Explore Canada’s Iconic Parks: A Self-Drive Adventure

Quick Navigation

Highlights
Itinerary
Inclusions
Exclusions
Accommodation
Operation Info
Tariff 2025
Pictures
Booking Policy
Terms & Conditions

Tour Code: DM-SD YBABSTNATP

Duration: 10 Days l 9 Nights

Availability: May to December

Places Visited: Calgary, AB, Canada

Prices

Starting from

Adult

CA $ 3859

Cost per person sharing twin Request for Quote

Highlights

Download Itinerary PDF View Route Map

Journey Calgary to Waterton’s pristine landscapes
Cruise through Waterton’s sparkling lake views
Explore Kananaskis, and Banff’s Mountain charm
Ascend Banff gondola, walk Johnston Canyon trails
See breathtaking Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Yoho National Park’s scenic beauty awaits you
Icefields Parkway’s glaciers and wild terrain
Jasper adventures with Lake Maligne or Sky tram

Discover Canada’s stunning landscapes on a self-drive tour from Waterton to Jasper. Visit iconic sites like Banff Gondola, Lake Louise, and Icefields Parkway. Cruise tranquil lakes, spot wildlife, and enjoy the freedom of exploring Canada’s most famous parks at your own pace. A stress-free journey filled with breathtaking views awaits.

This tour is fully customizable. Please check with us for more information.

Please contact our Canada Destination Specialist for information and assistance.

Itinerary

Download Itinerary PDF

Day 1: Start in Calgary, Drive Through Scenic Alberta

Driving Distance: 283 KM | 176 Miles

Start your journey in Calgary, where you’ll collect your rental car and head toward the spectacular Waterton. The road unfolds with Alberta’s vast landscapes, blending prairies and mountains into breathtaking views. Waterton awaits with its serene lakes and dramatic cliffs, marking the start of your awe-inspiring exploration of Canada’s majestic national parks. This drive is just the first taste of the beauty that lies ahead.

Overnight in Waterton, AB

Day 2: Cruise Waterton Lake – Pure Canadian Beauty

Driving Distance: 12 KM | 8 Miles

Highlights of the Day:

Cruise Waterton Lake, with peaks as your backdrop.
Feel the serenity of untouched Canadian beauty.
Encounter wildlife along calm, crystal waters.
Snap photo-worthy moments in this tranquil haven.

Set off on a tranquil cruise across Waterton Lake, surrounded by magnificent mountain views and emerald-green forests. As you sail, experience the beauty of untouched wilderness, with every turn revealing new sights and wildlife. This serene cruise will leave you feeling connected to nature and ready to explore even more of Canada’s incredible landscapes.

This 1 hour and 15-minute Non-Landing Canada-USA Border Cruise travels to the international border where passengers will see a cutline running through the forest, up the sides of the mountains indicating the 49th parallel and the Canada/USA International Border. The cruise stays close to the shoreline which increases the chances of seeing wildlife. Scenic stops are plenty and an entertaining commentary is also provided by local guides. This cruise only goes about halfway down the lake to the international border and the trip is non-landing. No passports are required.

Overnight in Waterton, AB

Day 3: Journey to Banff with Kananaskis Views

Driving Distance: 377 KM | 235 Miles

Highlights of the Day:

Scenic drive to Banff, nature at every turn.
Explore Kananaskis' lush landscapes en route.
Experience the thrill of winding mountain roads.
Capture the breathtaking views on your journey.

Head north from Waterton toward Banff, stopping in the beautiful Kananaskis region along the way. This scenic stretch showcases Alberta's wild beauty, with panoramic views of mountain ranges and winding rivers. As you reach Banff, let the excitement build for the amazing experiences that lie ahead in one of Canada’s most iconic national parks.

Overnight in Banff, AB

Day 4: Explore Banff – Gondola Rides & Canyon Walks

Driving Distance: 5 KM | 3 Miles

Highlights of the Day:

Explore Banff with freedom to roam and relax.
Enjoy breathtaking views atop the Banff Gondola.
Stroll through Johnston Canyon’s rugged beauty.
A day of nature, exploration, and lasting memories.

Explore the beauty of Banff with a self-guided tour, beginning with a thrilling ascent on the Banff Gondola. At the top, enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Rockies, perfect for capturing unforgettable moments. Later, journey through Johnston Canyon, where waterfalls and lush forest trails immerse you in the serene beauty of Banff’s landscapes.

Overnight in Banff, AB

Day 5: Lakes Day – Discover Lake Louise & Moraine

Driving Distance: 62 KM | 39 Miles

Highlights of the Day:

Drive to Lake Louise Gondola, then hop on the shuttle.
Explore the breathtaking shores of Moraine Lake.
Witness Canada’s most scenic landscapes firsthand.
A day of picture-perfect lakes and mountain views.

Begin your day with a drive to the Lake Louise Gondola, where stunning views of towering peaks and vibrant valleys await. Park your car here and take the convenient shuttle to the iconic Lake Louise, where turquoise waters mirror the mountains in an unforgettable scene. Next, hop on a shuttle to Moraine Lake, where breathtaking blue waters and rugged cliffs create a picture-perfect Canadian Rockies experience.

