The Perfect Canadian Rockies Itinerary for Adventurous Families

Looking for the best itinerary for the Canadian Rockies for families for an epic road trip through the stunning landscapes of Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Golden, Radium Hot Springs, and Kootenay?

I have the perfect day-to-day Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary you can simply copy. You will drive through some of Canada’s most beautiful national parks, with stops at iconic spots and hidden gems.

This itinerary for the Canadian Rockies shows you the best spots from four national parks. From Lake Louise’s turquoise waters to Jasper‘s majestic waterfalls, you’ll explore places like Emerald Lake, hike scenic trails, and even relax in the soothing waters of Radium Hot Springs.

This 10-day Canadian Rockies itinerary is filled with seeing amazing places to visit but leaving enough downtime for having fun outdoors with your family. Get ready for breathtaking views, exciting hikes, and unforgettable moments in the heart of the Rockies.

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10-Day Itineraries for the Canadian Rockies RECAP

• Day 1: Banff
• Day 2: Banff
• Day 3: Icefields Parkway
• Day 4: Jasper
• Day 5: Jasper
• Day 6: Icefields Parkway
• Day 7: Yoho
• Day 8: Golden
• Day 9: Golden to Radium
• Day 10: Kootenay (back to Banff)

Day 1: Banff Gondola, Johnson Lake & Downtown

If you fly to the Canadian Rockies, you’ll arrive at Calgary International Airport. You can rent a car or a campervan directly from the Calgary airport. Make sure to reserve your car in advance by comparing options on DiscoverCars.com or Expedia.

Banff Gondola

Your first stop will be the Banff Gondola. When traveling with children, you want to ride on the Gondola in the morning (kids ride for free if you board the gondola before 11h00 AM. 

But you can take as much time as you want at the top; just need to get up before 11h00 AM.

Pro-Tip: If you’re traveling during the summer, I recommend parking at the Free parking lot by the train station and taking the ROAM Transit to get to the Banff Gondola. If you’re traveling off-season, you can take a chance and park right by the Gondola.

💡 Not sure if the Banff Gondola is worth it? Read our review here!

On this scenic 8-minute ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The kids will love exploring the observation deck and the interpretive center and using the boardwalk to see the Cosmic Ray Station.

Plan for 2 hours to enjoy the Gondola and the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Then, you drive to Johnson Lake.

Johnson Lake

You’ll follow the sign to Lake Minnewanka to get to Johnson Lake. You’ll use the Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive, then turn onto Johnson Lake Drive.

This is a great and easy hike for the family. The trail around the lake is flat and well-groomed, and the scenery is stunning. The kids will love exploring the shoreline, spotting wildlife, and playing in the water. Make sure to make a slight detour to see the Hermite Cabin.

Once you’re done with your hike, find a picnic table. You can even brave the cold water and jump on the lake on a warm summer day. Johnson Lake is one of the warmest lakes in the Canadian Rockies.

🥾 Looking for another hike option? There are so many great short and easy hikes in Banff. You can instead do: Jonhston Canyon, Tunnel Mountain Hoodoo Lookout or Two Jack Lake Trail. You could also do a guided hike to the Skoki Valley.

Lake Minnewanka

When you are ready, head back to the car and drive to Lake Minnewanka. If you have time and a budget, you can take a scenic boat cruise.

Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park is the second-longest lake in the Rocky Mountains. It’s 21 km long and 142 m deep, making it glacial.

The Lake Minnewanka cruise is the perfect little tour for families. It’s a one-hour boat tour with scenic views all around. The captain and the guides are knowledgeable. They will tell you all about the history of the lake and the animals around it.

At this point, your family may be pretty tired. It can be the perfect time to unwind at the Banff Upper Hot Springs or simply head back to downtown Banff. 

You can have a laid-back evening at the hotel or have dinner downtown. The Pacini Italian restaurant is a great option for families.

🛏️  Where to stay in Banff 
There are many family-friendly hotels in Banff. I recommend that you stay at one of the following downtown hotels: Fox Hotel & Suites, Canalta Lodge, Douglas Fir Resort & Chalets.

Day 2: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake

On your second day in Banff, wake up early to visit two of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.

💡 Note: I usually do not recommend visiting both lakes in one day because it can be tiring and long. But with this itinerary, we only have two days to explore Banff, so it would have to be on the same day. Plus, it will allow you not to have to drive back and forth between Banff and Lake Louise.

But if you have an extra day, I would suggest different days.

