road trip from toronto to jasper

Discover Jasper

Things to do, where to stay, plan your trip.

About Jasper

• Jasper's History
• Jasper National Park
• Dark Sky Preserve
• Community Resources
• Weather & Climate
• LGBTQ Jasper
• Venture Beyond
• Live and Work in Jasper
• Jasper the Bear Scavenger Hunt

More Information

• Getting Here
• Work in Jasper
• Events in Jasper
• Travel Tips

Experiences

• Ski & Snowboard at Marmot Basin
• Snow & Ice
• Hiking, Walking & Biking
• Tours & Sightseeing
• Rafting, Canoeing & Water Sports
• Wildlife Viewing
• Jasper SkyTram
• Spa & Wellness
• Arts, Culture & Planetarium
• Jasper Restaurants
• Horseback Riding
• All Experiences

Accommodations

• All Accommodations
• Inns & Hotels
• Cabins & Lodges
• Pet Friendly
• Current Deals
• Season & Climate
• Visitor's Guide

Planning Information

• Visitor Information Centre
• Trip Services
• Covid-19 Information
• Weather and Climate
• Jasper's Story
• Travel Trade
• Groups and Meetings
• About Tourism Jasper
• Staff Directory

2023 Visitor's Guide

June 24, 2021 in Do , Spring , Summer

Getting to Jasper: Road Trip Tips

The best life memories are often found off the beaten track.

Jasper, in our totally unbiased and humble opinion, is one of those special places. Located a few hours from the nearest city, Jasper is a Rocky Mountain gem that has for years rewarded those who are willing to venture beyond the ordinary.

But until teleportation gets invented, getting here requires going on another classic Canadian adventure: The Road Trip. Yes, you can also reach Jasper by rail (in fact Jasper got its start as a railway town) but there’s something exciting about hitting the open road and watching the mountains gradually rise above the horizon.

Whether you’re driving in from Edmonton, Calgary or somewhere further afield, make the most of your road trip with these tips.

Blast tunes

Considering the vast number of creatives who have been inspired by mountains around the world, is it any wonder that there’s a huge catalogue of songs themed on these iconic landscapes? From bluegrass to soul music to rock and roll, there’s no shortage of tunes that pay homage to high elevation locations. Here’s 50 songs to get your own playlist started. If podcasts or audio books are more your speed, here’s a few recommendations .

Pack snacks

Keep "hanger" at bay while travelling to Jasper, and you’ll arrive a lot happier and ready for adventure. Sliced veggies with hummus, fruit and plenty of water make for healthy sustenance, but we won’t judge if you toss in a cookie or two into the mix. On the other hand, if you’re heading out for a road trip within Jasper (the national park is BIG y’all — you could easily spend a full day tripping down the Icefields Parkway or exploring Maligne Lake) we recommend grabbing a delicious picnic lunch to go from one of these local eateries .

Don't forget to watch for wildlife along the way!

Stop to stretch

Whatever direction you approach from, the roads leading to Jasper are lined with amazing sights that make for interesting and awe-inspiring stops. Stretch your legs at scenic lakes along the way, or grab a coffee (or something a little hop-ier, if you’re not the one driving) from a few unique breweries. Check out this interactive map of many worthy waypoints to hit on your journey to Jasper.

Don’t forget your hygiene kit

It’s solid advice at any time, but these days it’s especially prudent to pack a hygiene safety kit. Hand sanitizer may not be stocked in the public washrooms, so it's a good idea to bring your own.

Purchase your Parks Pass in advance

To explore Jasper National Park (and all the rest of Canada’s national parks), visitors must have a National Park Pass. This entry fee goes toward supporting visitor services and facilities, ensuring a healthy and clean destination for everyone who wishes to explore these natural wonderlands.

When you drive to Jasper National Park, you have the option of buying a National Park Pass at the park gates, but during certain times of the year (such as long weekends) then there can be a line-up of cars. Now, you can skip the wait and purchase your Parks Pass online at jasper.travel/parkpass . Just make sure you print out your pass before arriving , as you must display it prominently on the left-hand side of your vehicle’s dashboard. Please note that displaying the pass on your phone is not valid.

Related Articles

Continue reading.

April 15, 2024 in Do , Eat , Events , Spring

Best food & drink events at Jasper's Taste of Spring

Spring always brings a dietary extravaganza. Embark on a gastronomic journey with Taste of Spring , Jasper’s new culinary programming.

April 12, 2024 in Do , Eat , Events , Spring

Jasper Unveils New Culinary and Cultural Programming: Taste of Spring

New arts, culture and culinary experiences coming to the Rockies from May 3-12

March 27, 2024

5 reasons to race in Jasper

The Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon is an exhilarating and inspiring run through the your favourite mountains.

March 23, 2024

Alpine Snowshoeing At The Jasper Skytram

This classic Canadian adventure re-opened March 22, 2024!

Newsletter Sign Up

Receive deals, news and more!

• Sign Up For Our Newsletter

© Copyright 2024 Tourism Jasper | Legal & Privacy

Canada Road Trip Planning + 12 Epic Itinerary Ideas

Love it? Share it!

Canada is filled with stunning landscapes and driving through provinces and national parks is the best way to explore this massive country (by area). We will share an epic Canada Road Trip Planning Guide here, packed with ready-made itineraries to follow.

Table of Contents

Canada Road Trip Planning Guide

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Decide where you want to go in Canada

So, your first step is to make a bucket list of places you want to see or the route you wish to embark on for your Canada road trip. Being a diverse country of landscapes, terrain, and 4 different time zones, it might be a tough choice deciding on where to do. You can browse our Canada Destinations list, or use one of the itineraries mentioned below to get started!

What to see on your Canadian Road Trips?

It all depends on your travel style. There are mountains and pristine lakes in western Canada, pretty central coastal drives in the Maritimes, chasing Northern Lights in the Northwest Territories, or specific attractions like Toronto’s skyline/Niagara Falls, Gros Morne National park in Newfoundland to check out fjords, also a UNESCO world heritage site to polar bears in Manitoba. 

So you see there is tons of explore in Canada, just take it slow, stop along the way to make the most of your visit. Also give yourself enough time to hike, eat and drive.

Budget for your Canada road trip should be as follows 

• National Park Fees: $20 CAD per vehicles ($15.50 USD)
• City Attractions: Many museums have entry fees start at $7.99 CAD ($6.20). CN Tower or any type of observation towers in major cities, starts at $30 CAD ($23 USD)
• Food : Minimum $30 CAD ($23 USD)

When are you planning to travel for your road trip?

Whether it is a city-bound road trip or a journey through our national/provincial parks, it is important to make note of the seasons. Canada experiences all four seasons, and each season is beautiful in its own unique way. 

• Summer – Summers are a great time to embark on a road trip. We recommend choosing the country-side to escape the crowds . If you are hitting the popular national parks like Banff (from Calgary or Edmonton), ensure you start early to beat the traffic rush.
• Winter – Driving in winters can be tricky. Ensure you follow provincial winter driving regulations. Also add additional travel time due to the road conditions, poor visibility, etc. on certain routes. 
• Spring and fall – These are off season months in Canada. Fall is our favorite time to visit as the weather is still warm, and attractions not too crowded. Spring is a tricky situation for visiting Parks, as many of the sightseeing spots may not be open. Finding accommodation in cities and small towns this time will be easy, minus fewer crowds.

Where to stay on a Canada road trip?

When you are road tripping in Canada, there are tons of options for accommodation.

• Hotels, Airbnbs & Lodges : You can book a hotel, Airbnb, lodge, or a cabin for your accommodation in Canada. Book them ahead of time, especially during peak seasons. 
• RV & Campervan : One of the popular ways to explore national parks in Canada is on a campervan or an RV, and save money on hotel accommodation. It is also a nicer alternative if you do not own a lot of camping gear, and planning to explore on the go. 
• Camping : If you are planning to camp overnight, ensure you reserve camp-sites when bookings open for the season. You do not need to reserve for day campsites (like picnics as part of your road trip), especially in provincial parks. 

Pin the spots on Google Maps

Use Google Maps plan and plot your road trip itinerary. And don’t forget to download offline maps on your phone, so that you can access that from the car. 

Important Driving Tips in Canada Highway & Parks

• Carry your driver’s license (Canadian, US or International).
• Must be at least 21 years of age to rent a vehicle.
• The most common cars on the road in Canada are left-hand drive vehicles, and cars are driven on the right side of the road.
• Canada uses kilometres and metres to measure the distance (unlike miles used in the USA)
• The typical speed limit in most provinces is 100 km/h (62 mph) or 110 km/h (68 mph). 
• When you are driving to national parks speed limits will differ, depending on major routes (90 km/hr max.) and secondary routes (60 km/hr max.)
• Gas/Mileage: 8.9 litres of gasoline per 100 kilometres (62 miles)
• Be mindful of wildlife corridors and posted wildlife signs along the highways

What to pack on a road trip in Canada?

Here is a list of items to pack for your road trip in Canada!

