In Alberta, you get to experience the spirit of the west, natural wonders, urban delight and outdoor adventure: Edmonton has the largest shopping mall in North America; Calgary is fast develop city in Canada; and Canadian Rockies as well as prehistoric badlands.
7 Days 6 Nights
Year Round
Edmonton, AB
Upon arriving at Edmonton Airport, after picking up your rental car, you can start explore this capital city of Alberta. I would suggest you to visit “Royal Alberta Museum” to start with. You will learn an overview of Alberta and its wild life. Then you may head east to on Hwy#16 to Elk Island National Park. In this conservation park, you get to see, in particular, bison, elk, moose, deer, beaver, coyotes and a variety of birds. Return late afternoon to shop at West Edmonton Mall, the largest shopping mall in North America. (Overnight in Edmonton area)
Head west on Hwy#16 for Jasper National Park. Short stop at Hinton for lunch, then about another 1 hour drive to arrive at Jasper. You should visit Maligne canyon where you get to see the longest underground drainage system in Canada. You may join the Harley tour to visit Patricia & Pyramid lakes. Stop by the Yellowhead museum to understand the history of the Canadian Rail development. Or you may ride on Jasper Tramway for the stunning view of the Whistler Mountain. (Overnight in Jasper)
Head south on the most beautiful highway — “Icefield Parkway” for Lake Louise. Don’t miss Athabasca Falls and the Goats lookout for the panoramic view of the Athabasca River Valley. Continuing south, you will then reach Icefield Centre. After lunch, join the renowned Snocoach tour for the stunning view of this massive Athabasca Glacier. After the tour, you may stop at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier for scenic stops; then you arrive in famous Lake Louise. (Overnight in Lake Louise area).
**You need to pay attention to wildlife when driving in the Rockies!
Wake up in this beautiful treasure, also called “Diamond of the Wilderness”, Lake Louise. The nearby Moraine Lake was once printed on the back of the $20 bill. Cross the great divide and enter B.C. Province, where you will visit Yoho National Park. Highlights are: Spiral tunnels viewpoints, Natural Bridge and Emerald Lake. Returning east to Alberta for Banff, the 1st National Park in Canada. Banff Avenue is lively with shops and restaurants. (Overnight in Banff)
Located among mountains, natural hot springs, and developed by the railroad system, Banff became the first National Park in Canada. You may ride on the Banff Gondola to overlook the whole town. Other highlights are, Cave and Basin, Banff Park Museum, Surprise Corner and Lake Minnewanka just outside of town centre. Driving on Hwy 1 east for Calgary, tonight’s destination. (Overnight in Calgary)
Today’s journey is Dinosaur Provincial Park, now protected under the UNESCO designation. Walk in the footsteps of the mighty dinosaurs and explore new mysteries of prehistoric life. The park protects one of the most extensive collections of the fossil beds in the world. Before heading back to Edmonton, you may stop by CrossIron Mills, right on Route #2. End your day in Edmonton.
Your journey ends when returning your rental car at the airport.