Trip Overview

5-Day Calgary Round-Trip: 3 National Parks & 7 Lakes with Limited-Time Free Park Passes | 3 Nights in Rocky Mountain Towns | Stay Inside National Parks | No Long-Distance Driving

Tourist Number: 664817
Duration: 5 days
Start City: Calgary
End City: Calgary
Airport Pickup:
Language: English
Departure Day: Every day
Highlights
Depart from Calgary, no 9-hour cross-province drives.
Fully explore 3 major Rocky Mountain national parks.
Highway 93 (Top 10 scenic drives by National Geographic).
7 fairy glacial lakes included.
Banff Gondola, glacier Ice Explorer, Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island.
Free national park passes (May 1-Oct 31, 2026), first come first served.
Itinerary

Special Note

Passengers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult to join the tour.
For complimentary items included in the itinerary, no refund will be provided if they are unavailable due to force majeure such as traffic delays or adverse weather conditions, or if you are unable to participate for personal reasons. We appreciate your understanding.
The sequence of the itinerary may be adjusted according to the departure date. The final version shall be subject to the **Tour Confirmation** without further notice.
To ensure a complete, pleasant and smooth journey, we strongly recommend that you pre-book all activity tickets, meal packages and other optional services at the time of reservation.No additional bookings will be accepted within 7 days prior to departure or during the tour.

Day 1:  Hometown - Calgary

Trip:

Calgary,

Calgary Tower


Welcome to Calgary! Here you will begin a journey embraced by the wonders of nature. Snow-capped peaks, lush alpine meadows, turquoise lakes, dense primeval forests and a wide variety of wildlife will all unfold before your eyes. Immerse yourself in nature, relax your mind and body, savour local delicacies, and enjoy the peaceful pleasure of blending with the great nature, leaving all worldly worries behind.

 

If you arrive one day early or by 12:00 noon on the day of arrival, you may pre-book the optional Calgary City Fun Tour at your own expense:

A. CityWalk Full-Day Tour

Cultural Village Time Travel (admission included) + Stroll through Calgary’s CBD + Visit iconic landmarks

- Departure: 9:00 AM

- Includes round-trip transfers and guided service

- Duration: approx. 8 hours

- Minimum 4 passengers to operate

 

B. Calgary City Fun Half-Day Tour A

Stroll through Calgary’s CBD + Visit iconic landmarks + The Core Shopping Centre

- Requirement: flight arrival by 12:00 noon

- Departure: 13:30 PM

- Duration: 5 hours

- Minimum 4 passengers to operate

 

Round-trip transfers from the group’s designated hotel to downtown Calgary and guided service are provided. Walking is the best way to discover a city. Highlights include:

Chinatown, the iconic Central Library, Bell Studio + National Music Centre (at own expense), Calgary Tower (at own expense). You can ascend the Calgary Tower and overlook the stunning city view from the glass observation deck at 191 metres.

Also explore Peace Bridge, Prince’s Island Park, River Café, or go shopping at famous stores such as The Core and Holt Renfrew along Stephen Avenue.

 

Note: Driver and guide service fee not included – CAD 5 per perso

 

C. Calgary City Fun Half-Day Tour C

Great Value Outlet Shopping

- Requirement: flight arrival by 12:00 noon

- Departure: 13:30 PM

- Duration: 5 hours (approx. 4 hours free shopping)

- Minimum 4 passengers to operate

- Includes round-trip transportation only

 

Shop at the largest all-in-one shopping centre in Alberta while learning about the history and culture of the region. CrossIron Mills is a highly recommended choice.

 

Note: Driver and guide service fee not included – CAD 5 per person

 

D. Calgary City Fun Half-Day Tour D

Joyful Shopping at Chinook Centre

- Requirement: flight arrival by 12:00 noon

- Departure: 13:30 PM

- Duration: 5 hours (approx. 4 hours free shopping)

- Minimum 4 passengers to operate

- Includes round-trip transportation only

 

Experience first-class shopping, dining and entertainment – what Chinook Centre is dedicated to providing for its guests.

