Alberta Canada is a beautiful road trip full of snow-covered mountain peaks, pine fresh air, hundreds of distant glaciers, brilliant turquoise lakes, waterfalls, alpine meadows, and charming resort towns. This epic road trip through Alberta Canada brings you to three National Parks: Waterton Lakes National Park, Banff National Park including Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park including the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier. The area is full of wildlife including grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, mountain goats, and moose. Be sure to eat poutine and anything maple during this 10-day Alberta Canada road trip.
You are excited to begin your road trip through Alberta Canada and want to know the best time of year to visit, where to stay, must-see attractions, and where to eat while there. Researching the best things to do on a road trip through Alberta Canada while working full time is overwhelming and you don’t have hours to spend on the internet. Save time and plan an unforgettable trip full of top activities with this ultimate Alberta Canada road trip itinerary.
READ: Complete Canada Travel Guide, What You Need to Know
Alberta Canada, Canadian Rocky Mountains Road Trip Planner
When is the Best Time to Visit the Alberta Canada?
The high season is June-September and December-February. Daytime highs during the summer are 68 to 77°F and can reach the mid to upper 90s. Daytime highs during the winter months are 23 to 5°F but can reach -22 to -40°F. Many roads and popular areas are closed in the winter. Expect rain in the summer and snow in the winter.
Visit in the spring to see wildlife. You won’t be disappointed, check out my video below. The Calgary Stampede is held in the first couple weeks of July. Winter brings skiing, snowshoeing, and soaking in hot springs under the stars. The Northern Lights are visible from September until mid-May. Note that Lake Louise does not thaw until early June while Moraine Lake does not thaw until mid-June.
What is the Best Way to Travel the Alberta Canada?
You will need your own transportation to follow this 10-day Alberta Canada road trip itinerary. Save precious PTO by flying from your home to Calgary Canada and renting a car to continue the journey. You will also need a National Park Pass. Purchase it online HERE.
How Long Do You Need to See the Alberta Canada?
Alberta Canada is a province located in western Canada. The Canadian Rocky Mountains are to the west and the badlands are to the east. Montana and the shared Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park are to the south. It is possible to visit Calgary, Waterton Lakes National Park, Banff National Park and Lake Louise, and Jasper National Park including the Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Glacier in 10 days. If you have more time, consider taking the train to Vancouver Canada.
How Expensive is Alberta Canada?
Traveling is expensive post-COVID and my prices are no longer accurate. Expect to pay $5000 plus airfare to complete this 10-day Canadian Rockies road trip with hotel accommodations.
What to pack for an Alberta Canada road trip
Layers! I was not prepared for snow during my end-of-June visit. I have also been in the area during the first of July and wore a tank top hiking Johnson Canyon. Be prepared for it all and bring a jacket, gloves, umbrella, and raincoat. Be sure to pack cleats if you are visiting in the winter months.
Canadian Rockies Alberta Canada Road Trip Highlights
Attend the Calgary Stampede, enjoy high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton Lakes National Park, learn about dinosaurs in Drumheller, and check out the Canadian Badlands. Head to Banff National Park and hike the Johnston Canyon catwalk, shop downtown Banff for souvenirs, photograph Victoria Glacier across Lake Louise, hike to Lake Agnes Tea House for tea above a waterfall, and canoe Moraine Lake. Drive the scenic Icefields Parkway stopping at Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Weeping Wall, Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Creek Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls. In Jasper National Park take a lake cruise past Spirit Island on Maligne Lake. hike Pyramid Lake, Maligne Canyon, and the Valley of the Five Lakes.
