Canada Parks Road Trip -- Banff, Jasper, Waterton, Yoho, and Kootenay!

There’s nothing quite like the grandeur of the Canadian Rockies. Towering peaks, glacial lakes, and abundant wildlife make this area one of the most incredible places in North America. If you’ve ever considered taking a road trip through the Canadian Rockies, now’s the time to start planning for this incredible Canada Parks road trip!

We’re covering five stunning national parks — Waterton Lakes, Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay — so you can experience the best of Canada’s natural beauty.

Podcast Episode Overview

Let’s road trip to the national parks in the Canadian Rockies!

In this episode of Exploring the National Parks, we are heading up north to talk about the best Canadian national parks in the Rockies. You’ll want to set aside a couple of weeks for this trip because you definitely won’t run out of fun things to do!

This road trip covers five different Canadian National Parks, and we are so excited to dive into them with you today.

Join us as we cover:

Why this trip is the perfect addition to your trip to Glacier
Where to begin this road trip in Canada
The boat tour with the best views in Waterton National Park
Where to go for a full Canadian experience
Our favorite hike at Waterton Lakes
The killer ants you need to watch out for
The best stops in Waterton
What we love about Banff National Park
Our favorite things to do in Banff
One of the most incredible drives we’ve ever done
What we love about the Icefields Parkway
Why Jasper National Park is a must-visit park
The wildlife you’ll find in Jasper
Our favorite areas in Yoho National Park
Tips for getting reservations for Lake O’Hara
Other sites to see on your trip

We hope you enjoyed our tips for this epic road trip through the Canadian National Parks! These national parks are incredible; we know you will have so much fun if you decide to take this trip.

We have free resources to help you plan your trip to Banff and Jasper! And if you’re adding these stunning parks onto your Glacier trip, you’ll want to grab one of our itineraries!

Listen to the Full Podcast Episode:

Starting Your Trip: Glacier National Park to Waterton Lakes

If you’re already visiting Glacier National Park in Montana, it’s a quick hop over the border to Waterton Lakes National Park in Canada!

Just a 1.5-hour drive from St. Mary, Montana, this park shares a border with Glacier, creating a seamless transition between the U.S. and Canadian Rocky Mountains. Before heading out, be sure to check the status of border crossings, as some are seasonal.

Once in Waterton, you’ll immediately notice the breathtaking scenery. The park has the same dramatic mountain formations as Glacier but with a uniquely Canadian twist, including the charming town of Waterton, which sits within the park boundaries.

One of the best ways to experience Waterton is by taking a boat tour on Waterton Lake. This tour crosses the international border and offers some of the most stunning views in the park.

Hiking to Bertha Falls is another fantastic option, especially after recent wildfires have allowed for an explosion of wildflowers along the trail! For a historical touch, visit the Prince of Wales Hotel, perched on a bluff with panoramic lake views.

Cameron Lake provides a beautiful alpine setting if you’re looking for a peaceful spot to paddle. Your family will love Red Rock Canyon, where natural waterslides carve through the vibrant rock formations.

Keep in mind that Waterton is known for its wind, so pack accordingly!

Banff National Park

From Waterton, head north about four hours to Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park! Banff is famous for its dramatic peaks, glacier-fed lakes, and vibrant town packed with shops and restaurants.

Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. Their deep teal waters, framed by jagged mountain peaks, make them truly unforgettable.

If you’re up for a challenging but rewarding hike, the Plain of Six Glaciers trail takes you deep into the mountains, where you can stop at a historic tea house for a warm drink. Johnston Canyon is a great option for families, with waterfalls along the way and the colorful Ink Pots waiting at the end.

For those who prefer a more relaxed way to take in the scenery, the Banff Gondola provides breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the peaks.

Banff is unique among national parks because it includes a full-fledged town within its boundaries. The town of Banff offers luxury hotels like the Fairmont Banff Springs, fine dining, and high-end shopping, making it a very different experience from most national parks!

