Daily Itinerary:

Fly into Calgary International Airport (YYC), the gateway city to Alberta. Conveniently pick up your rental car at the airport (an SUV with good clearance is recommended).

Drive west along the Trans-Canada Highway 1 for approximately 1-1.5 hours to reach Canmore, a charming town nestled at the foothills of the Rockies. Canmore is quieter than Banff and is an ideal base for many outdoor enthusiasts. Check into your hotel or unique guesthouse.

Afternoon: Embark on a gentle acclimatization hike. You can choose the moderately difficult Grassi Lakes trail (please be sure to check its opening status and potential parking reservation requirements in advance) to admire the turquoise waters and surrounding limestone cliffs. Alternatively, take a leisurely stroll along the Bow River pathway to soak in Canmore's unique mountain town atmosphere.

Evening: Choose from one of Canmore's many local restaurants for dinner and savor Alberta's specialty cuisine.

Accommodation Suggestion: Hotels, condo-hotels, or cozy B&Bs in Canmore.

Trip Highlights: Easy transition from city to mountains, first impressions of Canmore, introductory hike at Grassi Lakes.

Recommended Season: Suitable year-round, but the best season for hiking is summer to early autumn (June to early October).

Daily Itinerary:

Dedicate the full day to exploring the fantastic hiking trails around Canmore. Choose according to your fitness level and preference:

Option A (High Difficulty Challenge): Summit the famous Ha Ling Peak. While this route is steep and challenging (approximately 7-8 km round trip, with an elevation gain of about 800 meters), the 360-degree panoramic view from the top is spectacular, overlooking Canmore, the Bow Valley, and the surrounding Rocky Mountain ranges. Be sure to check the latest trail conditions, opening information, and any potential reservation requirements on AllTrails, Parks Canada, or local visitor information center websites before setting out.

Option B (Moderate Difficulty, Local Favorite): Explore Puddingpot Lake or other local favorite mountain trails around Canmore, such as the lower part of the East End of Rundle (EEOR) (to the viewpoint only, not the summit), or other branch trails near the Chester Lake Trailhead. These routes have relatively fewer tourists, offering a more authentic local hiking experience.

Afternoon: After your hike, return to Canmore to rest, refuel, and prepare for the exciting days ahead. You can browse the town's outdoor gear shops or art galleries.

Accommodation Suggestion: Canmore.

Trip Highlights: Unparalleled views from Ha Ling Peak summit (Option A), or exploring Canmore's lesser-known tranquil trails (Option B).

Recommended Season: Summer to early autumn (July to September) is the best time for high-altitude routes like Ha Ling Peak, when snow has melted and the weather is relatively stable. Be sure to carry enough water, food, and clothing suitable for changeable mountain weather.

Daily Itinerary:

From Canmore, drive south along the incredibly scenic and rugged Smith Dorrien Trail (Highway 742) (Important Note: This is a well-maintained gravel road, but it may have vehicle type restrictions or even seasonal closures during rain/snow or specific seasons. Be sure to check road conditions and vehicle suitability in advance).

Venture deep into Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, one of Alberta's largest provincial parks, a relatively tranquil and wildly beautiful area of the Rockies. 

Choose a classic hiking trail:

Recommendation 1: Rawson Lake via Sarrail Ridge Trail or Upper Kananaskis Lake Circuit to Rawson Lake: A scenic hike passing Upper Kananaskis Lake and leading to Rawson Lake, hidden in a valley.

Recommendation 2: Chester Lake Trail: A moderately difficult and popular route leading to the beautiful Chester Lake, surrounded by magnificent peaks.

Enjoy a self-packed picnic lunch at a scenic spot within the park, fully immersing yourself in the tranquility and grandeur of nature.
Evening: You can choose to return to Canmore via the same Smith Dorrien Trail or, depending on road conditions, take a detour via paved highways.

Accommodation Suggestion: Canmore.

Trip Highlights: Scenic driving experience on the rugged Smith Dorrien Trail, tranquil and magnificent hiking trails in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park, escaping the crowds of the main national parks.

Recommended Season: Summer to early autumn (late June to early October). The Smith Dorrien Trail is usually closed in winter.

Daily Itinerary:

Drive from Canmore to the world-renowned Lake Louise (drive time approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour; during peak season, depart early to secure parking, or consider using the park shuttle).

Upon arrival, don't just settle for "postcard" photos by the lake. Choose a hiking trail that offers a deeper experience of the Lake Louise area's charm:

Option A (Classic & Popular, Moderate Difficulty): Hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse. Along the way, enjoy views of Mirror Lake and a cascading waterfall, eventually savoring tea and snacks at the historic teahouse while admiring the serenity of Lake Agnes. If you have enough energy, you can continue climbing to Little Beehive or Big Beehive for even more breathtaking views of the jewel-like Lake Louise and the distant Victoria Glacier.

Option B (Epic Experience, Higher Difficulty): Hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House. This longer trail (approximately 14.6 km round trip, with an elevation gain of about 580 meters) takes you deeper into a magnificent glacial U-shaped valley, offering close-up views of majestic glaciers (like Victoria Glacier, Lefroy Glacier, etc.) and avalanche paths (please maintain a safe distance). The teahouse at the end also offers simple meals and drinks.

Afternoon: After your hike, you can linger by Lake Louise or, depending on your schedule, start heading north onto the Icefields Parkway.

