The Excellent 1-Week Street Journey in Alberta Canada

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This superior one-week highway journey will present you the most effective of Alberta, Canada in a brief area of time…

Driving in Alberta seems like driving by way of a film set. Whether or not you’re winding by way of the epic mountain-scapes of Banff and Jasper Nationwide Parks or curving by way of the otherworldly sandstone valleys of the Badlands, the driving views listed below are next-level!

Throw in a mixture of too-blue-to-be-true lakes, glacier-fed rivers, rolling prairies, side-of-the-road wildlife sightings, adventurous actions like horse using and mountain climbing, and fabulous campgrounds, and you’ve got all of the makings of an ideal highway journey.

Per week may by no means be lengthy sufficient for a visit like this, but when that’s all you’ve got, you’ll be able to nonetheless see loads of Alberta in that point. In seven days, I packed in two cities, two nationwide parks, the long-lasting Icefields Parkway, the prairies, and the Badlands – all with out an excessive amount of driving in between. The itinerary under is designed to be versatile. You possibly can lengthen it over 10 days if you wish to take your time, or pack all of it into seven, like I did. Hopefully, this information will provide help to get began with planning your dream journey to Alberta!

My journey was supported by My Canada Journeys and Journey Alberta. As at all times, all phrases and opinions are my very own.

Alberta Street Journey: 1-Week Itinerary

Street Journey Map

Easy methods to Guide Your Street Journey

Planning a visit like this could be a actual headache – with so many stops and issues to consider. You are able to do all of it your self, however it’s positively a lot simpler to make use of a specialised native journey agent to guide the journey.

My highway journey was designed and booked by way of My Canada Journeys, primarily based on their Alberta Rockies and Badlands Motorhome Journey. They took care of every thing: flights, Nationwide Park Passes, lodging bookings, and 7-night motorhome rent (with all of the extras we would have liked included). I’ll assessment the service individually, however let me simply say it surpassed all my expectations! They’ve a variety of incredible motorhome and self-drive highway journey itinerary packages to select from – in addition to a bunch of different sensible journeys (from cruises to metropolis breaks).

Day 1: Calgary to Banff

Cease 1: Lac Des Arc Viewpoint

How Lengthy: 5-10 minutes (picture cease)

Shortly after reaching the Canadian Rockies, you’ll cross Lac des Arcs, a small lake on the Bow River with a backdrop of gorgeous mountains. There’s a big lay-by on the best facet of the highway. Pull over right here for a fast picture cease.

Cease 2: Canmore

How Lengthy: 1-2 hours (however you can simply spend an entire afternoon right here)

Cease off on the attractive little mountain city of Canmore in your drive into Banff. It’s a fairly Alpine city with numerous picket buildings, surrounded by mountains on all sides. The excessive road is lined with cute unbiased retailers and eateries. Don’t miss Alberta’s Personal for regionally made arts and presents or the Rocky Mountain Cleaning soap Firm for handmade soaps (the lemongrass scent is to die for!).

Seize a takeaway espresso from Eclipse Espresso Roasters earlier than heading to the Policeman’s Creek Boardwalk for a mild riverside stroll to Spring Creek (about 10 minutes every approach). If in case you have time, cease by the Canmore Engine Bridge, an iconic sight which lately featured in HBO’s The Final of Us.

Cease 3: Downtown Banff

How Lengthy: 1-2 hours

You’ll almost certainly attain Banff city by mid-late afternoon, relying on how lengthy you spend driving, so I like to recommend holding issues chill in your first day. Spend a while exploring the downtown space of this famously lovely mountain city. These are the preferred sights:

Banff Avenue – Most likely essentially the most well-known picture spot on the town: a large highway with an ideal view of Cascade Mountain on the finish.

The Banff Signal – One other iconic picture cease. On the facet of Mt Norquay Street (simply previous the practice station).

Procuring – Each Banff Ave and neighbouring Bear Road are lined with present retailers and galleries.

