Canadian Rockies in 7 Days
Embark on a captivating journey through the breathtaking landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, thrill-seeker, or history buff, this seven-day itinerary promises an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Western Canadian.
Day 1: Vancouver - The Adventure Begins
Start your adventure in Vancouver. Make your way from the airport to your downtown Vancouver hotel by private transfer. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Vancouver’s spectacular waterfront. From glistening sails of the iconic Canada Place to dramatic vistas of the North Shore Mountains and the bustling seaplane terminal, this stretch of oceanside parks and walkways begs to be explored on foot. For the foodies, explore through your taste buds with a food walking tour. For the adventure seekers, explore from the sky by seaplane.
Where to Stay:
Fairmont Waterfront: This hotel is connected to the Vancouver Convention Center and Canada Place Cruise Ship Terminal. Vancouver’s Gastown is just 5 minutes’ walk away. This is a stylish hotel with city, mountain and harbor view rooms.
Day 2: Vancouver to Kamloops
All Aboard! Enjoy your morning in Vancouver before making your way to the Pacific Central Station. Board your Via Rail Train to Jasper National Park. En-route to Jasper, pass the historic city of Kamloops, once a 19th century trading post and now an emerging wine region. Kamloops became a boomtown during the Caribou Gold Rush of 1862. The area is a study in contrasts. Here, the lush forests give way to the rolling hills of the arid high country scored by deep river canyons, which are fed by the many high-altitude lakes.
Where to Stay: Onboard the train in sleeper class
Day 3: Kamloops to Jasper National Park
World-famous for skiing, hiking, and other outdoor sports, Jasper attracts tourists from around the world and is said to be among the country's most photographed places. Because Jasper National Park is a wildlife sanctuary, it is common to see all sorts of wild animals in their natural habitat. Elk and mule deer often wander the main street of the town. Disembark your Via Rail train to continue your Canadian adventure in the beautiful alpine town of Jasper. Make your way to your hotel and enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.
Where to Stay:
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge: Located on the shores of Beauvert Lake in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, this resort features an award-winning golf course, 8 on-site restaurants and a 10,000 square foot spa.
Day 4: Jasper National Park
Lose Yourself in Nature with a full day exploring Jasper National Park. Check out the outstanding mountain scenery and the spectacular natural treasures of Canada’s largest national park. Medicine Lake, Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake on a guided tour. Stand above the massive walls of Maligne Canyon for stunning views of rushing waterfalls. Take a hike around Maligne Lake or take a boat ride across the crystal waters fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park to Spirit Island.
Day 5: Jasper National Park to Banff National Park
Make your way from Jasper National Park to Banff National Park, making stops along the way. Explore beautiful Lake Minnewanka, the Rockies' largest lake, cruising the spectacular valley landscape of the country's oldest National Park. Opt for a lake cruise, exploring beautiful vistas and seeing the mysterious Devil's Gap, a popular ice climbing area.
Board the Banff Gondola, and ascend Sulphur Mountain in a mere 8 minutes. Take in the sweeping majesty of the Bow Valley from the comfort and safety of the panoramic glass-enclosed car. On arrival at the summit, explore the the state-of-the-art visitors center, which boasts an interactive interpretive exhibit, multi-sensory theater, and a 360 rooftop observation deck offering fantastic views. With six stunning mountain ranges and the sweep of the Bow Valley before you, views from the Sulphur Mountain summit are nothing short of breathtaking. Enjoy dinner at Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen, featuring creative cuisine served alongside stunning mountain scenes, before making your way back down the mountain.
Where to Stay
Fairmont Banff Springs: Set in a castle-like building in Banff National Park, this grand hotel lies is right by Bow Falls, and the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies. This resort, built in 1888, is styled after a Scottish Baronial castle and is a National Historic Site.
Day 6: Banff National Park
Spend the day exploring Banff National Park including the spectacular Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, two natural treasures, both brilliant gems in the Albertan landscape. The stunning glacier-fed sites of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are extremely photogenic, their vivid colors shimmering amid surrounding mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles. If Moraine Lake is closed for the season, explore Johnston Canyon instead where you can hike on the ice to access a small secret cave. End the day exploring downtown Banff or relaxing at the Fairmont Spa.
Day 7: Banff National Park to Calgary
Enjoy awe-inspiring views of the majestic Rocky Mountains as you horseback ride along the peaceful Bow River, home to an array of wildlife amid thick marshes and meadows. As you ride, catch views of Mt. Norquay and the Cascade Mountain in the distance. After your magnificent horseback riding experience. Make your way to Calgary to conclude your trip. Consider listening to an audio tour during your drive to learn more about the region.
Have an extra day or two? Consider adding these tours to your itinerary.
Vancouver City Sightseeing Tour: Capilano Suspension Bridge & Vancouver Lookout