• Clothes & Comfortable shoes – Comfortable shoes are a must, they are helpful while you are behind the wheel or while taking rest stops
• Warm clothes (for winter) – While driving in Canadian winters, don’t forget warm clothing
• Hand warmers are great little items to keep inside the car
• Travel Mug – Coffee and tea lovers, pack your travel mug, and refill it on the go!
• Water bottle – Super important, carry your water bottle. Stay hydrated!
• Healthy snacks – LOVE this care package , and they are healthy snacks to carry on your road trip. Munch them if you are hungry, whilst feeling light!
• Medications
• Flashlight – Super handy if you are camping or even driving overnight
• Emergency car kit – An emergency car kit is essential should things happen on the road. You can create one from scratch or buy one pre-pack from Amazon . 
• Emergency first aid kit – Check the first aid kit inside the car (check for expiry dates). If you don’t have one, here is one that you can buy from Amazon.  
• Dashboard mount for phone or GPS – Use a dash mount to keep your phone or GPS for navigation. 
• GPS or navigation system – Don’t forget navigation systems or Google maps (offline) on your phone. Prepare it with your routes prior to your trip. It is also important to keep TomToms (or any navigation system) updated. 
• Charging cables – Unless your car has cable-free charging, it is important to pack one for your road trip. We do have wireless charging in our car, but it can only charge one at a time, so we also carry charging cables (to charge the second phone and to charge inside the hotel). Buy yours here
• Playlist – No road trip is complete without an amazing playlist.
• Cell-phone – Don’t forget your cell-phone. Stay connected with family, store the hotel or campsite contact information, plus roadside assistance number for emergencies. 
• Car freshener
• Road trip games – License plate, sing-along, card games (for kids)
• Travel insurance – Car insurance is essential, so is travel insurance if you are traveling from overseas. For the car, you can also secure insurance with the rental company when you pick up the vehicle. 

12 Canada Road Trip Itinerary Ideas

Canadian rockies road trip itinerary, alberta .

• Number of days – 10 to 14 days
• Route –  Edmonton – Jasper National Park – Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise – Banff National Park – Calgary  (Alberta) 

This Canadian Rockies itinerary will allow you to explore all the best of the mountains and cities in Alberta. It covers the capital city, the largest city in Alberta, two national parks in the Canadian Rockies (Jasper being is the largest one), visit the pretty Lake Louise, explore our provincial parks at Pembina, and also check out small Prairie (Edson, Entwhistle) and mountain towns (Banff, Jasper) in one single trip.

A fast paced version of this road trip itinerary can be done in 10 days. But 2 weeks will be perfect! 

Fly to Edmonton , pick up a rental car, and explore the capital city of Alberta. Visit the Legislature Grounds and the neighborhood of Strathcona. (If you have time on your hands, visit Elk Island National Park, located about 50 minutes away from the city, known for bison conservation and is a dark sky preserve). Spend one full day in Edmonton to experience the culinary and city centre delights, along with museums and art galleries. 

From Edmonton, drive to Jasper National Park (it takes 4 hours). Stop by the small Prairie towns of Edson, Entwhistle, or Pembina Provincial Park for a picnic. You will arrive in Jasper town by evening. Stay at the Pocahontas Cabin for the night. 

Spend 2-3 days in Jasper . Hit trails, Pyramid and Patricia lakes, Athabasca falls, soak in mountain views, eat, and visit a local brewery. 

From Jasper, head to Lake Louise, via the Icefields Parkway (with a quick stop at Sunwapta Falls). Non stop drive is 2.75 hours. You can also add Athabasca Glacier Adventure to your road trip itinerary and stay in Lake Louise for the night. 

Set aside 8-10 hours to explore Lake Louise , and then head to Banff in the evening (50 minute drive). 

Spend 3-4 days in Banff National Park . There are tons to see and do here, from lakes – Vermillion, Two Jack Lake, Minnewanke, to hiking trails , exploring Banff Avenue, Cave & Basin Site, Cascade Gardens, Minnewanka Lake Cruise, and Johnston Canyon.  Stay at Elk + Avenue Hotel .

After exploring Banff, head to Calgary, and spend one day or two. Explore downtown city highlights like the Calgary Tower, wander the Stephen Ave Walk, visit Calgary Fort, Heritage Village, etc. 

Drop off your car rental at Calgary International Airport, and fly back home!

Icefields Parkway, Alberta 

• Number of Days – It is possible to drive the Icefields Parkway in 2.5 hours if you don’t get out of your car, but it would be a travesty not to take your time to enjoy the sights along the way.
• Route – Lake Louise to Jasper in the province of Alberta passing through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.

One of the most famous road trips in Canada is the Icefields Parkway , which is a 230km (144 miles) journey through some of the country’s most magnificent landscapes. With vistas of mountains, valleys, glaciers, rocky cliffs, forests, and lakes, there is a lot to see along the way.

Take a tip and start early in the morning to avoid traffic, and you will enjoy the experience so much more if you are not rushed. The Icefields Parkway has so many incredible places that you will want to explore. 

Early morning is a good time to spot wildlife that usually make an appearance when you

least expect. When you’re driving, keep your eyes peeled for bears, deer, elk, moose and bighorn sheep. Depending on what you might see by the side of the road, you may need extra time to linger and take photographs.

On your first road trip along the Icefields Parkway, make sure you allow time to see Columbia

Icefield, which is some of the largest glaciers outside the Arctic Circle, or“fields of ice” straddle and are the largest south of the Arctic Circle. 

Another awe-inspiring attraction is the Glacier SkyWalk, where you can walk on a glass-floored platform 280 metres (918 feet) above the stunning Sunwapta Valley.

Besides glaciers, this Canadian road trip is also known for its beautiful lakes. The two most famous ones are Bow Lake, which is the best place to gaze at the Crowfoot Glacier, and Peyto Lake, which is a must-do to fill your Instagram stream with stunning photos. Also, visit Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls; both are places of natural beauty.

Stay at Mountaineer Lodge in Lake Louise or the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise .

By Christina from Travel2Next

Sea to Sky highway – Vancouver to Whistler

• Number of days – 2 days
• Route – Start in Vancouver, stop in Squamish to Whistler (British Columbia)

The Sea to Sky highway is one of the most scenic roads in Canada. Also known as Highway 99, the section that connects Vancouver to Whistler is known as the Sea to Sky . 

Although the total journey time from Vancouver to Whistler is just 2 hours, there’s plenty to see and do along the way as well as further afield. This road trip can be amended for families or adrenaline seekers. While it’s easy to drive from Vancouver to Whistler in a day, splitting it up into several days is recommended. 

After leaving Vancouver , one of the first points of interest in Whytecliff Park, this is somewhat of a hidden gem in Vancouver and a nice scenic spot to stretch the legs. When the tide is low you can walk across the rocks to Whytecliff Islet.

Your drive along the Sea to Sky highway will then bring you through the town of Lions Bay and Britannia Beach. Here is where you’ll find Porteau Cove Provincial Park and the Britannia Mine Museum, which is a great stop for families. 

Soon after Britannia Beach is the town of Squamish, many people bypass this town but it’s definitely worth a night’s stay at least. There are so many amazing restaurants here, some of our favourites include the Wigan Pier for fish & chips and Sonny Chibas for Mexican and fried chicken. 

There are also several craft breweries here that are worth checking out. Squamish is famous for its hiking and rock climbing. The Chief is a granite monolith that towers above the town and is a bucket-list hike in the area. If you aren’t feeling up to hiking, you can take a ride on the Sea to Sky Gondola. 

The town of Whistler is usually people’s main destination when taking this route. This mountain town is home to Whistler Blackcomb ski resort and bike park. There are tons of things to do for every season in Whistler. Although it’s famous for skiing, other activities include snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding and hiking and biking in the summer. 

Nita Lake Lodge is our favorite hotel in Whistler , it’s the only lakefront hotel in the resort town. It’s far enough away from the main village that you’ll get lots of peace and quiet here. 

There is plenty to see and do further afield too! Less people visit Pemberton and Lillooet but they are just as beautiful and the rest of Highway 99. Joffre Lakes is one of BC’s most beautiful hikes in BC. 

Seton Lake near Lillooet is one of our favourite places in all of Canada, and the short hike to the lookout is breathtaking! 

By Rachel from A City Girl Outside

Vancouver – Kelowna – Banff

• Number of days – 2+
• Route – Starting in Vancouver British Columbia to Kelowna, BC to Banff National Park, Alberta

While driving from Vancouver to Banff is technically possible in one day, a stop in Kelowna not only breaks up the trip, it’s also more scenic. The mountainous Highway 3 is the best way to get to Kelowna in terms of scenery.

In Kelowna , be sure to enjoy the waterfront parks, hiking in the hills outside of town, shopping around Bernard Ave, and wine tasting at local vineyards.  If staying overnight in Kelowna, treat yourself to The Royal Kelowna hotel for views of the water and proximity to downtown and the cultural district.

From there, you can take the spectacular drive through Glacier and Yoho to Banff on Highway 1. The biggest highlight on this leg is simply looking out your window!

Two points of interest along the way are quite close to each other: Three Valley Gap and the town of Revelstoke. Three Valley Gap is a big hotel on the shore of a large lake, visible from the highway. There is a bit of a ghost town to visit and just one restaurant, inside the hotel.

For more dining options and amenities, make your next stop 20 minutes down the highway, in the little town of Revelstoke. Whether it’s to stay the night or even just to grab a bite to eat, it’s a nice place to visit.