It’s also important to know that it’s not possible to drive your own car to Moraine Lake and that parking at Lake Louise is really limited. You must book your shuttle to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in advance. Or you can book a private shuttle, for example the ViaVia Moraine Lake Shuttle.

I recommend starting your day by visiting Moraine Lake and then going to Lake Louise (but both options are possible).

Moraine Lake

Once at Moraine Lake, hike to the Moraine Lake Rockpile trail. It’s an easy trail that will let you admire the lake from a higher viewpoint. It’s 0.8 km out and back and has only 10 m of elevation gain! You’ll have a wonderful lake view.

💡 PRO-TIP: Want to continue hiking?
Try the Consolation Lakes Trail. This is another beautiful trail surrounded by a lush forest. The lakes here are not turquoise like Moraine, but they’re still beautiful to explore! It’s 7.4 km out-and-back with 262 m of elevation gain. 

When ready, you can wait for the Connector Shuttle to Lake Louise. Wait time can vary a lot, so be patient.

Lake Louise

I highly recommend planning for a few hours at Lake Louise. Don’t just go for a quick photoshoot. Make sure to do the beautiful hike to Lake Agnes.

It’s a 7.4-km out-and-back trail that leads to Lake Agnes and the historic teahouse. During this trail, you’ll have beautiful views over Lake Louise and grab a tea and chocolate cake at the teahouse. It’s pretty cool.

Enjoy the rest of your evening at your hotel.

💡 Note: There is a cool kids’ playground by the Lake Louise Sport and Recreation Centre, not too far from the Samson Mall. It’s a fun thing to do in Banff National Park with little ones.

Day 3: Drive from Lake Louise to Jasper

On your fourth day, you’ll go on one of the most beautiful scenic drives of all time along the Icefield Parkways. Take your time and plan for a full day to do the drive.

The Icefields Parkway is a 232-kilometer drive (officially Alberta Highway 93) between Lake Louise and Jasper. If you don’t stop, it takes about 4:30 to drive from Calgary to Jasper. But you’ll make at least 100 stops, so plan for the entire day.

💡 I suggest you download the Canadian Rockies audio tour offered by GuideAlong. It’s a fun way to learn about the region while driving.

On your way to Jasper, I recommend doing the following stops (you’ll do the rest on your way back from Jasper to Banff)

• Bow Lake: Enjoy the lakeshore. You can walk by the lakeshore.
• Peyto Lake: A short 2.4-km (1.5-mile) trail will bring you to Peyto Lake, where you can have a breathtaking view of the lake. Can you see the wolf’s shape?
• Saskatchewan River Crossing
• Tangle Fall
• Columbia Icefield and the Athabasca Glacier: If you have the energy, do the Wilcox Pass trail up to the first viewpoint. You’ll have a fantastic view of the Glacier. Plus, you can take some pictures with the famous Parks Canada red chairs.
• BONUS: Columbia Icefield Skywalk

💡 PRO-TIP: Bring some layers. It can get cold and windy near the glacier.

At the end, you’ll arrive in Jasper, where you can walk around and explore the downtown area.

🛏️ Where to stay in Jasper
There are many options when it comes to lodging in Jasper National Park. It will depend on the time of year you’re visiting, your budget, and the amenities you want. If you’re traveling with kids, we recommend Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Chateau Jasper, HI Jasper (you can read our review here)

Day 4: Jasper

Jasper is a laid-back town with lots of nature to explore. There are, of course, tons of outdoor activities to do. This is how I recommend you spend your first full day in Jasper.

Maligne Canyon

Start your day with a hike at Maligne Canyon. It’s a 3.7-km (2.3-mile) loop in one of the deepest canyons in the Canadian Rockies. This trail captivates with its stunning limestone walls, waterfalls, and bridges. It offers spectacular views of the geological formations and river below.

You can also take a guided tour of the canyon.

Then, drive on the Maligne Canyon drive toward Maligne Lake. You’ll want to stop at the mysterious Medicine Lake before arriving at Maligne Lake.

Did You Know?
Medicine Lake’s water levels change throughout the year. The family will enjoy learning about the underground cave system that causes this natural phenomenon. It looks like a typical alpine lake in the summer, but the water slowly disappears in the fall and winter, leaving little more than a mudflat.

Maligne Lake

If time allows, you can go on a 90-minute Maligne Lake cruise. It will bring you further on the lake to Spirit Island, where you’ll have time to walk around and enjoy the views. We did it once, and we enjoyed the experience. The boat ride is the only way to see Spirit Island with kids (otherwise, you have to kayak to the island, which is too much for little ones)

Edith & Annette Lakes

You’ll want to spend the rest of your afternoon at Edith Lake and Annette Lake. They’re the perfect places to play in the sand, paddleboard, or enjoy the water. There are also many charcoal BBQs for an outdoor dinner.

