Banff and Jasper had been calling my name for years—those dreamy turquoise lakes, soaring pine-covered mountains, and winding scenic highways that seemed to stretch forever. So when the chance came to finally explore the beautiful Canadian Rockies, I packed my camera, my fluffiest hoodie, and an ambitious road trip playlist, and set off in search of alpine adventure.
I had high expectations—and somehow, the Rockies managed to exceed them. Every lake we stopped at looked like it had been Photoshopped, every mountain trail felt like a scene from a movie, and every turn on the Icefields Parkway left me breathless (sometimes literally—those elevation gains are no joke!).
We spent just under a week driving from Banff to Jasper and back again, and squeezed in as many hikes, hot springs, glacier views and lakeside picnics as we possibly could.
If you’re planning your own escape to the Rockies, here’s exactly what we got up to—and all the spots I personally think you can’t miss…
1. Exploring Banff Town – The Gateway to the Rockies
Our adventure began in Banff, and honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever stepped into a town that looked more like a snow globe come to life. Tucked into a valley and wrapped in towering peaks, it had that classic alpine-meets-Canadian charm—chalet-style buildings, flower baskets hanging from lampposts, and the occasional elk casually wandering near the sidewalk (yes, really!).
We wandered down Banff Avenue with takeaway coffee cups in hand (mine was a maple latte—when in Canada!) and browsed the cozy local shops. There were boutique outdoor gear stores, artisanal chocolate shops, and plenty of places selling plaid shirts and fuzzy moose socks. I couldn’t resist picking up a pair.
One of my favourite moments was catching the view from the Banff Gondola. We took the ride up Sulphur Mountain, and the panorama that greeted us at the top was absolutely breathtaking—a 360-degree view of the Rockies, pine forests, and the Bow Valley stretching out like a painting.
Afterward, we rewarded ourselves with a soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Floating in that naturally heated mineral water while surrounded by snow-dusted mountain views was one of those “how is this real life?” moments for me. It was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of walking and mountain air.
At a Glance: Banff Town
- Location: Alberta, Canada – inside Banff National Park
- Vibe: Alpine charm meets outdoorsy cool
- My Top Things to Do: Stroll down Banff Avenue (cute shops, cafes, views!), ride the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain, soaking in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, visiting the Whyte Museum and Banff Park Museum
- Great Eats: Bear Street Tavern (amazing pizza!), Wild Flour Bakery, The Bison
- Where to Stay: Boutique lodges, cozy cabins, and a few grand hotels (Fairmont Banff Springs is the iconic one)
I’d seen the pictures of Lake Louise a hundred times before going—but nothing quite prepared me for the real thing. We arrived early (tip: the parking fills up so fast, especially in peak season!) and walked down to the lake just as the morning sun began to light up the peaks. That milky turquoise water with its glassy surface and towering mountains behind? It was almost too perfect—it actually looked edited in real life.
I sat on a bench near the edge of the lake with a hot drink in hand, just quietly watching the light shift across the mountains and thinking: yep, this was totally worth the early wake-up call.
We rented a canoe from the boathouse (yes, it’s pricey—but 100% worth it) and paddled out into the middle of the lake. The water was so clear you could see the ripples below, and the air smelled faintly of pine and glacier mist. I genuinely don’t think I stopped smiling the entire time.
Later that afternoon, we made the quick 20-minute drive to Moraine Lake, which (controversial opinion alert!) might have impressed me even more than Lake Louise. It’s smaller and craggier, framed by the majestic Valley of the Ten Peaks, and the water is an even deeper, dreamier blue.
We hiked up the short Rockpile Trail for that iconic view (you’ve definitely seen it on postcards and screensavers), and I just stood there for ages, not even bothering to take photos because I didn’t want to miss a second of it with my actual eyes.
At a Glance: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
- Location: Banff National Park (about 1 hour from Banff town)
- Best Time to Visit: June–October (when the roads are open and the lakes are thawed!)
- My Top Things to Do: Sunrise or sunset at the lake edge, Canoe rental at Lake Louise, Hike the Lake Agnes Tea, House Trail or Plain of Six Glaciers, Hike the Rockpile Trail at Moraine Lake for iconic views
- Photography Tip: Arrive before 8am or after 6pm to avoid crowds and harsh light
- Parking Tip: Moraine Lake now requires shuttle or pre-booked access—check the Parks Canada site before going!
3. Icefields Parkway – The Most Beautiful Drive of My Life
I personally thought that driving the Icefields Parkway felt like being dropped into a nature documentary—but with snacks in the glovebox. It links Banff and Jasper and winds through some of the most jaw-dropping scenery in Canada—think towering peaks, bright blue glacial lakes, ancient icefields, and valleys so wide and quiet they feel sacred.
We took our time along the 230 km stretch (and I’d recommend the same to anyone!)—stopping at almost every turnout, sometimes just to gawk at a mountain or take in that crisp alpine air.
One of the highlights for me was pulling over at Peyto Lake, climbing up the short paved trail to the lookout, and being totally stunned by that insanely blue, wolf-head-shaped lake. It honestly looked like a painting—it was hard to believe water could even be that colour.
