My first time visiting Canada was amazing. Showing up to a country I’ve never been to, to a place I’ve only see time and time again on social media can leave me with worry. Will it really be as great as everyone says it is? What if I’m let down? But Canada? Not an ounce of a letdown. After all the lakes really are that blue, the mountains are that majestic, and the wildlife is that amazing. It turns out that while you will more than likely want to stay awhile, a three-day Canadian Rockies itinerary is just what you need to dip your toes into the beauty that is Canada. Below I’m sharing the perfect itinerary for spending 3 days in Banff and Jasper.
- Day one Canadian Rockies highlights: Banff National Park + Banff
- Day two Canadian Rockies highlights: Banff National Park + Canmore
- Day three Canadian Rockies highlights: Banff National Park + Jasper National Park
Best Time to Visit the Canadian Rockies
The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies is in the summer months, from June to September. This period offers warm weather, ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and outdoor activities. You can bask in the clear blue skies, marvel at the glacier-fed lakes, and enjoy the wildlife roaming freely. While it’s a popular season for visitors, meaning prices will be higher and you might need to plan your hotel stay in advance, it really is the best time to visit weather-wise. Just remember to bring layers, as temperatures can vary!
How Many Days Should You Spend in the Canadian Rockies?
The minimum amount of time I would spend in the Canadian Rockies is 3 days. This is a good amount of time to explore both Banff and Jasper. However, if you have more time – you could definitely spend 7-10 days road tripping through the area!
Where to Start & End Your Canadian Rockies Itinerary
I recommend starting and ending your trip in Calgary. Calgary has an international airport and is about a 1.5 hour drive to Banff. If you’re wondering whether or not it’s worth visiting Calgary, I would say that it is if you’re interested in a city trip. But if you’re coming to the Canadian Rockies to spend time outdoors, I would skip it and head straight to Banff.
To book your flight, I recommend using a big search engine to compare prices across different airlines. If you’re based in the US, I also recommend signing up for Going (there is a free version), that will notify you of cheap flights!
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT TO CALGARY HERE!
How to Get Around the Canadian Rockies
To get around the Canadian Rockies and the easiest way to visit both Banff and Jasper is to rent a car. The best way to do this is to fly into Calgary (YCC) and pick up your rental car at the airport. I suggest making sure you rent a car ahead of time; and you’ll find the car rental center on the departure level across the street from the domestic terminal at the airport. I prefer to use Discover Cars to compare prices across multiple different platforms.
Where to Stay in Banff
When you visit the Canadian Rockies, my first choice for lodging would be in the heart of Banff. This way you can walk to tons of bars and restaurants and the scenery is absolutely gorgeous here. Plus, you can easily access Banff National Park and drive to Jasper. If you want somewhere that isn’t quite as touristy, and maybe a little bit more affordable; another option would be to stay in Canmore.
Here are the top hotels I recommend for Banff…
- Banff Ptarmigan Inn
- Brewster Mountain Lodge
- Canalata Lodge
- Moose Hotel & Suites
- Mount Royal Hotel
- Peaks Hotel & Suites
If you’re rather stay in Canmore, here are the hotels I recommend…
BOOK YOUR STAY IN BANFF OR CANMORE HERE!
3 Day Itinerary for Banff & Jasper
Day 1 – Moraine Lake + Downtown Banff
Spend your first day in Canada seeing what makes this area so beautiful and unique while experiencing one of the best hikes in Banff. Plan to get started bright and early, the most popular Banff lakes tend to crowd up in the early hours, and buses begin to shuttle people in around 8 am. Before you set off to Banff National Park, make sure you purchase a Banff Park Pass.
Once you enter Banff National Park make your way to Moraine Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in Banff. At Moraine Lake you’ll be in awe at the aqua blue water in front of you with the Canadian Rockies setting the stage for the perfect backdrop. As the sun begins to rise the water only turns bluer and bluer, I could hardly believe my eyes. Here you’ll be able to take photos, rent canoes, or even dine at the Moraine Lake Lodge.
It used to be that anyone could drive up to Moraine Lake but that changed in 2023. Now, you can only drive to Moraine Lake if you’re staying at Moraine Lake Lodge or if you have a handicap tag. If you’re not staying at the Lodge, you’ll need to shuttle in. Please note: the road to Moraine Lake is not open year-round. It’s only open during the summer months and varies depending on weather, so make sure to plan accordingly. For tips on getting a shuttle, check out this post.
IF YOU WANT TO SEE SUNRISE AT MORAINE LAKE, YOU CAN BOOK THIS TOUR THAT TAKES YOU THERE BEFORE THE SHUTTLE STARTS!
