5-Day Canadian Rockies Tour from Vancouver: Banff, Jasper, Icefield, Lake Louise, Maligne Canyon and Lake
Address
2000 Airport Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 6W5, Canada
GPS
51.130257, -114.009656
Have fun with our our 5-day Western Canada Tour and soak in the scenery of Canadian Rockies, Banff, Icefield, Jasper, Moraine Lake, and more!
To explore all of the best that Canada’s Rocky Mountain National Parks have to offer in just five days, this itinerary is perfect for people who are short on time. You will visit three national parks on this tour: Banff, Yoho, and Jasper. Additionally, you will have the opportunity to see the Columbia Icefield. The package includes hotel accommodations for a total of four nights, with two nights spent in Banff and one night spent in Jasper.
Highlights
- Five-day tour of Canada’s Rocky Mountains National Parks: Ideal for those with limited time
- Marvel at the sight of the Columbia Icefield directly at your feet
- Includes four nights’ hotel accommodations, including two in Banff
- Learn all about the parks’ histories and landscapes from your guide
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive Calgary – Airport pick up
Calgary
Welcome to Calgary! Enjoy the dazzling mountain peaks, lush alpine meadows, blue-green lakes, dense forests, and abundant wild animals. Immerse yourself into the nature and enjoy local delicacies. Your choices of add-on activity [Guided / Self-Guided City Tour(at your own cost)] if you arrived in Calgary before 12:00PM.
Day 2 Calgary – Banff Gondola- Bow Falls- Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel-Johnston Canyon
Banff National Park
Traveling on [Canada Transit Highway #1] head to [The Rockies]. Canada is the most preferred tourism country ranked by “Lonely Planet.”
Banff Gondola
Ride the Sulphur Mountain [Banff Gondola (additional charges)] to reach the top of the mountain. At this moment, it seems that a fascinating picture has unfolded. A 3-minute “Above Banff” experience allows you to explore Banff through an eagle-eye perspective with stunning sound effects, advanced visual film processing technology, 3D effect, and perfectly shows the full picture of Banff National Park.
Hoodoos Trail
Witness the “Devil’s Rock” shaped by the force of natural wind erosion, standing on the bank of the Bow River, quietly guarding it like a guardian.
Bow Falls
Bow Falls is not like your typical waterfall, it is wide and short. You can also see the valley that was eroded by glacier activity and the [Bow Falls] over the years.
Surprise Corner
Surprise Corner is about a mile from the centre of Banff town. The surprise at the corner of Tunnel Mountain Road in the town of Banff is the sudden appearance and incredible view of the [Fairmont Banff Springs]
Fairmont Banff Springs
The Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel, also known as the “Castle of the Rockies”, has been around for more than 100 years. This iconic gem is located among the majestic Rocky Mountains and the Bow River. We will make a lunch stop at this Iconic Castle hotel. Optional add-on French Brasserie lunch at your choice (additional fees) .
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is carved into the limestone bedrock from thousands of years of water erosion. It is truly remarkable how powerful water can be in shaping landscapes. On this hike, you will be immersed into a beautiful scene of overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, and lush forest. (Sightseeing: 60 mins) (If the attraction is under maintenance or other force majeure, we will go to Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake as an alternative attraction)
Day 3 Banff-Bow Lake-Peyto Lake-Columbia Icefield-Athabasca Falls-Jasper
Crowfoot Glacier
Attached to the Northeast side of the Crowfoot Mountain and overlooking the Bow Lake lies the Crowfoot Glacier. This huge mass of ice was named a century ago because its appearance resembled that of a three-toed crowfoot. Be sure to take lots of photos because the next time you visit Crowfoot Glacier, it might not look the same anymore!
Bow Lake
[Bow Lake], the lake is a bright turquoise color which is due to the glacial runoff from Bow Glacier. Historical Simpson’s [Num-Ti-Jah] is located on the shores of Bow Lake at the foot of [Mount Jimmy Simpson].
Icefields Parkway
Joining the hamlet of Lake Louise in Banff with the Town of Jasper in Jasper National Park is one of the most scenic highways in the world — Icefields Parkway. Along the 230 km mountain road, every corner on the Icefields Parkway reveals another one of nature’s splendor, from the ancient glaciers and cascading waterfalls to the vivid colours of lakes and lush forests . Many stops along the Icefields Parkway deserve a stop.