Accommodation Suggestion: Lake Louise area (options are limited and expensive, book well in advance), or return to Canmore/Banff, or find accommodation along the Icefields Parkway heading north.

Trip Highlights: Deeply appreciating the stunning beauty of Lake Louise from different perspectives, experiencing the historic alpine teahouse culture, getting up close to the grandeur of glaciers.

Recommended Season: Summer to early autumn (July to mid-September) is the best time for these teahouse hikes, as trails are snow-free and teahouses are open.

Daily Itinerary:

Spend the entire day driving north towards Jasper along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 N), renowned as one of the "world's most beautiful alpine roads." The scenery along the way is a visual feast in itself.

In the famous Athabasca Glacier area, participate in a Guided Glacier Hike/Icewalk led by a professional guide certified or authorized by Parks Canada. This is entirely different from a brief stop on the glacier surface via the large Ice Explorer vehicles. A glacier hike involves actually wearing crampons, possibly carrying an ice axe (depending on conditions), and safely walking on the glacier under a guide's leadership to understand its terrain, crevasses, moulins, and other wonders, as well as the glacier's ecology. This is a highly educational and adventurous in-depth experience. Booking in advance is essential!

If season, fitness, and time permit, and you have some experience with high-altitude hiking, consider tackling the Wilcox Pass trail. This route (approximately 8 km round trip, with an elevation gain of about 520 meters) offers a sweeping panoramic view of the magnificent Columbia Icefield, providing an incredibly expansive and breathtaking vista. Be sure to be mindful of altitude sickness and rapid changes in mountain weather.

Make brief stops at classic viewpoints along the way, such as Peyto Lake (the famous wolf-shaped lake; please check viewpoint accessibility in advance), Bow Lake, and Crowfoot Glacier, to admire the jewel-like lakes formed by glacial meltwater.

Accommodation Suggestion: Along the Icefields Parkway (e.g., The Crossing Resort; options are very limited, book extremely early), or near the southern gateway to Jasper National Park.

Trip Highlights: Breathtaking scenery along the entire Icefields Parkway, an in-depth professional glacier hiking experience, panoramic views of the Columbia Icefield from Wilcox Pass (optional).

Recommended Season: Summer (July to August) is the best season for glacier hikes and the Wilcox Pass hike. The Icefields Parkway is open year-round, but winter tires are required in winter, and some facilities and services will be closed.

Daily Itinerary:

Continue north along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper National Park, the largest and more ruggedly pristine national park in the Rockies, and head to its central town, Jasper.

Choose characteristic activities and hikes based on the season:

Summer/Early Autumn: Challenge the Sulphur Skyline Trail. This trail (approximately 8 km round trip, with an elevation gain of about 700 meters), though somewhat challenging, offers a 360-degree panoramic view of the surrounding magnificent valleys and Jasper townsite from the summit – the scenery is exceptional. After the hike, if Miette Hot Springs (located near the trailhead) are open, you can relax your tired muscles in the natural hot springs (please be sure to check the hot springs' operating status and hours in advance). Alternatively, head to the famous Maligne Lake and take the classic Spirit Island Boat Tour to see one of the Canadian Rockies' iconic scenes.

Winter (approximately December to March/April): Participate in a Maligne Canyon Icewalk led by a professional guide. Walk along the frozen canyon floor, admiring magnificent icefalls, ice caves, and peculiar ice crystal formations created by ice and snow – a unique and enchanting winter experience.
Explore the tranquil and wild-spirited town of Jasper, experiencing its atmosphere, which is distinctly more rustic and laid-back compared to Banff and Canmore.

Accommodation Suggestion: Hotels, cabins, or B&Bs in Jasper.

Trip Highlights: Panoramic views from Sulphur Skyline (summer), or the magical Maligne Canyon Icewalk experience (winter), classic scenery of Spirit Island at Maligne Lake, the unique atmosphere of Jasper town.

Recommended Season: Varies depending on the chosen activity. Summer is ideal for alpine hikes and boat tours, while winter offers the unique icewalk experience.

Daily Itinerary (Flexible Arrangement):

From Jasper, you can choose to return to the Banff area via the Icefields Parkway, re-enjoying any scenery you might have missed on the way up or stopping longer at favorite spots. Alternatively, choose another equally scenic route back, for example, heading east via the Yellowhead Highway (Highway 16) and then turning south back to Calgary (this route is longer but passes through other worthwhile areas like Mount Robson Provincial Park).

Optional Deep Dive Experience (requires additional budget and time, and usually booking months or even a year in advance): If your budget and time allow, and you crave an ultimate experience of tranquility and immersive nature, extend your trip by 1-2 days to stay at a remote Wilderness Lodge in the Rockies. Examples include Skoki Lodge in Banff National Park (requires an ~11 km hike or ski to reach) or Shadow Lake Lodge (requires an ~14 km hike to reach). These lodges are typically inaccessible by road and can only be reached by hiking, horseback riding, or skiing (in winter). They offer an escape from the hustle and bustle, delicious home-style meals, and endless hiking and exploration opportunities in the surrounding area – a true "sanctuary for the soul."

Finally, return to Calgary to catch your flight or continue your Canadian journey.

Trip Highlights: Flexible return route options, or an ultimate, secluded immersive wilderness lodge experience.

Recommended Season: The operating seasons for wilderness lodges vary; both summer and winter offer unique charms. Be sure to check and book well in advance.