Arrive in Edmonton, collect your hire car at the airport and continue to your downtown hotel for an overnight stay in Alberta’s capital. Set on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the city is lively and welcoming, with highlights that include River Valley Park and the West Edmonton Mall.

Spend the morning exploring Edmonton before setting out west along the Yellowhead Highway. The drive carries you across the open prairies towards the Rockies, with the mountains gradually rising on the horizon as you approach Jasper National Park. Settle in for a three-night stay in this spectacular setting.

Jasper National Park, the largest in the Canadian Rockies, offers endless opportunities to connect with nature. The town itself has a relaxed, welcoming feel, with excellent dining and bars to enjoy after a day outdoors. Ride the Jasper SkyTram to the summit of Whistlers Mountain for sweeping views, paddle across Pyramid Lake in a wooden canoe, or take to the rivers for a thrilling white-water rafting excursion.

One of the area’s great highlights is Maligne Lake. Begin with a gentle tour of the surrounding forests and rivers, keeping watch for deer, elk and even moose, along with the possibility of black bears foraging by the roadside. Pause at Medicine Lake, a fascinating body of water that disappears each year due to the unique karst geology, before continuing to Maligne Lake for a scenic cruise to Spirit Island.

Today’s drive along the Icefields Parkway is among the most beautiful in the world. Towering peaks, glaciers, waterfalls and turquoise lakes line the route, with countless viewpoints and trails inviting you to pause. A stop at the Columbia Icefield is unforgettable: venture out onto the ancient ice of the Athabasca Glacier in a specially designed Ice Explorer vehicle, then step onto the glass-floored Skywalk suspended high above the valley. After this exhilarating journey, arrive in Lake Louise for a two-night stay.

An early start brings the chance to witness sunrise at Moraine Lake, with an expert guide showing you the perfect vantage point. After exploring the trails and enjoying breakfast in the village, continue to Lake Louise, famed for its emerald waters framed by mountain walls and the Victoria Glacier. With the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise standing proudly at the shoreline, spend the afternoon walking beside the lake or paddling its still waters by canoe.

Continue south along the Icefields Parkway to Banff for a three night stay. This alpine town is a delightful base, with boutiques, cafés and fine dining, as well as the grandeur of the Fairmont Banff Springs, fondly known as the Castle in the Rockies. Beyond the town, discover secluded lakes and forest trails, or simply soak in the views of the surrounding peaks.

A guided tour introduces Banff’s scenic and cultural highlights, from Bow Falls and Surprise Corner to Lake Minnewanka, the park’s largest. Wildlife sightings are common, with deer and black bears often seen in the area. Round off the day with a ride on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where panoramic views over six mountain ranges and the Bow Valley await.

Take the final stretch of the Icefields Parkway towards Calgary, with opportunities to pause in Canmore or explore the wild beauty of Kananaskis Country en route. Alberta’s largest city offers world-class dining, lively bars and a dynamic cultural scene. After an overnight stay, enjoy time to explore at leisure before returning your car at the airport for your onward flight.