4 Days Private Tour to Banff and Jasper National Park

Day 1 · Banff National Park

1. 1

   Johnston Canyon

   1 h 45 min

   Meet in central Banff and set off on a full day of exploration in Banff National Park. Visit Johnston Canyon and discover a popular hiking trail that follows the canyon and leads to a meadow within the Johnston Valley above. Admire the Ink Pots, which are six blue-green spring-fed pools.

2. 2

   Vermilion Lakes

   15 min

   Head to Vermilion Lakes, located immediately west of Banff in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in the Bow River valley at the foot of Mount Norquay. Keep an eye out for native wildlife and take in the breathtaking scenery.

3. 3

   Cascade Gardens

   15 min

   Head to the Cascades of Time Garden, which spreads out behind Banff National Park's historic administration building at 101 Mountain Ave. Discover a geological sequence of cascading ponds and water courses that provide the garden’s namesake and are highlighted with flowers, shrubs, rustic bridges, pavilions and flagged walks.

4. 4

   Banff

   1 h 5 min

   You will take some time to dine and explore the beautiful town of Banff, which is well-known as the heart of Banff National Park.

5. 5

   Sulphur Mountain

   1 h 25 min Admission included

   You will also take the Sulphur Mountain Gondola and discover sweeping scenes of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town from the Sulphur Mountain summit.

6. 6

   Bow Falls

   15 min

   Stop at Bow Falls, which rumbles about 30 feet over a low-gradient pitch of channeled bedrock, providing a short turbulent interrupt of the cerulean waters of the Bow River.

7. 7

   Surprise Corner

   15 min

   Visit Surprise Corner which is named for its spectacular views when viewed from Buffalo Street. It is an excellent place for photos.

8. 8

   Hoodoos Trail

   15 min

   Hoodoos are tall, thin spires of rock that have been naturally carved by wind and water erosion over thousands of years. The Hoodoos offer incredible panoramic views of the Bow River Valley and the surrounding mountains. The contrast of these towering rock formations against the backdrop of the Rockies is breathtaking.

2 - 3 Stars Hotel (with Accommodation Option)

Day 2 · Columbia Icefield

1. 1

   Castle Junction

   10 min

   The first viewpoint on the way to Columbia Icefield is the Castle Mountain. It is a mountain located within Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies, approximately halfway between Banff and Lake Louise.

2. 2

   Crowfoot Glacier

   10 min

   Early explorers named the glacier Crowfoot because its three sections of ice looked like a crow’s foot on the mountain. While one of the three “toes” has now receded and disappeared, the glacier is no less spectacular. The Crowfoot Glacier sits above Bow Lake, providing stunning photo opportunities for those traveling the Icefields Parkway.

3. 3

   Bow Lake

   20 min

   Bow Lake is one of the many lakes that line the Icefields Parkway and a popular stop for visitors to Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It’s no secret that the Canadian Rockies are not short of spectacular vistas and lakes. A short walk along the lakeshore trail is a family-friendly hike, or you can enjoy longer hikes around Bow Lake for a more complete day.

4. 4

   Peyto Lake

   30 min

   Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. During the summer, significant amounts of glacial rock flour flow into the lake from a nearby glacier, and these suspended rock particles are what give the lake a unique bright, turquoise colour. The lake is best seen from Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefield Parkway.

5. 5

   Columbia Icefield Skywalk

   2 hours Admission included

   Go beyond nature's edge and immerse yourself in an awe-inspiring interpretive experience in one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. From ice-capped mountain peaks to vast glacier-formed valleys. the Columbia Icefield Skywalk is your front-row seat to nature's most grand performance and situated in a national park. There are plenty of opportunities for spotting wildlife throughout the trip. Mountain goats are especially prevalent. If you're lucky, you may witness a bald eagle soaring through the wind.

6. 6

   Athabasca Falls

   30 min

   Athabasca Falls is located in Jasper National Park just off the Icefields Parkway on Highway 93A. It’s approximately 32 km southeast of the Jasper townsite. The falls are fed by the water runoff from the Columbia Icefield.

2 - 3 Stars Hotel (with Accommodation Option)

Day 3 · Jasper National Park

1. 1

   Pyramid Lake Overlook Loop

   20 min

   The first viewpoints are the Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Mountain. The Pyramid Lake's beauty is unparalleled, featuring crystal-clear waters surrounded by towering mountains, notably the iconic Pyramid Mountain. The reflections on the lake's surface and the stunning backdrop make it a visitors' paradise.

2. 2

   Maligne Canyon

   one hour

   Maligne Canyon in Jasper National Park is a remarkable natural wonder and a must-visit destination. Maligne Canyon is a deep limestone gorge, carved out by the Maligne River over thousands of years. Its steep walls and intricate rock formations create a memorizing landscape.

3. 3

   Medicine Lake

   15 min

   Medicine Lake in Jasper National Park is a fascinating destination. What makes Medicine Lake intriguing is its mysterious disappearance. During the summer months, due to an intricate underground drainage system, the lake appears to vanish, leaving a dry, meandering riverbed behind. In spring and early summer, it fills up again. Regardless of its water levels, Medicine Lake offers stunning scenery. Surrounded by towering peaks, forests, and meadows, it provides breathtaking views and excellent photo opportunities.

4. 4

   Maligne Lake

   1 h 30 min Admission included

   Known for its breathtaking beauty, Maligne Lake is the largest glacially fed lake in the Canadian Rockies. The stunning turquoise-blue waters, surrounded by majestic peaks, create a picture-perfect setting. Visitors might spot bears, elk, mountain goats, and bighorn sheep while exploring the trails or enjoying a cruise tour.

5. 5

   Stop 5

   20 min

   Goats & Glaciers" is a scenic area along the Icefields Parkway in Jasper National Park. The area is renowned for its stunning landscapes, characterized by towering peaks, pristine glaciers, and rugged terrain. As the name suggests, this area often provides opportunities to spot wildlife like mountain goats.

2 - 3 Stars Hotel (with Accommodation Option)

Day 4 · Lake Louise – Emerald Lake - Natural Bridge - Spiral Train Tunnel

1. 1

   Lake Louise

   one hour

   Breathe in the fresh mountain air and learn more about the national park from your guide. Let yourself be drawn to the trails that wind amongst the rocks and travel beyond to alpine meadows and sparkling lakes.

2. 2

   Lower Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint

   15 min

   After spending time at Moraine Lake, you will stop at the Spiral Tunnels on the way to Emerald Lake. The Spiral Tunnels are an impressive display of engineering ingenuity. They were built to alleviate the steep incline for trains passing through the Rockies.

3. 3

   Emerald Lake

   1 h 30 min

   After a short stay at the Spiral Tunnels, you will arrive at Emerald Lake. It is a freshwater lake located in Yoho National Park, British Columbia. The vivid green colour of the Emerald Lake water is caused by powdered rock from the glaciers, which reflects the blue-green spectrum of sunlight. Whether it is the vibrant greenery in the summer, the stunning colours of fall foliage, or the frozen wonderland in winter, Emerald Lake's beauty transcends seasons, making it a worthwhile visit year-round. Take a short surrounding-lake walk with us to sense the quiet beauty of the color enriched lake that you would never forget in the rest of your life.

4. 4

   Natural Bridge

   20 min

   The Natural Bridge is the last spot you don’t want to miss. It is a stunning rock formation sculpted by the powerful forces of water over time. It's an awe-inspiring sight, showcasing the immense natural beauty and geological marvels found in the park.