5 Nights Taste of the Rockies

Packages can be customized to include activities and different accommodation styles (ie. Superior in Banff, Cabin in Jasper, Luxury in Lake Louise).

Rates will fluctuate depending upon number of adults (+children), dates of travel and accommodation levels. Please contact us for a custom quote.

Day 1. In and around Banff.

Begin your vacation by visiting the Tourist Information Centre on Banff Ave to pick up maps, brochures and check out what's on this week. Then follow the GyPSy Guide's tour around the townsite, stopping at Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, the Hoodoos and Lake Minnewanka. If time allows,
stop by the Vermillion Lakes. Don't forget to take your camera - the changing colours on Mt
Rundle make for a great sunset photo. Overnight Banff.

Day 2. Banff and Johnston Canyon.

Early morning is usually the clearest atop Sulphur Mtn via the Banff Gondola. It’s a spectacular 180 degree view and a great way to get up to that elevation without hiking! Drive slowly along the Bow Valley Parkway 1A from Banff to Lake Louise. This is a wilderness corridor so obey the slow speed limit and allow plenty of space if you do see wildlife. Walk the short trail to Johnston Canyon lower and upper falls while enjoying the breathtaking gorge cut into the mountain rock. This is a great
way to cool off if a hot day or stretch the legs. Back in Banff arrange tomorrow's picnic lunch and perhaps end the day with a soak in the natural hot springs. Overnight Banff.

Day 3. Banff - Icefields Parkway - Road to the Glaciers—Jasper.

Over 100 Glaciers line the spectacular Icefield Parkway, making it one of the most stunning drives in
the world. Drive north on the Icefields Parkway #93, stopping at the many viewpoints, all are spectacular. The GyPSy OnBoard Car Guide will entertain and inform you all along the way of the places not to miss like Bow Summit and Peyto Lake. Just before the Athabasca Glacier stop at Parker Ridge, where you may want to enjoy the picnic lunch we suggested, and after a short but steep trail (250m elevation gain), you will be rewarded with great views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.
Finally drive onto the Icefield Centre and enjoy the highlight of the drive, the Athabasca Glacier. At your leisure drive onto the townsite of Jasper. Overnight Jasper.

Day 4. Jasper.

An early start to the day, enjoy the scenic drive to Maligne Lake, whose beauty is legendary. On the way back to Jasper, stop over at Maligne Canyon (about 15 mins east of Jasper) and hike the 3.7 km interpretive trail with foot bridges over and around the canyon. If you have time to also drive out to Mt Edith Cavell, there is a chance to get up close to a glacier, or a hike in the wildflowers. End the evening by driving at dusk to the hot springs— great chance to spot for wildlife so drive slowly and carefully. Overnight Jasper.

Day 5. Jasper—Lake Louise.

There are many viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway, a morning to catch up on some of that you missed on the way up. You can avoid any crowds at popular Lake Louise by arriving late in the
day. Walk the lakeshore trail to the end of the lake towards Victoria Glacier. Alternatively drive straight to Lake Louise and slip over the border into British Columbia, taking in the sights of Yoho National Park. View the Spiral Tunnels (still in use) where the railtracks corkscrew through the mountainside to gain elevation, Takkakaw Falls with it’s impressive drop, and beautiful Emerald Lake. Overnight Lake Louise.

Day 6. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

Drive out to Moraine Lake and enjoy the early morning calm on the lake - the best time for scenic reflections. A time to reflect and plan your next and longer vacation in the Canadian
Rockies.