Banff and Jasper had been calling my title for years! I’d at all times cherished the considered exploring these Insta-worthy turquoise lakes, hovering pine-covered mountains, and winding scenic highways. So when the possibility got here to lastly discover the stunning Canadian Rockies, I packed my digital camera, my warmest hoodie, and an bold street journey playlist, and set off looking for alpine journey.
I had excessive expectations, and someway, the Rockies managed to exceed them. Each lake we stopped at regarded prefer it had been Photoshopped, each mountain path felt like a scene from a film, and each activate the Icefields Parkway left me breathless (generally actually—these elevation good points had been no joke!).
I spent just below every week driving from Banff to Jasper and again once more, and squeezed in as many hikes, sizzling springs, glacier views and lakeside picnics as I probably might. So when you’re planning your personal escape to the Rockies, right here’s precisely what I acquired as much as – and all of the spots I personally suppose you can’t miss…
1. Exploring Banff City – The Gateway to the Rockies
My journey started in Banff and this place fully wowed me! Nestled in a valley and surrounded by towering peaks it regarded like a storybook mountain village, dwelling to cute wood chalets, hanging flower baskets, and the occasional elk casually wandering down the street (sure, actually!). It had a quaint alpine attraction and rugged mountain power.
As wandered down Banff Avenue with a maple oat-milk latte in hand (after all!) I checked out all the comfortable native retailers which had been an important mixture of boutique out of doors shops, artisan chocolate retailers, and shops overflowing with lumberjack shirts and moose socks (I couldn’t resist choosing up a few pairs)! The vibe was lack
I additionally visited the historic Banff Springs Resort, learnt in regards to the space’s attention-grabbing historical past on the Whyte Museum and Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum, went for an superior bike journey alongside the Bow River and noticed the picturesque falls, and took a Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain the place I noticed excellent panoramic views of the Rockies, pine forests, and the gorgeous Bow Valley. I ended the day soaking in Banff Higher Sizzling Springs surrounded by beautiful snow-capped mountains – not a nasty end to the day in any respect!
At a Look: Banff City
- Location: Alberta, Canada – inside Banff Nationwide Park
- Vibe: Alpine attraction meets outdoorsy cool
- My Prime Issues to Do: Stroll down Banff Avenue (cute retailers, cafes, and views!), journey the Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain, soaking within the Banff Higher Sizzling Springs, visiting the Whyte Museum and Banff Park Museum
- Nice Eats: Bear Avenue Tavern (they’d wonderful pizza!), Wild Flour Bakery, The Bison
- The place to Keep: Boutique lodges, cozy cabins, and some grand lodges (Fairmont Banff Springs is the long-lasting one)
I’d seen the photographs of Lake Louise 100 instances earlier than going—however nothing fairly ready me for the actual factor! In actual life it’s actually a really extraordinary magnificence spot which so magical it nearly felt otherworldly. It had milky turquoise waters and a glassy floor and surrounded by towering mountains and equally towering pine bushes.
I rented a canoe from the boathouse (it was expensive—however it was 100% price it) and paddled out into the center of the lake. The water was so clear you might I might see the ripples under, the air smelled faintly of pine and there was an nearly eerie stillness to the entire space.
I subsequent drove 20 minutes to Moraine Lake, which (though controversial opinion!) handle to impress me even extra than Lake Louise. It was smaller and craggier, framed by the majestic Valley of the Ten Peaks, however the water was even a deeper, dreamier blue.
I lastly hiked up the brief Rockpile Path for that well-known iconic view (you’ll have undoubtedly seen it on postcards and screensavers!), and I simply stood there for ages, not even bothering to take photographs as a result of I didn’t need to miss a second of it with my precise eyes!
At a Look: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
- Location: Banff Nationwide Park (about 1 hour from Banff city)
- Finest Time to Go to: June–October (when the roads are open and the lakes are thawed!)
- My Prime Issues to Do: Dawn or sundown on the lake edge, Canoe rental at Lake Louise, Hike the Lake Agnes Tea, Home Path or Plain of Six Glaciers, Hike the Rockpile Path at Moraine Lake for iconic views
- My Images Tip: Arrive earlier than 8am or after 6pm to keep away from crowds and harsh mild
- My Parking Tip: Moraine Lake now requires shuttle or pre-booked entry—examine the Parks Canada web site earlier than going!
3. Icefields Parkway – The Most Stunning Drive of My Life
I personally thought that driving the Icefields Parkway felt like being dropped into the center of an unbelievable nature documentary – however with snacks within the glovebox! The scenic paved street has been talked about as among the finest drives on the earth by Condé Nast Traveller and hyperlinks Banff and Jasper.