Next, you’ll pass through Glacier and Yoho National Parks , both of which are worthwhile places to visit for hiking, camping, scenic drives, and more.

Finally, saving the best for last, you’ll arrive in Banff National Park. Take the tram to scenic overlooks, hike to a tea house, admire the emerald Lake Louise, bike, look for wildlife, camp, or relax at an upscale inn. From Banff, you can take countless scenic drives to extend your road trip in different directions, like Yoho or Jasper National Parks. This is a true outdoor wonderland and worth staying for several nights.

By Michelle from Intentional Travelers

Nanaimo to Tofino, British Columbia

• Number of Days – 1
• Route – Nanaimo to Tofino, British Columbia

While not the longest by any means, driving from Nanaimo to Tofino on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island is one to add to your to-do list!

Tofino is still a hidden gem, even for many Canadians, and the stops along the way make it the perfect West Coast road trip.

There is only one main road that takes visitors from Nanaimo to Tofino (HWY BC4). While summer is traditionally Tofino’s high season, this rugged part of Canada sees storm watchers venture to the coast to watch the full power of the Pacific Ocean hitting land.

Along the 3 hour route, there are a few essential stops. Coombs is a little detour, but it’s popular market and goats on the roof are a delight for all visitors. 

Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is right along the route. You will literally drive through an amazing old growth forest right on the highway. If you stop at Cathedral Grove, you will find a small parking area and a trail that takes about 30 minutes to see some of the oldest trees in British Columbia.

Ucluelet is the last stop you should make, before the final stretch to Tofino.  Take the time to walk the Wild Pacific Loop. It is less than 30 minutes from Ucluelet to Tofino, you can always add this to a day trip activity while you stay in Tofino. 

The last stretch of drive will bring you past Pacific Rim National Park where the strong Pacific Ocean waves crash on the sandy beaches. There are plenty of places to stop along the way if you want to take a closer look. Tofino is home to stunning sandy beaches, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the waves and the sand.

Two of the best places to stay are Pacific Sands Beach Resort and Long Beach Lodge . Both offer beachfront accommodations and are perfect for couples and families. 

By Lindsay from Uncovering British Columbia

Dawson City (Yukon) to Tuktoyaktuk (North West Territories) 

• Number of days – Minimum 3 days one way
• Route – Dawson City (Yukon) to Tuktoyaktuk (North West Territories) 

Starting in the historic Klondike Gold Rush town of Dawson City and ending on the edge of the Arctic Ocean, this Canadian road trip is a must do for adventurous travelers. The main part of the route (737km of 875km total) follows the Dempster Highway , a legendary rough dirt road traversing tundra and limitless wilderness. 

The Dempster is the only road in Canada to cross the Arctic Circle. Consequently, travelers who visit in summer will be accompanied by the Midnight Sun (24 hours of daylight). The long days allow for endless exploration. It’s disorienting yet exhilarating and ensures this road trip experience to be like no other in Canada! 

Tombstone Territorial Park, located around 110km from Dawson City, is a real highlight. Here, the expansive landscape is backdropped by impossibly jagged mountain peaks. Be sure to stop at the interpretive centre before heading out onto one of the established hiking trails. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the local residents, including grizzly bears, moose, caribou, porcupine and black foxes. 

Epic as this road trip may be, there is some caution needed. This is a truly wild area, with almost zero phone signal along the entire route. The elevated dirt road is rough in places and can become very slippery after rain. A good spare tire is absolutely essential as is a puncture repair kit, air compressor and jack. Most importantly, the drive should not be rushed. 

Facilities are few and far between (all part of the adventure!) but one of the most convenient places to stop on this road trip is Eagle Plains. 

There is a campground, hotel, gas station, and restaurant here. Inuvik has the biggest choice of services and places to stay, with the Arctic Chalet being a top choice. While in town, be sure to check out the Igloo Church and Community Greenhouse (built in an old ice rink), 

Tuktoyaktuk is your final destination; a place where you can dip your toes in the freezing Arctic Ocean and reflect on your incredible journey through Canada’s northern wilderness!

By Gemma from Off Track Travel

Saskatchewan Road Trip 

• Number of Days – 5-6 
• Route : Regina to Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park (Centre Block) 

Saskatchewan often isn’t the first place that comes to mind when planning a Canada road trip . Most people head straight to the Rocky Mountains, Vancouver Island, or Niagara Falls. While these destinations are all very much worth a visit, so is Saskatchewan!  

This underrated Canadian province features two beautiful National Parks, several Provincial Parks, cute little towns and rolling hills covered in rippling grain as far as the eye can see. If that’s not enough, Saskatoon and Regina are two lively cities with a relaxed vibe, plenty of restaurants and lots of worthwhile sights. Plenty of reasons for a Saskatchewan road trip ! 

Start your road trip in Canada by exploring Regina, the capital city of Saskatchewan. Spend two days here and visit the Provincial Legislative Building, stroll around Wascana Lake, and learn about history in the Royal Saskatchewan Museum. A nice place to stay is the Ramada by Wyndham (Emerald Park). 

Hop in your car and drive to Grasslands National Park (West Block) in approximately 3.5hours. This National Park is a great place to see rare native wildlife such as the bison as well as an excellent stargazing location as there is very little light pollution. Hike the 70 Mile Butte Trail and take one of t 

After spending a day (or if time allows, two days) in Grasslands National Park, drive to Eastend and visit the T-Rex Discovery Center to marvel at one of the few T-rex skeletons ever found. Continue your road trip and drive to Cypress Hills Provincial Park.  

This Provincial Park is perfect for swimming, camping, and hiking. A must-do is visiting Bald Butte and Lookout Point. The views from both viewpoints are breathtaking, you can see for miles and will really come to appreciate the vastness of Saskatchewan.  

By Lotte from Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog 

Road Trip from Saskatoon (Saskatchewan) to Winnipeg (Manitoba)

• Route – Saskatoon – Yorkton – Langenburg – Russell – Portage La Prairie – Winnipeg

Saskatoon to Winnipeg takes about 8 hours 10 mins by car if you drive non-stop. Both cities are located in two Prairie provinces of Canada. Start from Saskatoon Saskatchewan, and pretty much along the way you will find small Prairie towns, mom & pop shops, cute barns, and farms.

Saskatoon is nicknamed as the ‘Paris of the Prairies’, due to the many bridges found here. From Saskatoon, make way for Yorkton (in about 3.50 hours). Yorkton also has a Western Development Museum, just like Saskatoon which is worth visiting. 

If you wish to stretch your legs, head to the York Lake Regional Park for a quick stroll. From Yorkton, arrive at Langenburg, and this is where you can break for lunch. 

Up next on the road trip is Russell, located about 15 km (9 miles) from the Saskatchewan border. The town is known for the Manitoba’s Beef and Barley Festival, which is held annually in October. 

From Russell, the next stop is Portage La Prairie (in 3 hours). In case you didn’t know the Prairies are home to the some of ‘world’s largest’ like Tomahawk (Cutknife, SK) or Easter Egg/Pysanka (Vegreville Alberta). So Portage La Prairie has the world’s Largest Coca-Cola Can. Don’t forget to stop by, and snap a few photos!

From here, Winnipeg is another hour’s drive. Spend 2 days in Winnipeg, exploring some of the iconic attractions like the pedestrian Esplanade Riel Bridge, named after the 1848 revolutionary Louis Riel. 

Wander the French part of Winnipeg – St Boniface. Eat out, and hang out at the city centre. The Forks is a must visit in the city. This site is a National Historic Site of Canada. 

Assiniboine Park also deserves a place in your itinerary. It is a beautiful park with tons of walking trails, river views, and more. Finally, visit the Royal Canadian Mint, and go on a guided tour to learn about coins, and maybe take some home with you!

East Coast City Delights – Toronto – Montreal – Quebec City

• Number of days – 3 days + 
• Route – Toronto – Montreal – Quebec City

This classic road trip starts in Toronto and travels through Eastern Ontario, Quebec, and New Brunswick, before ending in Halifax, NS. From start to finish, this road trip will take about 18 hours of straight driving. 

You could do it all at once, but you’d miss out on so many fantastic places! Instead, we’d recommend stopping a few times along the way, making this road trip into a 3 to the 5-day trip, and taking the time to explore a few places along the way. We will cover Toronto to Quebec City, as one road trip, followed up by Quebec City to Halifax (and of course you can combine both).

Beginning in Toronto, follow Hwy 401 east from Toronto until you reach the border of Quebec and it becomes Autoroute 20. Stay overnight in Montreal – the Old Town is much more scenic, but the downtown section has more dining options. Alternatively, you can pass through Montreal and continue another 2.5 hours to Quebec City.

On day 2, drive Hwy 40 along the north shore of the St. Lawrence, or 20E/TransCanada via the south shore. Either way the drive is close to 3 hours. Arrive in Quebec City mid afternoon, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore the Old Town, marvel at the Chateau Frontenac and soak up the European feel of the city. 

There are plenty of hotels to choose from – you can splurge on a stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac or choose more moderate options like the Quebec City Marriott Downtown .  

By Erin from Three is Us

Quebec City to Gaspésie

• Number of days – 5 – 7 days  (return)
• Route – Quebec City – Forillon National Park – Gaspe – Perce Village – Matapedia – Quebec City

One of the epic Canadian road trips is the one around Gaspesie . Gaspesie is a peninsula in the province of Quebec. It’s a loop route that starts in Quebec City and also ends there. You’ll need about 5-7 days to get the most of the area.