For those who nonetheless have time (and vitality) left, add on one of many excursions or sights listed underneath the Banff part under. You possibly can head to the recent springs or take a sundown wildlife tour this night, for instance.

TOP TIP: There’s a big, free automobile park at Banff Prepare Station, with areas for RV’s.

Day 2: Banff

One full day is unfortunately NOT sufficient time to see and do every thing that the city of Banff and the encompassing space have to supply. As an alternative, you’ll most likely have time for 2-3 of the next sights/excursions – so I’ll give the checklist under, and you’ll select those that swimsuit you greatest.

FYI – Lake Louise is among the most well-known sights close to Banff. However, because it’s on the highway in the direction of Jasper, I feel it’s simpler to go to this iconic lake tomorrow morning as you start the following leg of the highway journey.

Issues to do in Banff (and close by)

TOP TIP: Don’t wish to drive? There are common shuttle buses to among the prime native sights, together with Mt Norquay Ski Resort, Banff Sizzling Springs, Lake Louise, Tunnel Mountain Campgrounds, and extra. Learn extra right here.

Day 3: Banff to Jasper (by way of Lake Louise & the Icefields Parkway)

Cease 1: Lake Louise

Framed by mountains, this impossibly-bright-blue glacial lake is among the most well-known sights in Banff Nationwide Park. It’s a few 40-minute drive from Banff and makes an awesome stopping-off level on the lengthy drive to Jasper.

There are a number of strolling trails to select from: a 2km path runs alongside the lakeshore, or you can hike as much as the Fairview Lookout (2.4km) or to the favored Lake Agnes Teahouse (6.8km). One of the in style issues to do at Lake Louise is to lease a canoe and head out on the water – however be warned, it’s not low cost! The present value is $170 CAD (about £90) (+tax) for an hour hour of $160 CAD + tax for half hour (click on right here to examine the newest costs). You possibly can’t pre-book, so it’s a good suggestion to reach as early as potential to keep away from disappointment.

FYI: The automobile park at Lake Louise prices $36.75 CAD (about £20) per car per day!

Icefields Parkway Stops (in short)

I’m going to cowl this in rather more element in a separate, extra in-depth publish, as there’s SO a lot to see on the Icefields Parkway. Beginning with dawn on the Vermillion Lakes, we have been in a position to match all of this into a really lengthy (however very particular) 12-hour day! Watch my video of the journey right here.

Vermillian Lakes (nice at dawn – enable 15-20 minutes)

Lake Louise (enable 1-2 hours)

Bow Lake Viewpoint (5-10 minute picture cease)

Peyto Lake (enable 30-40 minutes)

Athabasca Glacier (enable 1 hour – longer in the event you guide a Glacier Stroll or go to the Glacier Skywalk).

Sunwapta Falls (enable 10 minutes – longer if you wish to do the 3km hike to the Decrease Falls).

Athabasca Falls (enable 10 minutes)

Day 4: Jasper

Jasper’s Wild Fireplace

In July 2024, Jasper was ravaged by an infinite wildfire, which destroyed enormous sections of the encompassing forests – in addition to almost a 3rd of the city. One of many causes the hearth was so out-of-control is that human intervention had prevented any fires within the space for many years, which had led to a build-up of gas. Forests want occasional wildfires to burn off the dry, lifeless vegetation, and after suppressing them for therefore lengthy, there was an abundance of flammable supplies – resulting in a devastating hearth that destroyed some 32,000 hectares.

It’s modified the panorama dramatically, with eerie graveyards of burnt bushes the place there have been as soon as lush forests. Nevertheless it’s not all unhealthy information. Extremely, re-growth started to appear the identical yr, and the forest flooring are already carpeted with grasses and wildflowers. There’s nonetheless loads of lovely nature within the space, and the city wants tourism now greater than ever with a view to get better – so please don’t be delay visiting!