Driving the Icefields Parkway to Jasper

The drive from Banff to Jasper along the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the world. This stretch of highway is packed with ancient glaciers, waterfalls, and endless mountain views.

Peyto Lake is an essential stop, with its iconic overlook providing one of the best views in the Rockies. The Athabasca Glacier, part of the magnificent Columbia Icefield, is another highlight. You can take a guided tour on a giant Ice Explorer vehicle and step onto the tongue of the Athabasca Glacier.

If you’re looking for a short but steep hike with rewarding glacier views, Parker Ridge is a fantastic option. Along the way, you’ll also pass Bow Lake and the Bow River, two stunning natural wonders in this region.

Jasper National Park

Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies, covering over 11,000 square kilometers (4,335 square miles) of Rocky Mountain wilderness. It feels wilder and more remote than Banff, making it a great place for wildlife viewing, especially if you’re hoping to spot grizzly bears.

A boat tour to Spirit Island on Maligne Lake is one of the park’s most iconic experiences. For a stunning panoramic view, hike to Wilcox Pass and relax in the classic Parks Canada red chairs.

The Path of the Glacier Trail leads to Angel Glacier, a breathtaking sight as it clings to the cliffs above a turquoise lake. If you’re up for a challenge, the Sulphur Skyline Trail provides sweeping views and ends near Miette Hot Springs, where you can soak your tired muscles.

Jasper’s town is much smaller than Banff’s, offering a quieter, more rugged national park experience. While there, consider visiting Pyramid Lake Lodge, the Athabasca River, or Maligne Canyon. These locations showcase Jasper’s incredible natural beauty and offer unforgettable experiences!

Yoho National Park

Just a 45-minute drive from Lake Louise in Banff, Yoho National Park is often overlooked but absolutely worth visiting!

Lake O’Hara is one of the most pristine alpine lakes in Canada, but access is limited. You’ll need to book a shuttle reservation months in advance to experience its magic.

Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s tallest waterfalls, cascades dramatically down the cliffs, creating a stunning spectacle. If you want to enjoy a scenic paddle, Emerald Lake’s striking green waters are the perfect place. The Iceline Trail is an advanced hike that takes you up close to glaciers and offers jaw-dropping mountain views.

Kootenay National Park

The final stop on this road trip is Kootenay National Park, just a short drive from Banff. This park is known for its diverse landscapes, spanning across the Continental Divide and offering everything from towering mountains to lush valleys.

For those looking for an adventurous hike, the Stanley Glacier Trail leads to breathtaking views of glaciers and waterfalls. Marble Canyon is a short but striking trail that follows a narrow, dramatic gorge. Radium Hot Springs provides a relaxing way to unwind after a long trip, and the Paint Pots showcase unique, colorful mineral pools that contrast beautifully with the surrounding landscape.

Kootenay offers fewer crowds than Banff or Jasper, making it a perfect place to wrap up your adventure on a quieter note. If you have enough time, consider exploring the nearby provincial parks in British Columbia!

Wrapping Up Your Canadian Rockies Adventure

A road trip through the Canadian Rockies is an unforgettable experience. With five national parks, endless hikes, stunning lakes, and incredible wildlife, you’ll want to give yourself at least two weeks to explore this region properly.

Whether you’re planning a trip after visiting Glacier National Park or flying into Calgary International Airport, this loop through Waterton, Banff, Jasper, Yoho, and Kootenay will leave you speechless.

Ready to plan your trip? Check out our articles for Banff and Jasper for even more tips and itinerary ideas.

And don’t forget to take in the scenery, eat plenty of beaver tails, and get some dirt in your shoes along the way!

Links mentioned in this episode:

Are you hoping to visit all of the national parks? Sign up for your FREE NATIONAL PARKS CHECKLIST so you can easily see where you’ve been and where you still need to go!

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Canada Parks Road Trip — Banff, Jasper, Waterton, Yoho, and Kootenay!