If you dream of exploring the Rocky Mountains and other regions of western Canada and the United States, this 15-day road trip is specially designed for you. It combines a visit to the Canadian provinces of Alberta and British Columbia with a tour of the US states of Montana and Wyoming, allowing you to discover one of the most beautiful parts of the Rocky Mountains. In order for you to enjoy the Rocky Mountains without any problems, we recommend that you make sure you have a valid passport and meet the other requirements to drive beteen Canada and the US.
- Day1: Calgary, AB
- Days 2-3: Waterton, AB
- Day 4: Helena, MT
- Days 5-7: Yellowstone National Park
- Day 8: Missoula, MT
- Day 9: Glacier National Park
- Days 10-11: Banff, AB
- Days 12-13: Jasper, AB
- Day 14: Lake Louise
- Day 15: Calgary, AB
DAY 1: START THE ROAD TRIP IN CALGARY, Alberta
To start your tour, we suggest you go to the top of the 623-foot-tall Calgary Tower, located in the heart of the city. From its panoramic platform, you will enjoy an exceptional view of the metropolis, the Rocky Mountains and the Canadian prairies. If you want to make sure you don’t miss any of Calgary’s must-see sights, a minibus tour is a good option. It’s very touristy, no doubt, but really handy when you only have a few hours to visit. If you plan to come in early July, get ready for a unique experience that takes place every year in Canada: the Stampede. It’s the biggest rodeo event in the country, and a great time is guaranteed!
DAYS 2 AND 3: WATERTON, ALBERTA (168 MILES FROM CALGARY)
Take the road to Waterton Lakes National Park, a journey where you’ll see sumptuous lakes dominated by towering mountains, waterfalls and rivers. It is the world’s first international peace park, along with Glacier National Park across the border, which you will visit at the end of your trip. Take advantage of this two-day visit to hike one of the many trails or simply take in the beauty of the scenery during a cruise on Waterton Lake. If you have the opportunity, stay at the iconic and historic Prince of Wales Hotel. Perched on a bluff, it offers breathtaking views of Upper Waterton Lake and the surrounding mountains.
DAY 4: HELENA, MT (265 MILES FROM WATERTON)
Enjoy the beauty of the landscape while driving to Helena, Montana, a pleasant stop before visiting Yellowstone National Park. The city is the state capital and has a nice downtown that will make you discover all the history around the discovery of gold and gemstone mines during the 19th century. To relax after a day on the road, head to Broadwater Hot Springs, a natural hot spring located 10 minutes from downtown.
DAYS 5, 6 AND 7: YELLOWSTONE (177 MILES FROM HELENA)
The fifth day of your road trip through the Rocky Mountains will take you to one of the oldest national parks in the world: Yellowstone. As soon as you arrive, go to a Visitor Center and ask for a map and advice on how to organize your 3-day visit. All the must-see sights such as Mammoth Hot Springs, the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone, Old Faithful, Grand Prismatic Spring or Yellowstone Lake are easily accessible from the road through the park. Located on a caldera and well known for its geothermal phenomena, Yellowstone offers varied landscapes such as meadows, canyons and mountains, and a lot of wildlife. Deer, bison, bears and coyotes are just some of the species you will see in the park.
DAY 8: MISSOULA, MT (269 MILES FROM YELLOWSTONE)
Take advantage of the morning to enjoy the sumptuous scenery of Yellowstone again before heading back to Canada. A drive of about 4 hours separates you from Missoula, a city that is often a favorite for its dynamism and charming natural environment. After a long day behind the wheel, stretch your legs by climbing to the top of Mount Sentinel, an easily accessible family hike.
DAY 9: GLACIER NATIONAL PARK (128 MILES FROM MISSOULA)
Start the day by driving to Glacier National Park in northern Montana, the last US park you will visit before returning to Canada. It is very easy to get around by car and the essential route to appreciate its exceptional panoramic views is the Sun Route. Families with young children should not miss the Cedar Trail, which is very easy to access. The 3-mile Hidden Lake Overlook loop, on the other hand, is the best for observing wild animals in their natural habitat.
DAYS 10 AND 11: BANFF (286 MILES FROM GLACIER NATIONAL PARK)
Your road trip through Canada and the United States continues to Banff, a town in Alberta located within the beautiful Banff National Park. Mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows, rivers and turquoise lakes are some of the jewels you will find in the area. Stroll through town, sip tea at the Fairmont Hotel, ride a gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain or enjoy the many hiking opportunities. Popular trails include Johnston Canyon, Tunnel Mountain Summit or the Fenland Trail, a self-guided interpretive trail that lets you learn a little more about the region’s ecosystem.
DAYS 12 AND 13: JASPER (181 MILES FROM BANFF)
The Icefields Parkway that you will take to get to Jasper is one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world. And you’re in luck because you’ll travel it both ways: to go to Jasper, and two days later to go back down to Lake Louise. Thanks to this, you will be able to enjoy the scenery and stop at major points of interest such as Lake Hébert, Lake Peyto, the Athabasca Glacier and Sunwapta Falls. In total, 142 miles of happiness, where you will see the most beautiful views of western Canada. Remember to charge your camera batteries!
DAY 14: LAKE LOUISE (146 MILES FROM JASPER)
Drive to Lake Louise, a jewel of western Canada that needs no introduction. Hiking enthusiasts should not miss the Plaine-des-Six-Glaciers trail. The hike will take you about 4-5 hours round trip with the possibility to have tea at 2,100 meters above sea level. For a quieter adventure, rent a canoe and paddle in an environment of extraordinary beauty.
DAY 15: CALGARY (114 MILES FROM LAKE LOUISE)
You’re almost there! On this road trip through Canada and the United States, these 15 days have been full of emotions and discoveries. On the way back to Calgary, make a last stop in the charming village of Canmore. End this vacation with lasting memories and, no doubt, with the desire to discover even more next time.