Issues to do in Jasper

As with Banff, a single day isn’t fairly sufficient time to do every thing in Jasper. I’ve shared a listing of the most effective native excursions and sights under, so you’ll be able to choose what appeals most to you…

Day 5 – Jasper to Edmonton

Cease 1: Beaver Boardwalk

How Lengthy: 30-60 minutes

Cease off within the small city of Hinton to interrupt up your drive with a peaceable stroll on Beaver Boardwalk. Apparently the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk, this 3km stroll takes you over wetlands for views of beaver dams and – in the event you’re fortunate – the occasional beaver!

Miette Sizzling Springs – The most popular scorching springs within the Canadian Rockies. 

Galloway Station Museum – Quirky, small-town museum targeted on the historical past of the native railroad and coal mining business.

Pembina River Provincial Park – Cease for a brief hike within the forest to stretch your legs.

Wabamun Lake Provincial Park – A small park with a lake, very best as a picnic cease.

Cease 2: Edmonton

On my current journey, we stayed at a campground about an hour from downtown Edmonton. So, by the point we have been accomplished with the lengthy drive to get there, we didn’t actually really feel like going into the town. As an alternative, we had a chilled-out night at out campsite with a BBQ, campfire, and margaritas.

Nonetheless, in the event you’re staying in Edmonton itself (or you’ve got extra vitality than we did) there’s lots to see on this massive and energetic metropolis. There’s a fast checklist under, however I even have an in-depth information to all the most effective issues to do within the metropolis – CLICK HERE to learn it.

Excessive Stage Bridge Streetcar – Trip a historic streetcar over the North Saskatchewan River for the most effective views within the metropolis.

Segway Tour with River Valley Journey Co

West Edmonton Mall – North America’s largest shopping center (with an indoor rollercoaster).

Muttart Conservatory – indoor botanical gardens.

Previous Strathcona – Funky, hipster neighbourhood identified for road artwork, unbiased buying, and a energetic nightlife scene.

Elk Island Nationwide Park – 40 minutes from Edmonton, it is a good possibility in the event you’d choose to stay to nature as a substitute of cities.

Day 6 – Edmonton to Drumheller

Distance: 281km (174miles)Enable: 4-5 hours with stops

THE DRIVE: It’s one other lengthy drive at the moment, however extra scenic, as you head into Alberta’s Prairies. Suppose rolling farmland dotted with rustic villages, yellow canola fields, and bright-red barns. Lastly, when you roll into Drumheller’s outskirts, the prairies drop off out of the blue into the Badlands, with desert-like landscapes of sandstone valleys.

Cease 1: Rowley (the “ghost” city)

How Lengthy: 20-Half-hour

As you method Drumheller, the so-called “ghost city” of Rowley is worthy of a detour. Within the Nineteen Twenties, the village was residence to round 500 folks – at the moment, there are simply 12 inhabitants. The locals keep the deserted properties on the excessive road, which seems like one thing out of a Wild West film, together with a saloon, buying and selling publish retailer, and funeral residence.

FYI: The drive to get right here is down an extended observe of unfastened gravel/grime, which could not be very best for smaller autos. Drive slowly and punctiliously!

Cease 2: Horsethief Canyon

How Lengthy: 10-Quarter-hour

As you method Drumheller, the prairies abruptly give solution to the Badlands. Cease at Horsethief Canyon on your first view of the arid, otherworldly landscapes. The valley stretching away under you was as soon as the underside of a sea. Right now, it’s a dry, dusty valley of layered sandstone, dotted with twisted rocky pillars often known as hoodoos.

Cease 3: Royal Tyrell Museum

How Lengthy: At the very least 1 hour (longer in the event you love dinosaurs!)

These layered sandstone valleys are well-known for dinosaur fossil finds, lots of which have been enormous (each figuratively and actually!). You possibly can marvel at among the greatest finds on the Royal Tyrell Museum. Observe the North Dinosaur Path (Freeway 838) down into the sandstone valley to succeed in it.

That is genuinely the most effective museums I’ve ever visited (so good I’ve been twice!). Even in the event you’re not a dino-nerd like me, you’ll be able to’t assist however be in awe of the towering dinosaur skeletons on show. There are only a few replicas right here: a lot of the shows are real fossils, which makes all of them the extra thrilling!

