Itinerary
- Day 1
Banff to Lake Louise
Your journey starts with an evening departure from Banff heading to HI Lake Louise hostel. Once you arrive, you'll get settled into your accommodation and have time to rest up. This is your chance to prepare for the next couple of days exploring two of Canada's most visited national parks. Grab dinner if you haven't already, then turn in early since tomorrow involves quite a bit of driving and sightseeing.
Landmarks/POIs Lake Louise - Day 2
Icefields Parkway - Jasper
This morning you'll head out to Lake Louise, one of the most recognizable spots in the Canadian Rockies. If conditions allow, you'll also visit Moraine Lake, which sits just a short drive away. After that, the real adventure begins as you drive the Icefields Parkway, a route that takes you through some serious mountain scenery. Along the way, you'll stop at Crowfoot Glacier, Peyto Lake, and Mistaya Canyon. Keep your eyes open for wildlife like elk, mountain goats, and bears in the distance. By evening you'll reach your wilderness hostel, which has a sauna, campfire area, and the option to join a home-cooked group dinner if you're interested.
Included Activities
- Visit Lake Louise
- Visit Moraine Lake (seasonal)
- Journey along Icefields Parkway
- Stop at Crowfoot Glacier
- Stop at Peyto Lake
- Stop at Mistaya Canyon
- Access to hostel sauna
- Campfire under the stars
Optional Activities
- Home-style group dinner (potluck)
Landmarks/POIs Lake Louise Moraine Lake Icefields Parkway Crowfoot Glacier Peyto Lake Mistaya Canyon - Day 3
Jasper National Park to Banff
Today focuses on Jasper National Park and its glacial features. You'll start with Big Bend Lookout, then move on to Columbia Icefield for views of the vast expanse of ice. The highlight is likely the hike to the toe of Athabasca Glacier, though this depends on weather and trail conditions. After that, you'll see Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls on your way south. By evening you're back in Banff where dinner awaits at Cougar Pete's Restaurant and Lookout, a fitting end to your national parks tour.
- Meals
- Dinner (Dinner at Cougar Pete's Restaurant and Lookout)
Included Activities
- Stop at Big Bend Lookout
- Visit Columbia Icefield
- Hike to toe of Athabasca Glacier (conditions permitting)
- Visit Sunwapta Falls (parking permitting)
- Visit Athabasca Falls
- Dinner at Cougar Pete's Restaurant and Lookout
Landmarks/POIs Big Bend Lookout North Saskatchewan River Valley Columbia Icefield Athabasca Glacier Sunwapta Falls Athabasca Falls