Set out from Quebec City early in the morning and take the QC- 132 road towards the east. Enjoy the ride along the picturesque coast, make frequent stops at viewpoints. In the evening you should reach Forillon National Park where you stay overnight.

Spend the next day hiking in the park. There are many trails to choose from, so pick the ones suitable for your level of fitness. The park administration will provide you with a map. Move to the town of Gaspe, where you’ll spend the night and the next day exploring local sights and museums such as Haldimand Beach, Gaspesie Museum, and Micmac Museum.

The next stop is in Perce Village where you can catch a boat to Bonaventure Island which is the main local attraction. This small uninhabited island is home to the largest Atlantic seabird colony in North America. After hiking on the island, check out Perce Village and try some local food and beer.

From this point, the road trip will return to Quebec City, but around the southern shore. The south offers amazing viewpoints, several lighthouses, Micmac village, and a beautiful Philomene Waterfall. The one-stop you shouldn’t miss is the Miguasha National Park that is also a UNESCO World site for its valuable fossil site and museum.

In Matapedia, take the QC-132 towards the north. Before you reach Quebec City, the sights worth seeing are Pointe-au-Pere Lighthouse and Jardin de Metis Botanical Garden. Do stop in one of the local ‘fromagerie’ to buy some delicious cheese sorts.

By Slavka from On2Continents

Quebec City – Fredericton to Moncton, via Hopewell Rocks to Halifax

• Number of days – 4 days + 
• Route – Quebec City – Fredericton to Moncton, via Hopewell Rocks – 251km,  Moncton to Halifax – 260km

You can start this road trip from Toronto , and follow the itinerary above to stop in Montreal and Quebec City. From Quebec City, follow the TransCanada Hwy north along the St. Lawrence River to Rivière-du-Loup, then head south-east to New Brunswick. 

*Note* As you cross the border into New Brunswick, the time changes and clocks go back an hour. 

Although there isn’t much to see in Edmundston, if you prefer a shorter drive today or just in need of a rest and stretch break, it is a good stopping point around 3 hours from Quebec City. 

If you prefer to keep on driving, Fredericton is another 3 hours south. Along the way, be sure to stop for a quick visit to Grand Falls about 45 minutes south of Edmunston and farther south, the Covered Bridge in Hartland. Continue on to Fredericton where you’ll stay the night.   

Continue your drive through New Brunswick and be sure to take a slight detour off of the Trans Canada Highway south to the Hopewell Rocks.

Just an hour south of Moncton, the Hopewell Rocks are a remarkable place to experience the highest tides in the world! Happening twice a day, be sure to check the tide tables to be aware of high and low tides. 

The final stretch of this road trip heads into Nova Scotia. After crossing the border, it’s about 2 hours to Halifax. **There is a toll on this portion of the highway. It’s approximately $4 CAD. 

An hour after the border lies the town of Truro, which is a good spot to stop, have a rest and if the timing is right, to watch the twice daily tidal bore. If you’re adventurous, try Tidal Bore Rafting on the Shubenacadie River, close to Truro. 

Another hour’s drive and you’re in Halifax –  stay here for a few days in Halifax, and enjoy the East Coast. While you’re in Halifax, be sure to visit Peggy’s Cove, Lunenburg, Halifax Waterfront, and Dartmouth.

There are many hotels to choose from, whether you’re looking for something close to the waterfront (which are more expensive) or something a little further away. Clayton Park, just off Hwy 102 is a good option, with hotels such as Coastal Inns and Future Inns – both highly recommended from our family!

Maritimes Magic: Fundy Coastal drive from Campobello Island (NB) to the Confederation Bridge (PEI) 

• Number of days – 5 days
• Route – New Brunswick and the Fundy Coastal drive from Campobello Island to the Confederation Bridge at Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Coastal New Brunswick and the Fundy Coastal drive from Campobello Island to the Confederation Bridge at Prince Edward Island makes for a scenic and less traveled area of Canada. In five days, you can cover the highlights in the Maritimes , along with the iconic Hopewell Rocks.

Start from Campobello Island, the only International Park in the world and summer home of the U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt. 

On day 2 head to Saint Andrews. An old fishing village, on the Bay of Fundy, where the most dramatic tides in the world shift daily, Saint Andrews has lots of restaurants and cute shops. It is also a great take-off spot for whale watching and kayaking trips. Don’t miss the Huntsman Marine Science Center and Kingsbrae Gardens.

On day 3 and 4, drive to Saint John and explore the city. Stay at the St. John Hotel & Suites . A must-see is The Reversing Falls, where the Bay of Fundy tides overtake the flow of the Saint John River, a UNESCO GeoPark. Then, make the quick 3-minute drive to Carleton Martello Tower located high on a hill overlooking the Bay of Fundy.

The New Brunswick Museum is a great way to get some history on the area with exhibits on the region’s lumber, shipbuilding, farming industries.

City Market of Saint John is a vibrant and bustling market with stalls of fresh produce, meat, seafood, even local art and souvenirs, and restaurants. 

Another must-see destination, Hopewell Rocks is a unique landscape, where you can walk along the ocean floor and see the towering sandstone sculptures with trees on top thanks to the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides

From there, you can continue winding along the Bay of Fundy Highway to 15E. Crossing the Confederation Bridge is an adventure in and of itself — it is the longest bridge (8 mi/12.9 KM) that crosses ice-covered waters in the world.

By Lori from Maps, Memories and Motherhood

Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Cabot Trail East Coastal Drive

• Number of days – 3+ days
• Route – Halifax – Cape Breton Island along the Cabot Trail

The Cabot Trail is a scenic driving route on the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia. Cape Breton is the largest island, and is home to 14% of the population. 

Cabot Trail offers one of the best scenic views along Canada’s Atlantic Coast. Cabot Trail is over 300 km, and can be easily completed in one day. However, we recommend stopping along the way to make the most of your trip, including exploring the great outdoors of Cape Breton Highlands National Park and soaking in the views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. 

You can start from Halifax (fly there), and then head towards the Cabot Trail (3.50 hours).  Do make a stop at the Highland Village. This village has re-created the life of Gaelic settlers in Cape Breton and is beautifully set on the Bras d’Or lake. 

Set a day aside for Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Camp, picnic or go on a hike. Check out the Cape Breton Highlands Lookout, and capture sunset on Skyline Trail Hike. 

Whale watching is popular here, so seafood including lobster treats! Being a coastal drive, do stop at the Margaree Harbour or Enragee Point Lighthouse. 

Final Thoughts on Road Trips in Canada

You see, it is impossible to squeeze everything in Canada on a single trip (be it week or 2 weeks long). But you can always come back, and check off these wonderful road trips from your Canada bucket list. 

Pick one that speaks to you the most – mountains, cities or culture, or food – pick your car rental (check gas, your licences, insurance) – and let’s go!

Where will you head to first? 

Pin: 12 Canada Road Trips to take this year: Explore Canada by road trips

Mayuri Kashyap is an Indian Canadian traveler, writer and photographer based in Alberta. She moved to Toronto as a student in 2009, and has been calling Canada home ever since. She started the blog - Canada Crossroads - to share her travel and living experiences in the Great White North!

A History graduate and an MBA, Mayuri is a destinations marketing expert. She loves traveling with her husband, Salil and soaking in experiences across Canada, India and Europe.

Similar Posts

17 Best Day Trips from Edmonton (by an Edmontonian)

Looking for the best day trips from Edmonton? We’ve got you covered. As an Edmonton local who has called this vibrant city home for more than nine years, we’ve come to cherish the opportunity to escape the daily grind through the myriad of destinations accessible right from our doorstep.  Edmonton’s position in Alberta offers a…

10+ Best Charlottetown Coffee Shops

Welcome to Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island! From cozy cafes serving up freshly roasted coffees and teas, to warm breakfast spots offering delicious dishes and snacks, these are the best Charlottetown coffee shops to hang out in!   The bustling city of Charlottetown is not only known for its lobsters and seafood but…

32 Best Things to Do in Golden BC (2024 Guide)

As you drive into this gorgeous historic town you’ll get the undeniable feeling that there’s something special about this place. It won’t be long before you realize that this is an outdoor adventurer’s paradise and that there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Golden BC!  Nestled between the Rocky and Purcell mountains, this…

Jasper to Lake Louise via Icefields Parkway Drive

Icefields Parkway Drive is one of the most scenic drives in the world. The route connects many of the stunning destinations in the Canadian Rockies, making it a bucket list road trip from Jasper to Lake Louise and Banff National Park.  We have driven this route from Banff and Lake Louise to Jasper, and vice…

15 Fun Things to do in Saskatoon in Winter

Heading to Saskatoon in the winter? Be ready to embrace the cold and white landscapes in style, and enjoy snowshoeing, skiing, and a host of winter festivals in the largest city of Saskatchewan. We lived here for over 4.50 years and have compiled the best things to do in Saskatoon in winter, with our packing…

One Day in Calgary Itinerary and Guide

Looking for the perfect one day in Calgary itinerary? We’ve got you covered! Calgary is a vibrant city located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It has been our hangout spot for a few years now (since 2011, actually). In this post, we share our favorite places in Calgary, plus hotel and travel tips. One…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The driving time from Toronto, Ontario to Jasper, Alberta is:

36 hours, 26 minutes.