Jasper Planetarium

Then, if you all have enough energy, you can end your day with an evening at the Jasper Planetarium to learn all about the sky and stars.

Jasper National Park is among the largest and most accessible dark sky preserves. The Jasper Planetarium is the perfect stop to learn about astronomy and see what the sky looks like in different places in the park.  You’ll learn about the cosmos in the immersive dome theater and outside exhibit. The tickets include the dome theater and the telescope tour.

Day 5: Jasper National Park

On your second day in Jasper, you’ll start with a ride on the SkyTram. It’s a gondola, similar to the Banff Gondola (but a little cheaper, and better in my opinon!).

SkyTram

The first ride is at 9:00 a.m. in the summertime or 10:00 a.m. in the shoulder season. Note that it’s closed in the wintertime. Take your time at the top of the mountain. It offers panoramic views over Jasper’s mountainous landscapes.  You’ll see the Athabasca River, Edith Lake, and Annette Lake. On a clear day, you’ll even see some of British Columbia’s mountain peaks.

Take some time to walk on one of the trails at the summit. I recommend the Whistlers Summit Trail.

Old Fort Point

You’ll want to hike the Old Fort Point trail in the afternoon. It’s a This 3.8-kilometer loop trail  with abundant wildlife and some of the most stunning views in the park.

It’s one of my favorite hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Such beautiful views for little effort.

End your day with a stroll in downtown Jasper. You can also eat at one of the restaurants in downtown.

While there are fancier options, we went to Smitty’s, a family-friendly chain. With young kids, we have no reason to pretend we’re fancy. The Jasper Pizza Place is another great option for families. Plus, it has a cool rooftop terrace.

Day 6: Drive from Jasper to Yoho

It’s time to drive back through Banff National Park and head to Yoho National Park. You’ll be driving again on the Icefields Parkway. I recommend you make the few stops you didn’t have time to do on the way from Banff to Jasper, including:

• Athabasca Falls
• Sunwapta Falls
• Goats and Glacier
• And so much more

If you wake up early, you can do the beautiful Valley of Five Lakes hiking trail.

After driving the Icefields Parkway, go to Yoho National Park by following the Trans-Canada Highway.

Spiral Tunnels

On your way to Field, don’t forget to stop at the Spiral Tunnels – Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site. From this viewpoint, you can see the spiral tunnels made by the CP to decrease the steep grade. 

When the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was originally constructed in the 1880s, trains had to descend a steep grade of 4.5%, which was extremely dangerous and resulted in numerous accidents. To address this problem, the CPR engineers implemented the Spiral Tunnels, completed in 1909. The tunnels are a pair of railway tunnels that spiral through the mountains, effectively reducing the steep grade to a safer 2.2%.

Takakkaw Falls

The last stop of this busy day will be a visit to Takakkaw Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Canada. The falls are a breathtaking sight, with water plunging 373 meters down the cliff face. 

💡 Note: The road to the falls is usually open from late June to early October, so check the conditions before you go. 

To fully appreciate its power and beauty, take a short walk from the parking lot to the base of the falls.

Town of Field

Then drive to the town of Field and enjoy the little town. You’ll find cute little local stores.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Yoho National Park
Depending on the time you take to drive on the Icefields Parkway, you can choose to sleep again in Lake Louise or the first section of Yoho National Park, for example, at the Cathedral Mountain Lodge.

If you follow this itinerary, we assume you’ll stay near Field, for example, at the Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge (p.s. The food at the bistro is delicious!).

Day 7: Yoho National Park

Today, you’ll explore the beautiful Yoho National Park. Prepare for a day filled with stunning waterfalls, natural wonders, and serene lakes.

Yoho National Park Visitor Center

If you haven’t had the chance to stop at the visitor center the day before, this is your chance. Kids will love the small-scale exhibit of the Burgess Shale Fossils.

Then, start driving to Natural Bridge.

Natural Bridge 

Natural Bridge is a unique rock formation that spans the Kicking Horse River. It showcases the power of water over time, as the river has carved a path through solid rock.

It’s an easy stop with a short walk from the parking area, making it a great place to stretch your legs and take photos.

Emerald Lake

Your next stop is Emerald Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Rockies. The vibrant turquoise water, surrounded by mountains and forests, creates a picture-perfect setting. Take a walk around the lake on the flat, easy trail, or rent a canoe and paddle on the tranquil waters.

