that can be enjoyed year-round.
Spray Lakes Provincial Park
If you choose to take the Highway 742 route, you will drive past Spray Lakes, which is a huge lake that spans over 19 sq km. Along the route, you'll find plenty of picnic spots, a campground, and several recreation areas. Some of our favourite hikes, like Tent Ridge and West Wind Pass provide fantastic views of the lake from above.
If you continue on Highway 40 instead of taking Highway 742, stop at Kananaskis Village. There are great short hikes year-round, including the famous Troll Falls hike.
This is also home to the Kananaskis Mountain Lodge, one of the best places to stay in the Rockies. We wrote about our experience here.
Drive to Banff
From Highway 1, it’s about a 30-minute drive to Banff. Remember, you need a National Park Pass to enter the park.
2 WEEK CANADIAN ROCKIES ITINERARY
DAY 5
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Banff National Park is on many travelers' bucket lists, and with so much beauty to take in, it’s a place you won’t forget quickly. We have just three days here, so there’s plenty to fit in. Let’s dive in!
Explore Downtown Banff
OUR HONEST THOUGHTS ON BANFF: As Alberta locals, we have mixed feelings about Banff town centre. It’s undeniably beautiful, but in recent years it has become much busier, especially in the summer. Parking can be a nightmare. Even so, I still recommend staying in Banff (or close by in the town of Canmore). Just keep in mind that Banff is a small(ish) mountain town that attracts a LOT of tourists, so set your expectations accordingly!
Banff Avenue is the main street in town and is lined with shops selling outdoor gear, gifts, and souvenirs, along with plenty of restaurants and bars. Head south across the bridge to find the Banff National Park Administration Building and its beautiful gardens.
You can follow the Bow Falls Trail, which is a paved path that runs alongside the river to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the falls. The walk is about 1 km (one way) and is an easy, leisurely stroll.
To cross the river, head back the way you came, cross the pedestrian bridge, and continue to the famous viewpoint at Surprise Corner for the best views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Tunnel Mountain or Sulphur Mountain Hike (or gondola)
Tunnel Mountain is a great year-round hike that's easily accessible from town. It's a family-friendly 4.5km hike that takes around two hours to complete, and makes a great "first summit" for kids. At the top, you'll be rewarded with impressive views of the town, Mount Rundle, and the valley.
Sulphur Mountain is a popular hike, though it’s longer and more challenging at 11 km. However, you can take the Banff Gondola, which takes about 10 minutes to reach the summit. The views are stunning, but prices aren’t cheap, with costs fluctuating due to dynamic pricing - up to $80 per person in summer.
At the summit, you can enjoy a meal at the Sky Bistro or take a short boardwalk trail to Sanson Peak, where there's an old weather station.
IMPORTANT: if you are planning to ride the Banff Gondola, in addition to other activities such as the Lake Minnewanka Cruise, Columbia Icefields, or the Golden Skybridge, you should consider a Pursuit Pass as it will save you money.
Banff Hot Springs
Just around the corner from the gondola are the Banff Hot Springs. After a long day, it’s a great way to relax those tired muscles. The Hot Springs stay open late, so I’d recommend going later in the day to avoid the crowds.
DAY 6
WARNING. TODAY IS A BIG DAY!
Moraine Lake
While Lake Louise may be Alberta’s most famous lake, I think Moraine Lake is the most beautiful - and arguably the most iconic. Not everyone wants to wake up at the crack of dawn, but watching the sunrise at Lake Moraine is a once in a lifetime experience.
The best views are from the Moraine Lake Rockpile, which is just a short walk — or, if you’ve ever looked up at that dramatic peak behind the lake and wondered if you can get to the top, you can. Here’s how we scrambled to the summit of the Tower of Babel.
You can even rent a canoe from the boathouse at Moraine Lake Lodge, though prices are steep at $140 per hour!
NOTE: Access to Moraine Lake is closed from mid-October to June due to avalanche risk, with the road usually reopening in early June. During May, biking is the only way to access the lake. We cycled to Moraine Lake in May and had the place almost to ourselves.
