Fly into Calgary International (YYC)
Arrive by noon on June 18 — drive together to Canmore (~1 hr on Hwy 1)
Rent a car or SUV in Calgary
Canmore is a perfect base — 15 min to Banff, 45 min to Lake Louise, right on the Rockies doorstep
Airbnb or vacation rental in Canmore
Book early — June fills fast! Canmore is quieter & cheaper than Banff with the same stunning views
Parks Canada Discovery Pass
Required every time you enter Banff National Park — buy online before you go
Every hike on this trip is worth it — here's everything you need to know and prep before lacing up.
📍 Canmore — 5 min drive from home base
A Canmore classic with massive reward. The trail climbs steeply through forest before breaking out onto a rocky ridge with a 360° view over the Bow Valley, Three Sisters, and into Banff. Starting before dawn means you'll catch sunrise at the summit — one of the most memorable experiences in the Rockies.
📍 Icefields Parkway, ~90 min from Canmore
Short but jaw-dropping. The Bow Summit Lookout reveals Peyto Lake glowing an impossible neon turquoise below — one of the most photogenic sights in the world, thanks to glacial rock flour suspended in the water. The full loop above the treeline offers panoramic alpine views in every direction.
📍 Moraine Lake Road, ~45 min from Canmore
A short, steep scramble up a boulder pile that delivers the most iconic view in Canada — the Valley of the Ten Peaks reflected in Moraine Lake's electric blue water. Brief but absolutely unforgettable, and the perfect opener before the bigger hike of the day.
📍 Lake Louise, ~50 min from Canmore
One of the finest hikes in the Canadian Rockies. Starting at Lake Louise, the trail winds above the lakeshore into a high alpine moraine directly below Victoria Glacier. The historic Plain of Six Glaciers teahouse is a perfect halfway reward. An absolute must if the group has the legs for it.
Home base · 4 nights
15 min · Days 1 & 2
5 min · Day 2 sunrise
90 min · Day 3
2 hrs · Day 3
45–50 min · Day 4
Estimated per-person costs based on a group of 4–5. All prices in CAD.
| Item | Notes | Est. / Person |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ||
| Canmore Airbnb (4 nights) | ~$400–600/night total ÷ group | $400–600 |
| Transport | ||
| Flights (return) | Varies by origin — book early | $300–700 |
| Rental car (4 days, SUV) | ~$120–160/day ÷ group | $100–150 |
| Gas (daily drives) | ~$80–100 total ÷ group | $20–30 |
| Parks & Activities | ||
| Parks Canada Discovery Pass | Annual pass — covers all visits | $75 |
| Moraine Lake shuttle | reservation.pc.gc.ca — book early! | $20–30 |
| Columbia Icefield Ice Explorer | Optional glacier tour | $60–80 |
| Lake Louise canoe rental | ~$165/hr ÷ group | $35–50 |
| Food & Drink | ||
| Groceries & packed lunches | Stock up at IGA in Canmore | $80–120 |
| Restaurants (4 dinners, 2 brunches) | Mix of casual + one nice dinner | $250–350 |
| Coffee, snacks & drinks | Daily incidentals | $60–80 |
| Gear & Misc | ||
| Bear spray rental | Snowtips-Bactrax, Canmore | $15–20 |
| Souvenirs & misc | Up to you! | $30–80 |
| Total Estimate | ~$1,445–2,365 CAD | |
💡 Tip: Cooking a few meals at the Airbnb — especially breakfasts and packed lunches — can save $100+ per person. Splitting accommodation and rental car evenly keeps things simple.
Click to check off items as you complete them. The urgent ones book up months in advance — don't sleep on them.