Peyto Lake
Located along the Icefields Parkway, approximately 40km north of Lake Louise is the vibrant glacier-fed lake, Peyto Lake. The lake is nestled in majestic mountain ranges which lie on each of its sides. This jaw dropping view is the best reward for an intense scrambling hike. The scenery on the viewpoint looks as if it is a carefully painted piece of art. Peyto Lake’s beauty is comparable with the famous Moraine Lake without as many crowds.
Columbia Ice Field
[Columbia Icefield] is the largest ancient icefield in the Canadian Rockies. A ride on the [Ice Explorer] (additional charges) to explore [Athabasca Glacier]. Discover a different perspective of the remarkable scenery as you peer into what seems like the heart of the planet through a glass-bottomed [Skywalk] (additional charges).
The [Columbia Icefields Skywalk] arches out away from the building approximately 280 m above the valley floor, offering an amazing mountainous view of [Sunwapta Valley] on either side of the skywalk and directly beneath you. (2 activity Sightseeing: 150 mins). You will have a lunch stop with [Western Lunch box](additional fee) here for 60 mins.
Athabasca Falls
Located 30 km south of Jasper town, Athabasca Falls, is one of the most incredible and powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. Although its height is not astonishing, the Athabasca falls is known for its impressive volume and force of water. This splendid waterfall is in the foreground of a stunning backdrop of lush forests, and beautiful rocky mountain ranges.
Jasper
Drive to [Town of Jasper], the simple folk style, vast space that makes us return to nature. [Jasper National Park] is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Day 4 Jasper National Park- Maligne Lake- Maligne Canyon
Medicine Lake
Medicine Lake Lake, also known as “the lake that disappears” is located 20 km southeast of the town of Jasper. Medicine Lake lake is a 7 km long narrow lake that is formed by the Maligne River. Interesting enough, the lake loses water as it flows. Why is that you may ask? When the water is on its way to merge with the Athabasca river, it reaches the medicine lake area, and pools up to form the Lake over the largest inaccessible limestone cave system.
Maligne Lake
22km long, the majestic Maligne Lake is the second-largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. Discover the world-famous [Spirit Island] only accessible by boat, on a cruise that has been running for over 60 years in Jasper. The [Maligne Lake Cruise] (additional charges) was once declared the “Best Boat Cruise in Canada” by 8 million Reader Digest subscribers. (Seasonal/*Alternative attraction: Pyramid Lake, Patricia Lake *).
[Spirit Island] The island is a spiritual place for the Stoney Nakoda First Nation, who believe mountains are physical representations of their ancestors. What is more, you can have[Maligne Lake Historical Chalet Buffet](additional fee,if less than 15pax for lunch booking, it may be replaced with a plate meal or self-choice lunch with soup, sandwich & dessert) (additional charge).
Maligne Canyon
Get ready to explore Maligne Canyon, located 1.8 km past the Jasper exit. Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. You will not regret exploring this remarkable natural landmark by crossing six bridges built across several different points of the canyon. Every bridge gives you an all-new perspective of the canyon and are all photo taking opportunities you do not want to miss.
Sasketchawan River Crossing
The Saskatchewan River Crossing is an interesting place to stop for a short rest as you are driving near the junction of Banff National Park and the Icefields Parkway. This place was actually named “The Crossing” because back in the 19th century, travelers and fur traders would use this spot to cross the North Saskatchewan River on their way to the beautiful province of British Columbia.
Day 5 Lake Louise-Moraine Lake-Yoho National Park-Emerald Lake-Natural Bridge-Calgary
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks, overlooked by a stately chateau and backed by [Victoria Glacier] and elevated by [Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise]
Moraine Lake
[Moraine Lake] (Open Seasonal/*Alternative Attractions: Two Jack Lake, Lake Minnewanka*). Its waters are the most amazing color, a vivid shade of turquoise that changes in intensity throughout the summer as the glaciers melt. Set in the rugged Valley of the [Ten Peaks], Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal.
Lake Louise Village Grill & Bar
We will have a lunch stop here (Optional add-on Asian or Western Set Lunch is available with additional fees)
Emerald Lake
One of the most admired destinations in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake. This gorgeous emerald coloured lake is a result of the light refracting the deposit of rock flour in the lake. Emerald Lake is surrounded by the President Range that forms a natural amphitheater with towering forested banks. If you look carefully, you might be able to spot some really cool wildlife such as marmots, bald eagle, bears, loons, and the occasional moose!
Natural Bridge
Stop at the [Natural Bridge] along the way and admire the Kicking Horse River as it carves a path through ancient rock. You can hear the roar of the disappearing water churning and ejecting beneath the bridge to further reinforce the move in making this a legitimate waterfall. Please ensure that your flight departs after 9:30 pm.
