One Week in the Canadian Rockies: Banff, Jasper, Yoho & Kootenay National Parks

There are few places that rival the beauty of the Canadian Rockies—a rugged wilderness of towering peaks, glacial lakes, wildflower-filled valleys, and star-studded skies. Over one unforgettable week, we explored the best of Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, and it honestly felt like living inside a painting.

This itinerary blends iconic experiences (hello, canoeing Lake Louise and walking on glaciers!) with quieter trails and alpine gems. Here’s how to make the most of 7 days in the Canadian Rockies.

Day 1: Arrive in Banff National Park

Stay: Deer Lodge Lake Louise

Highlights: Banff town, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner

Suggested clothing: Comfortable travel clothes, light layers, hiking sandals or sneakers, fleece for evening walks

Fly into Calgary, pick up your rental car, and drive about 1.5 hours to Banff. Spend the afternoon stretching your legs with easy trails like Bow Falls, grabbing a latte at Whitebark Café, and catching sunset at Surprise Corner overlooking the Fairmont Banff Springs.

For sunset, rent a canoe on Lake Louise!

Day 2: Moraine Lake + Hike to Sentinel Pass

Stay: Deer Lodge, Lake Louise (5-min walk from the lake)

Highlights: Moraine Lake sunrise, Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass

Suggested clothing: Warm layers for sunrise (thermal base layer, puffer jacket, beanie, gloves), hiking boots, moisture-wicking socks, sunhat, sunscreen

Wake up early—really early—for a once-in-a-lifetime sunrise at Moraine Lake. The rockpile viewpoint paints the Valley of the Ten Peaks in soft pinks and golds. To access the lake, hop on your pre-booked shuttle (personal vehicles aren’t allowed).

After soaking in the morning stillness, lace up for the Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass hike. You'll climb through a dreamscape of pine forests and golden meadows (especially stunning in late September) before reaching a high saddle with jaw-dropping views of Paradise Valley.

This is a moderate to strenuous hike (11.6 km round-trip), so pace yourself and bring plenty of water, snacks, and bear spray.

Return to Deer Lodge, just a short walk from Lake Louise, and enjoy a warm meal or a soak in the rooftop hot tub under alpine skies.

⏱ 11.6 km round-trip | 792 m elevation gain | ~4–5 hours. Bring snacks, water, and layers. Bear spray is a must!

Day 3: Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake

Stay: Cathedral Mountain Lodge or Emerald Lake Lodge, Field, BC

Suggested clothing: Activewear or quick-dry clothes, windbreaker, water shoes or sandals with grip, light fleece for layering

Wake up and take the short scenic drive into Yoho National Park, one of the Rockies' most underrated gems. Stop at Natural Bridge, where the Kicking Horse River rips through limestone, then head to Emerald Lake. Rent a canoe or SUP and float across waters so green they barely look real.

Paddle across the lake and have a swim and picnic!

For sunset visit the mighty Takakkaw Falls. One of Canada’s tallest waterfalls at 373 meters (1,224 ft), it roars with glacier melt and creates a constant mist rainbow. A short walk takes you to the base—prepare to get a little wet if you go up close!

Your home for the night is Field, a tiny mountain village nestled along the Kicking Horse River. Unplug, relax, and let the silence of the forest surround you.

Insider tip: These lakes can get windy in the afternoon—early paddles are smoothest.reflections.

Day 4: Icefields Parkway Drive + Athabasca Glacier Walk

Stay: 🛏️ Forest Park Hotel, Jasper or Bear Hill Lodge for a cozy cabin stay.

Highlights: Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier walk, Sunwapta Falls

Drive the Icefields Parkway, one of the most stunning highways in the world. Key stops:

• Bow Lake

• Peyto Lake Viewpoint

• Mistaya Canyon

• Sunwapta Falls

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Midday, join a guided glacier walk on the Athabasca Glacier—walking on ancient ice and peering into deep blue crevasses is a must-do.

Settle into Jasper for the evening and dine at The Raven Bistro or Jasper Brewing Co.

Day 5: Explore Jasper National Park

Stay: Forest Park Hotel or Pine Bungalows (riverfront cabins)

Highlights: Maligne Canyon, Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake

Spend the day immersed in Jasper’s wild beauty:

• Maligne Canyon – trail with dramatic waterfalls and bridges

• Medicine Lake – mysterious disappearing lake

• Maligne Lake – rent a kayak or join a boat tour to Spirit Island

  
  

Optional sunset hike: Old Fort Point for epic views with minimal effort.

🐾 Wildlife alert: Jasper has tons of elk, bear, and bighorn sheep—drive slowly and keep your distance.

Day 6: Hike to Floe Lake, Kootenay National Park

Stay: Floe Lake Backcountry Campground (with permit)—OR—Prestige Radium Hot Springs, Radium Hot Springs (if day hiking)

Highlights: Floe Lake hike, wildflowers, turquoise alpine lake

Head south to Kootenay National Park and tackle the Floe Lake trail—a 10.7 km hike that climbs through a burn zone into a pristine alpine basin.

If you scored a backcountry campsite, spend the night under a sky full of stars. Otherwise, hike back and overnight in Radium Hot Springs for a soak.

⏱ 21.4 km return | ~750 m gain | Challenging but stunning

Day 7: Marble Canyon + Scenic Drive to Calgary

Highlights: Marble Canyon, Paint Pots, Lake Minnewanka

Ease into your last day with:

• Radium Hot Springs soak (if you stayed in town)

• Marble Canyon – short loop over turquoise waterfalls

• Paint Pots – vibrant ochre-colored mineral pools

• Lake Minnewanka or Two Jack Lake – peaceful final views

  
  

Head back to Calgary via Banff, return your rental, and maybe grab a final maple donut before your flight.

Final Tips for a Perfect Rockies Trip:

• Best travel time: Late June to mid-September

• Shuttles: Reserve Moraine Lake shuttle online early

• Parks Pass: Get a Parks Canada Discovery Pass

• Weather: Pack layers—expect sun, wind, and even snow

• Wildlife safety: Carry bear spray and hike in groups

• Book early: Glacier walks, lodging, and Floe Lake permits fill up fast