As I drove I wound some critically jaw-dropping surroundings – I noticed had been big towering snow- capped peaks, sensible blue glacial lakes, historical icefields, and valleys so broad and quiet I felt like I used to be on a totally totally different planet!
I took my time driving alongside the 230 km stretch which took a day (5 and a half hours), and I ended at nearly each viewpoint, to gaze on the views and take within the crisp alpine air on the identical time.
My favourite spotlight was pulling over at Peyto Lake, climbing up the brief paved path to the lookout, and being completely surprised by the insanely blue, wolf-head-shaped lake.
At a Look: Icefields Parkway
- Route: Freeway 93 – connects Banff to Jasper (about 3.5 hours with out stops)
- Finest For: Scenic street trippers, photographers, nature lovers
- My Prime Stops: Peyto Lake Viewpoint (well-known for its wolf form!), Bow Lake (nice picnic spot), Mistaya Canyon (brief stroll to a strong river gorge), Athabasca Glacier & Columbia Icefield Centre, Sunwapta Falls & Athabasca Falls (simple stop-offs for dramatic waterfalls)
- Wildlife: Bears, elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep
- What to Convey: Snacks, water, layers (the climate adjustments quick!), full tank of gas
- My Prime Tip: Obtain offline maps—sign will be patchy and there are only a few providers alongside the route
4. Glacial Stream on the Toe of the Athabasca Glacier – An Unbelievable Cease on the Icefields Parkway
Whereas most guests rush straight to the Columbia Icefield Centre or the glacier excursions, I used to be actually happy to make the choice to take a quiet detour down the path to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. The stroll solely took round 10–quarter-hour however once I stood on the fringe of a literal river of ice and felt the temperature drop the second I approached.
Proper on the foot of the glacier, I additionally discovered a good looking glacial stream, its water was a pale, milky turquoise from the silt and minerals and it was chilly, fast-moving, and impossibly clear.
I additionally observed there have been guided glacier walks obtainable and the choice to journey a type of huge Ice Explorer automobiles proper up onto the glacier itself.
5. Jasper Nationwide Park – The place the Wild Actually Begins
After the dramatic great thing about Banff and the fun driving the unbelievable Icefields Parkway, Jasper felt like slipping into one thing softer and slower, all the pieces there appeared slightly quieter and slightly extra unfold out.
I stayed simply exterior Jasper city, which had a country attraction that basically gained me over – there have been cute cafés, pleasant locals, and extra elk wandering the streets than appeared strictly cheap!
One in all my favourite highlights was kayaking on Maligne Lake which was dwelling to vivid teal water and mirror-like reflections of the mountains – it felt like paddling by a postcard. I didn’t fairly make all of it the best way to Spirit Island (which was round 14km in), however that was superb!
I additionally hiked Maligne Canyon which was a surprisingly brief, simple stroll however the depth of the gorge and the push of water crashing by it made it really feel nearly cinematic. I cherished stopping at every of the little bridges to look down into the rock crevices. One other day I hiked as much as Mount Edith Cavell and noticed breathtaking views of the glacier, hanging valley, and that emerald-green lake under.
I additionally handle to incorporate soaking within the soothing Miette Sizzling Springs, using the Jasper SkyTram which had breathtaking views of the Rockies, exploring the glacier-fed Athabasca Falls, and stargazing underneath the extremely clear skies!
At a Look: Jasper Nationwide Park
- Location: Northern tip of the Icefields Parkway, Alberta
- Vibe: Wild, peaceable, much less touristy than Banff
- My Prime Issues to Do: Kayak or take a cruise on Maligne Lake, Hike Maligne Canyon (brief, dramatic, and simple to entry), Drive to Mount Edith Cavell for glacier views and wildflowers, Spot wildlife—suppose elk, bears, mountain goats, and marmots!
- The place to Keep: Jasper city, or rustic lodges like Tekarra Lodge or Pyramid Lake Resort
- My Prime Tip: Jasper is a part of a Darkish Sky Protect—the stargazing right here is phenomenal when you’re fortunate sufficient to get a transparent night time
My Ultimate Ideas – Banff & Jasper in a Week
Truthfully each a part of the journey felt genuinely worthwhile. It wasn’t simply in regards to the big-ticket views (though there have been loads!)—it was the range and the unbelievable vibe that made this journey simply so extremely memorable for me. Even the quaint cities and quiet roadside stops turned out to be big highlights!
I additionally cherished that it balanced nature, consolation, and journey – I’d fortunately do it over again!
