The Ultimate 10-Day Canada Rockies Road Trip You'll Love

Are you planning an epic Canada Rockies road trip? This is the best guide that takes you through the breathtaking mountain landscapes, beautiful nature, stunning lake views, and more.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you.

A Canada Rockies road trip is an absolute dream for many. The Canada Rockies mountain ranges cover 2 provinces, Alberta and British Columbia. The Rockies are filled with snowcapped mountains, gorgeous blue lakes, amazing wildlife, divine nature, and lots of adventure.

Some must-see places in the Canadian Rockies include Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper National Park, Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park, Canmore, Icefield Highway, and more.

This post will also include the best 10-Day Canada Rockies road trip itinerary, listing day-by-day highlights. It will go over the ultimate Lake Louise and Moraine Lake itinerary, and show you the best spots to see Jasper National Park attractions and Yoho National Park highlights. And best of all you will see the one-of-a-kind scenic drives in the Rockies.

This post is all about the ultimate Canada Rockies road trip.

The Ultimate 10-Day Canada Rockies Road Trip

Day 1: Arrive In Calgary, Drive to Banff

To start your 10-day Canada Rockies road trip land in Calgary and start your adventure there. If you are flying in rent a vehicle right away and make your way to Banff for the rest of the day. This is about an hour and a half from the Calgary airport. If you are driving from a nearby area head straight to Banff. When checked into your accommodation explore Banff town including the charming boutiques, the great restaurants, and more. Also, take in the views of the mountains before starting your epic road trip.

Day 2: Banff – Discover Banff’s Iconic Lakes

Next, on day 2 explore Banff National Park. Banff National Park is a must-stop on your Canada Rockies road trip. It is one of the oldest national parks in Canada and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is ultimately famous for its amazing backdrop of snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear blue lakes, and beautiful wildlife. Also known as the Crown Jewel of the Canadian Rockies.

First the most popular is Lake Louise. This is the iconic turquoise lake that is a nature lover’s dream. It is surrounded by perfect picturesque mountains. This is best done early on in the day as it does tend to get busy by the afternoon hours. Next, just a short drive from Lake Louise is Moraine Lake. Moraine Lake is another stunning clear blue lake that has stunning views of the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

For the rest of the afternoon, you can enjoy a beautiful canoe ride on Lake Lousie or Moraine Lake and take in the stunning views. To finish day 2 off, head to the Banff Upper Hot Springs to enjoy some relaxation in paradise.

Day 3: Banff – The Best Banff National Park Adventures

Start day 3 of your Canada Rockies road trip by going on a beautiful ride on the Banff Gondola. The Banff Gondola is one of the best experiences and ways to see the Canadian Rockies from above and within. It is located on Sulphur Mountain and has large windows with 360-degree views. The journey is about 8 minutes and it is a must-do when here. You can also explore the summit to see more panoramic views of the Rockies.

Enjoy a stunning hike at Johnston Canyon located in Banff National Park. This is one of the best hiking trails in the area. You can see the dramatic waterfalls, beautiful canyons, and stunning views overall. There are two must-see waterfalls the Lower Falls an the Upper Falls. This is also an incredile breathtaking experience.

Day 4: Banff – Scenic Drives And Wildlife Spottings

For the last day in Banff take in the scenic drive by Vermilion Lakes. Vermilion Lakes is a serene escape just outside of Banff. There are many stunning views of the calm waters with reflections of the surrounding mountains. This is a great area to relax and enjoy an outdoor picnic or walk around the water. You could also enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding in the tranquil waters during the warmer months. During the winter months, this transforms into a winter wonderland where you can enjoy cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. There are also many areas to spot wildlife, including deer, moose, elks, beavers, and much more. Great place for nature and wildlife enthusiasts.

You could also drive along the Bow Valley Parkway which stretches from Banff to Lake Louise. This is one of the best short scenic drives you have to do on your road trip through the Canadian Rockies. This is a leisurely route and great for stopping and taking photos of the iconic Castle Mountain and Mount Temple peaks. There are also many wildlife spottings along the Parkway including bears and elk.

Day 5: Drive The Icefield Parkway To Jasper

Spend day 5 driving along the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. This journey is approximately 230 km or 145 miles. This is known for being one of the most scenic drives in the world. You get to see the turquoise lakes, the huge glaciers, the towering mountain peaks, the beautiful waterfalls, and so, much more.

Some of the top stops along the Icefields Parkway include Herbert Lake which has some great photo opportunities of beautiful waters with mountain reflections. Bow Lake is the largest lake in Banff National Park and it also has the stunning iconic turquoise water with a beautiful backdrop. Peyto Lake has amazing blue waters all around. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre where you can enjoy the magnificent Glacier Skywalk. And Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls are powerful waterfalls that are breathtaking.

Day 6: Jasper – Explore Jasper National Park

On day 6 of your Canadian Rockies road trip explore Jasper National Park. Jasper National Park is also another famous park that has the Canadian Rockies surrounding it. Start the morning by enjoying the beauty of Pyramid Lake. There is a bridge you walk across to get to Pyramid Island where you can see the best views of Pyramid Mountian, absolutely stunning.

Next drive to Maligne Lake, this lake is very interesting and the water levels change seasonally based on the drainage system, super unique. While in Maligne Lake you need to take the Spirit Island Cruise to see some of the best spots in the Canadian Rockies. Take in all the stunning views while on the boat ride.

On your way back to Jasper town you will pass by the Athabasca Falls and you can stop and see them again since it is a stunning view. For the evening you should head to the Jasper Dark Sky Preserve to do some stargazing. This is also known as one of the most popular places in the world to enjoy the beauty of the night sky and the stars.

