Banff & Jasper Icefields Parkway Classic
Round-trip from Calgary, connecting Banff, Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and Jasper.
The standard route for first-time visitors to the Canadian Rockies: first adjust to the altitude in Banff, then stay at Lake Louise to see Moraine Lake and Yoho, head north along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, and make the long drive back to Calgary on the final day. The pace is moderate, and the main trade-off is minimizing time in downtown Calgary, making it ideal for first-time self-drive visitors to the Rockies.
Some trails in Jasper remain closed following the 2024 wildfire; snow may still be present at higher elevations in early June.
Day by day
Day 1 · Arrive in Calgary and Transfer to Banff
Banff & Lake Louise（Canmore、Banff Town）
Pick up your rental car at the airport and drive along Highway 1 to Banff (approx. 130 km, about 1.5 hours).
A National Park Pass is required; you can stock up on supplies in Canmore on your arrival day.
Stay: Banff Townsite
Day 2 · Banff Town and Sulphur Mountain
Banff & Lake Louise（Banff Gondola (Sulphur Mountain)、Bow Falls、Lake Minnewanka、Vermilion Lakes）
Take short drives around the town area, with most one-way trips under 20 minutes.
It is highly recommended to book your Sulphur Mountain Gondola time slot in advance during peak season.
Stay: Banff Townsite
Day 3 · Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise
Banff & Lake Louise（Johnston Canyon、Morant's Curve、Lake Louise）
Drive along the 1A Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise (approx. 60 km), taking half a day including stops.
The eastern section of the 1A has nighttime travel restrictions during certain periods in spring and autumn; check before departing.
Stay: Lake Louise Village
Day 4 · Moraine Lake and Yoho Day Trip
Banff & Lake Louise（Moraine Lake、Emerald Lake, Yoho National Park、Natural Bridge, Yoho）
Take the shuttle to Moraine Lake in the morning, and drive to Yoho in the afternoon (approx. 30 minutes).
Private vehicles are banned at Moraine Lake; you must book a park shuttle or commercial bus in advance.
Stay: Lake Louise Village
Day 5 · Icefields Parkway North to Jasper
Banff & Lake Louise（Bow Lake、Peyto Lake） → Jasper National Park（Athabasca Glacier & Ice Explorer、Columbia Icefield Skywalk、Athabasca Falls）
Drive 232 km along Highway 93, taking about 3 hours of pure driving time, or a full day with sightseeing stops.
There are very few gas stations along the way; the Columbia Icefield Adventure and Glacier Skywalk must be booked in advance.
Stay: Jasper Townsite
Day 6 · Maligne Lake and Jasper Surroundings
Jasper National Park（Medicine Lake、Maligne Lake & Spirit Island, Jasper、Patricia & Pyramid Lakes）
Round-trip from the town to Maligne Lake is about 100 km, taking about 1 hour each way.
Maligne Canyon remains closed in 2026; please refer to the latest Parks Canada announcements.
Stay: Jasper Townsite
Day 7 · Long Drive Back to Calgary
Drive about 410 km via the Icefields Parkway and Highway 1, taking 4.5 to 5 hours.
It is not advisable to schedule a morning flight on this day; booking a departure after late afternoon is recommended.