Day 1 — Calgary
Sun, 11 Oct 2026 · Arrival in Calgary · Gateway to the Rockies
1–10°C · ≈ $250 · Light walking
- 09:00 — 🛬 Arrive and Collect Rental Car — Calgary Intl Airport. Pick up your full-size SUV rental at Calgary Airport, ready for your Rockies self-drive adventure. Spacious, comfortable, and suited for mountain roads.
- 14:00 — 🏞️ Explore Calgary's Prince's Island Park — Prince's Island Park, Downtown. Enjoy a gentle urban walk around the park's scenic river views, perfect to stretch legs after your flight and relax into the mountain atmosphere.
- 19:00 — 🍽️ Dinner at Alloy Restaurant — Downtown Calgary. Modern Canadian bistro featuring local game and mountain-inspired dishes, warm ambience perfect for settling in before the Rockies drive.
Day 2 — Banff
Mon, 12 Oct 2026 · Calgary to Banff · First Glimpse of the Rockies
-1–9°C · ≈ $340 · Moderate walking
- 08:00 — 🚗 Scenic Drive Calgary to Banff — Calgary to Banff Highway. Drive along the Trans-Canada Highway through picturesque foothills, gradually revealing majestic Rocky Mountain vistas and wildlife sightings en route.
- 11:00 — 🥾 Hike to Johnston Canyon Falls — Johnston Canyon, Banff National Park. Easy to moderate trail along catwalks above the canyon featuring frozen waterfalls this season, stunning views great for photography.
- 15:00 — 🏔️ Visit Banff Avenue and Bow River Walk — Banff Avenue, Banff. Explore Banff’s charming main street with shops and galleries then stroll the scenic Bow River trail for iconic mountain and town photos.
Day 3 — Banff
Tue, 13 Oct 2026 · Banff Town and National Park Adventures
-1–9°C · ≈ $390 · ~7 km on foot
- 8:30 AM — 🏞️ Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain — Sulphur Mountain, Banff National Park. Ascend Sulphur Mountain via gondola for panoramic views over Banff and the Rockies. Enjoy short boardwalk trails at the summit with perfect photo ops of the valley below.
- 12:30 PM — 🍽️ Lunch at Magpie & Stump — Banff Avenue, Banff. Experience southwestern-inspired fare with vegetarian options in a lively, rustic setting on Banff Avenue. Great spot to refuel before afternoon exploring.
- 2:30 PM — 🐻 Visit Banff Park Museum National Historic Site — Banff Avenue, Banff. Explore the historic natural history museum showcasing regional wildlife exhibits and native species displays, ideal for learning about local flora and fauna.
Day 4 — Lake Louise
Wed, 14 Oct 2026 · Banff to Lake Louise · Iconic Lakes & Mountain Views
-3–7°C · ≈ $370 · Light walking
- 8:00 AM — 🚗 Drive Banff to Lake Louise — Banff to Lake Louise Road. Scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise, watching for wildlife and soaking in classic Rocky Mountain vistas.
- 10:30 AM — 🥾 Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House — Lake Louise Trailhead, Lake Louise. Moderate 7 km trail ascending past Mirror Lake to a historic tea house with mountain views and light refreshments available.
- 6:00 PM — 🍽️ Dinner at Fairview Dining Room — Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Lake Louise. Elegant dining with spectacular views of Lake Louise, offering locally sourced ingredients and seasonal Canadian dishes.
Day 5 — Yoho NP (Field)
Thu, 15 Oct 2026 · Lakes & Waterfalls: Yoho National Park Day Trip
-2–8°C · ≈ $340 · ~6 km on foot
- 9:00 AM — 🌊 Visit Emerald Lake — Emerald Lake, Yoho NP. Start early at Emerald Lake, famous for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Walk the easy lakeshore trail and enjoy photography opportunities in crisp autumn light.
- 11:30 AM — 🥾 Hike to Wapta Falls — Wapta Falls Trailhead, Field. Moderate 5 km round-trip hike to spectacular Wapta Falls with impressive glacier-fed water flow. Well-marked trail through forest, rewarding scenic views near the waterfall.
- 2:00 PM — 🍴 Lunch and exploration in Field village — Field village, Yoho NP. Enjoy casual lunch at Truffle Pigs Bistro, known for locally sourced dishes. Afterwards, stroll Field’s shops and visitor centre to learn about Yoho's natural heritage.
