Canadian Rockies Winter Self-Drive Tour
Discover the beauty and unbeatable adventure in the Canadian Rocky Mountains during the winter
Lifetime Deposit
Self-Guided
Canadian Rockies Winter Self-Drive Tour Overview
The spectacular Canadian Rocky Mountains attract visitors from around the world in the summer, but during the winter they become a beautiful snowy playground for skiers and adventurous travellers. The Canadian Rockies Winter Self-Drive Tour is a relaxed self-driving itinerary that offers longer stays in each stop, so you can fill each day with your favourite winter activities.
This tour spends two nights each in Banff and Jasper so that you can ski, hike, and enjoy the atmosphere of these mountain villages. Then you’ll go for the drive of your life on the incredible Columbia Icefields Parkway. On your way to Yoho National Park, you can visit the incomparable Lake Louise and the unusual ice bubbles at Lake Abraham. On top of skiing and hiking, you’ll have to chance to have unique winter experiences like dog sledding, heli-snowshoeing, and trekking to icefalls. This unique road trip is the perfect way to combine exciting outdoor adventures with incredible sightseeing through the famous Rocky Mountain national parks.
Trip highlights
Visit charming mountain towns and explore the endless frozen wilderness of the national parks.
Ski downhill or cross country as much or as little as you like on this flexible itinerary.
Enjoy fewer crowds and breathtaking winter scenery as you explore Jasper, Banff, Yoho, and Kananaskis.
Discover the beauty of frozen waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and endless glaciers as you drive the famous Icefields Parkway.
Day By Day Itinerary
Today your tour begins, and you can pick up your rental vehicle from the Calgary Airport when your flight arrives. Get settled at your hotel and then head out to explore the city.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Calgary
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- Breakfast, lunch, dinner
In the morning, you’ll drive towards the mountains that have already been calling to you since you arrived in Alberta. Enjoy the beautiful winter scenery as you drive into Banff.
Spend the afternoon exploring the charming mountain village and take the cable car to the top of Sulfur Mountain for a spectacular panoramic view. End the day with a relaxing soak as you take in the views from the hot springs.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Banff
- Distance:
- 127km
- Meals:
- None
Ski enthusiasts are spoiled for choice in Banff and can spend the day on the slopes at Sunshine Village or Mount Norquay. You can also take an exciting guided excursion into Johnston Canyon and go for an ice walk to explore frozen waterfalls including the Johnston Canyon Upper Falls, known as the Cathedral of Ice during the winter months.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Banff
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Continue your journey through the mountains on the spectacular Columbia Icefields Parkway. You’ll want to stop often to take in the incredible mountain views of peaks, glaciers, and frozen waterfalls on your way to Jasper. Tonight, you’ll check in for the first of two nights in Jasper.
Please note, that Icefields Parkway route is not maintained during the winter, therefore in some cases the detour might be required.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Jasper
- Distance:
- 288km
- Meals:
- None
Today you have a full day to explore the mountain town of Jasper. You can go hiking or skiing on the nearby hills or take the optional winter wildlife tour to learn how to spot local animals during the winter.
The Jasper sky is part of the Dark Sky Preserve and is an excellent place to try to catch a glimpse of the northern lights. You can visit the planetarium in the evening and observe the aurora borealis from their outdoor telescope for a night of stargazing you’ll never forget.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Jasper
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
You’ll find yourself back on the magnificent Icefields Parkway today as your drive to Field. Stop at Lake Abraham to see its strange and beautiful frozen bubbles. You can opt to take a helicopter snowshoeing tour to see the area from another spectacular vantage point.
Your next stop will be at Lake Louise, where you can stop for lunch in the village and enjoy the iconic view of the lake and the mountains beyond. Then it’s on to Yoho National Park where you’ll find your lodge in Field at Emerald Lake.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Field
- Distance:
- 263km
- Meals:
- None
The beauty of your surroundings may call you to stay at the lodge today to relax and enjoy the peaceful winter's day at the lake. However, whether you’re in the mood for downhill skiing, xc skiing, or snowshoeing, you’re sure to find that Yoho National Park has something wonderful in store for you today.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Field
- Distance:
- None
- Meals:
- None
Drive through the snow-covered mountains to Kananaskis. On the way, you can make a final stop in Banff or visit the nearby mountain town of Canmore. When you arrive in Kananaskis, you can take a dog sledding excursion to explore the valley and look for wildlife. This is also a great ski area if you want to spend a final day on the slopes or the trails.
- Overnight Location:
- Hotel in Kananaskis
- Distance:
- 131km
- Meals:
- None
Today your tour officially concludes when you return your rental vehicle to the Calgary Airport in time to catch your flight.
- Overnight Location:
- None
- Distance:
- 117km
- Meals:
- None
Tour Map
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Inclusions
Included
- There are no meals included in this tour.
- Accommodations for 8 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, so you’ll be provided with a rental vehicle for the duration of the itinerary.
- Standard vehicle rental, Category B
- Canadian taxes
- 24/7 access to helpline
Not included
- Flights
- Guide
- Travel insurance
- Visas if required
- Entrance fees to national parks
- Admission to attractions, including the Banff Hot Springs and planetarium in Jasper
- Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
- Gratuities for tour guides or other staff if desired
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities
- Ski and equipment rental
- Vehicle insurance
- Fuel
Optional Extras
- Additional nights before or after the tour
- Single occupancy
- Optional activities or excursions:
-
- Sulfur Mountain cable car
- Banff Upper Hot Springs entry
- Ski/Snowboard equipment rental and lift tickets
- Ice walk at Johnston Canyon
- Entrance to the planetarium and telescope stargazing
- Winter wildlife tour in Jasper
- Helicopter and snowshoe tour at Abraham Lake
- Dog sledding in Kananaskis
Reviews
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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 2/5. This tour has a flexible itinerary that allows you to choose your hikes and ski activities so that you can tailor them to your fitness level. If you choose to ski, there are trails and runs appropriate for all skill levels, and the ski hills offer lessons that we recommend you book in advance.
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.
There are no meals included in this tour.
Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover all included activities. Get your Travel Insurance.
Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC), and you will pick up your rental vehicle from the airport.
This is a self-guided tour, and the route guide, maps, and programs will be supplied in English.
This tour ends at the Calgary International Airport (YYC), where you can drop off your rental vehicle.
Yes, all of the ski hills on your route offer ski equipment rental. You will be able to rent downhill skis, cross-country skis, and snowboards as well as safety equipment.
Yes. You are welcome to bring your own ski equipment, however, please be aware that your rental vehicle does not include ski racks and may not be able to easily accommodate your skis. Please discuss your options with us if you’d prefer to bring your equipment.
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 Rocky Mountains for this tour is during the winter to enjoy the freshest snow and winter activities. This tour is available from December to March.
Why book Canadian Rockies Winter 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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