Average driving speed: 65.3 mph Kilometers per hour: 105.1 km/h This is based on typical traffic conditions for this route.

• Toronto to Jasper drive
• trips from Toronto to Jasper

Change your driving speed:

mph     km/h    

Map of driving directions from Toronto, Canada to Jasper, Canada

View a map with driving directions using your preferred map provider: Google Maps , Bing Maps , or MapQuest . You can use DriveDistance.com to find out how far is it to drive from Toronto to Jasper with full directions.

More trip calculations

• Driving Distance
• Cost To Drive
• Reverse Driving Time
• Places To Stop
• Hotels near Jasper, Canada
• Flight Duration
• Distance To Fly
• airports near Jasper, Canada
• airlines flying to Jasper, Canada
• Direct Flight
• Time Zone Change

Driving time from Toronto, Canada to Jasper, Canada

How long is the drive from Toronto, Canada to Jasper, Canada? The total driving time is 36 hours, 26 minutes .

Your trip begins in Toronto, Canada. It ends in Jasper, Canada.

If you're planning a road trip, you might be interested in seeing the total driving distance from Toronto, Canada to Jasper, Canada .

You can also calculate the cost to drive from Toronto, Canada to Jasper, Canada based on current local gas prices and an estimate of your car's best gas mileage.

If you're meeting a friend, you might be interested in finding the city that is halfway between Toronto, Canada and Jasper, Canada .

Planning to fly a plane instead? You might be more interested in calculating the flight time from Toronto, Canada to Jasper, Canada.

Toronto, Ontario

Related links.

• airlines serving Toronto, Canada
• hotels near Toronto, Canada
• airports near Toronto, Canada
• cities near Toronto, Canada

Jasper, Alberta

• hotels near Jasper, Canada
• cities near Jasper, Canada

Driving time calculator

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

Home  ·  About  ·  Terms  ·  Privacy

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Driving from Toronto to Jasper - US route - Road Trips Forum

• Tripadvisor Forums    
• Road Trips Forums

Driving from Toronto to Jasper - US route

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Road Trips forum

I was reading another forum post about driving from Toronto to Edmonton and I'm wondering is about the route through the US... Has anyone done this? Would I face issues at the border with a car full of stuff and a dog? (I believe I would need proof of updated vaccinations for her).

I have done the drive from Toronto to Edmonton, ironically in January (the same time I am considering the drive to Jasper) and faced some crazy weather in Northern Ontario. Was stuck due to a road closure for over 6 hours with absolutely nothing around! A tractor trailer went over an edge...eeks! I'd rather not do that drive again, especially alone.

Advice about the US route would be appreciated :)

Can't help on issues at the border and have not done this drive in winter but it's app 2500 miles if you take the route via Chicago, Minneapolis, Fargo and Regina to Jasper and imo in winter this can be as bad as the route through Canada. Hope local experts can help you.

Would driving in the US be more "weather friendly" in January with the snow? I'm thinking I-90 up to Montana, then north on the I-15 to Calgary. I've done the crossing there, but not with a pet. I've done I-15 in winter and it was a breeze.

Even though the major roads are cleared I thought driving a little bit south may be better. But who knows. It can rain in summer! Good luck.

I will definitely look into the I-90, I-15...thanks!

Hi mangojunkie;

Something to consider.

Best Regards

Simply a matter of chance, but I don't really think the weather is guaranteed to be any better across the United States. Might be a bit warmer but I'd say your chances of hitting a blizzard are about the same. Through South Dakota, Wyoming, and some of Montana I-90 goes through some very open, lightly populated country. Occasionally, the road does get shut down due to weather conditions. Making two border crossings and going through Chicago for me wouldn't be worth it. Then again, I haven't driven the route through Canada in the middle of winter.

Thanks everyone :)

I'm still undecided...we have been lucky so far in this part for weather, but that could all change the first week of Jan....totally my luck!

I actually think the trickiest part may be the drive from Calgary or Edmonton to Jasper...

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Best way to get from myrtle beach from toronto 5:22 pm
• Did you know discovercars.com is a scam? 5:08 pm
• 3 weeks with my GF - San Francisco to Las Vegas in September 4:25 pm
• AAA membership worth it ? 4:13 pm
• Florida to Plymouth Indiana 4:11 pm
• Cincinnati to the East coast - route ideas please? 3:59 pm
• Salt Lake City to Denver 2:23 pm
• Niagara Falls-dc-NYC yesterday
• Help me choose a road trip itinarary please! yesterday
• Blue Ridge Parkway Suggestions yesterday
• Seattle to Dallas Road Trip This Summer in 4 Days - Help! yesterday
• Utah/Arizona Nat'l Park Road Trip- how's my itinerary? Apr 21, 2024
• Deep south road trip recs for stops, sights, dining Apr 21, 2024
• Getting to Greenwich, London. Apr 21, 2024
• Planning a road trip
• Tips for driving in the USA
• Tips for foreigners: Renting or buying a vehicle in the USA?
• Suggestions for a South West USA road trip
• Suggestions for an East Coast USA Road Trip
• Suggestions for a West Coast USA Road Trip
• Suggestions for a 'Deep South' road trip
• What are safety concerns and precautions when experiencing nature in North America?
• What should I pack for a road trip in the USA.?
• Do I need to book hotels ahead or can I book hotels as I travel?
• Should I rent an RV to save money on a road trip?
• Route 66 - how long do I need and where should I stop?
• Planning a road trip- lodging in the national parks
• Thinking of a long, family road trip in the west? Read this trip report for ideas
• Road trip ideas from Memphis down thru MS to New Orleans
• ***Visiting Canada From the USA***
• Cannabis - Entering Canada
• Campervan Tips for a Road Trip

12 Best Stops for a Banff to Jasper Road Trip

By: Author Jessica Lam

Posted on Published: December 1, 2021  - Last updated: September 20, 2023

Categories Banff

Doing a Banff to Jasper road trip and looking for the best stops to make along the way?

The Canadian Rockies are an absolutely incredible sight to see, and it’s one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Here are some of the best stops to make on your Banff to Jasper road trip!

Be sure to also follow me on Instagram and TikTok – I share a lot more content on those platforms that don’t make it to the blog!

Plan your Banff trip

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Banff , you might enjoy these posts:

• Planning your itinerary? Peep out my 4-day itinerary or 6-day itinerary in Banff & Jasper .
• Searching for places to eat? Stop by the best restaurants or cafés in Banff .
• Visiting during winter? Here are the best winter activities in Banff or the perfect Banff winter itinerary .

Tours & activities in Banff and Jasper

Looking for actual tours and activities to add to your Banff & Jasper itinerary? You might enjoy these ones:

• Horseback riding adventure in Banff : Explore the Rocky Mountains by horseback on this 2-hour guided tour.
• Banff Gondola : Head up to Sulphur Mountain and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
• Athabasca Glacier day trip : Spend the day gazing at glaciers in all their wonder.
• Full-day Banff tour : Experience the best of Banff with travel from Calgary or Banff.

Tips for your Banff to Jasper road trip

Plan your banff to jasper road trip ahead of time.

If you visit Banff and Jasper during summer, it’ll be extremely busy, and if you visit during winter, some attractions and sights will be closed.

So it’s important to be prepared and plan your Banff to Jasper road trip ahead of time to make the most of it!

Here are a few fun tours and activities that are available in Banff and Jasper:

• Head up the Banff Gondola and enjoy the mountain views
• Try horseback riding during summer or go on this scenic horse-drawn sleigh ride during winter in Banff
• Raft through the Sunwapta River or the Athabasca Canyon in Jasper
• Go on the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure or head up the Jasper SkyTram

I’ve also got a blog post all about how to plan a travel itinerary if you’re interested!

If you’re traveling from afar, I’ve got a post on how to survive long-haul flights .

Rent a car for your Banff to Jasper road trip

If you’re doing a Banff to Jasper road trip, you’re probably renting a car, which is definitely the best way to see the Canadian Rockies.

By having your own vehicle, you can stop along any stops you come across, and spend as much time as you want in each attraction.

Expedia is my go-to website for booking car rentals because you can collect points towards discounts and free rewards!

I’ve got a blog post all about road trip tips if you’re interested, as well as comfy road trip outfits you can wear.

If you do decide to visit Banff without a car, you can get a hop-on and hop-off bus ticket that takes you to a bunch of hotspots in Banff.

Download music or podcasts

Because of all the mountains, most of the Icefields Parkway has absolutely no service.

So, you’ll want to download music or podcasts to listen to on the drive!

If you’re looking for new podcasts to listen to, check out my fave road trip podcasts .

Where to stay in Banff

Hotels in Banff, AB

Hotels are a bit pricier in Banff and Lake Louise and can set you back $200-$400 CAD a night, especially during the summer months.

If it’s within your budget, the ease of getting around without having to drive too far is worth it!

• Lake Louise Inn is a cozy 3-star hotel located right around the corner from the incredible Lake Louise.
• The Moose Hotel and Suites is a beautiful 3-star hotel right in the heart of Banff that serves up all of the cottage feels.
• Fairmont Banff Springs is a historic and luxury 4-star hotel located right in Banff, and it’s perfect for honeymoons.

