I still remember stumbling upon a picture of a stunning turquoise lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, and thinking, “Is this real?” A little research revealed that it was indeed a real place in the Canadian Rockies, and not just one lake—there were many more treasures waiting to be discovered. I couldn’t wait to visit, so in the summer of 2018, we did a road trip through Banff and Jasper National Parks.
We completed the trip in 5 days, but I recommend extending it to 7 days to really soak in the serenity of the lakes and mountains. We drove from Vancouver to Banff, though Calgary International Airport is the closest, just an hour and a half away from Banff.
You won’t see the iconic turquoise color year-round. These glacially fed lakes reach their vibrant hues only in late June and early July. We visited around the 4th of July, and despite the crowds, we were lucky to catch the lakes at their peak color. Plus, with the long daylight hours, we had plenty of time to hike, drive, and fully immerse ourselves in the beauty of the parks.
To make the most of the trip, we switched accommodations frequently. The popular hotels near the parks often get booked 6-8 months in advance, so booking early is a must!
Day 1:
After arriving in the evening from Vancouver, we checked into the Banff Grande Rockies Resort for the night. The drive was incredibly scenic but also quite tiring, so we didn’t explore any park attractions. We enjoyed a quiet dinner and called it a day, eager to start our adventures the next morning.
Day 2:
We began the day by visiting Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff, known for its stunning mountain scenery, rocky cliffs, and emerald green waters. We even spotted some large elk in the parking lot—always a good reminder to watch out for wildlife!
Next, we drove the Bow Valley Parkway, a scenic and quieter route between Banff and Lake Louise. This 48-kilometer road offered breathtaking views, picnic spots, and plenty of scenic pull-offs to enjoy the surroundings.
Our hike for the day was at Johnston Canyon, a 3.4-mile trail suitable for all skill levels. The well-maintained path took us through evergreen forests and led us to the stunning Lower and Upper Falls, offering unforgettable views of the canyon. You can find more information on the hike here.
Afterward, we took the Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake scenic loop drive. This drive, starting near Banff, takes you through Two Jack Lake, Jackson Lake, and Minnewanka Lake, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife. Make sure to stop at Two Jack Lake—it’s another beautiful spot in the park.
We spent the afternoon exploring Banff Town, a charming little town filled with plenty of restaurants and cafes to enjoy.
Then, we visited the Cave and Basin Historical Site, a place of great cultural significance for the Stoney Nakoda Nation for over 10,000 years. Discovered by European settlers in the late 1800s, it became part of Canada’s first national park, Banff.
The highlight of the day was riding the Banff Gondola up to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where we were rewarded with panoramic views of six different mountain ranges stretching into the horizon.
After a day full of stunning sights, we returned to our hotel at Grande Rockies Resort to rest up for the next day’s adventures.
Day 3:
This was the day I had been eagerly waiting for! 😊 We started by visiting the magnificent Moraine Lake. We decided to visit early in the morning because parking is limited, and the lake gets crowded later in the day. Recently, Moraine Lake Road has been closed to personal vehicles, and you need to book a shuttle service in advance. You can find more information about it here. We also did kayaking in the lake, and it was so much fun!
After Moraine Lake, we visited another popular lake in the park, Lake Louise. Again, parking is limited, so it’s best to plan ahead. I highly recommend using the shuttle service to visit both lakes.
After enjoying the beauty of the lakes, if you’re up for more lake adventures, you can visit Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. In the same park, we also explored Natural Bridge and Wapta Falls.
That night, we stayed at Lake Louise Inn.
Day 4 and 5:
We spent these two days exploring Jasper National Park. Our drive began on the Icefield Parkway (Highway 93), which connects Banff and Jasper National Parks. Open year-round, this 232 km stretch of double-lane highway offers soaring mountain peaks, icefields, abundant wildlife, birds, and sweeping valleys. It’s considered one of the world’s top drives, so take your time and stop frequently to take in the beauty.
Bow Lake:
Bow Lake is known for its striking turquoise water and scenic mountain backdrop. It’s the perfect spot to take breathtaking pictures.
Peyto Lake:
This glacier-fed lake on the Icefield Parkway has a unique color compared to Lake Moraine or Lake Louise. A short 10-minute hike leads to a viewing point, but don’t stop there! Walk another 10 minutes on the main trail and then for another 5 minutes on a small alpine trail for a much more scenic view of the lake. We spent almost an hour here, soaking in the surrounding beauty, and since it’s not a main point, the smaller crowds made the experience even more special.
Columbia Icefield Center:
If you’d like to walk on the Athabasca Glacier, I highly recommend booking a ride here. The tours are quite popular in summer months, so it’s worth booking tickets in advance. While at the center, we also did the Glacier Skywalk, which offered jaw-dropping views of the glacier and surrounding landscape. To book the tickets please click here.
Athabasca Falls:
Located in Jasper National Park, Athabasca Falls may not be the tallest at 23 meters, but its power is incredible. Fed by the Athabasca River, the falls roar through a narrow gorge, offering a stunning display of natural force. Surrounded by the Canadian Rockies, it’s a must-see stop.
Lake Maligne & Spirit Island:
Known for its sparkling waters, Lake Maligne is home to Spirit Island, a tiny “island” that becomes fully isolated when the water levels rise. It’s a perfect spot to relax and take in the views. We opted for a 1.5-hour lake cruise, which was a fantastic way to explore the hidden corners of the lake.
Maligne Canyon:
Maligne Canyon is a stunning natural wonder carved by swirling waters over millions of years. With waterfalls, fossils, and the nests of ravens and black swifts, it’s a must-see. The canyon is carved into limestone formed 365 million years ago, and Parks Canada offers a self-guided trail with signs explaining the area’s fascinating geological history. There are four bridges across the gorge, each offering unique views, with short and long hiking routes to explore its depths.
Well, that was the summary of our fantastic road trip through the Canadian Rockies. We’ve had the chance to visit Banff in both summer and winter. While each season offers its own unique beauty, I’d recommend visiting these parks in the summer if it’s your first time. Just a quick note—Moraine Lake is only open for visitors starting mid-June.
Please check the park’s official website for more information.
Restaurants Recommendations:
Banff Town:
- Tooloulou’s – Offers very good breakfast.
- Zyka Elevated Indian Restaurant Banff – Great Indian food.
Canmore:
- Iron Goat pub & grill
- Crazyweed Kitchen – We had dinner here and it was amazing.
Jasper:
- Patricia Street Deli – Loved their Chicken Sandwich with curry mayo. We ate here twice 🙂
- SnowDome Coffee Bar – If you love coffee like I do then you must try this. They did amazing Bear face art on my cappuccino.