There’s also a lovely lodge where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a coffee with a view.

Wapta Falls

In the afternoon, go to Wapta Falls, the largest waterfall on the Kicking Horse River. The hike to the falls is about 2.3 kilometers one way and relatively easy. It’s a good option for families.

The trail winds through a forest before opening up to a spectacular view of the falls.

Golden 

After a day of exploring, head to the charming mountain town of Golden for the night. Golden offers plenty of dining and accommodation options.

🛏️ Where to Stay in Golden
Golden has several family-friendly accommodations. The Prestige Inn is a comfortable option with spacious rooms and an indoor pool. Alternatively, the Basecamp Lodge Golden offers a cozy, rustic atmosphere with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains.

Day 8: Golden

There is a lot to do in Golden, but if you only have one day, I recommend you visit the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

The Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is probably one of the places that makes Golden so popular.

From early June to late September, the ski resort turns into an adventure park with mountain biking trails, hiking trails, a Via Ferrata, and a visit to the Grizzly Refuge.

We highly recommend getting the family Adventure Pass ($136 for the family), which gives you access to the:

• Gondola ride to the top of the mountain and
• the Grizzly Bear Refuge tour.

The tickets are valid for the entire day and allow multiple access to the gondola and the chair lifts.

Using the gondola ride at the top of the Kicking Horse Mountain, you’ll be at 2 347 m (7,700 feet) in altitude. The view from the gondola is beautiful. Depending on what time of the year you’re visiting, you may experience all seasons during that tour.

It can be summer at the mountain’s base and winter at the resort’s top. At the mountain top, you can admire the views and walk around.

Then, to get to the Grizzly Bear Refuge, you’ll need to go up the chair lift. It’s a standard ski chair lift, so be careful when visiting with young children.

Once you arrive at the Grizzly Bear Refuge, you can go on an interpretive tour guide, where you’ll learn more about Boo, the Grizzly Bear resident, and its refuge. Boo lives in one of the largest natural refuges in the world, so you may or may not see him.

If you can’t see the grizzly during your tour, you can go back later in the day (according to the staff, he is more active at around 3 PM) or spot him home from the Gondola ride.

Make sure to bring insect repellent when you visit the refuge. There are a lot of bugs.

For families with young children, there is a fun kids’ playground right by the parking lot, with a restroom and some picnic tables.

Alternative to Kicking Horse: Golden Skybridge

The Golden Skybridge, operated by Pursuit Banff Jasper Collection, is the highest suspension bridge in Canada. The bridge rises at 130 m (426 feet) above the canyon. You’ll have epic views of the canyon and the Columbia Valley.

You can easily spend a day there having fun at the different stations. First, you’ll find a nice rest area with picnic tables, fire pits, music, and a food court when you arrive. Then, the kids will run to the amazing playground and treehouse. There is even a small zipline. They could spend hours there!

When the whole family is ready, take a deep breath and go to the trail leading to the suspension bridges. A short one-way loop brings you to the two bridges.

For families with older kids, you may want to purchase the Adventure Pass and try all the adrenaline-filled activities, such as the Mountain Coaster, the Canyon Edge Course, and the Sky Zipline

A fun feature of the location is the automatic picture stations. You’ll be given a wrist bracelet at the ticket office to scan at the picture stations across the site to take family pictures. At the exit, you can check the pictures that were taken and decide whether or not to purchase one of them.

You can go for a little hike or a bike ride in the afternoon.

Downtown Golden

Golden is a small town, but it’s still fun to explore. You’ll find weekly farmers’ markets, restaurants, and little cafés downtown.

You can also walk on the Pedestrian Bridge and along the Kicking Horse River on a section of the Rotary Trail.

There are many different hikes to do when in Golden, BC. Hikes vary in length and intensity. Because we’re traveling with young children, we typically search for easy to moderate hikes with a maximum length of 5 km.

And we found many great options. Here are our favorite Golden, BC hikes:

• Rotary Trail: 7 km loop multi-use trail (perfect for biking);
• Confluence Park Trail: 1.0 out-and-back trail by the river;

You can also stop at the Golden Museum & Archives where you’ll learn about the history of the region. 

This small but fascinating museum is the perfect place to learn about the region’s history. You’ll find exhibits on the early settlers, the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the local Indigenous cultures. 

Day 9: Drive from Golden to Radium Hot Spring

After a few days in the mountains surrounding Golden, it’s time to experience an entirely new landscape and ecosystem: the Wetlands.

