Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour

Canada
Walking
Self-Guided
Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour

Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour

Prices

From $1,950USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

Highlights

Explore the jewels of the Rockies at your own pace on this mountain adventure

Visit the Rocky Mountain icons of Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise, famous for their stunning blue glacial lakes.

Hike to waterfalls, rushing rivers, and rocky peaks as you explore Yoho National Park.

Watch for wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, deer, moose, and bear as you hike and drive through the mountains.

Choose your own adventure on this self-drive holiday that gives you the flexibility to enjoy your favourite outdoor activities.

There are many spectacular places to visit in the Rockies, and this self-drive itinerary features the incredible iconic parks that are symbolic of the Canadian mountains. The Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour allows you the flexibility of enjoying the mountains your own way while ensuring you don’t miss the greatest spots.

You’ll spend 12 days hiking, paddling, rafting, riding, or cycling in the most spectacular landscapes imaginable. You’ll have a few days to explore each of the famous national parks, including Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Yoho. A scenic cruise on Maligne Lake is likely to be a highlight as you relax and take in the amazing mountain panorama. This exciting tour will show off the magnificent glacial lakes, snow-capped peaks, thundering waterfalls, and glittering glaciers that make the Rocky Mountains unforgettable. The Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour promises to be a road trip you’ll never forget.

Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour Itinerary

Day 1 Start Your Adventure from Calgary

When you arrive at the Calgary airport, you can collect your rental car and drive to your first hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure in Calgary.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Calgary
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 2 Drive into The Rockies

This morning, you’ll have some time to explore Calgary, home of the famous Calgary Stampede rodeo. Enjoy the views across the open plains while the distant mountains grow ever closer as you drive to Kananaskis Valley. Tonight, you’ll spend the night in the foothills at a hotel in Kananaskis.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Kananaskis
Distance
130km
Meals
None

Day 3 Explore Peter Lougheed Provincial Park

Head to Peter Lougheed Provincial Park and choose from one of the many hiking options that explore nature’s quiet beauty. Kananaskis was historically settled on horseback and is the perfect place to live out your cowboy dreams on a trail ride. At the end of the day, you’ll make the drive to Banff, where you’ll be staying for the next few days.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Banff
Distance
115km
Meals
None

Day 4 Discover the Beauty of Banff

On your first morning in Banff, you may want to wander the charming downtown streets of this resort town while you decide how you want to explore the oldest national park in the country. You have many hikes to choose from, or maybe you’d rather paddle the otherworldly blue waters of Moraine Lake. You can also choose to book an optional Banff and Wildlife tour in the afternoon.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Banff
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 5 Second Day in Banff

There are so many incredible trails to explore in Banff that this tour includes a second day to hike the spectacular mountain park. If you haven’t already had a chance, you may wish to visit the hot springs or enjoy a scenic gondola ride to take in the spectacular views from the summit of Sulphur Mountain.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Banff
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 6 Lake Louise Stop en route to Golden

Although your destination today is Golden, you can stop for lunch at the world-renowned Lake Louise on your way. A lakeside picnic with a view of the spectacular blue water beneath the rocky peaks is the perfect way to spend a relaxing afternoon. Then, continue on a stunning stretch of Highway 1 as you drive deeper into the mountains.

Arrive in Golden, where you’ll spend the next two nights. Check out the local eatery, Reposados, for tasty burritos and tacos.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Golden
Distance
165km
Meals
None

Day 7 Explore Yoho National Park

Golden is surrounded by three impressive mountain ranges and has no shortage of outdoor adventures for you. Today, you’ll visit Yoho National Park, where you can walk to Takakkaw Falls, an impressive cascade reaching 234 meters. The stunning peaks of the Kicking Horse Valley offer many awe-inspiring hiking opportunities. You can also book an optional (and highly recommended!) white-water rafting tour on the Kicking Horse River.

Grab a beer at the top-class Whitetooth Brewery, where you can sit outside and admire the Purcell Mountains behind you.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Golden
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 8 Drive the Icefields Parkway

Today, you’ll drive the 300-kilometre route on the Icefields Parkway, famous for its path past sprawling glaciers, waterfalls, lakes, and dramatic mountain passes. Watch out for wildlife—you never know what you’ll see grazing in a roadside meadow or on a cliff. Take your time to enjoy the journey, stopping at the sign-posted lookouts like the Athabasca Glacier. You’ll have the next three nights to enjoy Jasper, so there’s no rush to arrive. Get a brew and gourmet pub food at the local Jasper Brewing Company.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Jasper
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 9 Discover Jasper on Land and Water

Jasper is another home to one of the glacier-fed lakes that awe us with its vibrant blue hue, Maligne Lake. Explore the lakefront or take a hike into the meadows to view the magnificent wildflower display. Finish your day with a scenic cruise on Maligne Lake to fully appreciate the exquisite mountain landscape. Spoil yourself with a fancy dinner at Syrahs of Jasper.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Jasper
Distance
300km
Meals
None

Day 10 Explore Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park is too beautiful and has too much to offer to spend only a single day here. So today, you have a second day to go hiking, paddling, or horseback riding in the park. You can take the SkyTram cable car to the Summit of the Whistlers, take an alpine hike, and even enjoy a meal while you admire the panoramic views. Treat yourself to some superb pizza from Jasper Pizza Place.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Jasper
Distance
None
Meals
None

Day 11 Hike or Paddle Iconic Lake Louise

Today, you’ll return to the Icefields Parkway for another incredibly scenic drive to Lake Louise. Stop for a hike to see the spectacular Bow Glacier Falls, or challenge yourself with a scramble to Iceberg Lake, a hidden gem. When you arrive at stunning Lake Louise, you’ll have time to go for a hike or rent a canoe and paddle on its enchanting blue waters.