Hiking Moraine Lake
One of the coolest things about visiting Moraine is the many hiking trails that surround the lake. As you get higher and higher you’ll see peeks of the lake between trees. It isn’t until you’ve almost reached the top that the lake disappears and instead you find yourself surrounded by majestic, snow-topped mountain peaks.
We chose to hike Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley Trail, a seven-mile hike in where you gain close to 2,600 feet. There are signs located around Moraine Lake, but you won’t reach the Sentinel Pass trailhead until you’re a couple of miles up the mountain. At this point, the trailhead splits – right for Sentinel Pass; left for Eiffel Lake. Although grueling at points, Sentinel Pass takes your breath away. As you climb higher and higher the trail opens up and you find yourself in the Valley of Ten Peaks. An incredible view motivating you to keep going. Sentinel Pass is a popular trail, so expect to be hiking alongside others.
Downtown Banff
Once you’ve had a taste of Moraine Lake, head to downtown Banff to explore this quaint town. Although busy and touristy, downtown Banff is not to be missed. Nestled in the Rocky Mountains of Canada, the town isn’t lacking in the typical Canadian charm you see elsewhere in Canada. Friendly locals eager and willing to give their recommendations, handmade Canadian goods sold in shops lining the streets, and restaurants celebrating Canadian cuisine. If you find yourself in downtown Banff near dinnertime I’d highly recommend a stop at Block Kitchen + Bar; a small and cozy tapas restaurant with an Asian flair.
If you’re looking for activities and tours in Banff, here are my top recommendations…
- Banff Ghost Walks
- Banff Highlights & Wildlife
- Banff Sunset & Stars – 2 hr Walking Tour
- Covered Wagon Ride in Banff with Western Cookout
- Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Day 2 – Lake Louise + Downtown Canmore
On day two, head back up the mountain towards Lake Louise. Near Moraine, but not close enough to walk between the two, Lake Louise is wildly popular for the Fairmont Hotel that sits on its grounds. Like Lake Moraine, Louise also crowds up very early so if you want to avoid the crowds I’d recommend getting there early. There is a parking lot you can park at, but it’s very limited and fills up quickly. For shuttle options, check out this post.
While I personally felt as though Lake Louise was overrated, including dining at the Fairmont, I would recommend visiting anyways. The hikes around the lake lead up to old tea houses, a unique experience to enjoy. (If you’re set on dining at the Fairmont, check out this food tour).
Hiking Lake Louise
Like Lake Moraine, there are plenty of hikes around Lake Louise. Trailheads are clearly marked but crowd up quickly. Because a number of these trails lead to tea houses I’d recommend leaving the snacks at home and experience what dining at these old tea houses is like! One of the more popular hikes, we chose to hike the Lake Agnes Trail. This nearly five-mile hike allows you to gain approximately 1,400 feet elevation with both lakes and waterfalls seen along the way. At the top, you’ll be greeted by the Lake Agnes Tea House; a tea house that has been standing since 1905! After stopping for drinks and goodies you can head back down the mountain, the same way you came, or continue a few miles further up Little or Big Beehive.
The Lake Agnes Trail is relatively easy and wildly popular. If you want something a bit harder I’d opt for the Plain of the Six Glaciers Trail. This trail is 8.5 miles and allows an elevation gain of nearly 2,000 feet. The Plain of the Six Glaciers will also lead to a tea house, where you can sit back and enjoy the views you’ve worked so hard for.
Downtown Canmore
Once you’re done exploring Lake Louise and the surrounding areas for the day, head into Canmore for a quieter taste of downtown life. In Canmore things are a bit more spread out than downtown Banff, so you may want to consider coming in a car. I’d recommend visiting Canmore Brewing Company or The Grizzly Paw Pub (skip the food, go for the brews and views).
If you’d like to move a bit faster and squeeze in more each day, you could combine days one and two. In the morning explore Moraine Lake, and in the afternoon head to Louise, finishing your day in Banff. On day two opt to spend more time in and around Canmore. A popular option for a hike in Canmore includes the Upper Grassi Lakes Trail Loop.
Day 3 – Peyto Lake + Jasper
On day three you’re going to set out to drive to Jasper National Park. And while the journey is long, I promise you it’s worth it! It will take you close to three hours depending on where in Jasper you’re headed. But the good news is is that the drive to Jasper is breathtaking. Driving the Icefields Parkway will take your breath away, and make the time fly by. Even if you don’t have the time to get out and explore Jasper, the drive itself is worth it.