Overnight in Banff, AB

Day 6: Explore Yoho – Emerald Lakes & Waterfalls

Driving Distance: 27 KM | 17 Miles

Highlights of the Day:

Adventure awaits in Yoho National Park’s wild terrain.
Experience crystal-clear lakes and dramatic cliffs.
Enjoy trails surrounded by untouched natural beauty.
A day filled with Canada’s finest natural wonders.

Today, set off on a full-day adventure through Yoho National Park, where awe-inspiring natural wonders await at every turn. Discover the striking Emerald Lake, with its vivid turquoise waters, and marvel at the natural rock bridge over the Kicking Horse River. Each stop showcases the majestic beauty of Yoho, making for an unforgettable day exploring Canada’s pristine wilderness.

Overnight in Banff, AB

Day 7: Icefields Parkway Adventure – Glaciers & Skywalk

Driving Distance: 100 KM | 62 Miles

Highlights of the Day:

Journey along the iconic Icefields Parkway.
Experience the thrill of the Ice Explorer on glaciers.
Walk the Glacier Skywalk with breathtaking views.
A day of adventure on Canada’s scenic highway.

Experience the iconic Icefields Parkway today, winding through awe-inspiring landscapes of glaciers and mountains. At the Athabasca Glacier, embark on the Ice Explorer tour, where you can step onto the glacier itself. Then, feel the thrill of the Glacier Skywalk, a glass walkway with panoramic views that will leave you breathless. This day along the Parkway is an unforgettable highlight of the Rockies.

Overnight in Saskatchewan Crossing, AB

Day 8: Explore Jasper’s Highlights – Cruise or Sky tram

Driving Distance: 153 KM | 95 Miles

Highlights of the Day:

Scenic drive to Jasper, rich with mountain views.
Choose a Lake Maligne Cruise or Jasper Sky tram.
Capture stunning photos of Jasper’s natural wonders.
A day of choice and breathtaking beauty.

Arrive in Jasper for a day filled with unforgettable experiences. Choose a tranquil Lake Maligne cruise to soak in serene mountain views reflected in the lake or ascend the Jasper Sky tram for awe-inspiring vistas stretching over the Rockies. This day lets you savor Jasper’s natural wonders, offering memories that will last a lifetime.

Overnight in Jasper, AB

Day 9: Jasper Unplanned – Your Day to Roam or Rest

Possibilities for the Day:

Enjoy a free day to relax or explore Jasper.
Discover local cafes, shops, and hidden trails.
Choose your own adventure in this charming town.
A perfect day to unwind and soak in Jasper’s vibe.

Enjoy a free day in Jasper, where the choice is yours. Take the time to explore local trails, discover hidden gems around town, or relax and soak up the breathtaking mountain views. This day of self-guided exploration lets you connect with Jasper’s peaceful landscapes in your own way, making for a truly personalized adventure.

Overnight in Jasper, AB

Day 10: Farewell Drive to Edmonton – Last Day Adventure.

Driving Distance: 389 KM | 242 Miles

Conclude your journey with a picturesque drive from Jasper to Edmonton, savoring one last look at the stunning Rockies. Once in Edmonton, return your rental car and prepare to depart, carrying with you the memories of an extraordinary journey through Canada’s spectacular national parks.

End of you Canada’s Iconic Parks: A Self-Drive Adventure Tour.

Contact our Canada Destination Specialist

Inclusions

9 Night’s accommodation
- 2 Night’s in Waterton
- 4 Night’s in Banff
- 1 Night in Saskatchewan Crossing
- 2 Night’s in Jasper
Rental of a SUV/Midsize with Unlimited Mileage.
Rental Car Insurance (CDW/LDW). Minimum deductible applies. Please refer FAQ for more details.
Canada Park Fees
Admissions to Banff Gondola
Admissions to Lake Louise Gondola
Admission for Icefield Parkway Discovery Tour
Admission to Ice Explorer & Glacier Skywalk.
Choice of anyone Admission/tour
- Lake Maligne Cruise
- Jasper Sky tram
Waterton Lake Cruise Tour(non-landing)
Taxes & GST

Exclusions

Airfare. We offer airfares as an optional add-upon request.
Breakfast and other meals or ground transportation unless listed under inclusions.
Rental Car Insurance – Collision Damage/Loss Damage Waiver
Additional Driver Fees.
Roadside assistance.
Gas for the vehicle.
GPS. Racks, etc.
Child and Infant Seats. We recommend you bring your own child/infant seats.
Parking & Tolls.
Porterage at hotels.
Bottled Water in hotel rooms.
Travel Insurance is strongly recommended to all travelers. Travel Agents, please note - If your client chooses to decline your offer to sell them Travel Insurance, you must secure a signed Liability Waiver, as required by the TICO, the Provincial Travel Regulatory Authorities of Ontario, Canada. DMCi Inc. sells Travel Insurance to residents of Ontario who are Canadian citizens or landed immigrants (Permanent Residence Card Holders) only. Non-Canadians and non-residents of Ontario or international clients must purchase Travel Insurance in their respective province, state, or country of residence.
Visa and Documentation Fees.
Telephone calls, Laundry, and other expenses.
Any personal expenses.
Resort Fees when applicable.
Gratuities for hotel staff (optional).