Cease 4: World’s Largest Dinosaur

How Lengthy: 5-10 minutes

Whilst you’re in Drumheller, you should definitely swing by the World’s Largest Dinosaur for a fast selfie-stop! That is a kind of enjoyable, North American roadside sights; on this case, an 86ft (25m) tall mannequin T-rex nicknamed Tyra. You possibly can even climb 106 stairs to get an unbelievable view from contained in the mouth.

FYI: The within is closed in the intervening time, however you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the skin.

Cease 5: Wayne and the Final Likelihood Saloon

How Lengthy: 30-60 minutes (longer in the event you eat on the saloon), plus 15-minute drive time every approach.

Lastly, I extremely suggest the additional drive to go to Wayne – one other “ghost city”. This former coal mining city has a inhabitants of round 30, however it was over 2500 in its heyday.

The drive to get there’s significantly price it; a winding highway by way of the sandstone valleys, punctuated by eleven bridges. Don’t miss the Final Likelihood Saloon when you’re there: a historic inn relationship from 1913 with severe cowboy vibes. You possibly can sip locally-brewed beers and eat scrumptious BBQ (I like to recommend the brisket!).

Day 7: Drumheller to Calgary

Distance: 140km (86 miles)Enable: 1.5-2 hours (no stops)

THE DRIVE: That is one other pretty boring drive, so I like to recommend doing it in a single go to get your self again to Calgary as rapidly as potential!

Issues to do in Calgary

I extremely suggest spending a minimum of one night time in Calgary at both the start or finish of your highway journey. It’s a enjoyable, quirky metropolis, well-known for the long-lasting Calgary Stampede and cowboy tradition – however there’s lots extra to find! There’s a fast checklist under, however I even have an in-depth information to all the most effective issues to do within the metropolis – CLICK HERE to learn it.

Calgary Tower – Courageous the glass flooring for the most effective views of the town!

BUMP Murals – Enormous-scale road artwork murals dotted all through the town, with new ones added yearly. Learn extra right here.

Bike Alongside the Bow River – Lease one from Rath Bicycles.

Peace Bridge – A novel, pink helix bridge over the Bow River. Close by Prince’s Island Park is an city oasis within the coronary heart of the town.

Inglewood – The oldest neighbourhood in Calgary, stuffed with historic buildings that at the moment are residence to boutique shops, unbiased galleries, and a few incredible bars & eating places.

Procuring – Head to seventeenth Avenue or the Inglewood district for indie retailers, or The CORE shopping center in Downtown Calgary.

The place to Keep: Campsite & Lodge Suggestions

Calgary

Lodge: The Dorian – That is the place we stayed the night time earlier than beginning our highway journey. It’s a significantly lovely lodge in a handy downtown location, with trendy decor and nice service. Extremely suggest!

Lodge: Fairmont Palliser Lodge – A historic constructing in downtown Calgary, stuffed with grandeur and luxurious. I stayed right here on a earlier journey to Calgary and cherished it.

Banff

Tenting: Tunnel Mountain Village – A big RV park and campsite, the place the plots are so unfold out, it virtually seems like you’ve got the woods to your self. It’s just a little exterior of city, so it’s silent at night time – however there’s an everyday shuttle bus all yr spherical. There are additionally many mountain climbing trails beginning straight from the campground.

Lodge: Peaks Lodge & Suites – A cool, up to date lodge with minimalist, Skandi-inspired decor. It’s proper within the centre of Banff, ideally positioned for exploring the city, however it’s additionally solely a block away from the Bow River strolling path.

Jasper

Tenting: Jasper’s Gates Resort and RV – This peaceable, family-friendly resort has tenting, log cabins, and RV pitches (with full hookup). We stayed right here and I cherished it! The one draw back is that it’s a few 1-hour drive from Jasper city centre – however it’s very near the Miette scorching springs, and there are a number of mountain climbing trails ranging from the resort.

Tenting: Whistlers Campground (I didn’t keep right here, however it has rave opinions & may be very near city).

