Canadian Rockies trip routes with Jasper
A classic route runs along the Icefields Parkway, Highway 93 North, between Jasper and Lake Louise. It is 232 km long. The town of Banff lies beyond Lake Louise, outside that 232 km. Most trips combine Jasper, the parkway and the Banff area in one loop.
You can start in Calgary, Edmonton or Vancouver. Calgary links to Jasper through Banff, Lake Louise and the parkway. Edmonton International Airport (YEG) is the airport for a trip focused on Jasper, and the getting-to-Jasper page covers airport transfers and car hire. If you would rather join a guided day trip, see the Jasper National Park tours.
How the routes connect
Pick the direction that matches your flights.
| Route | What it involves | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Calgary to Jasper | Banff, Lake Louise, then the Icefields Parkway | Visitors who want the full scenic drive |
| Edmonton to Jasper | Direct route to the town, with an airport shuttle or car hire | Short trips focused on Jasper |
| Vancouver to Jasper by train | VIA Rail serves Jasper on its western routes | Travelers who prefer not to drive |
| Loop between Calgary and Edmonton | Arrive at one airport, leave from the other | Two-week trips that avoid driving the same road twice |
For most visitors with two weeks, a Calgary and Edmonton loop makes the best use of the parkway. Read the train guide if rail is part of your plan.
Our pick: two days from Banff
Two days with a guide through Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and the parkway to the icefield.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Canadian Rockies day trips from Jasper
Day trips and tours that fit into a Rockies itinerary, with live prices and availability.
A two-week Canadian Rockies itinerary
An outline, not a timetable. Weather and closures shape every trip.
Stage 1: Calgary and the Bow Valley
Arrive, pick up a car and head west. Banff and Lake Louise are covered by their own guide. Peyto Lake and Bow Summit are possible stops on the Banff side of the parkway.
Stage 2: the Icefields Parkway
Drive north through the mountains. The Columbia Icefield and its glacier trips are the big stop, and Athabasca Falls and Sunwapta Falls come near Jasper.
Icefields Parkway guide →Stage 3: Jasper and Maligne Lake
Base yourself in Jasper for several days. Take the Maligne Lake cruise, ride the Skytram and plan a walk or a raft trip.
Maligne Lake →Stage 4: return or continue
Return to Calgary on the same road, or continue to Edmonton for a flight home. A train leg west toward Vancouver is another option.
Driving the Icefields Parkway
A Parks Canada pass is required on the parkway, even if you only drive through. A Discovery Pass covers Jasper and Banff. In 2026 an adult day pass costs CA$12.25, and a family or group day pass for up to 7 people in one vehicle costs CA$24.50.
From 1 November to 31 March you need winter tires or chains, and at any other time when the road is snowy or icy. Mobile reception is limited, so download offline maps and check Alberta 511 before you leave. Fuel is available in Jasper and Lake Louise. The stop at Saskatchewan River Crossing is seasonal, and there are no services between Jasper and Lake Louise in winter. Fill the tank before you set off.
Canadian Rockies by RV and motorhome
Check vehicle length rules before you plan an RV route. The Pyramid Road has a maximum vehicle length of 7.5 m, and Miette also has limits. The Cavell Road is closed in 2026. Do not assume that a large vehicle is allowed everywhere because it can use the parkway.
Camping is not included in the park pass. Some campgrounds are closed to visitors this season, including Wabasso and Whirlpool Group, and parts of Wapiti. More on places to sleep is on the where to stay page.
Entry to Canada
A short reminder for 2026.
US citizens do not need an eTA but need a valid ID such as a US passport. German citizens arriving by air need a valid passport and an eTA, which costs CA$7. If you drive over the border, the eTA is normally not needed for travelers from eTA-eligible countries, but the passport still is. Check the current rules before you fly.
Canadian Rockies trip: frequently asked questions
How long is the Icefields Parkway?
It is 232 km between Jasper and Lake Louise. Allow more time than the distance suggests for stops, animals and weather.
Is two weeks enough for the Canadian Rockies?
Fourteen days is a comfortable frame for Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway and several days in Jasper. It is a planning idea, not an official recommendation.
Do I need a park pass for the Icefields Parkway?
Yes. A pass is required even for driving through. A Discovery Pass covers Jasper and Banff.
Can I do the Canadian Rockies without a car?
Parts of it, yes. VIA Rail serves Jasper, and guided day trips cover the main sights. A car gives more flexibility on the parkway.
Do I need winter tires?
On the Icefields Parkway you need winter tires or chains from 1 November to 31 March, and at any other time when the road is snow- or ice-covered.