Alberta and British Columbia

What is the Alberta and British Columbia Road Trip?

Spanning Alberta and British Columbia, this road trip begins in Calgary and loops through Banff, Jasper, and Yoho National Parks, covering some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. With stops at iconic locations like Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Athabasca Glacier, this adventure combines thrilling outdoor activities with moments of pure relaxation in nature.

Moraine Lake

The Alberta and British Columbia Road Trip Route

• Stage 1: Calgary to Banff - Kick off your Calgary road trip by driving to Banff, stopping at Canmore for epic mountain views. Spend time exploring Banff town, Banff camping, and the Lake Minnewanka.
• Stage 2: Banff Village to Kootenay National Park - Drive through Vermilion Pass into Kootenay National Park, stopping at Marble Canyon and Radium Hot Springs for relaxation and scenic hikes. Remember, a National Park Pass is essential for access to the park's stunning attractions.
• Stage 3: Kootenay National Park to Golden - Experience spectacular views along Highway 93 before heading to Golden, known for outdoor adventure and a lively craft beer scene.
• Stage 4: Golden to Yoho National Park - Cross into Yoho National Park, visiting Wapta Falls, Emerald Lake, and the iconic Natural Bridge.
• Stage 5: Yoho National Park to Banff National Park - Explore breathtaking scenery as you make your way back into Banff National Park, stopping at scenic viewpoints and hiking trails.
• Stage 6: Icefields Parkway to Jasper - Begin the stunning Icefields Parkway road trip, stopping at Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, and the Athabasca Glacier en route to Jasper National Park.
• Stage 7: Maligne Lake - Spend a full day at Maligne Lake, taking a boat tour to Spirit Island and hiking nearby trails.
• Stage 8: Mount Robson Provincial Park - Visit Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, and hike the incredible Berg Lake Trail.
• Stage 9: Jasper to Banff National Park - Drive back along the Icefields Parkway, stopping at scenic highlights before returning to Banff National Park for more exploration.
• Stage 10: Banff National Park to Calgary - Conclude your trip with one last stop at Banff Upper Hot Springs before returning to Calgary.

Bow River, Banff

Stage 1: Calgary to Banff

Begin your Western Canada road trip in Calgary, the gateway to the Canadian Rockies. Drive towards Banff, a picturesque mountain town renowned for its gorgeous scenery, wildlife, and outdoor adventures. 

Top places to visit between Calgary and Banff:

• Calgary Tower: A perfect way to start your journey, this observation deck offers exceptional views of downtown Calgary and the Rocky Mountains beyond.
• Canmore: A charming mountain town just outside Banff National Park, offering stunning hikes, cozy cafes, and breathtaking views of the Three Sisters peaks.
• Lake Minnewanka: This glacier-fed lake is a must-visit for boat tours, scenic hikes, and wildlife spotting, including bighorn sheep and elk.
• Banff Upper Hot Springs: Unwind in these natural mineral-rich pools surrounded by snowy peaks, a relaxing way to end a day of exploration.
• Tunnel Mountain Trail: A short but rewarding hike with panoramic views of Banff and the Bow Valley, perfect for first-time visitors.
• Banff Avenue: The heart of Banff road trip, filled with shops, restaurants, and an unbeatable mountain-town atmosphere.
• Bow Falls: A short walk from Banff town, these powerful falls offer fantastic scenery and a great picnic spot.
• Cascade Gardens: Beautifully landscaped gardens with pathways leading to scenic viewpoints over the town and mountains.
• Banff Gondola: Ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for unbeatable views of the entire Bow Valley.

Floe Lake

Stage 2: Banff to Kootenay National Park

Drive west on your Banff RV trip to Kootenay National Park, a hidden gem featuring incredible natural beauty, fewer crowds, and dramatic landscapes. 

Top places to visit between Banff and Kootenay National Park:

• Vermilion Lakes: Just outside Banff, these lakes are a prime spot for sunrise and sunset photography, reflecting the peaks of Mount Rundle.
• Johnston Canyon: A must-see stop for a scenic hike through limestone canyons, waterfalls, and deep turquoise pools.
• Marble Canyon: A short but stunning trail showcasing deep canyons, rushing waters, and a vibrant contrast of rock and greenery.
• Paint Pots: A fascinating geological wonder with striking orange and yellow ochre mineral pools, once used by Indigenous peoples for paint.
• Radium Hot Springs: A perfect place to relax, these thermal pools are surrounded by cliffs where bighorn sheep often roam.
• Kootenay Valley Viewpoint: A panoramic stop along Highway 93, offering spectacular views of the dramatic valley below.
• Numa Falls: A picturesque waterfall along the Vermilion River with a short, easy walk to an overlook.
• Olive Lake: A small but stunning emerald-green lake with a peaceful picnic area and walking trails.
• Sinclair Canyon: The dramatic gateway to Kootenay National Park, with red cliffs towering above the highway.

Golden Skybridge

Stage 3: Kootenay National Park to Golden

Continue your Canadian Rockies adventure as you journey to Golden, a paradise for adventure lovers with world-class outdoor activities. 