Hotels in Canmore, AB

Hotels in Canmore are slightly cheaper, and it’s less than a 30 minute drive to Banff.

• Basecamp Resorts Canmore is an amazing and modern 2-star condo building right in the heart of Canmore. It’s got a rooftop spa tub and laundry facilities, and there’s even free parking.
• Basecamp Lodge Canmore is another nice property by Basecamp Resorts that serves up all the lodge feels.

Hotels in Golden, BC

If you’re on a tight budget, you can opt to stay in a hotel or Airbnb in Golden, which is about a 1.5-2 hour drive from Banff one-way.

We’ve done so ourselves twice, and honestly would not recommend it because of all the driving time.

Of course, we were trying to keep it as budget-friendly as possible back then, but now we prefer to spend a little more to drive a little less.

Best stops on your Banff to Jasper road trip

• Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon is an extremely popular and relatively easy hike in Banff , and you’ll see plenty of families and kids on the trail.

It’s a very safe trail with plenty of fencing, and you’ll get to see both the Lower and Upper Falls with plenty of gorgeous views along the canyon.

There are quite a few inclines, so put on a good pair of running or hiking shoes and get your leg workout on!

Some parts of the Johnston Canyon trail are extremely narrow, which makes it kinda difficult to social distance if you’re nervous about that.

Once you get to the Upper Falls, you have the option of turning back, or making your way over to the Ink Pots trail.

If you have the time (and physical energy), I would highly recommend doing the Ink Pots hike.

I believe the Johnston Canyon hike is around 2 hours roundtrip, and adding the Ink Pots hike makes it about 3.5 hours roundtrip (for someone relatively active).

Please remember to exercise caution and keep yourself safe on any hikes you do in Banff – accidents can happen!

LOCATION: Bow Valley Pkwy, AB

• Moraine Lake

When you see Moraine Lake in person, you won’t even believe it’s real – that’s how marvellous it is.

It’s quite an uphill walk to get to the top of the rocks, but it’s so worth it for the epic views.

Many people arrive for 5 AM to catch the sunrise over the mountain peaks, so it’s extremely difficult to get any early morning parking.

Your best bet is to arrive around 7-8 AM when the early morning folks leave, or around 12 PM when people are heading off to lunch.

Also be aware that the road to Moraine Lake is only open during the summer months!

If you’re up for a hike, the Consolation Lakes trailhead starts at Moraine Lake – it’s a nice 2-3 hour hike, but the views aren’t anything too crazy.

LOCATION: 622 Moraine Lake Rd, Field, AB

• Lake Louise

Visitors come from all over the world to see the picturesque beauty of Lake Louise, with its crystal clear waters and mountain backdrop.

It’s lovely to go canoeing on during the spring and summer months, and it’s fun to go ice skating on it during the winter months!

Lake Louise is one of the few places in Banff with paid parking, and it’s $11.70 CAD for the day.

If you’re up for a hike, the Plain of the Six Glaciers hike is an epic trail that actually starts at Lake Louise (so you can get even more value out of the day parking fee).

It’s about a 4-6 hour hike depending on your physical abilities (it’s quite strenuous) and if you make a lunch stop at the Plain of the Six Glaciers Teahouse.

LOCATION: 111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB

• Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s actually the second tallest waterfall in Canada!

It’s also only about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot, which makes it a super easy and family-friendly spot to visit.

There are plenty of lovely viewpoints along the walk, and you can walk right up to the waterfall if you’re in the mood to get a lil’ rained on.

Takakkaw Falls is also located in Yoho National Park, which is in British Columbia, but right outside of Banff!

You’ll likely cross provinces once or twice during your Canadian Rockies trip between Alberta and BC.

The road to get to Takakkaw Falls is quite long and has a few switchbacks, so definitely take care while driving up to it.

Also, a fun fact: “takkakaw” means “wonderful” in Cree!

LOCATION: Yoho National Park, BC

• Emerald Lake

Another gorgeous lake in the Canadian Rockies is Emerald Lake, which is literally an emerald colour.

It’s a super popular spot for canoeing during the summer months, and it’s also located in Yoho National Park in BC!

While it’s definitely nice to do water activities here during the summer, I think Emerald Lake is even prettier during the winter.

LOCATION: 1 Emerald Lake Rd, Field, BC

• Mistaya Canyon

Mistaya Canyon is a really cool canyon with a river rushing right through it, and you can walk along the rocks lining the river.

Be super careful when walking along the rocks, because you can easily fall over the edge if you’re not careful!

It’s not a far walk from the parking lot, and you can expect to spend around 30 minutes to an hour exploring here.

LOCATION: Saskatchewan River Crossing, AB

Athabasca Glacier

The Athabasca Glacier is an epic spot in Jasper, but you really have to experience it through the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure .

You can walk a little bit around the bottom of the glacier for free, but the tour experience takes you right up the glacier to get the full experience.

It starts off at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, where you get transported via bus to the base of the mountain.

You then hop aboard the epic Ice Explorer, which takes you up the Athabasca Glacier.

After about 20-30 minutes of free time exploring the glacier, you get taken back down to the base and transported via bus to the SkyWalk.

The SkyWalk is an exhilarating experience that takes you along the side of a cliff while walking along a glass floor.

Once you’re done at the SkyWalk, you can take any of the shuttles back to the visitor centre, and they come every 15 minutes.

The whole experience takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on how long you choose to spend at the SkyWalk.

If you don’t want to do the whole experience, you can also just get tickets to the Glacier SkyWalk on its own.

LOCATION: AB-93, Jasper, AB

• Sunwapta Falls

Upper Sunwapta Falls is an incredible waterfall and one of my favourite spots in Jasper.

It’s a short walk from the parking lot, and you can peep it out from the bridge.

If you’re up for a little hike, you can also hike over to Lower Sunwapta Falls, which I think took us about an hour roundtrip.

There are plenty of viewpoints along the trail where you can see the rushing river.

You can also do a guided 4-hour rafting experience on the Sunwapta River if you really want to get your feet wet!

LOCATION: Alberta 93A, Jasper, AB

• Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls sits on top of the Upper Athabasca River, and it’s one of the most popular spots to visit on a Banff to Jasper road trip.

It’s much more of a touristy area with lots of viewpoints than an actual hike, and there are plenty of nice viewpoints along the way.

You can even walk down to the super clear water and dip your toes in on a hot summer day.

If you want to really experience Athabasca River in all its glory, you can do a family-friendly 3.5 hour rafting excursion through Athabasca Canyon , and you can choose between the morning or afternoon.

• Valley of the Five Lakes

If you’re looking for the perfect swimming spot in the Canadian Rockies, the Valley of the Five Lakes is it.

You can jump into most of the popular lakes in Banff and Jasper, but because they’re mostly glacier-fed, you’ll be freezing your booty off.

The nice thing about the Valley of the Five Lakes is that the beginning is actually a tough uphill hike (lol), so it’s well worth it when you finally dive into the cool waters.

There are 5 different lakes along the trail, and they’re all pretty much right next to each other.

We saw many families and young kids also hiking on the trail, and many people without actual hiking attire.

While you’ll be totally fine with just running shoes, hiking shoes always give you better traction, especially going uphill or downhill!

The Columbia Newton Hiking Shoes are my absolute favourite hiking shoes – they’re so comfortable and they give great support for your ankles and feet.

You can swim in all of the lakes, though the 5th lake has a dock and is the most popular to swim in.

Oh, and there are no change rooms, so you’ll either have to wear a swimsuit under your clothes or change in the woods like we did.

If you’re in need of a new bather, check out my posts on the best swimsuits on Amazon or the best Canadian swimwear brands (support local!)

LOCATION: Jasper, AB

Pyramid Island

Pyramid Island is a small forested island in Jasper with plenty of nice picnic spots.

The bridge to get to the island is one of the most Instagrammable photo opps in Jasper.

There are only 5 parking spots at Pyramid Island, so I’d highly recommend going as early as possible to ensure you get a spot.

• Maligne Canyon

Maligne Canyon is a pretty easy and family-friendly hike, and it’s mostly fenced around to make it safer for everyone to visit.

There are 6 different bridges you can see along the hike, but we decided to just see 5 of them when we visited.

The first 5 bridges are somewhat close to one another, but the 6th takes an extra hour or two to hike.

It takes about 2 to 3 hours to hike the whole thing, and you can start from either end of the trail!

If you’re visiting during winter , you can also do an epic Maligne Canyon Icewalk Tour , where you can see frozen waterfalls and ice caves.

Best stops on your Banff to Jasper road trip:

• Columbia Icefield
• Pyramid Lake

These were some of the best stops to make on your Banff to Jasper road trip, whether you’re visiting in summer or winter!

Have you been to the Canadian Rockies? What are the best stops to see on a Banff to Jasper road trip? Let me know on Twitter or Instagram !

Sharing is Caring

Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!

Matador Original Series

The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Road Trip, From Calgary to Banff to Jasper

T he drive from Banff to Jasper in the Canadian Rockies is considered to be one of the world’s most scenic road trips. It’s approximately 179 miles long, takes roughly 3.5 hours to drive without stops, and spans two highways: the TransCanada Highway and the Icefields Parkway. The best time to drive the Icefields Parkway is between May and early October. During the cold winter months, the double-lane highway, which runs along the Continental Divide, can be icy.

