Overview
YYC pickup · All Fairmont properties · Banff → Lake Louise → Jasper · Return via YYC or YEG
YYC → Banff · ~1.5 hrs · 128 km
Pick up rental car at YYC. Drive west on the Trans-Canada (Hwy 1) through the foothills into Banff National Park. Check in to Fairmont Banff Springs — Canada's Castle in the Rockies. Evening stroll on Banff Avenue, dinner at the hotel's 1888 Chop House.
Based in Banff — no driving required
Morning gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic Rockies views. Afternoon visit to Banff Upper Hot Springs or spa at the hotel. Walk to Bow Falls — just minutes from the hotel. Optional: Johnston Canyon hike (45 min from Banff).
~45-60 min scenic route · 57 km
Take the scenic Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) — more wildlife sightings than Trans-Canada. Check in to Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise — an iconic lakeside landmark beneath Victoria Glacier. Afternoon canoe on the turquoise lake. Sunset views from the Lakeview Lounge.
Based at Lake Louise — short drives
Early morning hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers for glacier views above Lake Louise. Afternoon drive to Moraine Lake — one of the most photographed spots in Canada, set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Return to hotel for dinner at Fairmont's Poppy Brasserie.
Lake Louise → Jasper · 233 km · allow full day (6-8 hrs with stops)
The most scenic road in Canada. Key stops: Peyto Lake lookout, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefield & Athabasca Glacier (Glacier Skywalk recommended), Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls. Arrive Jasper in early evening. Fuel up at Saskatchewan Crossing — only gas station on the parkway.
Based in Jasper — no driving required
Morning wildlife tour — Jasper is renowned for elk, bears, and bighorn sheep. Afternoon visit to Maligne Canyon or a boat cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island. Evening at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge — a charming cedar chalet resort on Beauvert Lake. Optional: Jasper Planetarium dark sky tour.
Based in Jasper
Relaxed morning — spa at the Lodge or kayak on Beauvert Lake. Optional half-day: Miette Hot Springs (60 km from Jasper townsite). Afternoon free for shopping in Jasper town. Farewell dinner at the Lodge. Pack and prepare for departure day.
Two return options below
Check out of Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Choose your departure route based on client preference and flight times.
Option A — fly from Edmonton (YEG): Drive Jasper → Edmonton · ~3 hrs 50 min · 363 km via Hwy 16. Drop rental car at YEG. Best for clients flying east or internationally. Edmonton is a straight, easy highway drive.
Option B — drive back to Calgary (YYC): Drive Jasper → Banff → Calgary · ~4.5 hrs total. Return via Icefields Parkway or continuing along Hwy 1. Drop rental car at YYC. Best for clients flying west or elsewhere. Passes through Banff for one last mountain view.