Then there was Athabasca Glacier, where I stood at the edge of a literal river of ice and felt the temperature drop the second we approached. You can do a guided glacier walk or take one of those massive Ice Explorer vehicles up onto it (we opted for the latter—it’s touristy, but kind of fun in a ‘wow this is wild’ way!).
One of my quietest, favourite moments though? Pulling off at an unnamed lookout, eating a sandwich from the cooler, and watching a group of bighorn sheep grazing nearby. No crowds, no noise—just that kind of deep, peaceful silence that’s hard to find these days.
At a Glance: Icefields Parkway
- Route: Highway 93 – connects Banff to Jasper (about 3.5 hours without stops)
- Best For: Scenic road trippers, photographers, nature lovers
- My Top Stops: Peyto Lake Viewpoint (famous for its wolf shape!), Bow Lake (great picnic spot), Mistaya Canyon (short walk to a powerful river gorge), Athabasca Glacier & Columbia Icefield Centre, Sunwapta Falls & Athabasca Falls (easy stop-offs for dramatic waterfalls)
- What to Bring: Snacks, water, layers (the weather changes fast!), full tank of fuel
- My Top Tip: Download offline maps—signal can be patchy and there are very few services along the route
4. Glacial Stream at the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier – An Incredible Stop
While most visitors rush straight to the Columbia Icefield Centre or the glacier tours, I’m so glad we took a quiet detour down the trail to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. The walk only took around 10–15 minutes, but the atmosphere changed with every step—colder air, crunchier gravel, and a strange, almost eerie silence as the ice came into view.
Right at the foot of the glacier, I found the most beautiful glacial stream, its water a pale, milky turquoise from the silt and minerals ground up over centuries. It was cold, fast-moving, and impossibly clear—I crouched beside it for ages, just listening to it bubble over the rocks, my fingers trailing through the freezing current.
It was one of those grounding little moments that caught me off guard. Knowing this stream was born from ancient ice, slowly melting and reshaping the land—it made me feel tiny in the best possible way.
We didn’t rush. I took some photos, filled my lungs with that crisp alpine air, and just watched the sunlight sparkle off the water. For a place carved by power, it felt surprisingly gentle. If you’re planning to stop at the glacier, don’t skip the short walk to the toe—this was honestly one of the most peaceful and unexpectedly moving parts of the whole trip.
5. Jasper National Park – Where the Wild Really Begins
After the dramatic beauty of Banff and the thrill of the Icefields Parkway, Jasper felt like slipping into something softer and slower. Everything here seemed a little quieter, a little more spread out—and I mean that in the best way. It’s the kind of place where you can go a whole hour without seeing another car… or anyone at all.
We stayed just outside Jasper town, which had a rustic charm that really grew on me—there were cute cafés, friendly locals, and more elk wandering the streets than seemed strictly reasonable (we actually had to pause our coffee run to let one cross the road).
One of my absolute favourite moments was kayaking on Maligne Lake. That vivid teal water, the reflections of the mountains, the sheer peacefulness of it all—it was like paddling through a postcard. We didn’t make it all the way to Spirit Island (which is about 14km in), but just gliding along the shoreline with the alpine air on my face was honestly perfect.
We also drove out to Maligne Canyon, which totally took me by surprise. It’s a short, easy walk—but the depth of the gorge and the rush of water crashing through it made it feel almost cinematic. I loved stopping at each of the little bridges to peer down into the rock crevices—it felt like nature had carved its own storybook.
Another day we hiked up to Mount Edith Cavell, and wow—the views of the glacier, hanging valley, and that emerald-green lake below? Unreal. Plus, there were little clumps of wildflowers along the trail and we spotted a marmot sunbathing on a rock. Total scene-stealer.
At a Glance: Jasper National Park
- Location: Northern tip of the Icefields Parkway, Alberta
- Vibe: Wild, peaceful, less touristy than Banff
- My Top Things to Do: Kayak or take a cruise on Maligne Lake, Hike Maligne Canyon (short, dramatic, and easy to access), Drive to Mount Edith Cavell for glacier views and wildflowers, Spot wildlife—think elk, bears, mountain goats, and marmots!
- Where to Stay: Jasper town, or rustic lodges like Tekarra Lodge or Pyramid Lake Resort
- My Top Tip: Jasper is part of a Dark Sky Preserve—the stargazing here is phenomenal if you’re lucky enough to get a clear night
My Final Thoughts – Banff & Jasper in a Week
This trip gave me a real appreciation for how much you can see in just a few days across Banff and Jasper—especially if you plan well and allow for a bit of flexibility.
From early mornings at glacier-fed lakes to short hikes with big payoffs, and peaceful drives along the Icefields Parkway, every part of the journey felt worthwhile. It wasn’t just about the big-ticket views (though there were plenty)—it was the variety that made it so memorable: scenic towns, wildlife sightings, natural hot springs, and even quiet roadside stops that turned out to be trip highlights.
If you’re looking for a Canadian Rockies itinerary that balances nature, comfort, and adventure, this route delivers. I’d happily do it all over again—with even more time to explore the trails we missed.
