7-Day Canada Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Canada tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaCanada travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Canadian Rockies, incl. Calgary and Jasper

  The Canadian Rockies beckon in this 7-day tour visiting Calgary, Jasper National Park, Banff National Park, and Canmore. Highlights include Athabasca Glacier trek, Spirit Island cruise, hockey experience, and Cree cultural insights, with 6 breakfasts, 2 dinners and luxury accommodation at Chateau Jasper.

  

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  • Day 1

    Calgary

    Your Canadian Rockies adventure begins at the Westin Calgary. "Tip your Stetson to Calgary's cowboy culture - the welcome dinner really helped us bond with our fellow travelers." Take time to settle in and rest. The mountain adventures ahead will need your energy.

    
  • Day 2

    Lake Louise to Jasper (300 km)

    Start early to avoid crowds at Lake Louise. The scenic drive to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway takes 3-4 hours. "The ethereal beauty of Lake Louise with Victoria Glacier as backdrop was breathtaking - get there before 8am to avoid tour buses." Watch for bears and elk along the route.

  • Day 3

    Jasper National Park

    Explore Jasper's highlights starting with an optional morning float trip on the Athabasca River. Visit Maligne Lake and take the 90-minute boat cruise to Spirit Island. "The guided walk at Maligne Canyon was a highlight - bring good hiking shoes as the paths can be slippery even in summer."

  • Day 4

    Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier

    Schedule your Ice Explorer tour mid-morning when the glacier surface is less icy. The all-terrain vehicle ride takes about 20 minutes each way. "Dress in layers and wear sturdy boots - it's cold and slippery on the glacier even on warm days. The pure glacier water taste-testing was a unique experience!"

  • Day 5

    Canmore Hockey Experience

    Try your hand at Canada's favorite sport in Canmore. "Even as non-skaters, the professional coaches made it fun and safe. Wear long socks - the skates can rub!" Take the Banff Gondola in the afternoon for spectacular views of six mountain ranges.

  • Day 6

    Banff National Park

    Visit Surprise Corner and Bow Falls. Get to Surprise Corner before 10am for perfect lighting on the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. In the evening join a Cree guide who shares indigenous perspectives on buffalo.

  • Day 7

    Return to Calgary

    The drive to Calgary takes about 1.5 hours. Book afternoon flights to avoid morning mountain weather. "The early morning fog often clears by 10am - later departures give you better final mountain views."

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• 7 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary, incl. Banff and Jasper

  The Canadian Rockies reveal their beauty over seven days spanning 5 national parks, 7 lakes, and landmarks like Columbia Icefield and Athabasca Falls. Guests stay 6 nights at premium hotels including Banff Aspen Lodge and Whistlers Inn, with daily breakfast and expert guided tours.

  

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  • Day 1

    Calgary to Jasper

    Leave Calgary International Airport before 9 AM to avoid city traffic and head northwest to Jasper National Park. The Icefields Parkway drive takes about 4 hours but plan for 2-3 extra hours to stop at Bow Lake and Columbia Icefield. The Glacier Skywalk can be cold even in summer so bring warm layers.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Jasper National Park

    Stay at the Whistlers Inn in Jasper town for easy access to local restaurants and shops. Get to Maligne Lake by 7 AM before tour buses arrive. The 90-minute scenic cruise is worth the cost for great photos. Spend your afternoon at Maligne Canyon but wear good shoes since limestone paths get slippery. A previous visitor noted: "Give yourself extra time at Peyto Lake viewpoint - the short uphill walk takes longer than expected at high altitude."

    
  • Day 4

    Kootenay National Park

    Drive south through mountain scenery to Kootenay. Walk the Marble Canyon trail (1 km each way) to see interesting geology up close. Get to Radium Hot Springs by 4 PM to find parking before lots fill up. Bring water shoes since surfaces around the springs are slippery.

    
  • Day 5

    Banff National Park

    Get to Johnston Canyon before 8:30 AM to beat the crowds. The Upper Falls trail takes about 2 hours round trip (2.7 km). Spend your afternoon in Banff town and take the Banff Gondola for great views. Book sunset rides early since they sell out. Stay at Banff Aspen Lodge near local restaurants.

    
  • Day 6

    Lake Louise & Yoho

    Arrive at Lake Louise before 8 AM for parking and peaceful views. If you want to see Moraine Lake (open late May-early October) go very early (6 AM) or after 4 PM since midday access is limited. Visit Emerald Lake's rock bridge in Yoho National Park. One traveler recommended: "The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise lunch is pricey but worth it for the view - reserve window seats in advance."

    
  • Day 7

    Waterton Lakes

    The 3-hour drive south to Waterton goes through prairie land before reaching mountains again. The small town is great for seeing wildlife. Bring binoculars to spot bighorn sheep. You can make it back to Calgary for flights after 9:30 PM.

    

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• 7 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary, incl. Banff and Jasper

  Mountain trails beckon in this 7-day trek covering 9 destinations across 3 national parks. Daily 8-16km hikes include Wilcox Pass, Plain of Six Glaciers, and Iceline Trail, with 200-1000m elevation gains, visiting Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Columbia Icefields.

  

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  • Day 1

    Calgary to Lake Louise

    Your Rocky Mountain journey begins with a 2 PM pickup in downtown Calgary. Consider arriving a day early to adjust to the time zone and get any last-minute supplies. The 2.5-hour drive west includes a stop for snacks and camping gear. A past guest shared: "Mother nature threw rain and mosquitos our way, but the guides were well-organized and kept us informed of schedule changes while maintaining flexibility."

    
  • Day 2

    Columbia Icefields & Jasper

    The Wilcox Pass hike offers amazing views of Athabasca Glacier. It's a 10 km trek with 400m elevation gain. Start early to avoid afternoon storms. Pack warm layers since the pass can be 10-15°F cooler than the base. If hiking before July bring micro-spikes because snow often sticks around.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Banff National Park & Lake Louise

    You'll spend two full days in Banff's most popular areas. Day 3 features a challenging 14 km hike climbing 800m. Get to Moraine Lake before 6 AM or you won't find parking. A recent visitor noted: "The guides knew the best places to take us with fewer tourists and unbelievable views."

    
  • Day 5

    Yoho National Park

    The Iceline Trail awaits with its 12 km path and 500m climb. Bring waterproof gear since Takakkaw Falls, Canada's second-highest waterfall will spray you. Watch your step after rain. Pack extra snacks for energy during the steady climb.

    
  • Day 6

    Optional Rafting Day

    Pick between white water rafting on the Kicking Horse River ($160) or a moderate 6 km hike to Paget Lookout. Rafters should pack quick-dry clothes for the glacial waters. Hikers should start early to avoid typical afternoon thunderstorms.

    
  • Day 7

    Banff Hot Springs & Return

    Enjoy a morning soak at Banff Hot Springs. Keep swimwear handy in an accessible bag. The trip ends with drop-offs in Banff or Calgary between 1:30-2:30 PM. Book flights after 5 PM to account for mountain traffic.

    

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