7-Day Banff and Jasper Itinerary for Families
Planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, mostly to Banff and Jasper, and not sure where to start? This 7-day Banff and Jasper itinerary is perfect for families looking to explore mountain lakes, waterfalls, wildlife, and everything in between. It takes you through two of Canada’s most scenic national parks with stops that work for curious kids and tired parents alike.
We’ve visited Banff and Jasper many times with our kids (and showing our friends and family around) and always find something new to love. This route is one of our favourites: start in Calgary, head north to Jasper first, then work your way back to Banff. That way, you get the long drive out of the way early and can enjoy the parks at a more relaxed pace on the way back.
👉 Use this 7-day Canadian Rockies itinerary to plan your own Calgary to Jasper to Banff road trip, with daily highlights, tips for shuttle options, and alternatives if you’re visiting during peak season.
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How Many Days in Banff and Jasper?
If you’re wondering how many days you need in Banff and Jasper, we recommend 2 to 3 days in Jasper and 2 to 3 days in Banff, depending on your pace. With 7 days total, you’ll have enough time to enjoy the best of both parks without rushing.
If you have more time, you could easily extend your stay in either park. There’s more than enough to fill a full week in both spots.
🚗 Distance from Calgary to Banff to Jasper
- Calgary to Banff: 128 km (about 1.5 hours)
- Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway: 288 km (about 3.5 to 4 hours without stops, but you’ll want to stop a lot!)
- Calgary to Jasper (direct): About 413 km (roughly 5 hours)
Day 1 – Drive from Calgary to Jasper
⭐ Main highlights: Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefield, and the Icefields Parkway
Start your 7-day Banff and Jasper itinerary by driving straight from Calgary to Jasper, with plenty of scenic stops along the Icefields Parkway. It’s a long day on the road, but the views and the family-friendly stops make it one of the most memorable days of the trip.
We recommend leaving Calgary early. The whole drive to Jasper takes about 5 hours without stops, but you’ll want to plan a full day.
As you pass Canmore, you’ll enter Banff National Park, and shortly after that, you’ll start driving along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93), one of the most scenic highways in Alberta (and in the world).
🎧 Tip: Download the GuideAlong Canadian Rockies audio tour. It syncs with your location and adds great stories and facts to your drive.
Here are a few must-stop spots along the way (these are the ones we suggest doing on your way to Jasper, saving others for the return trip):
- Bow Lake: Beautiful glacier-fed lake right off the highway. A great spot to stretch your legs or enjoy a quick snack by the water.
- Peyto Lake: Take the short 2.4 km (round trip) walk to the viewing platform. The lake is shaped like a wolf’s head and is one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies.
- Saskatchewan River Crossing: This is your fuel and washroom stop. There’s a small restaurant, a gas station, and picnic areas.
- Tangle Creek Falls: A quick roadside waterfall you can view from the shoulder of the road.
- Wilcox Pass (Viewpoint Hike): If you have time and energy, this is a great short hike (even just to the red chairs lookout) for views of the Athabasca Glacier.
- Columbia Icefield: You can stop at the visitor centre for a break or walk to the toe of the glacier. If you want to go on the Ice Explorer tour or Skywalk, plan ahead and book in advance.
After all the stops, continue on to Jasper, where you can check into your hotel and enjoy a quiet evening walking around the town. Jasper is more laid-back than Banff and a great place to settle in for the next few days.
🛏️ Where to stay in Jasper:
- Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge (if you’re looking for a resort-style stay)
- Chateau Jasper (mid-range, family-friendly)
- HI Jasper (budget-friendly with family rooms and a kitchen)
Day 2 – Maligne Lake Road & Rafting
⭐ Main highlights: Medicine Lake, Maligne Lake cruise, and family rafting tour
Start your first full day in Jasper with one of the park’s most scenic drives—Maligne Lake Road. This area is filled with natural wonders and lots of kid-friendly stops along the way.
Maligne Lake Drive
Kick off the day with a scenic drive on the Maligne Lake drive. Along the way, make a stop at Medicine Lake. This lake changes with the seasons. It fills in summer and drains in fall, because of its fascinating underground cave system. It’s a great spot for a roadside break or photo stop.
Then, continue driving to Maligne Lake. You can enjoy the lake and do one of the easy trails nearby, such as:
- Moose Lake Loop: 2.7 km loop
- Mary Schäffer Loop: 3.2 km loop
- Lorraine Lake and Mona Lake: 5.2 km return trail (part of the Skyline Trail.