Aside from the breathtaking drive, if you do have time, there are tons of opportunities along the way to get out, stretch your legs, and enjoy the views in front of you. Peyto Lake is one of those times. About halfway through your drive northwest from Banff to Jasper, you’ll come upon Peyto. It’s the perfect place to stop and admire another one of Canada’s most impressive lakes.
Don’t miss…
Peyto Lake
My favorite of the three lakes mentioned, Peyto stands out for its deep aqua-colored water, incredibly serene landscape, and the type of beauty that is close enough to appreciate, yet far enough away so as not to spoil it. At Peyto there is no hiking down to the lake, just admiring from above. Upon arrival, you’ll need to park your car in the small parking lot and walk to the lookout point. An easy, 10-minute walk to the viewpoint until Peyto is laid out in front of your eyes. Peyto also comes with crowds, but if you step away from the viewing platform you may easily find yourself with a spot to yourself.
Hiking Valley of the Five Lakes
From Peyto, continue onto Jasper National Park. We decided to hike the Valley of the Five Lakes and it was well worth it! The hike is not known for being strenuous or intense, instead, the hike is quite enjoyable with beautiful scenery. At a length close to three miles and an elevation gain of about 500 feet, you can truly enjoy the nature surrounding you. Each lake was more brilliant than the next, and a trail that felt more secluded than the previous trails we had been on. If you do choose to hike the Valley of Five Lakes, begin at lake five and end at lake one, strictly because lake one is the most beautiful.
Canada Essentials – What You Need & Need to Know About Visiting Canada
TRAVELING THROUGH CANADA
- To book a flight to Canada use a big search engine (like Kayak) to compare prices, then book directly through the airline (if you’re from the US sign up for Going to get free email alerts on flight deals)
- For train tickets in Canada, I recommend Omio
- For car rentals in Canada, I recommend Discover Cars
- I highly recommend travel insurance when traveling through Canada – I use and recommend SafetyWing
- If you need a SIM card, aloSIM for an easy and affordable e-SIM – use code “KYLEE5” for a discount
ACCOMMODATION IN CANADA
- To easiest way to book hotels in Canada is through Booking.com or Expedia
- The easiest way to book rentals in Canada is through VRBO
TOURS IN CANADA
- For tours and activities in Canada, I recommend using Viator
WHAT TO BRING TO CANADA
- Don’t forget a Canada guide book to help plan your travels
- I recommend bringing a reusable water bottle to keep your water cold on hot days and to cut down on plastic waste
- My favorite luggage is Calpak
- My favorite travel backpack is Nordace
- I recommend bringing an eye mask for long flights
- If you plan to hike in Canada, my favorite outdoor gear is from Patagonia
My time in the Canadian Rockies exceeded my expectations. The sheer beauty of such a place astonishes me! A place that while wildly crowded with tourists, certainly isn’t overrated. It’s more than the pretty pictures you see on Instagram. It’s the rawness and the outdoors of such a place that will spark something in you. Witnessing wildlife in their natural habitats. Basking in the greatness of the majestic mountains. And hopefully making you realize that this world is big and precious and something that we need to take care of. If you have any questions about spending 3 days in Banff and Jasper or this Canadian Rockies itinerary, let me know in a comment below!
Don’t miss…
For more information and inspiration on visiting Canada, make sure to check out my Instagram page/highlight reel by searching “#ppincanada” or under my highlights for “Canada”
Pin Me!
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase through my link, at no cost to you. Passports and Preemies is also a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees.
Founded by Kylee, a NICU nurse with nine years of experience, including seven years as a travel nurse; Passports and Preemies was created in 2017 and is now the go-to travel and lifestyle channel for nurses who crave adventure beyond the bedside. Whether you’re a staff nurse looking for your next getaway or a travel nurse navigating life on the road, this space is designed to help you maximize your time off, explore the world, and prevent nurse burnout.
On Passports and Preemies, you’ll find everything from travel nursing insights – how to get started, land the best assignments, and thrive on the road – to expert travel tips, destination guides, and real-talk about balancing nursing with a life well-traveled. Passports and Preemies also includes Beyond the Bedside – group trips for nurses around the world; as well as the podcast, Passports and Preemies Talks.
Hi Kylee,
The “Canadian Rockies Itinerary – How to Make the Most of 3 Days in Banff and Jasper” appears to be the best one that I found and I intend to follow this for our family of 4. One thing that I am not sure is, do we stay in Jasper or return on the same day to Canmore?
Thanks
Author
Hi Rabi, thanks for the comment! We did not spend the night in Jasper, however, it made for an incredibly long day of driving. If you have the time I certainly urge you to stay the night – the area is beautiful! I hope you have an incredible trip and if you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to reach out!