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Make your way from Calgary to Jasper on the most scenic route through the Rocky Mountains.

At a glance

  • 3-day itinerary
  • 485 km (301 mi) total distance
  • 6 hrs 22 mins drive time
  • Your starting point is in Calgary
Starts in

Calgary

Day 1 drive time: 1 hr 23 min, 130 km (81 mi)
Day 1

Banff

Head from Calgary to Banff, the birthplace of Canada’s national parks system.

A woman looks out over a hotel and trees from a view platform.
Tourist takes a picture inside a cave.

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

This site has held significance for Indigenous Peoples since time immemorial. Three railway workers stumbled upon it in 1883, and the events that followed resulted in Canada’s first national park. It’s now a gathering place to connect visitors to the land and share stories of conservation. The Thermal Waters Pass is available for discounted combined entry at Cave and Basin and Banff Upper Hot Springs.

Banff Gondola

Banff Gondola

Experience a world of adventure and beauty at the summit of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain. Exploration abounds at the gondola, from a theatre and interpretive centre inside to epic snowy views from the rooftop deck and mountain boardwalk outside.

Dining in Sky Bistro at the top of Banff Gondola

Lunch at Sky Bistro

Overlooking Banff on the summit of Sulphur Mountain, Sky Bistro serves locally inspired cuisine paired with panoramic views of six Rocky Mountain ranges. Ride to the top aboard the Banff Gondola before enjoying dishes inspired by Canadian culinary traditions, made from fresh regional ingredients.

People enjoying the Banff Upper Hot Springs in Banff National Park

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Visit Banff Upper Hot Springs during your trip to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Banff National Park. The natural hot mineral springs are among the top attractions in the Canadian Rockies. Soak in the historic bathhouse, originally built in 1886, while you take in incredible mountain views. The Thermal Waters Pass is available for discounted combined entry at Banff Upper Hot Springs and Cave and Basin.

A woman looks out over a hotel and trees from a view platform.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Located in the heart of Banff National Park, the world-famous Fairmont Banff Springs hotel stands as a landmark in the picturesque alpine town of Banff. Canada's "Castle in the Rockies” has been providing legendary hospitality to guests for more than 130 years.

Day 2 drive time: 1 hr 30 min, 77 km (48 mi)
Day 2

Lake Louise

The scenery at this world-famous turquoise lake is picture-perfect, and there’s plenty to see and do.

Day 3 drive time: 3 hr 29 min, 278 km (173 mi)
Day 3

Jasper

Enjoy a scenic drive to Jasper, with destinations that will take you to new heights.

People looking up at the ceiling dome inside Jasper Planetarium

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