Travel Itinerary in the Rockies Between Lake Louise and Jasper

Itineraries: Detailed Travel Itineraries in Canada (Free)

General

This route is packed with impressive natural sites. It is 236 km long and without stops the drive takes 2.5 hours. However, with short stops at the attractions listed below, the trip takes about 6-7 hours. Most attractions can be seen right next to main Highway No. 93 connecting Lake Louise to Jasper.

At the visitor center in Banff, you can get a very organized map listing all attractions along the road, indicating their distance in kilometers from the start of the route at Lake Louise, and the following description follows this order.

Recommended Places to Stay Along the Route

Recommended Hotels in and Near Jasper

A high-quality 4-star hotel with family rooms and suites. 8 restaurants on-site. Spa, hot tub, gym, and more. Free parking.

Sawridge Inn & Conference Centre Jasper
A 3-star hotel in the center of Jasper town. The hotel features an indoor pool, hot tub, gym, spa, and three restaurants. Each room has a refrigerator. Free internet.

Bear Cub Lodging
A suite with a fully equipped kitchen a short drive south of the town of Jasper in the heart of Jasper National Park. Barbecue facilities in the yard. Free internet.

A 3-star hostel with a variety of private or shared rooms. Centrally located in Jasper.

Nature Sites Along the Way:

At kilometer 16 from Lake Louise, you arrive at Hector Lake. A beautiful turquoise lake, with a forest in front of it and towering snow-capped mountains behind it.

At km 33, you reach Crowfoot Glacier. This is a viewpoint from the road overlooking the glacier and the lake below it.

At kilometer 37, there is a viewpoint of Bow Icefield, with a waterfall visible nearby (from a distance).

At kilometer 40, you reach Peyto Lake, one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies. From the parking lot, a 10-minute walk takes you up to an impressive viewpoint overlooking the elongated, star-shaped end of the lake. Further out, you can see far down the valley and the road leading toward Jasper.

Peyto Lake:

At kilometer 71, you reach Mistaya Canyon. This is a river whose powerful flow carved a narrow, deep, and highly winding canyon. Bridges cross over the canyon/river for easy viewing.

Mistaya Canyon:

Along the way, if you are lucky, you might also spot a black bear by the side of the road.

Wildlife in the Canadian Rockies:

At kilometer 106, you arrive at the Weeping Wall. On a completely vertical mountain, you can see numerous small waterfalls that give it the appearance of a crying mountain.

At km 113, there is an elevated viewpoint from the road looking back at the route you have driven so far, framed by tall surrounding mountains:

You reach the Columbia Icefield Glacier Center at kilometer 127. The site features displays explaining the glacier phenomenon. A major attraction is the glacier tour. It is also recommended to walk the trail starting from the parking lot near the glacier, which leads right up to the edge of the ice.

The Glaciers:

Further down the road at kilometer 176, you reach Sunwapta Falls. Here, you take a side road for 1 kilometer to arrive at a waterfall with a bridge over it:

The next major attraction along the way is Athabasca Falls at kilometer 200. To reach the falls, turn onto side road 93a. From the parking lot, a short trail leads to the waterfall. Bridges above the falls allow you to view them from various angles.

Athabasca Falls:

This is undoubtedly one of the most impressive and successful days in the Canadian Rockies. Every stop holds postcard-worthy views. Make sure to bring plenty of extra camera memory and spare batteries!

Recommended Hotels in the Lake Louise Area

The most luxurious and impressive hotel in Lake Louise is: Fairmont Château Lake Louise located right on the shores of the lake, where staying is an experience in itself. The hotel offers breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains, with 554 rooms and suites suitable for 2–5 people. Facilities include a spa, gym, heated indoor pool, and a selection of six restaurants. The hotel offers guests a variety of activities including kayaking and horseback riding.

Another great, more affordable 3-star hotel is: Paradise Lodge and Bungalows offering 45 rooms, suites, and cabins suitable for 2–4 people. The hotel is located 1 kilometer from Lake Louise and is surrounded by gardens that include children's playgrounds and barbecue facilities. Every room has a refrigerator, and some rooms feature a kitchen or a balcony with mountain views.