How to Spend 5 Days in the Canadian Rockies: Banff to Jasper
The Canadian Rockies are one the best places to visit in Canada for first timers. If you love mountains, spending 5 days in the Canadian Rockies will feel like a dream.
Not only will you explore breathtaking landscapes but also some of the most beautiful national parks in the world. In fact, Banff, Jasper and Yoho National Parks are close together, making for a perfect Canadian Rockies road trip.
While many visitors spend about a week on their Canadian Rockies trip, and others just 2 days, 5 days is in my opinion the perfect balance.
This itinerary to Banff and Jasper is best suited for the summer months and includes everything you need to plan a perfect Canadian Rockies road trip.
At a Glance: 5 Days in the Canadian Rockies
What do you need to know before spending 5 days in the Canadian Rockies?
- Where: on the border between Alberta and British Columbia in Canada
- How long: 5 days in the Canadian Rockies are a good balance but you can extend it to a week (or more) and add Kelowna to the itinerary for a longer Western Canada road trip from Vancouver
- Best time to visit: summer (end of June – beginning of September) or fall (October)
- Park Pass: you’ll need the Parks Canada Discovery Pass for national parks, including Banff, Yoho and Jasper
- Weather: unpredictable, even in summer the weather can shift from sunny to snow
- Cell Service: limited around certain areas, such as the Icefields Parkway. Remember to download offline maps (I use maps.me) and music (what’s a road trip without music 😉 ) beforehand
- Travel Tip: start your day early, especially if you visit popular spots, such as Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Where are the Canadian Rockies?
The Canadian Rockies are located in western Canada, stretching along the border between British Columbia and Alberta.
How do I Get to the Canadian Rockies?
If you’re traveling from abroad, the best way to get to the Canadian Rockies is by flying into Calgary. This is the shortest option. But if you’re visiting Canada for 2 weeks or more, you could fly into Vancouver and combine a visit to Banff and Jasper with a scenic West Coast road trip.
The most flexible way of visiting the Canadian Rockies is by car. Since public transit is limited, this way you don’t have to skip your favorite spots.
But if you want to visit Banff and Jasper without a car, you can use bus tours to visit the Canadian Rockies. This is not my favorite option as it doesn’t allow you the explore at your own pace.
If you’re looking for a luxury scenic train that connects Vancouver to Banff and Jasper, then Rocky Mountaineer is for you. It’s an expensive but also an unique experience. The only downside (aside the costs) is that it doesn’t run in winter.
Can You Visit Banff and Jasper in 5 Days?
Absolutely! You can visit Banff and Jasper in 5 days and not feel like you’ve missed on much. Obviously, more time in the in Canadian Rockies allows you to explore additional hiking trails, such as the Big Beehive or Parker Ridge, and alpine lakes. But 5 days in Banff and Jasper are a good amount to visit the top highlights in the Canadian Rockies.
What is the Best Time to Visit the Canadian Rockies?
The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies is in summer or early fall. The peak months are usually July and August but June and September can get crowded as well.
I visited Banff and Jasper at the end of June and had a great time. While the popular attractions, such as Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, were quite crowded, it was easy to escape the crowds by exploring some of the lesser-known trails.
How much does a Trip to Banff and Jasper Cost?
Well, it really depends. If you’re staying at lodges or hotels, dining out at every meal and using guided excursions you can expect to pay over CA$3,000 per person. But that’s not how I prefer to travel.
We drove from Vancouver to Banff, so didn’t need to rent a car. Additionally, we only stayed at campgrounds and cooked most of our meals. We also didn’t book any guided tours, aside of the boat tour on Maligne Lake in Jasper. So, overall, while we treated ourselves to a few meals out, we spent under CA$500 per person for 5 days.
5 Days in the Canadian Rockies: Banff to Jasper
Day 1: Explore Downtown Banff
Banff is one of the most picturesque mountain towns in Canada and should definitely be on your itinerary. If you don’t have a full day in Banff, you can still visit a lot of places as they’re all located nearby.
Start by taking a picture with the Banff Sign and then continue to Banff Avenue to check out some local shops, grab a coffee or stop for lunch. In the afternoon, head to Cascade Gardens and Cave and Basin National Historic Site.
If you’re into an easy hike in Banff, I recommend driving to Johnston Canyon. But keep in mind that it gets very crowded. So aim to visit either early in the morning or after 5 pm.
👉 More on spending one day in Banff: The Ultimate 1 Day Itinerary To Banff (2025)
Day 2: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise
Spending 5 days in the Canadian Rockies would not be complete without a trip to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. These two alpine lakes are definitely the most popular in Banff National Park.
The logistics of visiting Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are a bit tricky but it’s well worth it. In fact, the road to Moraine Lake is closed to private vehicles year round. So, you can only get there by shuttle bus, hiking or cycling. The cheapest shuttle bus is with Parks Canada but it’s highly competitive to secure a spot, especially if you catch the alpine start.
On the other hand, you can drive to Lake Louise but parking is very limited and fills up fast. So, generally the best way to see Moraine Lake and Lake Louise is by using a shuttle bus.
👉 Read more about how to visit Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in one day!
Day 3: Yoho National Park
Many visitors overlook Yoho National Park and decide to skip it. I personally think they’re missing out. From hiking to the famous Lake O’Hara to canoeing on Emerald Lake, there are so many different things to do in Yoho. If you only have three days in the Canadian Rockies, Yoho is a perfect addition to your itinerary.
👉 Are you interested in a full day itinerary in Yoho National Park? Read the complete guide.
Day 4: Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper
If you’re looking into a scenic drive between Banff and Jasper, the Icefields Parkway drive is the best choice. This 232 km road offers some of the best views of the Canadian Rockies, with stops including Peyto Lake, Parker Ridge Trail, Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Icefield and more.
You’ll need a full day to stop at the main attractions along the road. But if you have some extra time, you can also spend a night at one of the campsites along the Icefields Parkway.
👉 Read more about The Best Stops on the Icefields Parkway Drive!
Day 5: Jasper and Maligne Lake
If you drive along the Icefields Parkway, your final destination is the charming town of Jasper. While the landscape was noticeably impacted by the 2024 summer wildfires, tourism is still very much alive here. Although many hiking trails are currently under restoration, the road to Maligne Lake remains largely untouched and stunningly beautiful.
We took a boat tour on Maligne Lake to visit the iconic Spirit Island and even spotted a moose on our way back. This area is truly one of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes.
For those seeking a real adventure, canoeing to Spirit Island is an option. But be prepared with a few days to spare and some camping experience to make the most of it.
Final Thoughts
Are 5 days in the Canadian Rockies worth it? Absolutely! Whether you have 1 day, 2 days, 3 days or more to spend in Banff and Jasper, you won’t regret it. Even before the trip was over, I was already thinking about when I could return next.
