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30 Apr 2025
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Calgary to Jasper Road Trip Itinerary

Calgary to Jasper Road Trip Overview

The Calgary to Jasper road trip is a breathtaking journey through some of Canada's most stunning landscapes. Starting in the vibrant city of Calgary, you'll embark on a scenic drive that takes you through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, filled with natural beauty and outdoor adventures.

Your first stop is Canmore, a charming mountain town surrounded by rugged peaks. It's an ideal destination for those who enjoy hiking, rock climbing, and immersing themselves in the small-town charm of the Rockies. As you continue, you'll reach Banff, renowned for its picturesque setting and hot springs. Banff is a hub for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the surrounding national park, filled with trails, lakes, and wildlife.

The journey proceeds to the iconic Lake Louise, where you'll be captivated by its turquoise waters and the towering Victoria Glacier. Whether you enjoy a leisurely canoe ride on the lake or hike the nearby trails, Lake Louise offers countless opportunities to soak up its majestic vistas.

Next, travel along the Icefields Parkway, a highway praised for its breathtaking scenery, including snow-capped peaks, sweeping valleys, and serene rivers. This drive is a highlight for many visitors, offering stops at incredible viewpoints and unique attractions like the Athabasca Glacier. Here, you can step onto the glacier and marvel at the immense ice formations that make this area so unique.

Your journey culminates in Jasper, a quaint mountain town nestled within Jasper National Park. Known for its stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife, Jasper offers activities like hiking, skiing, and star-gazing in the vast dark sky preserve. Overall, this road trip provides an unforgettable experience filled with natural wonders and endless exploration opportunities.


Recommended Activities

  • Calgary is known for its vibrant cultural scene, including the famous Calgary Stampede, and offers a mix of modern urban experiences and nearby natural beauty.
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  • Canmore is a charming town surrounded by stunning mountain scenery, providing excellent opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring the nearby Canadian Rockies.
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  • Banff is a world-renowned destination for its breathtaking landscapes, including lakes, mountains, and wildlife, while also offering numerous recreational activities and hot springs.
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    Lake Louise

    Lake Louise is famous for its turquoise colored lake set against the backdrop of Victoria Glacier, offering picture-perfect views and a range of activities like canoeing and hiking.
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    Icefields Parkway

    Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world, stretching through the heart of the Canadian Rockies with majestic views of mountains, glaciers, and stunning valleys.
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    Athabasca Glacier

    Athabasca Glacier is one of the most accessible glaciers in the Canadian Rockies, where visitors can walk on the glacier, learn about its geology, and witness the breathtaking ice formations.
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  • Jasper is a serene mountain town located in Jasper National Park, offering stunning natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and star-gazing in one of the largest dark sky preserves in the world.
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Restaurants

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    The Grizzly House

    4.3
    $$$$

    The Grizzly House

    A fondue restaurant in Banff offering a unique dining experience with exotic meats like bison and alligator, and a retro atmosphere.
    4.3
    $$$$
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    Sky Bistro

    4.1

    Sky Bistro

    Located at the top of the Banff Gondola, this restaurant offers exquisite cuisine with panoramic views of the Rockies.
    4.1
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    Storm Mountain Lodge

    4.7

    Storm Mountain Lodge

    Charming cabins with a restaurant serving locally-sourced Canadian fare in a cozy, rustic setting near Lake Louise.
    4.7
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    The Bear's Den

    The Bear's Den

    An upscale dining experience in Canmore with a focus on regional ingredients and an elegant mountain lodge ambiance.
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    The Fiddle River Restaurant

    4.5
    $$$$

    The Fiddle River Restaurant

    A Jasper favorite known for its creative seafood dishes, locally sourced ingredients, and scenic views of the Rockies.
    4.5
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Hotels

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    The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

    9.1

    The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

    Known as the 'Castle in the Rockies', this historic hotel offers luxury accommodations and stunning views of Banff National Park.
    9.1
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    Icefields Chalet

    2.5

    Icefields Chalet

    Located near the Columbia Icefield, this unique chalet offers rustic accommodations and easy access to glacier adventures.
    2.5
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    Emerald Lake Lodge

    4.3

    Emerald Lake Lodge

    Nestled on the shores of Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park, this lodge provides an authentic mountain getaway with breathtaking views.
    4.3
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    Pyramid Lake Resort

    4.4

    Pyramid Lake Resort

    A unique lakeside retreat in Jasper, offering cozy accommodations with direct access to nature and outdoor activities.
    4.4
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    Moraine Lake Lodge

    4.5

    Moraine Lake Lodge

    Located in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this lodge offers exclusive accommodations with unparalleled views of Moraine Lake.
    4.5
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Local Events & Happenings

  • Event Icon

    MAD CADDIES with Authority Zero & The Corps

    MAD CADDIES with Authority Zero & The Corps

    Legal Age 18+ (Valid Photo I.D. Required)MODO-LIVE & New Ground Bookings Presents...MAD CADDIESwith Authority Zero & The Corps Wednesday, October 1st, 2025Melissas MisSteakBanff, AB
    Map IconMelissa's Missteak in Banff (46.38 mi)
    Calendar Icon2 Oct 2025
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    Home Alone in Concert

    Home Alone in Concert

    Kickstart your holiday season with the beloved comedy classic Home Alone, now 35 years young! Featuring renowned composer John Williams' delightful score performed live by your Calgary Phil, the film stars Macaulay Culkin as Kevin McCallister, an inv...
    Map IconWinSport Event Centre in Calgary (96.54 mi)
    Calendar Icon29 Nov 2025
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    The Testify Tour ft. Kim Walker-Smith + Leeland - Calgary, AB