Top places to visit between Kootenay National Park and Golden:

• Wapta Falls: One of Yoho National Park’s hidden gems, this vast, thunderous waterfall can be reached via a scenic forest trail.
• Natural Bridge: A powerful rushing river has carved an impressive rock formation over thousands of years, creating a natural stone bridge.
• Emerald Lake: A stunning turquoise lake surrounded by towering mountains, perfect for canoeing, hiking, or simply soaking in the views.
• Golden Skybridge: The highest suspension bridge in Canada, offering jaw-dropping views over canyons and waterfalls.
• Kicking Horse Mountain Resort: Visit the grizzly bear refuge or take a gondola ride for incredible panoramic vistas.
• Cedar House Restaurant: One of the top dining spots in Golden, offering gourmet meals with locally sourced ingredients.
• Reflection Lake: A small lake just outside Golden that offers mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks.
• Columbia Wetlands: A vast and biodiverse wetland perfect for birdwatching, kayaking, or scenic photography.
• Golden Riverfront Park: A great spot to relax by the Kicking Horse River and take in the surrounding mountain scenery.

Wapta Falls

Stage 4: Golden to Yoho National Park

Drive east into Yoho National Park, a less crowded but equally breathtaking part of the Canadian Rockies road trip. 

Top places to visit between Golden and Yoho National Park:

• Takakkaw Falls: One of Canada’s tallest waterfalls, plunging 384 metres down a dramatic cliffside.
• Field, BC: A tiny, charming mountain town with exquisite scenery, an excellent spot for a relaxing coffee break.
• Burgess Shale Fossil Beds: A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring some of the world’s most important prehistoric fossils.
• Spiral Tunnels: A historic engineering marvel that allows trains to navigate the steep terrain of the Rockies.
• Sherbrooke Lake: A quiet alpine lake with emerald-green waters and a scenic hiking trail.
• Ottertail River Viewpoint: A peaceful stop along the Trans-Canada Highway with a rushing river framed by mountain peaks.
• Waputik Icefield: An expansive glacier field visible from various points along the highway.
• Hoodoos of Yoho: Unique rock formations created by centuries of erosion, offering striking landscape photography opportunities.
• Whiskey Jack Hostel: A rustic yet cozy place to stay near Takakkaw Falls, perfect for hikers.
• Saskatchewan River Crossing: A key junction along the Icefields Parkway road trip, offering gas, food, and incredible mountain views.

Lake Louise

Stage 5: Yoho National Park to Banff National Park

Journey deeper into the Canadian Rockies road trip, crossing back into Banff National Park, home to some of the world’s most panoramic scenery. 

Top places to visit between Yoho National Park and Banff National Park:

• Lake Louise: A world-famous glacier-fed lake with striking turquoise waters framed by snow-capped mountains, best enjoyed by canoe, hike, or a stay at the Fairmont Chateau.
• Moraine Lake: Equally stunning but less crowded, this lake is a must-see for photographers and outdoor lovers.
• Bow Valley Parkway: A scenic alternative to the main highway, ideal for wildlife spotting and breathtaking viewpoints.
• Lake Agnes Tea House: A rewarding walk leads to this charming tea house overlooking the idyllic Lake Agnes.
• Castle Mountain: A dramatic peak with hiking trails offering incredible panoramic views.
• Storm Mountain Lookout: A hidden gem offering uninterrupted views of the towering mountains and dense forests.
• Lake Louise Gondola: Take a scenic ride up for a chance to spot grizzly bears and enjoy dazzling vistas.

Athabasca Falls

Stage 6: Icefields Parkway to Jasper

Continuing along the Icefields Parkway road trip, you’ll reach Jasper, a mountain town known for its rugged wilderness, dark sky preserves, and abundant wildlife. This leg of the journey offers dramatic landscapes, glacial rivers, and dreamy viewpoints.

Top places to visit between Icefields Parkway and Jasper:

• Athabasca Glacier: One of the most accessible glaciers in North America and part of the massive Columbia Icefield. Take an Ice Explorer tour to the glacier or visit the Glacier Skywalk for a thrilling experience on a glass-floored observation platform.
• Bow Lake: Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Bow Lake offers stunning views of turquoise waters surrounded by mountains and glaciers. Easily accessible via the Icefields Parkway, it's a perfect spot for hiking, picnicking, or capturing postcard-worthy photos.
• Sunwapta Falls: The upper falls are easily reached, while the lower falls require a short, scenic walk through the forest.
• Athabasca Falls: One of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, where roaring waters carve through a narrow limestone canyon. Multiple trails and viewpoints let you take in the spectacle from different angles.
• Goats and Glaciers Viewpoint: A scenic roadside stop that often offers sightings of mountain goats against a backdrop of glaciers and rocky peaks.
• Jasper SkyTram: Take a ride to the top of Whistlers Mountain for panoramic views of Jasper National Park. You can hike a short but steep trail to the summit from the upper station for even more spectacular vistas.
• Peyto Lake: Known for its unique wolf-head shape, this lake offers one of the best viewpoints in the Rockies.
• Herbert Lake: A peaceful lake just off the Icefields Parkway, ideal for an early morning paddle or reflection photography.
• Helen Lake: This rewarding hike winds through alpine meadows before opening up to spectacular views of surrounding peaks and lakes.
• Waterfowl Lakes: Located along the Icefields Parkway, Waterfowl Lakes are two glacial lakes with brilliant blue waters. Canoeing is popular, as are short hikes.
• Bridal Veil Falls: An easily accessible waterfall with multiple tiers, Bridal Veil Falls cascades down a rocky cliff. It's a must-stop highlight that'll have you reaching for your camera!
• Tangle Falls: This striking, multi-tiered Tangle Falls is just a few steps from the main road, making it a popular stop for travellers.
• Parker's Ridge: A hiker's paradise, Parker's Ridge offers breathtaking views of the Saskatchewan Glacier and surrounding mountains.
• Valley of the Five Lakes Trailhead: Located within the valley of the five lakes, this trail meanders past five vibrantly colored lakes, making it a great place for wildlife viewing and photography.
• Mount Edith Cavell: One of the most iconic hiking trails in the Rockies, this trail takes you through alpine meadows to see glaciers and rugged peaks.

