Canadian Rockies road trip

Canadian Rockies road trip | Campervan hire | Indie Campers

Map route from Jasper National Park to Calgary, passing through Banff National Park, Lake Louise, and other landmarks.

Stop 1: Banff National Park

Worth a visit:

Tunnel Mountain: Breathtaking views over the Bow Valley. This scenic valley was carved out by glaciers over a million years ago and is now home to some of Banff's most popular attractions.
Lake Minnewanka: Paddle across this serene lake. The lake also offers a great opportunity to walk to a number of waterfalls, swim, or simply relax along the pebbly shore while taking in the majestic view of the surrounding mountains.
Banff Gondola: Catch the sunset on the ride up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the park.

Where to eat:

Eddie Burger & Bar ($): American-style burgers, chips and milkshakes in a retro-style diner.
The Maple Leaf Grille ($$): Canadian cuisine in a cosy mountain-lodge atmosphere.
The Bison Restaurant ($$$): Refined farm-to-table dishes in an elegant setting.

Where to park for the night:

Setting off from Calgary...

You will begin your Canadian Rockies road trip in the morning by making the scenic 1.5-hour drive west of Calgary to Banff National Park.

Established in 1885, Banff is Canada’s first national park. The park encompasses 6,641 square kilometres of unspoiled, remote wilderness. It is home to bears, elk, bighorn sheep and moose — just to name a few.

Spend your time in Banff exploring on foot, by boat or by bike. This stunning region offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.

Stop 2: Icefields Parkway

Worth a visit:

Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint: A short 20-minute walk that leads to spectacular vistas overlooking the snow-dusted mountain tops. If you listen closely you might even hear the thunderous rumbles of the ice reshaping the landscape.
Mistaya Canyon: Cross the narrow bridge to get a true sense of the powerful Mistaya River that flows in the deep canyon below.
Peyto Lake: The most iconic view in the Canadian Rockies, this lake boasts a stunning blue colour and plenty of opportunities for walking and exploring.

Where to eat:

Big Horn Cafe ($): A casual diner known for its homemade pies and sandwiches.
Num-Ti-Jah Lodge ($$): The historic lodge has mountain views and offers elk, bison and trout.

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As you leave the charming town of Banff, head down Highway 93, also known as the Icefields Parkway. This stunning road links Banff to Jasper National Park and offers breathtaking scenery with plenty of opportunities to explore.

As you drive, you'll be flanked by towering peaks, massive glaciers and sparkling lakes. Keep an eye out for herds of moose and elk wandering the valleys, and be ready to pull over for a photo of the picturesque backdrop.

Every bend in the road brings more chances to explore the Canadian Rockies. You'll find viewpoints, walking trails and pristine lakesides — perfect for breaking up your long, scenic drive through the mountains.

Stop 3: Jasper National Park

Worth a visit:

Miette Hot Springs: Enjoy a soak in these remote sulphur hot springs located just east of the town of Jasper.
Columbia Icefield: Take an Ice Explorer onto the glaciers for incredible scenery
Athabasca Falls: Hike to this thunderous cascade – one of the most stunning waterfall displays in the Canadian Rockies.

Where to eat:

Patricia Street Deli ($): A cosy and casual deli with homemade soups, sandwiches, and salads. It’s best known for its breakfasts
The Raven Bistro ($$): A swanky bistro offering creative takes on traditional Canadian cuisine. Enjoy elk tenderloin and Alberta steak.
The Crimson Jasper ($$$): A fine dining option at the Crimson Hotel. This restaurant is perfect for anyone who fancies a farm-to-table meal.

Breathing in

Reward yourself for completing the Icefields Parkway drive by stretching your legs in Jasper National Park. This park is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The national park is characterised by abundant wildlife, thundering waterfalls, vast ice fields and seemingly endless alpine scenery.

The park offers a multitude of opportunities to canoe, kayak and hike amid the quintessential alpine scenes of the Canadian Rockies. In the evenings, explore the town or join a dark-sky astronomy tour to learn all about the planets.

Once you’ve had your fill of nature, head to the charming mountain town of Jasper, located in the park. Learn about the history of the park, sip tea in cosy cafés or spend time in any of the quaint shops along the high street.

Stop 4: Yoho National Park

Worth a visit:

Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint: Take in an incredible feat of engineering and the Continental Divide from this spectacular vantage point.
Takakkaw Falls: Fed by the Daly Glacier, this spectacular waterfall will leave you breathless.
Lake Agnes Trail: Walk this scenic trail through dense forests and past cascading waterfalls. Arrive at a mountain lake and enjoy a snack in the floating tearoom.

Where to eat:

The Siding Cafe ($): A small cafe in Field that offers home-cooked meals and delicious baked goods. Perfect for breakfast and lunch.
Truffle Pigs Bistro ($$): Elk burgers, wild-caught salmon and bison stew. Enjoy Canadian Rockies classics in this relaxed, rustic environment.

Yoho

When exploring the Canadian Rockies, Yoho National Park offers a unique chance to get up close and personal with Canadian history. For nature lovers and history buffs, Yoho National Park is the perfect detour to break up your trip down the Icefields Parkway.

Marvel at the impressive Spiral Tunnels, be enamoured by the views of the Continental Divide, and explore lush valleys and towering waterfalls. Located in the true heart of the Canadian Rockies, this off the beaten track location gives you a chance to escape the tourist crowds.

Explore the area on foot, by boat or even by bike. Whatever your level of passion for the outdoors, Yoho has something for every nature lover.

Stop 5: Lake Louise

Worth a visit:

Lake Louise: A turquoise lake with abundant wildlife
Ink Pots: A series of blue-green pools cascading into a canyon
Upper Hot Springs: Sulphurous hot springs with stunning views

Where to eat:

Lagan’s Bakery ($): A quaint bakery in Lake Louise Village
Bill Peyto’s Cafe ($$): A cosy waterfront café at the Lake Louise Inn
The Post Hotel Dining Room ($$): Elegant dining with regional cuisine

Where to park for the night:

This one will take your breath away...

When travelling through the Canadian Rockies in your campervan, you can't miss Lake Louise. Get up early to avoid the crowds and catch the golden morning light dancing across the serene surface of the lake.

Walk round the water's edge, stretch your legs at the Ink Pots, a stunning series of blue-green pools, and soak up the steam at the Upper Hot Springs.

Stop 6: Kananaskis Country

Worth a visit:

Wasootch Peak Hike: A hike that ends with a breathtaking 360° view of the Canadian Rockies' Continental Divide
Heart Creek via ferrata: Climb ladders, bridges and mountain trails to reach spectacular views
Chester Lake: An off the beaten track alpine lake framed by rugged peaks

Where to eat:

Grizzly Paw Brewing ($$): Canmore pub grub in a laid-back vibe
Crazyweed Kitchen ($$): Locally sourced Canadian cuisine in Canmore
The Kananaskis Mountain Lodge ($$$): Elegant lodge dining with pasta, seafood and an extensive wine list.

Wrapping up

To the east of Banff lies the scenic Kananaskis region. This area of protected parkland is home to plentiful wildlife such as moose, elk, bears, birds and wolves. It's a popular local spot for outdoor activities.

While exploring the area you'll find a variety of beautiful landscapes, from mountains and valleys to plains. Enjoy activities such as climbing, fishing and even skiing if you visit in winter.