Overnight Location
Hotel in Lake Louise
Distance
300km
Meals
None

Day 12 Tour Concludes in Calgary

After spending the night at the mountain resort paradise of Lake Louise, you may have time to squeeze in a final hike before returning to Calgary. Return your car rental at the Calgary airport, where your tour officially comes to an end.

Overnight Location
None
Distance
100km
Meals
None

Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates

This self-guided tour of the Canadian Rockies is run as private tour for your group only, and the price per person depends on how many people are in your group.

Prices below are per person:

  • Groups of 2+: $1,950USD per person
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Accommodation on the Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour

This tour is based on hotel accommodations. Hotels on this trip are 3-star standard accommodations and offer modern conveniences with welcoming, comfortable rooms. Each hotel is specially selected to be close to the trails and outdoor activities in the charming mountain towns on your route.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. Single rooms, including those for solo travellers, are by request.

Night 1

Hotel in Calgary

Calgary is a metropolitan city with tons of restaurants and attractions to see, so you may not be spending much time in your room here!

Night 2

Hotel in Kananaskis

Get a room in a comfortable 3-star standard hotel at the foothills of Kananaskis Country. Enjoy being surrounded by nature.

Night 3-5

Hotel in Banff

Revel in this iconic mountain town that has graced many magazine covers. Wander the charming streets and admire the peaks around you.

Night 6-7

Hotel in Golden

Make sure to walk on the pedestrian bridge hanging over the Kicking Horse River and get some beer and tacos from Whitetooth Brewery and Reposados.

Night 8-10

Hotel in Jasper

Relax in a cozy 3-star standard hotel surrounded by immense mountains. Stroll the streets and take your pick of various top-notch restaurants and bars.

Night 11

Hotel in Lake Louise

Stay in a comfortable 3-star standard hotel a short distance away from the postcard scenes of Lake Louise.

Hotels on Standard Tour

What’s Included in the Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour?

Meals

Meals are not included on this tour.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 11 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Calgary are not included but can be added as a supplement.

Transportation during the Tour

This is a self-drive tour. You’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.

Also Included

  • Standard vehicle rental
  • Canadian taxes
  • 24/7 access to helpline
  • Scenic cruise on Maligne Lake

Not included

  • Travel insurance, including car rental insurance
  • Flights to and from Calgary
  • Personal expenses
  • Optional activities
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Entrance fees to National Parks
  • Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
  • Vehicle insurance
  • Fuel

Optional Extras

  • Rafting on Kicking Horse River
  • Horseback riding in Kananaskis
  • Single occupancy upgrades
  • Additional nights before or after the tour
  • Canoe on Lake Louise
  • Optional activities or excursions

Frequenty Asked Questions about Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour

How hard is the Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour?

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. Each day is completely flexible for you to choose which hikes or activities you’d like to do. You can tailor the difficulty level and duration of any activity to your liking.

Do I need a visa to travel to Canada?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Is my driver’s licence valid in Canada?

Most standard driver’s licences are valid in Canada; however, International Drivers Permit might be required, or some exemptions might apply. Please check this source about driving with foreign license in Canada.

Is the vehicle insurance included?

No, vehicle insurance is not included in the package. We strongly suggest having one for this tour to avoid liability in case there is damage caused to the vehicle. You can either book vehicle insurance during the booking process, or get one by yourself.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel, since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Are meals included on the Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour?

Meals are not included on this tour.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover any activities you choose to do, like hiking or canoeing. Get your Travel Insurance.

How do I get to Calgary to start this tour?

Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). You can pick-up and drop-off your rental vehicle at the airport for your convenience.

Is the Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour in English?

The route guide, maps, and programs provided will be in English.

Where does the Heart of the Canadian Rockies Self-Drive Tour end?

This tour ends in Calgary, where you can drop off your car rental at the Calgary International Airport (YYC).

Do I need special vaccines to travel to Canada?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for Canada?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

When is the best time to travel to Canada for this tour?

The best time to travel to the Canadian Rockies for this tour is during summer and early fall when the snow has melted, and daily temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities. This tour is available from June to September.

Reviews

All tours on 10Adventures are operated by highly vetted local tour operators and guides.

Having local tour operators and guides means you get a more authentic experience, and your booking creates jobs in the local communities you visit.

Details of the local tour operator will be listed on your booking invoice. If you have questions about the local operator prior to booking, please click the “Ask a Question” button below.

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21 total ratings, 0 with reviews

Prices

From $1,950USD

Difficulty

Self-guided

Hotels

Start Your Booking

What travellers say

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Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews

Tour Difficulty

We rate this tour as a 2 / 5. Each day is completely flexible for you to choose which hikes or activities you’d like to do. You can tailor the difficulty level and duration of any activity to your liking.


Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

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