Columbia Wetland Outpost

Golden and the Columbia River are home to North America’s most extensive intact wetlands, and the Columbia Wetland Outpost is the best place to experience them.

You can check this resource for more information on the Columbia River wetland.

The Columbia Wetland Outpost is so much more than just a river trip. It’s an incredible property with lots of fun activities, such as a river kayak/canoe tour. Plus, the staff is really nice (and bilingual in French and English).

Of course, the main activity is to explore the wetlands by the water, so Columbia Wetland Outpost offers:

• Canoe rentals;
• Kayak rentals;
• Stand-up paddleboard rentals;
• Pedal boat rentals;
• E-Canoe rentals;
• Maps and local knowledge.

Furthermore, they also have a wonderful dock where you can walk through the wetlands. They even have a relaxing area facing the water.

Your young kids will want to wander in the Fairy Garden (near the Red Barn) and look at all the fairies and other figurines. There is even a small picnic table with chairs. Last but not least, on warm summer days, visitors can cool off by sliding down the slide into a pond.

Radium Hot Spring downtown

Then, head to Radium Hot Spring and enjoy the town and some local stores and restaurants. Here are the steps I recommend:

• Grab a pizza at Wildside Pizzeria
• Enjoy a scoop of ice cream at Screamers Ice Cream Café (Don’t miss all the beautiful murals that are painted inside and outside the building)
• Find some old-school candy at Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe Radium
• Order a latte at Big Horn Cafe

Finally, the kids can enjoy the playground, a few steps away from the main street.

All the shops are within walking distance (from the visitor center and playground). You can simply park and enjoy downtown Radium Hot Spring for the entire year.

At the visitor center, take the time to visit the small museum. There is an interesting display where you can learn more about the area’s Indigenous history, wildlife, and attractions.

My kids loved looking at all the different animal furs. They also have a few other kids’ books available to read.

Day 10: Kootenay National Park

Juniper Sinclair Canyon Trail

Juniper Sinclair Canyon Trail is perfect for your last day in the Canadian Rockies. It’s a 2.6 km (one-way) hike.

There are two ways to get to the trail. You can park in the small parking lot just inside the entrance of Kootenay National Park or at the Radium Hot Springs pools’ parking lot. For this itinerary, I recommend parking at the pools’ parking lot.

This hike is rated moderate, but most little kids can do it. During the hike, you’ll have beautiful views of the mountains at the top and waterfalls at the bottom of the canyon. 

Radium Hot Springs pools

When you are done hiking, grab your swim gear and head to the hot spring pools. Parks Canada manages the Radium Hot Springs pools, similar to the ones in Banff National Park.

I personally prefer those (to the one in Banff). The pool is bigger and is built along the mountain rock wall. While it’s still a “pool,” it feels more natural.

Then start driving back to Banff, exploring Kootenay National Park on the way, with stops to:

• Numa Falls: The Numa Falls are located a few kilometers from Marble Canyon and only a few steps from the parking lot. You can walk on the bridge to admire the frozen waterfalls and even walk a little in the forest.

• Marble Canyon: This easy hike in Kootenay National Park is one of our favorite little hikes. 

• Continental Divide: You can stand on the dividing line between the Pacific and Atlantic watersheds.

Don’t Forget for your Canadian Rockies Itinerary

Make sure to pack lots of layers, even in the summer. The weather in the mountains changes a lot throughout the day. Plus, you’ll want to be dressed well when walking outside near the Columbia Icefield. It can get very cold throughout the year. Remember, you’re walking on a huge piece of ice.

F.A.Q Calgary to Jasper Itinerary

How far is Banff from Calgary?

Banff is only 143 km from the Calgary Airport or 128 km from downtown Calgary. You can plan on a 1h30 drive if you take the Trans-Canada highway.

How to travel to Banff from Calgary?

The best way to travel to Banff from Calgary is by renting a car at the Calgary Airport (or downtown). There are many shuttle services from Calgary airport, but without your own car, it will be limiting your Calgary to Jasper road trip.

Final Thoughts: Canadian Rockies Itinerary for Families

From the stunning peaks of Banff to the awe-inspiring glaciers along the Icefields Parkway and the serene beauty of Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, with this 10-day itinerary in the Canadian Rockies, you’ll experience some of the best nature has to offer.

Thank you for joining us on this ultimate Canadian Rockies road trip for adventurous families. We hope this journey has inspired you to continue exploring and making memories with your loved ones.

We hope you enjoyed this post.