 

Note: Driver and guide service fee not included – CAD 5 per person

 


Meals Included: Breakfast: None   / Lunch: None   / Dinner: None
Hotel: Best Western Calgary Plaza Hotel or Similar or the same level hotel

Day 2:  Banff - Sulphur Mountain - Johnston Canyon - Banff Town

Trip:

Bow Falls,

Surprise Corner,

Banff,

Johnston Canyon


Depart by coach for Banff National Park.Arrive at Sulphur Mountain and take the Banff Gondola (at own expense).  As the gondola ascends slowly, enjoy the snow-capped mountain scenery surrounded by towering peaks. Then visit Hoodoos, perched above the Bow River, and view the majestic Bow Falls as it rushes down, with striking black rocks and white water creating a beautiful contrast. Next, proceed to Surprise Corner for a distant view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River.  Afterwards, enter and visit the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, styled after a Scottish castle, where you will stop for lunch (at own expense). In the afternoon, visit Johnston Canyon, one of the three major canyons in the Rocky Mountains, and walk along the trails to the rushing waterfalls. (In case of closure due to park maintenance or other force majeure, the itinerary will be replaced with Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake). Check into your hotel in Banff in the evening.

 

Itinerary Schedule:

Calgary - Banff Gondola (own expense, 90 mins) - Hoodoos (15 mins) -  Bow Falls (15 mins) - Surprise Corner (15 mins) - Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel & Lunch (own expense, optional French bistro set meal available, 90 mins) - Johnston Canyon (60 mins) - Check into hotel

 

Attraction Introduction

 

Banff National Park

Established in 1885, Banff National Park is Canada’s first national park, located in the northern Canadian Rockies in Alberta. Its main attractions include Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The park is equipped with modern hotels, motels and wilderness campgrounds. A suspended gondola runs from the base to the summit of the mountain, where pavilions and observation decks offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

 

Sulphur Mountain

Sulphur Mountain is located near Banff Town, Alberta. At an elevation of 2,450 metres, the observation platform offers sweeping views of Banff Town, surrounding mountains, rivers and valleys. Squirrels and bighorn sheep can occasionally be spotted at the summit. A year-round destination, Sulphur Mountain has welcomed over 10 million visitors and is a must-see landmark in Banff.

 

Banff Gondola

The Banff Gondola takes just 8 minutes to reach the summit of Sulphur Mountain at 2,281 metres. At the top, visitors enjoy 360° panoramic views of Banff National Park, Banff Town and the Bow Valley. The summit features a restaurant and interactive exhibits, including a multi-sensory theatre and an impressive 360° observation deck.

 

Hoodoos

Located above Surprise Corner in the Bow Valley, northeast of Banff Town, the Hoodoos are unique limestone pillars formed by centuries of weathering and erosion. Standing on the hillside beside the Bow River, these yellowish-grey pillars are steeped in Indigenous legends of spirits and supernatural beings.

 

Bow Falls

Bow Falls is one of Banff’s most famous scenic spots. With a drop of approximately 10 metres, it is a relatively small waterfall, yet its surging white waters and powerful roar create a spectacular impression. It famously served as the backdrop for the classic film *River of No Return* starring Marilyn Monroe.

 

Surprise Corner

A scenic viewpoint in Banff National Park, Surprise Corner offers a stunning distant view of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and the Bow River. Since the hotel grounds are not fully open to the public, this viewpoint is particularly popular for photography, with a designated platform for viewing and pictures.

 

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Built in 1888, the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is an iconic Rocky Mountain landmark, known for its historic elegance and seclusion. Designed in the style of a grand Scottish castle, it boasts breathtaking scenery, a championship golf course, fine dining and the world-renowned Willow Stream Spa.