IMPORTANT PLANNING INFORMATION
Moraine Lake has become so popular and parking so difficult that private vehicles are no longer allowed. You must take a shuttle or join a tour.
You can visit the lake by taking a Parks Canada shuttle, using ROAM public transport, or booking a private tour. The Parks Canada shuttle is the most convenient but also the hardest to secure tickets for.
Reservations open in mid-April, with 40% available in advance and the rest released two days prior. ROAM Public Transit offers a Super Pass from Banff to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake from June to October. There are also private shuttle operators for direct access to the lakes, though we haven't personally used one.
Lake Louise
It makes sense logistically to visit Lake Louise on the same day as Moraine Lake since they are close to each other. Lake Louise is stunning year-round, and you get a different experiences each season. In winter, you can skate, play hockey, cross-country ski, or visit the beautiful ice castle on the lake. In the summer you can rent a canoe, go hiking, or just enjoy the jaw dropping view.
Even if you don’t want to do a longer hike, you can walk along the lakeshore for quieter views of the lake and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Alternatively, if you're up for more of a challenge, you could try the Lake Agnes Tea House hike or the Plain of Six Glaciers hike, both are fantastic.
IMPORTANT PLANNING INFORMATION
Much like Moraine Lake, parking at Lake Louise can be challenging. Unlike Moraine Lake, you can drive your personal vehicle, but there’s no guarantee of finding a spot during peak season. If you are able to find a spot, you're 'rewarded' with a flat-rate parking fee of $36.75.
After 7 p.m., parking is free, and in my experience, we’ve always managed to find a spot at that time, so it's a good option to save some money and avoid the crowds. Otherwise, I’d recommend booking a Parks Canada shuttle, or ROAM public transport as described for Lake Moraine.
A quick photo at Morant's Curve
As you leave Lake Louise, take Highway 1A rather than Highway 1 so that you can stop at the famous Morant's Curve. If you're lucky, you might see a train go past!
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is probably the most popular canyon hike in the Banff area, and it’s definitely worth visiting. To avoid the crowds, try to time your hike for early morning or, as suggested in this itinerary, later in the day.
It's an easy 5 km hike that takes you through the canyon along catwalks suspended over Johnston Creek leading to two stunning waterfalls. It's one of our favourite kid-friendly hikes in the area and can be done year-round.
DAY 7
Lake Minnewanka
Another day, another beautiful lake to visit in the Canadian Rockies!
Lake Minnewanka is just a ten-minute drive from Banff and is easily accessible by car. If you don’t have a car or prefer to be driven, you can take the ROAM bus Route 6 from town.
It's a fantastic spot for lakeside walks, hiking (such as the Aylmer Lookout or C-level Cirque), fishing, swimming, and paddle boarding. In the winter if you get your timings right, you can experience possibly the best natural ice skating anywhere.
You can also hop on a lake cruise run by the Pursuit Collective, which lasts about an hour and travels to Devil’s Gap at the far end of the lake before returning.
REMINDER: This lake cruise is part of the Pursuit Pass, which also includes the Banff Gondola, so consider purchasing if you're considering visiting multiple attractions.
Sunshine Meadows
If I were to recommend just one gondola ride during your stay in Banff, this would be it. In just 20 minutes, you reach an elevation of 2159m and can experience some of the best wildflower hikes in the Canadian Rockies with minimal effort.
If hiking isn’t your thing, you can simply admire the stunning views from the Standish Viewing Deck.
REMINDER: You might have noticed that I haven't included any of the things to do along the Icefield Parkway - these are covered later when we drive to Jasper National Park in Part 2 of this guide.
Continue Reading: Part 2 of the Canadian Rockies Itinerary
Ready to explore more of the Rockies? In Part 2 of this guide, we cover the second half of your journey - including more stunning national parks, mountain towns, and practical travel tips to help you plan.
Here’s what’s included:
Day 8: Kootenay National Park
Days 9 & 10: Yoho National Park
Days 11–13: Jasper National Park
Day 14: Canmore and return to Calgary
When Should I Visit?
How to Get Around