Day-by-Day Guide for a Road Trip for Alberta Canada and the Canadian Rockies
ROUTE AT A GLANCE: Calgary – Waterton Lakes National Park – Drumfeller and Canadian Badlands – Banff National Park – Jasper National Park
MILES: 1200 miles
HOW MANY DAYS: 10
Day One and Two: Arrive in Calgary Canada
Calgary is the largest city in Alberta and is the perfect starting point to explore the Canadian Rockies. The city is surrounded by prairies, foothills, and mountains along with a dazzling city skyline and two beautiful rivers snaking their way through the city. The area is full of fun things to do: go bobsledding at the Canada Olympic Park, check out the views from the top of Calgary Tower, photograph the Calgary skyline from Prince’s Island Park, have dinner on Calgary’s Stephen Avenue, check out the gorilla rainforest at the Calgary Zoo and so much more. If possible, plan your trip during the famous Calgary Stampede and enjoy the rodeo, concerts, and pancake breakfasts.
Overnight: Calgary Canada
READ Things to Do in Calgary Canada
Day Three: Waterton Lakes National Park and Red Rock Canyon
Waterton Lakes National Park sits in the Canadian Rocky Mountains and is full of glaciers, waterfalls, evergreen forests, trickling streams, scenic pullovers, picnic spots, red Adirondack chairs, and more. Popular park activities include hiking, horseback riding, biking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Although most of the town is closed down during the winter, the park is open for ice skating, snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice climbing. Bighorn sheep, elk, moose, black bears, and grizzly bears live in Waterton Lakes.
How to Spend One Day at Waterton Lakes National Park
6 am Grab a coffee and breakfast roll before driving toward Waterton. Stop at the roadside of Lundbreck Falls on the way.
9 am Drive the scenic Red Rock Parkway to Red Rock Canyon. Hike Red Rock Canyon and Blakiston Falls.
11 am Stop at Driftwood Beach to photograph the Prince of Wales Hotel. Continue on to photograph Cameron Falls.
12 pm Shop for souvenirs on Waterton Ave before having lunch. Photograph the Prince of Wales Hotel from International Peace Park, or, enjoy high tea at the Prince of Wales Hotel and hike up Bears Hump for lake views.
4 pm Take a cruise on Waterton Lake before returning to Calgary Canada.
Overnight: Calgary Canada
READ Waterton Lakes National Park Travel Guide
Day Four: Drumheller and Canadian Badlands
The Canadian Badlands are full of eroded sandstone cliffs and hoodoos. Drumheller is the Dinosaur Capital of the World and is world-renowned for dinosaur fossils. Explore Dinosaur Hall at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Photograph the sandstone cliffs at Horsethief Canyon and take a walk on the Hoodoos Trail while in the area. Be sure to climb the 106 steps up Tyra, the World’s Largest Dinosaur, for views of the Canadian Badlands. The Canadian Badlands are a 1.5-hour drive from Calgary.
Overnight: Calgary Canada
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It is the oldest of Canada’s National Parks and became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. This is grizzly bear country. Get excited if you are driving and traffic suddenly stops; start looking for grizzlies along the side of the road. Banff is a small resort town within Banff National Park. 3 million people visit this charming town yearly and it is a great base with many things to do when visiting the area. You will be spending three days here. Browse the highlights below and add them to the excursions to Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake as time allows.
Stop for a meal at a brewpub in downtown Banff then shop for a few souvenirs
Take the scenic Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Go for a covered wagon ride and enjoy a cookout
Hike up Tunnel Mountain
Take a walk along the Bow Falls Trail and relax by the river
Ride the Banff Gondola and check out the views from the ridgetop boardwalk
Soak in a hot spring with a view at Banff Upper Hot Springs
Take a ghost tour
Explore Fairmont Banff Springs, the Castle in the Rockies
Enjoy high tea at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel
READ Fairmont Banff Springs Afternoon Tea in the Rockies
READ Banff National Park Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
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Day Four: Hike Johnston Canyon in Banff National Park
Leave Calgary Canada and drive the scenic Bow Valley Parkway toward Banff National Park. Johnston Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park and no Alberta Canada road trip would be complete without a stop here. The trail leads through a pine forest to a series of catwalks attached to a narrow deep rock canyon. As you follow the catwalk Johnston Creek’s crystal clear turquoise water rushes beneath you, it is breathtaking. The best view of the lower falls is from the bridge. Cross the bridge, duck under a tunnel, and find yourself on a small metal platform directly in front of the falls. You will be amazed by the power of the falls, and you will get wet!
