Canadian Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour
Explore the incredible Rocky Mountains on a scenic self-drive tour of BC and Alberta
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Canadian Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour Overview
This trip is an incredible self-guided exploration of the world-renowned Canadian Rocky Mountains. You’ll love the flexibility of this 11-day fly-and-drive-style road trip. Follow your route to all the must-see mountain spots, but the main goal is to show you the exceptional, hidden gems that are off the beaten track.
Enjoy the drive along some of the country’s most spectacular roads, and you can decide how to spend your time at your destination, depending on your fitness level. Whether you want to relax in the hot springs at Radium or Banff, go rafting on Kicking Horse River, or take an epic hike in Waterton, there is something for everyone in Canada’s mountain playground. You’re sure to fall in love with the Rockies during this epic road trip from Calgary and will likely be planning your trip back before you leave!
Trip highlights
See the highlights and explore the quieter parks of the incredible Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Drive through spectacular scenery, including Mount Robson, Crowsnest Pass, and the Icefield Parkway, to name a few.
Look for iconic Canadian wildlife such as bison, deer, moose, bighorn sheep, and more!
Let your route guide you to the most beautiful spots, and you can choose how you want to explore them.
Day By Day Itinerary
When you arrive in Calgary, you can collect your rental car from the airport. The day is yours to explore at your leisure.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Calgary
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Your tour begins with a drive south to Waterton, which is just above the US border. Waterton National Park was given a combined UNESCO designation with Montana’s Glacier National Park. Spend the day exploring the lakes, waterfalls, and many hiking trails of this gorgeous park. Keep an eye out for wildlife and local bison during your hikes!
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Waterton
- Distance:
- 271km
- Meals:
- None
Head north and admire the incredible mountain scenery as you drive on the Crowsnest Pass, through the Frank Slide, and Fernie. You’ll follow the mighty Columbia and Kootenay Rivers to Radium Hot Springs. You may want to finish your day with a relaxing visit to the hot springs.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Radium Hot Springs
- Distance:
- 392km
- Meals:
- None
Today, you’ll travel through impressive glittering glaciers and meadows in the sky on your way to Revelstoke. Spend the day exploring the beautiful alpine meadows, forests, and many trails in Mount Revelstoke National Park.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Revelstoke
- Distance:
- 252km
- Meals:
- None
You have another awe-inspiring drive ahead of you as you drive to Kamloops. Salmon Arm on Shuswap Lake is a great place to stop and explore on your way. In the afternoon, you could take an optional excursion to the BC Wildlife Zoological Reserve to visit local animals being rehabilitated.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Kamloops
- Distance:
- 212km
- Meals:
- None
You have a long drive today, so it would be a great idea to make a stop at Wells Gray Provincial Park. Whether you are going for a hike or just stopping for a picnic, be sure to visit the incredible waterfalls before leaving. Continue your drive past Mount Robson and on to Jasper.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Jasper
- Distance:
- 441km
- Meals:
- None
Today is sure to be a highlight of your trip as you explore Jasper and witness the spectacular idyllic sight of Maligne Lake and its stunning mountain backdrop. Finish the day by taking an optional guided canoe tour in the evening.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Jasper
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Take the famed Icefield Parkway towards Banff. The drive today is full of incredible places to discover. Take a hike to see the alpine lakes, glaciers, emerald forests, and waterfalls along your route. Stop at Lake Louise to experience another classic Canadian scene as you view its serene turquoise waters.
There is an optional 2-night heli-glamping excursion you can book to spend some time at an isolated alpine lake.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Golden
- Distance:
- 310km
- Meals:
- None
Today will be dedicated to Yoho National Park. There is plenty to see and do, including visiting spectacular Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake, and Kicking Horse River. You can book an optional white-water rafting tour on Kicking Horse River for a fun afternoon adventure.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Golden
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Leave Golden in the morning and begin your drive to Kananaskis. On the way, you can stop in Banff to visit the hot springs and experience the charm of this popular spot. Or, if you’re looking for a quieter spot, visit the mountain town of Canmore. Enjoy the beautiful scenery away from the main tourist track in Kananaskis.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Kananaskis
- Distance:
- 181km
- Meals:
- None
Say goodbye to the mountains as you drive towards the prairies to drop your car off at the Calgary airport. Your tour officially ends here, and you can begin your journey home or start the next leg of your travels.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- 86km
- Meals:
- None
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- Meals are not included on this tour.
- Accommodations for 11 nights are included. Accommodations before and after the tour in Calgary are not included but can be added as a supplement.
- This is a self-drive tour. You will pick-up and drop-off your rental vehicle at the Calgary Airport.
- Standard vehicle rental
- Canadian taxes
- 24/7 access to helpline
Not included
- Travel 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
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy upgrades
- Optional activities or excursions:
-
- Hot springs entry, Radium Hot Springs Day 3
- Entry to BC Wildlife Zoological Reserve Day 5
- Guided canoe tour in Jasper Day 7
- Heli-glamping for 2 nights Day 8 and 9
- Rafting on Kicking Horse River Day 9
Reviews
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
These reviews reflect all trips offered by this local tour partner on 10Adventures, not just the tour you’re viewing.
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FAQ
We rate this tour as a 1 / 5. This tour has an easy rating as you choose the hikes and activities you want to participate in and can customize the length and difficulty.
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.
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.
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.
Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.
No, meals are not included on this tour.
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. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). You will pick up your rental vehicle at the airport.
The route guides and program details provided will be in English.
This tour ends in Calgary, where you will drop off your car rental at the airport.
Check with your family doctor.
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.
The best time to travel to the Canadian Rockies for this road trip tour is during summer and early fall. This tour is available from June to October.
Why book Canadian Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour with 10 Adventures?
Self-guided Specialists
Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of the logistics are taken care of.
Packed with Inclusions
Accommodations, luggage transfers, gear rentals, and more - all taken care of so you can focus on making memories.
World Class Support
Have peace of mind for when travel plans change with our hassle-free booking process and unbeatable support.
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