    The Testify Tour ft. Kim Walker-Smith + Leeland - Calgary, AB

    Get ready, Canada! Worship powerhouse Kim Walker-Smith is bringing her anthemic voice and deep passion for the presence of God across the country for unforgettable nights of praise and fellowship on The Testify Tour. Known for soul-stirring worship m...
    Map IconFoothills Alliance Church in Calgary (97.1 mi)
    Calendar Icon2 Nov 2025
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    Too Many Zooz: Caravan Tour

    Too Many Zooz: Caravan Tour

    Website: http://toomanyzooz.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@toomanyzooz5641 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toomanyzooz/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toomanyzooz Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@toomanyzoozmusicTwitter: https://twitt...
    Map IconTraverse Lounge in Revelstoke (99 mi)
    Calendar Icon4 Oct 2025
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    Descendents

    Descendents

    The event will take place at MacEwan Hall in Calgary.
    Map IconMacEwan Hall in Calgary (100.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon12 Sep 2025
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    GWAR - The Return of GOR GOR

    GWAR - The Return of GOR GOR

    The event will take place at MacEwan Hall in Calgary.
    Map IconMacEwan Hall in Calgary (100.07 mi)
    Calendar Icon1 Nov 2025
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    East Suites - Calgary Wild FC vs Montreal Roses FC

    East Suites - Calgary Wild FC vs Montreal Roses FC

    The event will take place at McMahon Stadium in Calgary.
    Map IconMcMahon Stadium in Calgary (100.71 mi)
    Calendar Icon13 Sep 2025
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Travel Gems from Reddit

  • Reddit Icon

    Hi all! I have booked flights and a car from Calgary airport in June 2024. I have currently planned a rough route! Struggling as we are heading out

    Calgary to Jasper and back again road trip advice?

    Hi all! I have booked flights and a car from Calgary airport in June 2024. I have currently planned a rough route! Struggling as we are heading out

    /r/Banff
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    You are driving by the same spots about 3 times back and forth; Calgary to Emerald Lake in Field covers Lake Louise and Banff. At the very least you would want to swap day 1 a...

    Itinerary for a 4-day trip to Jasper and Banff from Calgary

    You are driving by the same spots about 3 times back and forth; Calgary to Emerald Lake in Field covers Lake Louise and Banff. At the very least you would want to swap day 1 a...

    /r/Banff
  • Reddit Icon

    Make sure to plan white water rafting in Jasper. My kids loved it. Drumheller was also a day trip I took from Calgary and so worth it. The Royal Tyrell museum is amazing. Spen...

    11 Days Sept Road trip to Rockies - how would you split no. of days between Jasper, Banff, Lake Louise and Calgary?

    Make sure to plan white water rafting in Jasper. My kids loved it. Drumheller was also a day trip I took from Calgary and so worth it. The Royal Tyrell museum is amazing. Spen...

    /r/canadatravel
  • Reddit Icon

    Hello! We will be visiting Alberta for the first time and are driving from Calgary --> Jasper in the first week of September. I am renting a small

    Driving from Calgary to Jasper - Sep 3, 2024

    Hello! We will be visiting Alberta for the first time and are driving from Calgary --> Jasper in the first week of September. I am renting a small

    /r/jasper
  • Reddit Icon

    It's a beautiful drive but you ... around jasper if you started in banff. Also, barring any environmental issues, every tourist family with a rented rv is taking the exac...

    5 days in area worth it to hit both Jasper and Banff?

    It's a beautiful drive but you ... around jasper if you started in banff. Also, barring any environmental issues, every tourist family with a rented rv is taking the exac...

    /r/Banff

Music for Your Journey

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    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    Rascal Flatts - Life is a Highway

    This upbeat classic by Tom Cochrane is the perfect anthem for any road trip, emphasizing the adventure of life on the road.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    Eagles - Take It Easy - 2013 Remaster

    A laid-back tune from the Eagles that captures the essence of a carefree journey through beautiful landscapes.
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    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    Willie Nelson - On The Road Again - Live

    This Willie Nelson hit is a quintessential road trip song celebrating travel, freedom, and the open road.
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    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    Tracy Chapman - Fast Car

    Tracy Chapman's soulful song evokes a sense of longing and escape, fitting for introspective moments on your journey.
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    The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

    The Proclaimers - I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)

    The Proclaimers' energetic tune is perfect for lifting your spirits and keeping you upbeat as you cover miles.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Led Zeppelin - Ramble On - 1990 Remaster

    Led Zeppelin - Ramble On - 1990 Remaster

    A Led Zeppelin classic that combines themes of travel and adventure with its iconic rock sound.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    Chuck Berry - Route 66

    A classic road trip song by Chuck Berry that captures the spirit of adventure on one of the most famous highways.
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    Simon & Garfunkel - Scarborough Fair / Canticle

    Simon & Garfunkel - Scarborough Fair / Canticle

    Paul Simon & Garfunkel's soothing melody pairs perfectly with scenic drives through tranquil landscapes.
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    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way - 2004 Remaster

    Fleetwood Mac's hit encapsulates the essence of freedom, individuality, and breaking away on the road.
    Listen on Spotify
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    Adele - Hometown Glory

    Adele - Hometown Glory

    Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros' song is joyful and uplifting, perfect for moments of happiness on your trip.
    Listen on Spotify
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