Jasper is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. (Banff is the second largest.) It’s known for its crystal blue lakes and pounding waterfalls, dramatic peaks and tundra, beautiful valleys, and majestic forests. Both Banff and Jasper are also home to fascinating wildlife. Along the drive, you’ll notice six wildlife overpasses. Banff National Park actually has 44 wildlife crossings in total — the rest being underpasses — qualifying it as the single location with the most wildlife crossing structures and highway enclosure fencing anywhere in the world.

A quieter town than Banff , Jasper also provides plenty of opportunities to see wildlife in your daily life. During a recent stay at the Forest Park Hotel, I saw elk grazing across the street near the railroad tracks every morning. While driving to different scenic attractions, keep an eye out for groups of two to three cars stopped along the side of the road. That usually means that wildlife is up ahead. You might see bighorn sheep walking right up to slow-moving cars, or you could spot a black bear or moose in an open field.

To make the most of your road trip, be sure to purchase a Pursuit Pass to save up to 40 percent on some of the most thrilling Banff and Jasper attractions. The pass provides a single “Book Your Visit Anytime” ticket available May through October. Passholders can soar up Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola, walk on the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, access the Columbia Icefield Adventure, and cruise on Maligne Lake.

But that’s not all you can do to have an epic road trip through this slice of the Canadian Rockies. Here’s how to plan an unforgettable Banff to Jasper road trip, starting and ending Calgary.

Rent a car in Calgary and spend the night in Banff

Photo: Janice Chen /Shutterstock

For many visitors, a Banff to Jasper road trip will begin at the Calgary International Airport. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Banff where you can stay overnight at the Elk + Avenue Hotel to break up the journey to Jasper. This will give you time the following day for activities, such as glacier-top explorations at the Columbia Icefield.

Walk on the Columbia Icefield

Photo: TrueOne /Shutterstock

The Columbia Icefield is the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains of North America. It’s located on the borders of Alberta and British Columbia, with its northern tip sitting in Banff and its southern tip sitting in Jasper. The Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre is located in between Banff and Jasper on the Icefields Parkway, roughly an hour south of Jasper. There, you can board a shuttle bus to ascend the ice field in a massive Ice Explorer vehicle on an official Columbia Icefield Adventure .

During the tour, you’ll learn about the surrounding six major interconnected valley snow-capped glaciers. Ice, water, and wind shaped the mountains and valleys over millions of years. A highlight of the tour is stepping out onto the hard packed ice. Be sure to come prepared and dress in layers — the glacial winds can be strong and cold all year long.

If you’d rather not spend the time (two to three hours) or money (rates vary depending on the time of year) on a formal tour, you can also opt for a short 10- to 20-minute Athabasca Glacier hike for some impressive views instead.

Grab lunch before heading to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Photo: Nigel Jarvis /Shutterstock

The casual Chalet restaurant inside the discovery center is ideal for a warm lunch and grab-and-go items before boarding another shuttle bus to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk . The shuttle bus leaves from the parking lot to transport you to the paved cliff-edge walkway.

Take in bird’s-eye views of enormous glaciers in the distance, as well as the aquamarine hues of the Athabasca and North Saskatchewan Rivers that originate in the Columbia Icefield. For even more excitement, walk on the glass-sided and -bottomed skywalk platform that cantilevers 918 feet above the canyon to see dense forests and flowing waterfalls crashing into rushing rivers below. The Columbia Icefield Skywalk is open from May to early October, weather permitting.

Explore the Athabasca River and falls

Photo: kavram /Shutterstock

About a 45-minute drive from the town of Jasper is Jasper National Park’s Athabasca Falls. This is one of the most beautiful and powerful falls in Canada. Spend around one hour walking along the paved pathways while visiting various viewing areas. The river plummets 79 feet down, tumbling over a layer of hard quartzite and soft limestone, carving a gorge over thousands of years. The spectacular blue colors range from dark blue to a spectacular light icy blue.

Check into the Forest Park Hotel

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Forest Park Hotel Jasper (@forestparkjasper)

With so much to see and do when you get to Jasper, you’ll want to stay in town for a couple of nights. The Forest Park Hotel offers guests the choice of two different hotel room experiences.

The recently built Alpine wing is fresh and clean, providing a contemporary, forest-inspired design. Each room has a kitchenette, spacious bathroom and sliding doors leading out to a small patio or balcony with forest views. The original Woodland wing is conveniently situated near the hotel’s restaurants, swimming pool, and meeting rooms.

Breakfast is popular on site at Walter’s Dining Room. Early risers can order from an a la carte menu or select the prix fixe hot and cold breakfast buffet. For dinner, Hearthstone Lounge features a menu filled with Rocky Mountain specialties, curated wines, and satisfying desserts.

Dine at Terra

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Terra Jasper (@terrajasper)

If you’re not planning on eating at Hearthstone Lounge, Terra is an excellent choice for your first dinner in town. Located inside The Crimson Hotel, Terra is a 10-minute walk from the Forest Park Hotel. Some of the restaurant’s most popular menu items are foraged or from local farms, including the wood-grilled Alberta ribeye dinner for two. This includes two side choices and is served with a foraged mushroom demi sauce. Another standout, the housemade game sausage platter is served with hickory sticks, pickles, and a juniper mustard.

Enjoy a Maligne Lake cruise

Photo: Delpixel /Shutterstock

The next morning, take in the beauty of the crystal clear blue waters of Maligne Lake by boat . Less than a 45-minute drive from the Forest Park Hotel, this popular lake is fed by the glaciers of Jasper National Park. Keep an eye out for moose, bear, and elk as the boat cruises along the scenic shores. When the boat docks, you’ll have 15 minutes to follow the designated pathway to the edge of the sacred Spirit Island. This island holds deep significance for the Indigenous Stoney Nation. Walking on the island is prohibited, but you can photograph the remaining small enclave of evergreens surrounded by pristine water. The natural beauty is reflected on the surface of the lake and is one of the most picturesque spots in the Canadian Rockies.

Do a beer tasting at the Jasper Brewing Company

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jasper Brewing Co. (@jasperbrewing)

In the center of town, three local best friends named Brett Ireland, Alexander Derksen, and Socrates Korogonas founded Jasper Brewing Company in 2005. Growing up in the food and beverage industry, they felt there was a strong demand for local dining and drinking experiences in Jasper. They decided to tell their “Albeerta” story by combining their love of craft beer to become Canada’s first national park brewery.

The brewpub has become a community hub for locals and visitors seeking well-crafted beer and Alberta-inspired cuisine. Try a flight of six beers, such as their Crisp Pils, tropical fruity Trail Session IPA, and coriander-flavored Jasper The Bear Ale, with a warm buttered pretzel, seared halloumi bowl, or rustic elk meatloaf if you’re hungry for lunch.

Hike around Pyramid Lake and have dinner at Aalto

Photo: Shawn.ccf /Shutterstock

Drive 10 minutes north of downtown Jasper and you’ll find yourself at scenic Pyramid Lake. Take a short hike along the pathway before sunset for stunning lake, forest, and mountain views. Walk back before dark to enjoy a scenic dinner at nearby Aalto . Chef Shane Rutledge’s inspiration for his menus are the shimmering waters of the lake and sky-scraping peaks towering above. Be sure to order the house rye bread with hay butter and British Columbia Gindara sable fish with rainbow seaweed and fermented barley. The sliced duck breast is served with roasted fennel and slightly sweet turnip-apple puree.

Stop by Lake Louise on your way back to Calgary

Photo: BGSmith /Shutterstock

The next morning, on your way back to Calgary International Airport, stop at Lake Louise for another sensational mountain and lake view. This hamlet in Banff National Park has the most unique turquoise colored water in its glacier-fed lake.

If you’d like to spend an extra night in the Canadian Rockies, the stately Fairmont Château Lake Louise Hotel has guest rooms and restaurants overlooking this beautiful setting. There’s a canoe dock for rowing on the lake in summer and an ice skating rink on the frozen lake in winter. Plush one- and two-bedroom suites have separate lounges; upgraded and club-level rooms and suites include free breakfast and canapes in the club lounge.

Visit the 1988 Winter Olympics site

Photo: Leonard Zhukovsky /Shutterstock

More like this

Trending now, this road trip expert’s free map of 429 national park sites will vastly improve your us travels, i'm a professional road tripper. here's what i never leave home without., 8 tips and tricks you need to know before driving on the left side of the road, you can now search hotels with ev chargers and local charging stations on google maps, a road trip to northern washington’s tulip county rivals holland’s famous blooms, discover matador, adventure travel, train travel, national parks, beaches and islands, ski and snow.

• How to Spend 3 Days in San Francisco
• 15 Best Stops on the Drive from Whistler to Banff
• 21 Unique Things to do in Whistler (2024 Guide)
• 10 cute towns you need to explore near San Francisco
• Budget Travel Tips
• Couple Travel Tips
• Long-Term Travel
• Thought-provoking
• Wedding Tips
• New Zealand
• Get in touch
• Privacy Policy

Best stops on the Drive from Whistler to Jasper

Two of my favorite places in Canada are Whistler in BC and Jasper in Alberta. In fact, one of my favorite things I’ve ever done during my 2 years  living in Whistler  was take a road trip from Whistler all the way to Jasper. This is one stunning drive and takes in popular tourist stops like Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway as well as lesser-known stops like Bow Lake and Athabasca Falls.