Day 6 — Icefields Parkway
Fri, 16 Oct 2026 · Lake Louise to Jasper via Icefields Parkway
-6–4°C · ≈ $480 · Light walking
- 9:00 AM — 🏞️ Glacier walk at Athabasca Glacier — Athabasca Glacier, Icefields Parkway. Join a guided glacier walk on Athabasca, part of Columbia Icefield. Learn about glaciology and ecology with expert guides in proper safety gear.
- 12:00 PM — 🌄 Visit Glacier Skywalk — Glacier Skywalk, Icefields Parkway. Walk the glass-floored observation platform extending over Sunwapta Valley for thrilling views of glaciers and mountain peaks below.
- 6:30 PM — 🍽️ Dinner in Jasper — Jasper town centre. Dine at Fiddle River Restaurant offering elk and freshwater trout dishes in a warm setting. Perfect for a hearty mountain meal after the drive.
Day 7 — Jasper
Sat, 17 Oct 2026 · Jasper Town and Surrounds · Wildlife and Trails
-4–7°C · ≈ $370 · Moderate walking
- 9:00 AM — 🐻 Exploring Jasper Wildlife Sanctuary — Jasper Wildlife Sanctuary. Spot local fauna including elk, bears, and eagles in their natural habitat. Guided tours offer excellent photography chances and wildlife insights.
- 1:00 PM — 🥾 Valley of the Five Lakes Hike — Valley of the Five Lakes Trail. Wander scenic trails linking five turquoise lakes, rich with autumn colours. Moderate terrain with rest spots and viewpoints ideal for light hiking.
- 4:30 PM — 🏛️ Jasper Cultural Centre Visit — Jasper Cultural Centre, Jasper. Discover local history, Indigenous culture and natural heritage exhibits within this informative visitor hub. A cosy place to unwind after outdoor time.
Day 8 — Jasper
Sun, 18 Oct 2026 · Glacier Adventure & Hiking Day
-8–4°C · ≈ $490 · Moderate to vigorous walking
- 8:30 AM — 🧊 Guided Ice Walk on Athabasca Glacier — Athabasca Glacier. Experience a guided walk on the glacier led by trained guides, exploring blue ice caves, crevasses, and frozen formations.
- 1:30 PM — 🚶 Hiking the Wilcox Pass Trail — Wilcox Pass Trailhead. Scenic alpine hike with stunning views of glaciers and valleys. Moderate difficulty with some elevation gain, suitable for prepared hikers.
- 5:30 PM — 📷 Visit Glacier Skywalk — Glacier Skywalk. Glass-floored observation platform over the Sunwapta Valley offering dramatic glacier and mountain vistas, ideal end to active day.
Day 9 — Banff (Canmore)
Mon, 19 Oct 2026 · Return via Bow Valley: Canmore & Final Rockies Night
-2–8°C · ≈ $340 · Light walking
- 8:30 AM — 🏞️ Bow Valley Parkway Scenic Drive — Bow Valley Parkway, Canmore. Enjoy a leisurely morning drive along Bow Valley Parkway, spotting wildlife and taking photos of autumn colours and mountain views. Plenty of pullouts for short strolls and photo stops.
- 1:00 PM — 🥾 Grassi Lakes Trail Hike — Grassi Lakes Trail, Canmore. Take the moderate hike to Grassi Lakes renowned for their turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. Accessible trails suit moderate walkers and offer peaceful forest surrounds.
- 6:30 PM — 🍽️ Dinner at The Trough Dining Co. — Downtown Canmore. Dine on locally sourced Canadian ingredients highlighting Rocky Mountain cuisine in a relaxed mountain lodge atmosphere perfect for a cozy final night.
Day 10 — Calgary
Tue, 20 Oct 2026 · Depart Calgary · Farewell to the Rockies
1–10°C · ≈ $330 · Minimal walking
- 8:00 AM — ☕ Breakfast at Monogram Coffee — Downtown Calgary. Start your day with artisanal coffee and fresh pastries in a stylish local café, a favorite for travellers and locals alike.
- 9:30 AM — 🛍️ Explore Stephen Avenue Walk — Stephen Avenue, Calgary. Stroll the historic pedestrian street lined with shops, galleries, and heritage buildings. Enjoy casual browsing and light souvenirs before heading to the airport.
- 11:30 AM — 🚗 Drive to Calgary International Airport & Depart — Calgary International Airport, Calgary. Allow ample time for car rental return and check-in. Depart homewards with memories of the Rockies and adventure-filled days.