There are three popular hikes at Johnston Canyon Trail. The lower falls trail is a simple 1.4-mile out-and-back hike. Continue on to the upper falls for a moderate hike with an incline. The falls can be viewed from the base or above. The third hike takes you to the inkpots; seven jewel-colored, cold mineral springs, and a meadow. Be sure to wear hiking shoes and layers, the area is shaded and can be cool. There are no services in the area, bring water and snacks. Arrive early, the area is popular and the parking lot is small. Be prepared to get wet! Do not veer off the path, if you slip and fall into the creek you will be swept away.
Overnight in Banff
Day Five: Explore Lake Louise in Banff National Park
Lake Louise is an icon of the Canadian Rockies. The beautiful Fairmont Chateau sits at the foot of majestic snow-covered mountains and Victoria Glacier is in the distance feeding the turquoise lake. Be sure to photograph Victoria Glacier across Lake Louise. Hike to the Fairview lookout and take a photo looking back at the hotel. Explore the upscale Fairmont Chateau and canoe on the lake. Take the 4.5-mile hike to Lake Agnes Tea House for tea above a waterfall or hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House for tea with a view. The Lake Louise Station Restaurant is a great place for lunch while watching the trains go by.
Overnight in Banff
Day Six: Canoe Moraine Lake in Banff National Park
Moraine Lake sits in the Valley of Ten Peaks and is surrounded by pine trees and snowcapped mountains. The lake is fed by glacier water and is bluest after the glacier begins to melt in June and July. This is a great spot to relax and spend an afternoon canoeing on the lake. Be sure to take the Rockpile Trail for gorgeous views. There are many well-marked hiking trails in this area. Observe the signs and bring bear spray!
Overnight in Banff
Day Seven: Drive the Scenic Icefields Parkway
Pack a lunch and plan to spend the entire day stopping at the viewpoints. Do not miss Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, the Weeping Wall, Athabasca Glacier, Tangle Creek Falls, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls. Attempt to arrive in Jasper National Park around 5 pm and visit Miette Hot Springs for a soak after a long day in the car.
Overnight in Jasper
Day Eight: Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is known for the Columbia Icefield and its abundance of wildlife. You will also find snowcapped mountain peaks, waterfalls, turquoise glacier-fed lakes, hot springs, and red Adirondack chairs. Elk, moose, cougars, deer, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and grizzly bears live in Jasper. Popular summer activities include hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, rafting, canoeing, paddleboarding, and white water rafting. Skiing, snowboarding, ice climbing, ice skating, dog sledding, sleigh rides, and the Maligne Canyon ice walk are popular in the winter months.
How to Spend One Day at Jasper National Park
8 am Grab coffee and a breakfast roll to enjoy while you hike past waterfalls in Maligne Canyon.
11 am Stop for a picnic lunch at Medicine Lake.
12:30 Cruise Maligne Lake past Spirit Island.
2 pm Take a walk around Pyramid Lake.
Overnight in Jasper
READ Jasper National Park Travel Guide
Day Nine: Walk on Athabasca Glacier
Prebook the Ice Explorer Glacier Tour for the earliest time available. Get up early to check out of the hotel, have breakfast in town, and return to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Spend approximately 3 hours on the Athabasca Glacier and walking across the Glacier Skywalk. Continue on to Calgary Canada and enjoy dinner on Stephen Avenue.
Overnight in Calgary Canada
Day Ten: Return Flight from Calgary Canada
Have More Time? Spend the day at the West Edmonton Mall, the biggest mall in North America, look for bison at Elk Island, visit Yoho National Park, take the rappelling adventure tour of Canmore Cave, or stop to support the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary rescue center in Canmore.
Be sure to check the Alberta Canada Office of Tourism website for current events and festivals.
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