Maligne Lake Cruise (Optional but recommended)
If you’re up for it, book the Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island. It’s a 90-minute round trip, and the only easy way to reach this iconic photo spot with kids. The boat has a guide on board, and there’s time to walk around the island and take in the mountain views. If you’re not doing the cruise, you can still enjoy walking along the lakeshore or renting a canoe.
There’s a café at Maligne Lake Lodge with grab-and-go options, or you can bring a picnic to eat near the water.
Family-friendly rafting on the Athabasca River
In the afternoon, head back to Jasper townsite for a family-friendly rafting tour on the Athabasca River. These tours are designed for kids as young as 5 and run on calm, Class II rapids, so just enough splash to keep it fun without being too intense. Most outfitters provide all gear and transport.
We did the Easy Scenic Rafting tour from Jasper Raft Tours and it was great! The kids loved it (we even got to see a moose on the tour).
After rafting, grab dinner in Jasper and enjoy a relaxed walk through town. There’s a playground behind the visitor centre, or you can wander along the riverfront trails if the kids still have energy.
Day 3 – Jasper: SkyTram, Lakeside Beaches & Planetarium
⭐ Main highlights: Jasper SkyTram, Whistlers Summit Trail, Lake Annette, Edith Lake, and Jasper Planetarium
Today is a mix of mountain views, beach time, and stargazing—an easygoing but memorable day for the whole family.
Jasper SkyTram
Start your day with a ride on the Jasper SkyTram, which runs in the summer months starting around 9:00 a.m. It takes just 7 minutes to reach the upper station at 2,263 metres, where you’ll have sweeping views of the town, rivers, and surrounding mountains.
Once at the top, take your time walking the Whistlers Summit Trail (2 km round trip). It’s a gradual climb and totally doable with kids. Bring a light jacket—it’s usually colder up there!
You can grab a bite at the SkyTram café or bring a packed lunch to enjoy at one of the lakes later in the day.
Lake Annette & Edith Lake
After your SkyTram adventure, head to Lake Annette or Edith Lake. Both have shallow, clear water, sandy beaches, and picnic areas. These are local favourites for swimming, paddling, or just relaxing by the water. You’ll find washrooms and BBQ pits at Lake Annette, making it a good spot to spend a couple of hours.
If the kids feel like walking, there’s a flat trail around Lake Annette that’s stroller-friendly and great for spotting birds and wildflowers.
Jasper Planetarium
In the evening, visit the Jasper Planetarium, located right by the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Start with the indoor dome show where you’ll learn about constellations, galaxies, and the basics of stargazing.
Then, head outside for the telescope tour, where guides help you spot planets, stars, and deep-sky objects. Jasper is part of a designated dark sky preserve, so it’s one of the best places in Canada to see the night sky, no matter the season.
🌌 Tip: Dress warmly, even in summer, and book your planetarium tickets in advance—they often sell out, especially on weekends.
Day 4 – Drive from Jasper to Banff
⭐ Main highlights: Athabasca Falls, Sunwapta Falls, Bow River, Cascade of Time Garden, and Central Park
It’s time to head south on the Icefields Parkway as you make your way from Jasper to Banff. The drive takes about 3.5 to 4 hours without stops, but you’ll want to take your time. There are still some stunning spots to see along the way (that you might not have had the time to see on the way to Jasper).
Scenic Drive with Waterfall Stops
Start early and revisit the Icefields Parkway, this time stopping at places you might’ve skipped on the way up:
- Athabasca Falls – One of the most powerful waterfalls in the Rockies. The short trail is safe and accessible for kids.
- Sunwapta Falls – A quick stop with a dramatic view and a short walk down to the lower falls if time allows.
- Goats & Glaciers Lookout – A pullout where you might spot mountain goats and take in great glacier views.
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many pullouts along the parkway, or stop at Lake Louise Village for a quick bite before continuing to Banff. Kids will also probably like a little playground stop at Lake Louise Sport & Recreation Centre.
Downtown Banff
Once you check into your Banff accommodation, spend the rest of the day exploring Banff downtown. It’s compact, walkable, and packed with fun things to do.
- Walk along the Bow River Trail and cross over to the Cascade of Time Garden, a peaceful spot with well-kept paths and flowers in bloom during summer.