Lodge: The Crimson Jasper – This straightforward, trendy lodge has persistently excessive opinions and is positioned a 5-minute stroll from Jasper’s downtown.

Edmonton

Tenting: Devon Lions Campground – A tranquil, pleasant campground on the outskirts of the town, a few 45-minute drive from downtown Edmonton.

Tenting (possibility 2): Elk Island Nationwide Park has 3 tenting websites the place you’ll be able to keep in a tent, a glamping safari tent (I stayed in a single a couple of years in the past, examine it right here), or attempt backcountry tenting.

Lodge: Metterra Lodge – A peaceable, luxurious lodge in Previous Strathcona. I stayed right here a couple of years in the past and extremely suggest it!

Drumheller

Tenting: Dinosaur Path KOA Vacation – we camped right here in an RV. It was very peaceable and quiet – and in an awesome spot on the Dinosaur Path, a brief drive from Drumheller. Preferrred for stargazing and recognizing the Northern Lights (in the event you get fortunate, like we did).

Lodge: Canalta Jurassic Inn – I stayed right here a couple of years in the past on my first Alberta highway journey. It’s a primary, budget-friendly lodge, however tremendous comfy and well-equipped.

Alberta Street Journey: Prime Suggestions

Alberta is the right place for a highway journey – both by RV or in a automobile. You possibly can camp, keep in motels, or journey in a motorhome.

Anxious about driving overseas? In my expertise, Canada is among the best locations to drive: a lot of the roads are very vast and really straight. Plus, Canada’s highway legal guidelines are largely just like the UK’s. Canada is the primary place I ever drove exterior of England (about 6 months after passing my driving check), and I discovered it a lot simpler than I anticipated!

Learn up on native highway legal guidelines earlier than your journey. These are a very powerful ones to know:

In Canada, they drive on the best facet of the highway.

On roundabouts, you give solution to the left.

It’s unlawful to cross a stopped faculty bus.

In most of Canada (besides Montreal), you’ll be able to flip proper on a pink gentle – if it’s secure to take action. You have to come to an entire cease first.

At a 4-way intersection, the automobile which arrives first has the best of approach.

Gas up in time! Among the driving distances in Alberta are enormous, and petrol (gasoline) stations will be few and much between in rural areas. All the time be sure to have sufficient gas on your journey.

Nationwide Parks: For those who’re driving by way of Canada’s Nationwide Parks you have to buy a Park Move. You should buy one on entry for a single location, or buy a Discovery Move, which covers admission to greater than 80 locations for 12 months.

Wildlife Recognizing: Preserve your eyes peeled for wildlife along with the highway within the Nationwide Parks. For those who see automobiles pulled over along with the highway, decelerate and prepare to cease, as a result of they could have noticed one thing thrilling!

Renting a Motorhome on your Street Journey

This Alberta highway journey is ideal for a motorhome or RV. All of the roads are very vast, and most automobile parks we got here throughout (even the Walmarts) had massive RV-sized parking areas. Travelling in a motorhome additionally means you at all times have entry to a kitchen and loo (and all of your stuff) when you’re on the highway!

We rented a big motorhome from CanaDream, and it was incredible. Spacious, clear, and actually properly adorned (no old-school beige vibes right here!). The one we had slept as much as 6 folks, however they’ve an entire vary of sizes to swimsuit all necessities. The service at CanaDream was wonderful from begin to end, and I’d completely guide with them once more on my subsequent journey.

Anxious about driving an RV? Let me simply say that if I can do it, anybody can! I used to be lifeless nervous beforehand, however it doesn’t take lengthy to get the hold of issues. The employees at CanaDream provides you with a full demo earlier than you set off, and you’ll at all times drive across the automobile park a couple of instances earlier than you get going if it’s essential. I posted a video on my socials all concerning the expertise, click on right here to wacth it.

Watch the Video of my Journey:

Learn Extra

Acquired a query about planning your highway journey in Alberta, Canada? Go away me a remark under!