Day 7: Jasper – Explore Wildlife And Scenic Wonders In Jasper National Park

On day 7 you should explore the incredible wildlife of Jasper National Park. This part in particular is known for its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity. You can see many animals like bears, sheep, mountain goats, elks, deer, moose, and more all in their natural habitat. The best places to see wildlife are along Maligne Lake Road near the roadside or by the tree lines, and Medicine Lake. Going on a hike is another great way to see beautiful wildlife. Hike along the Maligne Canyon for an amazing experience of natural beauty.

A great option would be to do a guided wildlife tour with a local expert to safely take you to the best spots to see the amazing wildlife in the early evening. The early evening is a prime time for seeing moose, black bears, foxes, coyotes, and more. Some of the favorite and best-rated tour companies for this are the Jasper Tour Company and SunDog Tours.

Day 8: Drive To Yoho National Park

Start day 8 of your 10-day Canada Rockies road trip by driving to Yoho National Park. Along the way stop at Takakkaw Falls to see Canada’s tallest waterfall. Just down the road is the Kicking Horse River where you can see the white-water rapids and do some rafting if you’re feeling adventurous with a tour guide of course.

When you get to Yoho National Park you have to first go and check out Emerald Lake, the most stunning spot in the park. There are many places to walk around and take in the beautiful blue and green glowy waters. You can also go canoeing or kayaking here as well. This is the best area for a tranquil and serene escape from the busy crowds at the other parks.

Next, explore the Spiral Tunnels which is a unique viewpoint on the Trans-Canada Highway, and see beautiful panoramic views of the park. There are also many other hiking trails to enjoy at Yoho National Park as well.

Day 9: Visit Kootenay National Park

On your second last day of this road trip check out a beautiful hidden gem, Kootenay National Park. Kootenay National Park is located between Yoho National Park and Banff. It is surrounded by lush landscapes, large forests, meadows, geothermal surroundings, and more. First, you have to go to the Radium Hot Springs for the best tranquil experience. Radium Hot Springs is one of Canada’s best geothermal pools. This is a great place to unwind with the mountains in the background and enjoy some true relaxation.

After some relaxation make your way to the Kootenay Valley Viewpoint to see beautiful panoramic views of the park. Check out Marble Canyon and enjoy an amazing hike through the gorge that is surrounded by blue waters and limestone formations. There are also many hiking trails in the area ranging from beginner-level hikers to more experienced hikers. The best trails are Floa Lake Trail for everyone and Numa Pass Trail for experienced hikers. Both trails have amazing views of the Park and the lakes.

At night the Radium Hot Springs has some of the best views of the night sky. Finish your last day soaking in the hot springs and stargazing the night sky.

Day 10: Canmore – Return to Calgary

On the last day of your 10-day Canada Rockies road trip itinerary stop in Canmore before heading back home via car or back to Calgary to the airport. Right in the morning explore the Canmore Town Centre and shop at the local boutiques, grab some food, and see the art gallery exhibits. You could also check out the Canmore Museum or the Geoscience Centre if you are interested in the region’s origins and history.

There are a few hiking trails you can enjoy in Canmore as well including the Grassi Lakes Trail or Ha Ling Peak hike. Both have one-of-a-kind views of the beautiful mountains. There is the Canmore Nordic Centre where you can enjoy great outdoor recreation activities depending on the seasons you are there the activities vary.

Once you’ve explored Canmore head on the Trans-Canada Highway back to Calgary and enjoy the scenic views all along the way back.

For more on Canadian famous landmarks, check out the blog post “THE MOST FAMOUS THINGS IN CANADA YOU NEED TO SEE: EXPLORE LANDMARKS AND CULTURAL GEMS“.

Other great road trip itineraries include “THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP USA WEST COAST GUIDE YOU NEED” and “THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP USA EAST COAST ITINERARY YOU’LL LOVE“.

Where To Stay On Your Canada Rockies Road Trip

Where To Stay In Banff – Great budget-friendly places to stay in Banff are Banff Park Lodge and Banff Rocky Mountain Resort. Both are great accommodations with beautiful views of the Rockies. The best luxury place to stay in Banff is the Fairmont Château Lake Louise. Very expensive but it is luxury at its finest and it is located right by the stunning Lake Louise. Worth the splurge for an amazing experience.

Jasper – Great budget-friendly places to stay in Jasper are Forest Park Hotel and Astoria Hotel. Both are good options and are located very close to Jasper National Park. The best luxury place to stay in Jasper is Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Great luxury option with many luxurious amenities.

Yoho – The best place to stay in Yoho National Park is Emerald Lake Lodge. This lodge is located right in the park and surrounded by the Rocky Mountains and Emerald Lake. Has a serene atmosphere and is super cozy.

Kootenay – The best place to stay in Kootenay National Park is Prestige Radium Hot Springs Resort, WorldHotels Crafted. Great modern resort and is located a 5-minute drive to the Radium Hot Springs.

Tips For Driving In The Canadian Rockies

Here are some very helpful tips when driving and visiting the Canadian Rockies:

If you are driving your own car be sure it is ready and equipped for all driving conditions in Canada depending on the time of year you are going.
Be sure to pack warm clothing if you are visiting in the winter. The article “THE BEST FAMILY ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST YOU NEED” is a checklist for everything you will need for a family road trip.
Always pack bear spray when hiking or doing wildlife tours just to be safe.
Do the most popular activities early in the morning to avoid crowds during the peak time.
Book hotels and accommodations in advance since they tend to fill up quickly.