- Let the kids run around at Central Park, which has a great playground and wide-open space to stretch their legs.
- Explore the shops and pick up a sweet treat at Banff Sweet Shoppe (a fun stop for kids).
🍽️ Dinner Tip: There are plenty of casual restaurants along Banff Avenue. Our family favourites include Pacini (the kids love making their garlic bread when waiting for the meals) and The Balkan Mediterranean Restaurant.
🛏️ Where to stay in Banff:
- Banff Rocky Mountain Resort – Spacious suites with kitchens
- Moose Hotel & Suites – Central location, rooftop hot pools
- Fairmont Banff Springs – If you want a bit of luxury and iconic views
Day 5 – Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
⭐ Main highlights: Moraine Lake Rockpile Trail, Lake Louise Lakeshore Walk, shuttle info, and optional gondola stop
Today is all about two of the most iconic lakes in the Canadian Rockies: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Both are beautiful, but access is restricted, so planning ahead is key. Also, I typically recommend not visiting both lakes on the same day (especially when travelling with kids and if you want to enjoy some beautiful hikes), but sometimes it’s just easier that way with the shuttle. So for this itinerary, you’ll visit both lakes in one day.
🚌 Getting There: Parks Canada Shuttle
If you’ve secured spots on the Parks Canada shuttle, park at the Lake Louise Park and Ride and take the shuttle first to Moraine Lake (early departure recommended). You can then transfer to Lake Louise afterward. It’s the easiest way to visit both lakes in one day, especially with kids.
Moraine Lake
Start your day with a visit to Moraine Lake, known for its intense turquoise colour and dramatic mountain backdrop. The Rockpile Trail is a short but slightly steep climb that gives you the postcard view. It’s only about 300 metres long and well worth it. You can then continue hiking to Consolation Lakes. It’s 7.4 km out-and-back with 262 m of elevation gain. Or you can walk along the lake before taking the Lake Connector shuttle to Lake Louise.
Lake Louise
Next, head to Lake Louise, where you can:
- Walk the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail (flat, stroller-friendly, and scenic)
- Rent a canoe (pricey but a fun splurge)
- Let the kids play near the lakefront trail and throw rocks into the water
Bring your own lunch or grab a bite from the Chateau Lake Louise deli.
If you have the time, I recommend hiking to Lake Agnes Teahouse. It’s about 7.4 km round trip to get to the teahouse and back. It’s a moderate hike.
🔁 Alternative Plan: If You Didn’t Get Parks Canada Shuttle Tickets
The entire Parks Canada shuttle reservation process can be quite stressful, and unfortunately, you may not be able to secure tickets. But there are many other ways to get to Moraine Lake with a private shuttle company. Many companies offer the service, but I’ll recommend one in particular because it’s a combo adventure: you can book the Ride & Lakeshore Shuttle through Ski Louise:
- Park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort
- Ride their shuttle first to Moraine Lake
- Shuttle back to Lake Louise
- End the trip at the Lake Louise Gondola
The gondola ride offers panoramic mountain views, and you might spot grizzly bears in the meadows below. At the top, there’s a wildlife interpretive centre.
After a full day at the lakes, head back to Banff for a relaxing evening. No big hikes or outings are needed, maybe just ice cream and a quiet walk.
Day 6 – Lake Minnewanka, Johnson Lake, and Sunset at Vermilion Lakes
⭐ Main highlights: Lake Minnewanka boat ride, Bankhead Trail, Johnson Lake beach, optional Banff Gondola, and Vermilion Lakes sunset
Lake Minnewanka Scenic Drive
Start your day with a drive along the Lake Minnewanka Loop. You first stop will be at Lake Minnewanka, the second-longest lake in the Rocky Mountains. It’s 21 km long and 142 m deep. The lake is glacial due to its depth.
You can take a boat cruise across the lake. The tour is about one hour. The captain and the guides are really knowledgeable. They will tell you all about the history of the lake and the animals around the lake.
Then, after the boat tour, drive from Lake Minnewanka to Bankhead, an old mining townsite. The Lower Bankhead Trail is a short, easy loop with abandoned buildings, interpretive signs, and space to wander. It’s fun for kids who like exploring “hidden” places.
Spend the afternoon at Johnson Lake, one of Banff’s best family-friendly lakes. There’s a beach area, calm water for swimming or paddleboarding, and an easy loop trail around the lake (3 km flat loop). Keep an eye out for the “hermit cabin” hidden in the woods!
