Have you always dreamed of experiencing a real-life winter wonderland? Last winter I had the amazing opportunity to explore the best of the Canadian Rockies with the Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. It was an unforgettable 9 days of action-packed adventure starting in Edmonton and ending in Calgary.
While this itinerary starts out in Edmonton, you can easily do it in reverse and start out in Calgary instead. It all depends on your preference. The two cities are the closest, most convenient airports to fly into to start your Canadian Rockies road trip.
Day 1: Edmonton
We started our road trip adventure in Edmonton which is the capital of the Alberta province in Canada. Our group flew in from different parts of the country and met up for the first time at the airport. Depending on what time you arrive in Edmonton, you’ll be able to accomplish more on the first day.
Where To Stay:
Fairmont Hotel MacDonald is centrally located and has some of the most stunning views of the North Saskatchewan River. My room had a city view but it was still crazy gorgeous. It was great to watch the rising sun light up the towers from inside my cozy hotel room.
What To Do:
- Check out the Frederick G Todd Lookout for a panoramic view of the river and city.
- Enjoy a stroll at one of the numerous urban parks near the hotel. Gallagher Park has a gorgeous view of the Edmonton skyline.
- Watch the bison roam in their natural habitat at Elk Island National Park.
- Bundle up and explore the Edmonton Ice Castles located by Hawrelak Park. Go just before sunset and then stay after dark to see the LED-lit structures light up in multiple colors. Sit on a frozen throne, slide down an ice slide, and much more!
- Grab dinner at Rostizado for some of the most delicious Mexican cuisines.
Day 2 & 3: Jasper
The drive from Edmonton to Jasper can take up to 4 hours by car. I recommend either renting a car for the drive or booking a private shuttle from SunDog Tours. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see lots of Elk and Bighorn Sheep along the way (the Canadian Rockies ‘traffic jam!’)
Where To Stay:
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge is a 700-acre year-round luxury resort wrapping around the shores of Lac Beauvert. The resort’s charming village of cedar chalets and Luxury Signature Cabins are all connected by picturesque paths. There’s lots to do within the resort itself such as skating, fat tire biking, and relaxing in the outdoor hot tub.
What To Do:
- Explore Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies.
- Maligne Canyon Ice Walk: One of Jasper’s most popular and impressive winter adventures. Dress warmly and be prepared to be awed by the frozen waterfalls, ice caves, and incredible ice formations.
- Maligne Lake & Medicine Lake
- Pyramid Lake
- Dark Skies Stargazing at the Fairmont: Jasper National Park is one of the world’s largest Dark Sky preserves. On a clear night, millions of stars, constellations, and even the Milky Way are visible to the naked eye. You may even be lucky enough to witness the Northern Lights!
- Spend the day Skiing or Snowboarding at Marmot Basin! Marmot Basin has the highest base elevation of all Canadian ski areas.
Day 4 & 5: Lake Louise
Drive from Jasper to Lake Louise on one of the world’s most scenic drives, the Icefield Parkway which connects the Banff and Jasper National Parks. Though the drive is technically around 3 hours long, it could potentially take you all day depending on how many stops you make along the way.
Some of the iconic spots to not miss out on include:
- Athabasca Falls
- Sunwapta Falls
- Glacier Skywalk: A 1-kilometer walkway that leads visitors to a glass-door observation platform overlooking a 280-meter drop.
- Abraham Lake: An artificial lake on the North Saskatchewan River well known for its methane ice bubbles.
- Peyto Lake
- Bow Lake
Where To Stay:
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is undisputedly my favorite property in the Canadian Rockies. Surrounded by soaring mountain peaks, the majestic Victoria Glacier, and a glistening emerald lake in warmer months, the iconic Chateau is located in Banff National Park. There’s something magical about looking out the windows in the resort and seeing the beautiful lake (even frozen!) and the stunning backdrop of the Victoria Glacier. There are a number of restaurants and bars at the property and my favorites were the Lakeview Lounge and Walliser Stube!
What to Do:
- Ice Skating on Lake Louise, the most spectacular skating rink in the world as voted by CNN.
- Explore the ice castle, sculptures, and ice bar at the Fairmont.
- Go on a guided snowshoe excursion
- Dogsledding with Kingmik Tours: Experience the silent grace and beauty of dog mushing on the only dogsledding in all of Banff National Park!
- Eat fondue at the Walliser Stube!
Day 6 & 7: Banff
The drive from Lake Louise to Banff is about an hour long. We were snowed in for most of the morning so I was excited to visit Banff and relax at the hot springs.
Where To Stay:
Fairmont Banff Springs is the perfect resort to relax in near the end of your long road trip. It’s considered to be Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” and it was certainly a majestic experience for me. Do not miss out on the hot spring and spa facilities!
What to Do:
- Enjoy Afternoon Tea in the Rundle Lounge at the Fairmont: What’s better than some delicious pastries and the view of the Canadian Rockies?
- Relax at the Willow Stream Spa: The outdoor pools have a beautiful view of Castle Mountain and the surrounding ranges.
- Explore the town of Banff and go shopping
- Ride the Banff Gondola: Marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff and the Bow Valley from 7,486 ft above sea level. With 360-degree views of six scenic mountain ranges, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main-level observation deck.
- Hike Johnston Canyon
- Catch the sunrise at Vermillion Lakes
Day 8 & 9: Calgary
Say goodbye to the Canadian Rockies and hello to Calgary after a short 1.5-hour drive. Calgary is a cosmopolitan Alberta city with numerous skyscrapers and so steeped in western culture that it earned the nickname “Cowtown.”
Where To Stay:
Fairmont Palliser is set in the heart of Calgary and is a historical landmark offering distinctive accommodation in elegant surroundings.
What to Do:
- Calgary Tower for panoramic views of the city.
- Explore the Studio Bell Museum and learn about the Canadian music history
- Warm up and get the BEST hot chocolate at Deane House
- Watch the sunset at Scotsman Hill for a beautiful view of the Calgary skyline
It was such a blast exploring Edmonton, Jasper, Lake Louise, Banff, and Calgary during the winter! From the stunning Fairmont properties to the various winter activities (checked off skiing, snowshoeing, AND dogsledding off my bucket list!), it was an unforgettable road trip experience. There’s still so much left unexplored that I hope to come back again perhaps in the summer so I can witness the beauty of the Canadian Rockies in a different season.
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