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!
Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour
Prices
Highlights
Explore the incredible Rocky Mountains on a scenic self-drive tour of BC and Alberta
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!
Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Calgary
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
Day 2 Discover Waterton National Park
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
Day 3 Scenic Drive to Radium
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
Day 4 Hike in Mount Revelstoke National Park
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
Day 5 Drive Through the Mountains to Kamloops
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
Day 6 Visit Wells Gray Provincial Park
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
Day 7 Explore Iconic Jasper
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
Day 8 Icefield Parkway and Lake Louise
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
Day 9 Waterfalls and White Water
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
Day 10 Mountain Towns to Kananaskis
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
Day 11 Return to Calgary
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
Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour Price and Dates
This self-guided tour to the Canadian Rockies is run as private tour for your group only.
Prices below are per person:
- Groups of 2+: $1,525USD per person
Accommodation on the Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour
This tour is based on hotel accommodations. Hotels on this trip are 3-star standard accommodations and offer comfortable rooms with modern conveniences. The hotels will be in specially selected towns along your route to give you easy access to nearby attractions.
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 2
Hotel in Waterton
Enjoy a tranquil night in Waterton National Park. Fall asleep and wake up to nature’s sounds at the foot of several beautiful hiking trails.
Night 3
Hotel in Radium Hot Springs
Not your average highway town, Radium Hot Springs has one of the cutest cafes to have breakfast, the Big Horn Cafe. Enjoy soaking and relaxing in the hot springs facility.
Night 4
Hotel in Revelstoke
If there was ever a town for hipster ski bums, Revelstoke is it. With a downtown full of boutique shops, cafes, and bars, you’ll never be bored here.
Night 5
Hotel in Kamloops
Kamloops is the gateway to the Okanagan, which means lakes and wine abound. Stroll the adorable downtown core for some great grub and beer.
Night 6-7
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 8-9
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 10
Hotel in Kananaskis
Get a room in a comfortable 3-star standard hotel at the foothills of Kananaskis Country. Enjoy being surrounded by nature.
Hotels on Standard Tour
What’s Included in the Rocky Mountain 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 will pick-up and drop-off your rental vehicle at the Calgary Airport.
Also Included
- 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
Frequenty Asked Questions about Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour
How hard is the Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour?
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.
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.
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.
Are meals included on the Rocky Mountain Road Trip?
No, 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. Get your Travel Insurance.
How do I get to Calgary to start this tour?
Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC). You will pick up your rental vehicle at the airport.
Is the Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour in English?
The route guides and program details provided will be in English.
Where does the Rocky Mountain Self-Drive Tour end?
This tour ends in Calgary, where you will drop off your car rental at the airport.
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 road trip tour is during summer and early fall. This tour is available from June to October.
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.
4.7
21 ratings
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21 total ratings, 0 with reviewsPrices
What travellers say
Stephen L.
I’ve been using 10Adventures route guides for a while, but had never booked a tour. My wife and I booked a self-guided hike in Greece and were so impressed with how we were able navigate the route without a guide with the detailed and easy to follow itinerary. We enjoy travelling independently, and 10Adventures made that happen.
Melinda S.
I was going through a tough time and really needed a getaway so I decided to book a tour through 10Adventures. My trip to Peru changed my life in so many positive and eye-opening ways. I am so thankful for the kind, empathetic team at 10Adventures.
Lina K.
I’ve adventured around a lot of Canada and the US, but I’ve always wanted to explore other parts of the world. I felt a bit scared before booking my trip to Israel, but my conversations with the team at 10Adventures helped ease any worry. I can’t wait to explore more of the world!
Gabriela H.
Travel companies have had to go through a lot during the pandemic but 10Adventures were super flexible and accommodating nonetheless. I had to cancel my tour in France due to the pandemic. 10Adventures was great and let me reschedule for a later date!
Mikael V.
My wife Sarah and I had a great experience booking our 7-day cycling trip through Portugal via 10Adventures. The communication between us and Nadine leading up the trip was top-notch!
Alexandra D.
Communicating with 10Adventures feels like talking with a family-run business. I love to explore and travel, and exploring with the comfort of knowing I can talk to the team at 10Adventures with almost immediate feedback helps to ease any stress that comes with adventuring!
Eric S.
Whenever I’m looking for my next adventure 10Adventures never fails. Their routes all over England are my main go to for exploring and I have only had great experiences booking both guided and self-guided trips in Europe and South America with them. I am looking into Africa next.
Valeria R.
I tend to have a lot of questions before travelling and was so happy to find that the team at 10Adventures responded to every single one of my inquiries in a timely fashion. I was never left waiting and waiting for a response. This was much appreciated!
Isabella N.
I have horrible dietary issues making it super hard to book a pre-planned trip sometimes, but the communication through 10Adventures helped me navigate this situation! I am so grateful for all of their help. I cant wait to book with them again!
Erika S.
I just got back from backpacking in the Sierra Nevada, and WOW. What an unreal journey! The alpine meadows, waterfalls, and the lakeside camping spot were memorable highlights! I wonder what other tours 10Adventures has to offer. That one went so well that I am now convinced I need to book another!
Robert D.
I'm not a big fan of traveling because of my fear of flying, but my girlfriend convinced me to go on the Aurora Borealis Tour in the Yukon. I will never forget the mesmerizing northern lights. Such a romantic (and cold) getaway. I would highly recommend it.
Monica L.
Wow! I am so happy with the experience I had with booking through 10Adventures for my tour in Italy! I worked with Nadine and she was super easy-going and helpful when it came to tweaking the itinerary provided on the website. 10/10 would book through 10Adventures again.
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Why 10Adventures?
Rated 4.9 on Google Reviews
Tour Difficulty
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.
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
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