5-Day Canadian Rockies Tour: Calgary to Banff, Icefields, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
Difficulty
moderate
Duration
5 days
Fitness Level
Suitable for travelers in average fitness: expect short hikes, stairs, and standing at viewpoints; minimal technical exertion.
Overview
A five-day loop from Calgary into the heart of the Canadian Rockies—Johnston Canyon, Banff, the Columbia Icefield, Peyto and Lake Louise—packs glacier walks, turquoise lakes, and iconic viewpoints into a single, well-paced itinerary. Read on for what to expect and how to prepare.
5-Day Canadian Rockies Tour: Calgary to Banff, Icefields, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
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You step off the coach into a thin, cold air that smells faintly of pine and snowmelt. Mountains press close on both sides of the valley—grey shoulders and serrated ridgelines that seem to rearrange the sky. Over five days this guided circuit moves from Calgary’s city edges into that raw alpine geometry: Johnston Canyon’s cataracts daring you down wooden catwalks, the Columbia Icefield anchoring a sweep of blue-tinged ice, and the impossible turquoise of Peyto and Lake Louise reflecting peaks like glass.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Book glacier and gondola passes early
Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer seats and Banff Gondola tickets sell out seasonally; reserve them in advance to guarantee your spot.
Layer for quick storms
Weather changes rapidly at elevation—bring a breathable rain shell and an insulating mid-layer for chilly viewpoints.
Carry refillable water and snacks
Long driving days with short hikes mean limited services between stops—stay hydrated and keep high-energy snacks handy.
Respect wildlife distances
Animals are wild and unpredictable; use binoculars and stay at least 50 metres from large mammals and 30 metres from smaller wildlife.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- elk
- bighorn sheep
History
Banff National Park was established in 1885, making it Canada’s first national park; the tour also follows terrain tied to the completion of the CPR and the Last Spike at Craigellachie.
Conservation
Parks Canada manages sensitive alpine ecosystems—stay on designated trails, pack out waste, and follow wildlife-safe practices to protect these fragile areas.
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Adventure Hotspots in Banff
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Sturdy hiking shoes
Support and traction for boardwalks, rocky viewpoints, and occasional wet trails.
Waterproof outer layer
A breathable rain shell keeps you comfortable during sudden mountain showers.
spring specific
Warm mid-layer (fleece/down)
Light insulating layer for chilly mornings and glacier visits.
summer specific
Daypack with water reservoir
Carries snacks, camera, layers, and a refillable water bottle for long drive days.