 

Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is one of the three major canyons in the Rocky Mountains and ranks second among Banff’s top attractions. Situated along the Bow Valley Parkway, which connects Banff Town and Lake Louise, the canyon was carved by thousands of years of river erosion, featuring numerous streams and waterfalls.
Meals Included: Breakfast: None   / Lunch: None   / Dinner: None
Hotel: Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge, Banff Town or the same level hotel

Day 3:  Peyto Lake - Icefield Parkway - Columbia Icefield - Jasper

Trip:

Columbia Icefield,

Athabasca Falls,

Jasper


Depart from your hotel in Banff in the morning. Along the way, enjoy views of Crowfoot Glacier, then proceed to Peyto Lake(In case of closure due to park maintenance or other force majeure, it will be replaced with Waterfowl Lake).Shaped like a maple leaf, this turquoise lake is like a brilliant blue ribbon set in the Rocky Mountain valley.Lunch (own expense) will be arranged at The Crossing Saskatoon Crossing (Western lunch box available for pre-booking).Continue along the spectacular Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) and arrive at the Icefield Centre.Take the Snowcoach (at own expense) to drive onto the Athabasca Glacier and experience millions of years of natural history.You may also walk on the 280-metre-high Skywalk (at own expense), overlooking the entire Sunwapta Valley — when mist rises, it feels like walking among the clouds.Next, visit Athabasca Falls, a powerful 23-metre waterfall carved by glacial meltwater.Finally, drive to Jasper Town and check into your hotel.

 

Schedule

Banff - Crowfoot Glacier - Peyto Lake (30 mins) - Icefields Parkway - Lunch (own expense, optional Western lunch box, 45 mins) - Snowcoach & Skywalk (own expense, 150 mins) - Athabasca Falls (30 mins) - Jasper & Check-in

 

Attraction Highlights

 

Crowfoot Glacier

Located on the western side of the Icefields Parkway, with roadside signage and a viewing area.The upper portion was once part of a large icefield; glacial movement created three distinct ice formations resembling a crow’s footprint, giving the glacier its name.

 

Peyto Lake

Located approximately 40 km north of Lake Louise along the Icefields Parkway.Nestled among towering mountains, Peyto Lake offers breathtaking, postcard-perfect scenery.The viewpoint presents a scene like a carefully painted masterpiece. Its beauty rivals that of famous moraine lakes, with fewer crowds.

 

Icefields Parkway

Connecting Lake Louise (Banff) and Jasper Town (Jasper National Park), this is one of the most scenic drives in the world.Stretching 230 km, it showcases ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, colourful glacial lakes and lush forests around every bend, with numerous scenic stops along the route.

 

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield remnant outside the Arctic Circle.Due to the high density of glacial ice, sunlight refracts to create a stunning translucent blue glow under clear skies.Meltwater flows toward the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Arctic Ocean — a natural treasure formed over four ice ages.Glaciers slowly slide downhill under gravity, carrying ice, snow and rocks at extremely low speeds.

The 7-kilometre Athabasca Glacier moves only about 7 metres per year, meaning ice and snow can take hundreds or even thousands of years to travel from the icefield to the glacier’s toe.(Optional upgrade): Take a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle onto the 6-kilometre Athabasca Glacier.

 

Athabasca Falls

Located within Jasper National Park, formed on the upper Athabasca River.Known as the most thrilling and powerful waterfall in the Canadian Rockies.
Meals Included: Breakfast: None   / Lunch: None   / Dinner: None
Hotel: Comfort Package: Chateau Jasper / Tonquin Inn / Lobstick Lodge / Jasper Inn & Suites or similar、 Economy Package: Athabasca Hotel or the same level hotel

Day 4:  Jasper - Maligne Lake - Banff

Trip:

Medicine Lake,

Maligne Lake,

Spirit Island,

Maligne Canyon,

Pyramid Lake,

Patricia Lake


Depart from your hotel in Jasper. Pass by Medicine Lake, then continue to Maligne Lake - the second-largest glacial lake in the world. Take the Maligne Lake Cruise (at own expense, seasonal operation), cruising along the 22 km-long lake toward Sprite Island, known as “the place where the gods gather”. After lunch at Maligne Lake (own expense), visit Maligne Canyon - the longest and deepest canyon in the Rockies, carved by glacial erosion. (Due to the 2024 wildfire impact, this attraction is subject to park availability; if closed, it will be replaced with Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge and Beauvert Lake). Then head south along the Icefields Parkway, stop for a break at The Crossing, and visit the wide-open Bow Lake for photos. Continue south and return to Banff to check in.

