4-Day Rocky Mountains Tour: Bow Falls, Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park, Maligne Lake, Lake Louise

Add a set lunch: Enjoy a French bistro-style meal at Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Immerse yourself in the charm of Banff through its cuisine and share the experience at Fairmont. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the hotel embodies the style of a Scottish castle, with its unique wealth and seclusion, becoming one of the iconic landmarks of the Rocky Mountains.

Calgary-Crowfoot Glacier (Pass by)-Bow Lake (20 min)-Peyto Lake (30 min)-Lunch Stop (Optional Western Lunch Box with additional fees)(45 min)-Columbia Icefield [Mandatory: Snowcoach & Skywalk] (Mandatory fees) (150 min)-Athabasca Falls (30 min)-Jasper

In the morning, depart from the hotel and enjoy a scenic drive, passing by Crowfoot Glacier. The first stop is Bow Lake, where the clear outline of the Rocky Mountains is beautifully reflected on the lake's surface. You may also visit the Num-Ti-Jah Lodge by the lake to learn about the legendary Rocky Mountain guide, Jimmy Thompson. Next, visit Peyto Lake, shaped like a maple leaf, nestled in the Rocky Mountain valley with its stunning blue hue (In case of unavoidable factors like maintenance closure, the tour will be replaced with a visit to Waterflow Lake).
Continue driving along the picturesque Icefield Parkway (Highway 93) and stop at the Icefield Centre for a meal with a view of the majestic Columbia Icefield (optional, with the option to add a Western-style boxed lunch). After lunch, board the Snowcoach (compulsory additional cost) to travel on the Athabasca Glacier, experiencing nature's accumulation over billions of years. You may also choose to walk on the Skywalk (compulsory additional cost), 280 meters above ground, where you'll have breathtaking views of Sunwapta Valley. When the clouds rise, it feels like walking in the sky.
Later, visit the Athabasca Falls, a 23-meter drop formed by the erosion of ice and snow melt. Finally, drive to your hotel in Jasper Town for check-in.

* Columbia Icefield [Snowcoach & Skywalk]: Operating until Oct 13. After this date, tours will stop at the site only.
Good weather: light hike (~60 mins) to the glacier viewpoint.
Poor weather: glacier viewing arranged by the guide.
No mandatory Snowcoach & Skywalk fees will be charged.
Additional stop: [Sunwapta Falls]

Depart from your hotel in Jasper and pass by Medicine Lake before reaching Maligne Lake, the second-largest glacier lake in the world. Take the Maligne Lake Cruise (optional, additional cost) and enjoy a leisurely 22-kilometer journey on the lake, slowly approaching Sprite Island, also known as "The Place Where God Meets." In case of seasonal or weather-related factors that prevent the Maligne Lake Cruise from operating, the itinerary will be replaced with visits to Pyramid Lake and Patricia Lake.
After lunch at Maligne Lake, head to the Maligne Canyon, a deep and fascinating gorge formed by glacial erosion, with its rugged rock formations. After the visit, drive south along the Icefield Parkway, stopping at The Crossing rest area before returning to Banff for hotel check-in.

Evening free time suggestion: Take a stroll along the Bow River and enjoy the sunset views, or visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs to relax and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.

* Maligne Canyon: During closure, it will be replaced with [Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge] and [Beauvert Lake]
* Maligne Lake Cruise: Operating until Oct 12. After this date, replaced with [Pyramid Lake]

Depart early from the hotel and head west along Highway 1. The steep and rugged Castle Mountain comes into view, and soon you will arrive at the famous Lake Louise in the Rocky Mountains. Under the sunlight, the mineral-rich lake water reflects a mesmerizing blue, surrounded on three sides by the towering Victoria Glacier, resembling an emerald scattered across the mountains, earning the title "The Sapphire of the Rockies." Looking back from the lakeside, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise stands quietly amidst the pine trees, awaiting visitors.
Next, hike to the top of the trail to Moraine Lake (seasonally open, typically from the Victoria Day weekend in May to the end of September or early October, depending on the national park's schedule; if closed, alternative attractions will be Minnewanka Lake or Cinder Lake). The crystal-clear green water of the lake and the jagged peaks of Ten Peaks complement each other beautifully. Standing from a high point, the view of the lake and mountains is breathtaking, making you lose track of time.
After leaving Moraine Lake, head to Lake Louise Village for lunch (optional, additional cost, with the option to add a Grill & Bar lunch). After lunch, continue west, passing through the Spiral Tunnel, a historic site built by Pacific Railway workers, and enter Yoho National Park. You will arrive at the serene Emerald Lake, where the red canoes create ripples on the tranquil surface of the lake.
Next, visit the Natural Bridge, formed by the accumulation of water from the Kicking Horse River, where the river, evergreen trees, and distant mountains come together to create a picturesque scene. Afterward, stop at Banff Town on the return journey before driving back to Calgary.