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DESTINATIONS VISITED:Alberta
PLACES VISITED:Banff, Canmore, Jasper, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake
SUGGESTED DURATION:5 Days
There are places in this world that photographs simply cannot do justice. The Canadian Rockies is at the top of that list. This five-day experience moves through the very best of Banff National Park, Canmore, Lake Louise, and Jasper in a way that feels effortless rather than exhausting. You will hike the cliffside catwalks of Johnston Canyon, stand at the Peyto Lake viewpoint on the Icefields Parkway, cruise across Maligne Lake to Spirit Island, and finish at Moraine Lake surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks with glacial water so impossibly blue it looks painted. The moderate trails, the mountain towns, the once-in-a-lifetime views, it all comes together into something that feels less like a trip and more like a story you will tell for the rest of your life. I would love to help you plan yours.
Close All Days
DAY1
Banff
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Banff Downtown and Local Hiking
Day one grounds you in the charming Banff townsite. You will paddle the Bow River with the Banff Canoe Club, hike the legendary cliffside catwalks of Johnston Canyon to its stunning blue waterfalls, and end the evening with a locally sourced dinner at The Bison.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Rocky Mountain Bagel Company for Breakfast
Canoeing at Banff Canoe Club (1 hr)
Lunch at Good Earth
Hike Johnston Canyon (2-2.5 hours)
Dinner at The Bison
Beaver Tails for Dessert
Shopping in Downtown Banff
DAY2
Canmore
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Explore Downtown Canmore
Create memories in the mountain town of Canmore for a Bow River walk, creative fuel at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company, and indoor rock climbing at Elevation Place.
Canmore is the town I suggest travelers make their homebase for their trip. While Banff is amazing and beautiful, I think Canmore is even more beautiful and has so much to offer. It's more affordable to stay in and less crowded.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Policeman Creek Loop Trail into Downtown Canmore
Walk to Bow River Loop Trail along the Bow River right next to downtown
Lunch at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company
Ice Cream at Old School Bus Ice Cream
Shopping in Downtown Canmore
Adventure and Indoor Rock Climbing at Elevation Place
Walk the Policeman Creek Trail bakc to the Spring Creek Area
DAY3
Lake Louise
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Hiking Around Lake Louise
Lake Louise is the one of the most iconic glacial lakes in the world. You'll hike one of the more popular trails, Little Beehive, for panoramic views over the valley that will stop you in your tracks. One the way you'll stop by two beautiful scenic spots, Mirror Lake and Lake agnes whihc is home to the famous Lake Agnes Teahouse.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Shuttle to Lake Louise
Hike Little Beehive Trail
Stop at Mirror Lake
Stop at Lake Agnes
Picnic at the top of Little Beehive
Explore Around Lake Louise (canoe rentals available)
DAY4
Jasper
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Iconic Drive on the icefields Parkway and an Unforgettable Boat Tour
You cannot miss driving down the iconic icefields Parkway. On your way from Canmore to Jasper you will encounter some of the most beautiful places in the area: Peyto Lake Overlook, the Columbia Icefield, and Athabasca Glacier. Once in Jasper you will experience Spirit Island, one of the most photographed places in the world, via boat tour on Maligne Lake.
Jasper is an entire area ll its own and you could spend several days here! For this trip it is a day visit!
HIGHLIGHTS:
Drive to Peyto Lake Overlook
Drive Along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper
Maligne Lake Boat Tour to Spirit Island
Dinner at Jasper Brewing Company
Visit at Athabasca Glacier
Drive Back to Canmore
DAY5
Moraine Lake
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Hiking Around Moraine Lake
Visit the iconic Moraine Lake. There is truly nothing like it! You cannot access Moraine Lake by car so you have to reserve a shuttle ahead of time or coordinate a tour company to take you. Spots fill up fast! You could also arrange to stay at the Moraine Lake Lodge.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Shuttle to Moraine Lake
Hike the Rockpile Hike
Coffee and Snacks at the Moraine Lake Lodge Cafe
Hike the Moraine Lake Shoreline Trail
Hike to Consolation Lakes
Shuttle back to Canmore
Dinner at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Company
FINAL THOUGHTS
Some destinations change the way you see the world. The Canadian Rockies is one of them. Let this be the trip that takes your breath away. I would love to help you plan every moment