Banff and Jasper National Parks are definitely a must-visit destination for all people traveling to Canada. It is the perfect place for nature lovers but also for everyone who loves to travel and discover new places. If you are in Canada for a short time we recommend spending time in these parks in the Alberta region, you will definitely not be disappointed with some of the most beautiful places in the world.
If you want to leave for this destination, below is our itinerary that you can refer to in order to plan your trip.
Day 1
We, living in Kingston (Ontario), spent the first day travelling, given the distance.
We took a bus (Megabus) from Kingston to Ottawa and a flight from Ottawa to Calgary, where we spent the first night.
Day 2
On the second day we rented the car (we recommend Enterprise for student discounts) and set out for Canmore, a town located at the beginning of Banff National Park. We used this day to visit Ink Pots, 40 minutes from Canmore. It involves a 4-hour hike to the side of a river and a lake surrounded by mountains at the end of the trail.
Ink Pots
Day 3
On the third day we recommend driving further away and reaching two lakes. In fact, 1.30 hours away from Canmore are Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. It is possible to take a walk between these lakes but also to go to a specially created viewpoint from which Peyto Lake is clearly visible. This viewpoint involves only 10 to 15 minutes of walking. The lake is distinctive for its shape, which resembles that of a wolf.
Bow Lake
Peyto Lake
Day 4
We recommend devoting the fourth day to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. The second one we were not able to visit because of some closures but we spent the whole day around Lake Louise, the most beautiful place in the park. The hike to the top is about 5 hours and is very strenuous, but the wonderful view definitely repays the efforts. On the way to the summit we pass another lake surrounded by rocks: Lake Agnes. In the evening we recommend dinner in the small town of Banff, which is very cute and quaint.
Lake Louise
Lake Agnes
Day 5
We used the fifth day to move into Jasper Park, and on the way, which took about 3 hours, we took several breaks. We stopped to see Columbia Icefields and Sunwapta Falls. At Jasper Park it is more difficult to find inexpensive lodging and consequently the closest lodgings to the park are about 40 minutes from Jasper. In particular, we can recommend Hinton because of the location. If you want a more immersive experience in nature you can stay, for example, in a typical chalet around Cadomin, as we did.
Columbia Icefields
Sunwapta Falls
Day 6
On Day 6 we drove around Jasper National Park and hiked to the 5 lakes. The walk is not strenuous, takes a couple of hours and is mostly flat. We recommend driving around the park a lot because you can see animals such as moose and bears crossing the road.
Five Lakes
Animals by the side of the road
Day 7
We used the seventh day to drive back to Calgary. We spent the day driving, stopping for lunch in the small town of Jasper, and then continued through the two parks. The road trip is certainly very scenic. There are many stops you can make on the road; it will be up to you to decide which scenery you admire best as you get out of the vehicle.
Around Jasper Park
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