It’s a peaceful place to relax, let the kids play, and enjoy some sunshine.
🚠 Optional Add-on: Banff Gondola (Free kids ticket before noon)
You can skip the Lake Minnewanka boat ride and do the Banff Gondola instead. Kids ride free before noon with a paying adult. The views from the top of Sulphur Mountain are stunning, and there are short boardwalk trails and indoor exhibits at the summit.
Sunset at Vermilion Lakes
Wrap up your day with a stop at Vermilion Lakes. There is a small dock and peaceful views. It’s perfect for a quiet evening or picnic dinner. This is also a great spot for photos, especially if the water is calm and reflects the surrounding mountains. It’s one of the best places to admire the sunset in Banff.
Also, if you have a paddleboard, it’s a wonderful place to launch it (make sure you fill out the self-certificiation permit).
Day 7 – Johnston Canyon, Cave & Basin, Bow Falls
Main highlights: Johnston Canyon hike, Cave & Basin guided tour, Bow Falls, and a relaxed farewell to the Rockies
Johnston Canyon (to Upper Falls)
Get an early start and drive out to Johnston Canyon, one of Banff’s most popular family hikes. The earlier you go, the fewer crowds you’ll face.
Walk the catwalk-style trail through the canyon to the Lower Falls (1.1 km one way), but if your kids are up for more, continue to the Upper Falls (2.7 km one way from the parking lot). It’s worth it!
The total round trip is about 5.4 km for Upper Falls.
It’s one of the most unique hikes in the area with waterfalls, rock tunnels, and rushing blue water the whole way.
Stop for lunch in Banff or bring sandwiches to enjoy in the park. If you’re heading back to town, Wild Flour Bakery is a great casual option.
Cave & Basin
After lunch, visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. It’s the birthplace of Canada’s national park system. It’s an easy visit with kids. You’ll find short trails and bubbling thermal water outside, and hands-on exhibits inside. We recommend joining a guided tour to get the full story.
If you have time, it’s also nice to walk on the Marsh Loop trail.
Later, you can drive back to downtown Banff and enjoy the Bow Falls. It’s a quick, kid-friendly trail with great views and a photo-worthy stop near the base of the falls.
If you walk up the stairs along the river, you’ll also have a breathtaking view of the Fairmont Banff Spring Hotel.
Drive back to Calgary
When you’re ready, begin your drive back to Calgary. The drive takes about 1.5 hours.
FAQ – Banff and Jasper Itinerary 7 Days
How many days do you need in Banff and Jasper?
If you have a full week, we recommend 3 days in Jasper and 3 days in Banff, with one full day for the drive between them. It’s a great balance between sightseeing and downtime, especially with kids.
What’s the distance from Calgary to Banff to Jasper?
- Calgary to Banff: 128 km (about 1.5 hours)
- Banff to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway: 288 km (around 3.5 to 4 hours, plus stops)
- Calgary to Jasper (direct): 413 km (about 5 hours)
Is 7 days enough for the Canadian Rockies?
Yes! A 7 day Canadian Rockies itinerary gives you time to see the highlights of both Banff and Jasper. You won’t see everything, but it’s enough to visit iconic lakes, waterfalls, and scenic trails.
When is the best time to do this road trip?
Late June to early October is ideal. That’s when the lakes have thawed, trails are accessible, and shuttles to Moraine Lake are running. My favourite is September as there is less people, but the weather is still amazing.
Can I do this trip without a car?
You can, but it’s much easier with a rental car or campervan. While shuttles exist between some major stops, having your own vehicle gives you way more flexibility, especially with kids. Jasper is less ideal without a car.
Any tips for visiting with young kids?
- Pack layers—the weather changes quickly
- Bring snacks, sunscreen, and bug spray
- Start hikes early and keep expectations flexible
- Don’t overplan—some of the best moments happen during downtime by a lake or trail
Final Thoughts – 7 Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary for Families
This week-long Banff and Jasper itinerary is one of the best ways to explore the Canadian Rockies with your family. The first step is to plan your visit to Moraine Lake, and then you can create your own itinerary around it.
The key to a great trip? Keep things flexible. Some days might go exactly as planned, and others might turn into a beach day at a mountain lake or an early night after a long hike. That’s all part of the fun.
