SCOUT A ROUTE THROUGH THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

Banff/Jasper, Alberta

SCHEDULE:

This fantastic itinerary provides for a guided or self‑guided six‑day itinerary from June–September and covers key trails and viewpoints in Banff and Jasper National Parks. It includes moderate day hikes, scenic drives, a gondola ride, and a visit to the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Designed for travelers who want structured activity with flexibility.

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Day 1 — Arrival in Banff + Lake Minnewanka Trail

• Arrive in Calgary, Transfer to Banff

• Check in to Banff hotel

• Afternoon hike: Lake Minnewanka Lakeside Trail (easy–moderate, 2–3 hours)

• Evening at leisure in Banff townsite

• Focus: Acclimatization, light hiking, scenic lakeshore views.

Day 2 — Lake Louise + Plain of Six Glaciers

• Morning transfer to Lake Louise

• Hike: Plain of Six Glaciers Trail (moderate, 4–5 hours)

• Optional stop at the teahouse

• Return to Banff for dinner

• Focus: Glacial valleys, alpine scenery, iconic Lake Louise views.

Day 3 — Banff Gondola + Sulphur Mountain + Hot Springs

• Morning ride on the Banff Gondola

• Summit boardwalk walk to Sanson’s Peak (easy, 1 hour)

• Afternoon soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs

• Evening free time

• Focus: Panoramic mountain views and relaxation.

Day 4 — Icefields Parkway + Parker Ridge

• Drive the Icefields Parkway toward Jasper

• Hike: Parker Ridge Trail (moderate, 2–3 hours)

• Scenic stops: Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier

• Continue to Jasper for overnight stay

• Focus: High alpine ridge views and glacial landscapes.

Day 5 — Maligne Canyon + Valley of the Five Lakes

• Morning hike: Maligne Canyon (easy–moderate, 2 hours)

• Afternoon hike: Valley of the Five Lakes loop (moderate, 2–3 hours)

• Evening in Jasper townsite

• Focus: Waterfalls, canyon formations, and colorful lakes.

Day 6 — Edith Cavell Meadows + Return to Banff or Calgary

• Morning hike: Edith Cavell Meadows (moderate–challenging, 3–4 hours)

• Afternoon return drive to Banff or Calgary

• Trip concludes

• Focus: Meadows, glaciers, and one of Jasper’s most recognized landscapes.

DESCRIPTION:

Covering the most accessible and well known hiking areas in Banff and Jasper you will experience lakes, canyons, ridges, and meadows, along with structured time for rest. The gondola and hot springs provide non-hiking activities that balance the schedule. Daily distances are moderate and suitable for travelers with average fitness. ​Trip Highlights:

• Lake Louise

• Icefields Parkway

• Edith Cavell Meadows

• Maligne Canyon

• Banff Gondola

• Upper Hot Springs

PRICE INCLUDES:

Pricing varies by season, group size, and lodging level. Below is a sample structure you can adapt at roughly $400.00 USD/PP (2025).

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• 5 nights accommodation (Banff 3 nights, Jasper 2 nights)

• Daily breakfast

• Banff Gondola admission

• Banff Upper Hot Springs admission

• National Park entry fees

• Round‑trip ground transportation from Calgary

• All scheduled hikes and transfers

• Icefields Parkway transportation

• Professional guide (if guided version)

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Not Included

• Lunches and dinners

• Optional activities (canoeing, wildlife tours)

• Travel insurance

• Flights to/from Calgary​