Maligne Lake

Stage 7: Jasper to Maligne Lake

Explore one of Jasper’s most awe-inspiring regions, known for its deep canyons, pristine lakes, and surreal scenery.

Top places to visit between Jasper and Maligne Lake:

• Maligne Canyon: One of the deepest limestone gorges in the Canadian Rockies, featuring rushing waterfalls, dramatic rock formations, and a series of bridges offering incredible viewpoints.
• Medicine Lake: A unique and mysterious lake that fluctuates seasonally due to an underground drainage system. The awe-inspiring reflections of the surrounding mountains make this a fantastic photography spot.
• Maligne Lake: The largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies and a must-see destination. Rent a kayak, walk along the shore, or take the famous Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed spots in Canada.
• Spirit Island: A tiny, picturesque island in the middle of Maligne Lake, framed by towering peaks and glacial waters. The best way to visit is by taking the Maligne Lake Cruise.
• Bald Hills Trail: A rewarding day hike offering panoramic views of Maligne Lake and the surrounding mountain ranges.

Valley of the Five Lakes

Stage 8: Mount Robson Provincial Park

Venture beyond Jasper to Mount Robson Provincial Park, home to the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies. This area offers world-class hiking and incredible mountain views.

Top places to visit around Mount Robson Provincial Park:

• Mount Robson: Towering at 3,954 metres (12,972 feet), Mount Robson is an awe-inspiring sight. The best views can be seen from the visitor centre or by hiking the nearby trails.
• Berg Lake Trail: One of the most famous hikes in Canada, this challenging but rewarding trail takes you past waterfalls, glaciers, and alpine lakes to reach the strikingly blue Berg Lake.
• Kinney Lake: A scenic and relatively easy walk leads to this peaceful lake with mirror-like reflections of the surrounding peaks. It’s a great option for those looking for a shorter adventure.
• Rearguard Falls: A quick stop to witness powerful waterfalls where salmon make their final push upstream during migration season.
• Yellowhead Pass: A historic and scenic mountain pass on the border of Alberta and British Columbia, once used by fur traders and explorers.

Bow Lake

Stage 9: Jasper to Banff

Retrace your route along the Icefields Parkway, taking your time to explore more hidden gems and enjoy a slower-paced journey back to Banff.

Top places to visit between Jasper and Banff:

• Tangle Creek Falls: A beautiful multi-tiered waterfall right next to the highway. It is a perfect spot for a quick stop and photo opportunity.
• Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre: Learn about glaciology, climate change, and the unique ecosystem of the Columbia Icefield. You can also book a guided glacier walk or Skywalk experience here.
• Wilcox Pass: A moderate hike offering spectacular views of the Athabasca Glacier and surrounding peaks. Often less crowded than other trails in the area.
• Horseshoe Lake: A pristine, deep-blue lake with excellent swimming opportunities for those who don’t mind the cold water. Cliffs around the lake make for great viewpoints and even cliff-jumping spots.
• Bow Summit: A must-stop viewpoint offering one of the most breathtaking panoramas along the Icefields Parkway. This is also the starting point for the short hike to the Peyto Lake Overlook.

Tunnel Mountain Trail

Stage 10: Banff to Calgary

Complete your Western Canada road trip with one last day of exploration before heading back to Calgary.

Top places to visit between Banff and Calgary:

• Canmore Nordic Centre: A hub for outdoor activities, offering hiking, mountain biking, and not-to-be-missed views of the surrounding peaks.
• Grotto Canyon: A scenic canyon hike featuring unique rock formations, pictographs, and a frozen waterfall in winter.
• Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary: Learn about wolfdogs and conservation efforts at this unique sanctuary near Cochrane—a great stop for animal lovers.
• Calgary’s Stephen Avenue: A lively pedestrian street in downtown Calgary, lined with shops, restaurants, and historic buildings.
• Heritage Park Historical Village: Step back in time at Canada’s largest living history museum, featuring interactive exhibits and preserved historical buildings from the 1860s to the 1950s.

Frequently Asked Questions