 

Schedule

Jasper - Medicine Lake - Maligne Lake (optional cruise, 90 mins) - Lunch at Maligne Lake (own expense, 45 mins) - The Crossing - Bow Lake (20 mins) - Banff & Check-in

 

Attraction Highlights

 

Maligne Lake

Located in Jasper National Park, Alberta, Maligne Lake is the second-largest glacial lake in the world and the only lake in the Rockies where motorboats are permitted.

Famous for its vivid water colour and the iconic island in the middle, it is rated one of the most photogenic lakes in the world.

 

Pyramid Lake

Located 5 km north of Jasper Town at an elevation of 1,179 m.

Named for its symmetric pyramid-shaped mountain; the rock contains pyrite, which weathers to pink and orange hues, giving it a golden glow.

 

The Crossing

A scenic rest stop near the junction of Banff National Park and the Icefields Parkway.

It is the confluence of the North Saskatchewan River, Howse River and Mistaya River.

The name “The Crossing” dates back to the 19th century, when travellers and fur traders crossed the North Saskatchewan River here on their way to British Columbia.
Meals Included: Breakfast: None   / Lunch: None   / Dinner: None
Hotel: Mount Royal Hotel / Banff Inn / Canalta Lodge / Caribou Lodge / Rundlestone Lodge, Banff Town or the same level hotel

Day 5:  Lake Louise - Moraine Lake - Yoho National Park - Calgary

Trip:

Citadel Hill,

Lake Louise,

Victoria Glacier,

Moraine Lake,

Spiral Tunnel,

Yoho National Park,

Emerald Lake,

Calgary


Leave the hotel early in the morning and travel west along the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1).The steep and imposing Castle Mountain will come into view, before arriving at the most famous lake in the Canadian Rockies - Lake Louise. Under the sunlight, the mineral-rich water shimmers in stunning shades of blue and green, embraced on three sides by the towering Victoria Glacier.Often called the “Sapphire of the Rockies”, it resembles a flawless emerald nestled among the mountains.Across the lakeshore stands the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, quietly nestled among pine trees. Next, hike to the upper viewpoint to visit Moraine Lake (seasonal access).Opening reference: Victoria Day weekend in May to late September / early October, subject to Parks Canada notice.If closed, the alternative itinerary will be: Lake Minnewanka (30 mins) + Vermilion Lakes (15 mins).Mandatory fees for Moraine Lake will not apply. Its vivid turquoise waters contrast beautifully against the rugged Ten Peaks.From the overlook, the full panorama of mountains and lake unfolds, creating a timeless and unforgettable scene. After visiting Moraine Lake, lunch (at own expense) will be at Lake Louise Village, with Chinese or Western set meals available for pre-booking. In the afternoon, continue westbound and pass the historic Spiral Tunnels, built by Pacific Railway workers.Enter Yoho National Park and arrive at the peaceful Emerald Lake, where red canoes glide across the calm, jade-coloured water.Then visit the Natural Bridge, formed over centuries by the rushing waters of the Kicking Horse River, creating a picturesque scene of river, pines, mountains and shoals. On the return journey, stop briefly in Banff Town before driving back to Calgary.

 

Itinerary Schedule

Banff - Lake Louise (75 mins) - Moraine Lake (60 mins) - Lunch at Lake Louise Village (own expense, optional Grill & Bar lunch available, 45 mins) - Emerald Lake (20 mins) - Natural Bridge (15 mins) - Banff - Calgary

 

Attraction Highlights
 

Castle Mountain

A striking peak in the Canadian Rockies with an elevation of 2,766 m, located between Banff Town and Lake Louise.It serves as an iconic landmark along the Trans-Canada Highway.

 

Lake Louise

Surrounded by dense forests, Lake Louise is a pristine alpine lake known as the “Sapphire of the Rockies”.Backed by the dramatic Victoria Glacier, it is one of the most photographed locations in North America.From November to June, the lake freezes over, blending into a winter wonderland.Ice sculpture festivals are held here from January to April.

 

Moraine Lake

A glacial lake in Banff National Park, 14 km from Lake Louise, sitting at the base of the Ten Peaks at an elevation of 1,884 m.Widely regarded as one of the most photogenic lakes in the world, its brilliant turquoise waters have been featured on Canada’s $20 banknote.

 

Spiral Tunnels

A historic engineering landmark on the Canadian Pacific Railway.Built through steep mountain terrain near Kicking Horse River, beneath Mount Ogden and Cathedral Mountain, leading toward Field, British Columbia.The tunnels were constructed in a three-quarter loop spiral to reduce the railway grade.

 


Yoho National Park

The smallest of the Canadian Rocky Mountain national parks, yet renowned for its dramatic, rugged and breathtaking scenery.“Yoho” comes from the Cree Indigenous word expressing awe and wonder.The park features unique geological formations, waterfalls, glacial lakes, rivers and forests.The Burgess Shale within the park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important fossil discoveries in the world.


 

Emerald Lake

The largest glacial lake in Yoho National Park, covering over 1 km² with a depth of 28 m.Glacial rock flour gives the water its vivid emerald green colour.Snow-capped mountains and forests reflect perfectly on the calm surface, creating a fairy-tale landscape.

 

Natural Bridge

A natural rock formation carved by the powerful currents of the Kicking Horse River.The river flows through an opening in the rock, forming a natural bridge above a waterfall, allowing visitors to walk across.

 
Meals Included: Breakfast: None   / Lunch: None   / Dinner: None

Day :  

Trip:
Meals Included: Breakfast: None   / Lunch: None   / Dinner: None
Pricing

What's Included:

1. Transportation: Comfortable air-conditioned tour bus
2. Guide Service: Bilingual guide service (Mandarin / English)
3. Accommodation: Standard rooms at hotels listed in the itinerary (final room type subject to hotel arrangement)
4. Insurance: Travel accident insurance during the itinerary
5. 5% GST (Federal Goods and Services Tax)
6. Hotel surcharges in Calgary during the Calgary Stampede
How to Book

Before You Book

- Your purchase does not guarantee confirmation. Your purchase will initiate a reservation process. We will confirm with you via email within one to two business days. - Prices may vary due to availability. We reserve the right to make price adjustment without prior notice. - Please refer to our Customer Amendment, Cancellation and Refund Policy before you make reservation. - Local tour provider reserves the right to make modifications to tour arrangements including order of tour activities, hotel and its location if deemed necessary.
Booking Process:
1. Place Order Choose the departure date, pick-up location, number of adults/children, and tours or activities that you like, provide all required information and then place your order.
2. Place Order Choose the departure date, pick-up location, number of adults/children, and tours or activities that you like, provide all required information and then place your order.

After You Book:

- Immediately after submitting your reservation you will receive a Receipt of Reservation via email. - Within one to two business days of submitting your reservation you will receive a confirmation email from us. If you need to book an airline ticket, we recommend that you do so after you receive a confirmation of your tour reservation from us. - An E-Ticket will be sent to you via email as soon as details of your reservation are confirmed or your supporting information is received by us. We will provide you with all detailed information about your tour on the E-Ticket. Contact information for local tour provider will be included on E-Ticket for your convenience or re-confirmation purpose if re-confirmation is required. - Simply print your E-Ticket and present it with your valid photo ID on the day of your activity to your tour guide. Please remember E-Ticket is your proof of purchase.