The drive from Whistler to Jasper is 740 km (460 miles) on the shortest route, this route takes 8.5 hours without stops.

But I actually recommend taking the longer 963 km route on the Trans-Canada highway which takes you via Lake Louise. This route takes 11 hours and 40 minutes without stops. In this blog post I will focus on the longer route via Lake Louise as it is so pretty and there’s so much to see!

Whether you take the short or long route I advise allowing a few days to see all the stops properly.

Taking a road trip is one of the  best things to do in Whistler  and the Whistler to Jasper route is easily one of the most scenic drives in the world. We also recently completed a  road trip from Banff to Jasper  and a road trip from Whistler to Banff and I must admit both were pretty epic too!

12 Best Stops on the Drive from Whistler to Jasper via Lake Louise

There are so many great places to stop between Whistler and Jasper and some are quick stops like Sicamous and others are require more time (or even a few nights). As I mentioned, the route I will describe in this blog post is the longer driving route via Lake Louise, which is 963 km (598 miles). I recommend allowing 4 full days for this road trip, spending the night in Kamloops, Revelstoke, and Lake Louise.

Keep in mind the weather when driving this route, as conditions can get pretty snowy and icy during the Winter months, especially around Revelstoke and Glacier National Park of Canada.

1. Pemberton

Just under a 30 minute drive from Whistler is the small town of Pemberton. It’s the perfect stop for a coffee at  Mt Currie on Arbutus Street , home to the best coffee in the Whistler area. If you’re hungry you can’t go wrong with the burgers at Mile One Eating House.

If you have time, one of the best things to do in Pemberton is to hike to Joffre Lakes – this hike can take up to 5 hours to complete. I would say it’s a medium level of difficulty as there are a couple of uphill sections – a reasonable level of fitness is required for this trail. But I promise the views along the way and the glacier-fed lakes (Gatorade blue in color) are well worth the long hike.

In Summer or on warmer days you can go swimming in any of the 3 lakes but be warned they are very cold – an average water temperature of 45 Fahrenheit (7 Celsius)!! The Joffre Lakes hike is super-popular, and the car parks fill up early, so get here early to secure a spot.

2. Kamloops

The city of Kamloops is a great place to spend the first night of your road trip from Whistler to Jasper. There’s awesome restaurants, craft breweries and wineries a-plenty.  Forno on 5th  has a Mediterranean inspired menu and is a lovely modern restaurant in downtown Kamloops. Whilst,  Bright Eye Brewing  and  Monte Creek Ranch Winery  are also worth a visit if you love beer and/or wine.

Pay a visit to Riverside Park for a walk in the evening there’s a sandy river beach, various walking trails and live music events some weekend evenings. If you’re travelling with kids a great place to take them is to the BC Wildlife Park. This is a zoo which homes native animals like grizzly bears and arctic wolves.

If you’re driving from Vancouver to Kamloops you may be interested in this  GPS-guided audio tour  that is sure to turn this scenic drive into into a sightseeing and trivia game adventure!

Fun fact –  Jurassic World 3 and Twilight Zone were both recently filmed in the Kamloops area.

Where to stay in Kamloops:

There are two hotels I highly recommend in Kamloops -The first one is where we stayed when we did this road trip – Best Western Plus a 3-star hotel with an indoor pool and hot tub and comfortable rooms which come with a flat screen TV and, microwave. Free WiFi is available throughout the property. Rooms here start from about $200 CAD per night.

Our second recommendation is the luxurious Delta Hotel by Marriott , which has an outdoor pool and airconditioned, spacious rooms. There’s also a gym, terrace area with lovely views and a 24-hour reception. A room here averages around $260 CAD per night.

3. Sicamous

The Sicamous area has over 1,000 km of coastline, so it’s no surprise that some of the best things to do here are water-related. Swim in the warm waters of Sicamous Beach Park or try kayaking, canoeing, or SUP paddle boarding, all popular activities here.

Treat yourself to homemade ice cream and artisan cheese at  D Dutchman Dairy. T his bright red building can’t be missed from the road and is very photogenic. We also loved  Blondies Cafe  for great coffee and yummy smoothie bowls.

Did you know –  Sicamous is known as the houseboat capital of Canada!

Where to stay in Sicamous:

Spend your first or second night of the road trip in Sicamous, I loved the  Pines Motel,  which is very reasonably priced. It’s a 3-star property which is decorated in a cabin-esque style and the rooms are cozy and come with air-con and a flat screen TV. There’s also a BBQ area and free private parking. A room here costs from $120 CAD per night.

4. Revelstoke mountain and town

‘Small town charm, big mountain adventure” is the motto here in Revelstoke. In the town there’s lots to do, think small museums, a brewery tour, an escape room and even axe-throwing.

Revelstoke Mountain is the mecca of alpine mountain biking and offers incredible lift-accessed biking. If you’re visiting in Winter – the mountain has 65 ski runs. Whilst, in the Summer you can enjoy the Pipe Mountain Coaster, the Aerial Adventure Park and of course the mountain biking as mentioned above. No matter the season, there’s a full day of activities at the Resort.

Another unique activity near Revelstoke town is the   Enchanted Forest   – the fairytale themed buildings are great for kids. It’s also home to BC’s tallest treehouse.

Where to stay in Revelstoke:

I advise spending the night in Revelstoke to break up your journey from Whistler to Banff nicely. I loved the Mount Revelstoke Alpine Chalets ! Each chalet comes with a balcony (overlooking the mountains), a fully equipped kitchenette and a seating area with a TV. Expect to pay around $119 CAD per night here.

5. Glacier National Park of Canada

Glacier National Park is an adventure junkies heaven. Climb up mountain peaks, camp next to a glacier-fed river, go hiking amongst the stunning scenery, and take a mountain bike ride on one of the trails. One of my favorite hikes in the park is the 7.2 km trail that takes you along the abandoned railway tracks of Canada’s first trans-continental railway.

You can even explore what’s left behind of the Glacier House hotel – Western Canada’s first luxury mountain resort. A series of avalanches starting in the year 1910 caused the railway line which passed the hotel to be moved, thus taking away their tourist traffic and so it eventually closed and was left to go to ruin!

Did you know –  the Glacier National Park is home to the world’s only inland cedar rainforest.

6. Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake is located in Yoho National Park, and it’s one of the most popular and photographed in the area. It’s the largest lake in the park and is surrounded by the President mountain range.

Located just a few kilometres off of the TransCanada highway. Emerald Lake gets its name because it looks emerald green on a sunny day it gets its unique color from the glacial waters which refract light.

The hike around the lake, clocking in at about an hour, is a great way to see the lake as well as the world-famous Burgess Shale fossil beds, the Michael glacier, and an avalanche slope carpeted by meadows where moose often graze. Other than moose you are likely to see bald eagles, ospreys and waterfowl around the lakes edge.

Canoe and rowboat rentals are available to rent here, as are cross-country skis and snowshoes in the winter. Fishing at Emerald Lake is also quite popular during the summer months.

7. Lake Louise

Lake Louise is world famous for its gatorade-blue waters and it attracts millions of visitors every year. The Victoria Glacier, the luxurious Fairmont Lake Louise hotel, and the incredible hiking trail and skiing on offer all add to its appeal.

Rent a canoe from the boat dock and see the lake from a different perspective. Worth noting is that Lake Louise is frozen over half the year, so, ice skating is a popular activity during the winter. You can also enjoy sleigh rides, ice climbing, skiing, and snowshoeing during these colder months.

Pop into   Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise  for lunch or spend the night here if you want to feel really fancy. Many of the rooms at this bucket-list-worthy property boast lake views. Just imagine waking up to that view in the morning!

In Lake Louise, you can book onto a  full-day hiking tour through the Canadian Rockies  taking in sights such as Victoria Glacier, hanging valleys and of course some epic viewpoints of Lake Louise itself.

8. Bow Lake

Bow Lake  is approximately 30 minutes north of Lake Louise, off the Icefields Parkway (Hwy 93) The lake sits at an elevation of 1,920 meters and spends most of the year locked away in ice. This makes it a popular spot for winter activities like snowshoeing and ski touring. During the summer, many tourists rent a canoe and take it out on the lake.

The Bow Lakeshore trail is a great family-friendly hike. If you’re looking to stretch your legs and enjoy the sublime nature along the shoreline, it’s the perfect stop and one of the easiest hikes in Banff. The trail is a nice mellow grade and gains no elevation. It does move over some large sections of roots, so a stroller would not work on the lakeshore trail.

9. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is famous for its turquoise blue glacier-fed waters. The brilliant display of blue is fed by the Peyto Glacier high above the lake and part of the Wapta Icefield.

It is located 50 km north of Lake Louise and is a popular stop on the drive from Whistler to Banff.

The viewpoint is one of the most spectacular in all of Banff National Park and a super popular spot for photographers. In my opinion, it’s as pretty as nearby Moraine Lake but without the crowds. The trail to the viewpoint starts at the far end of the car park. The hike up to Peyto Lake Lookout is short and sweet and takes around 10-15 minutes uphill.

10. Columbia Icefields

The Columbia Icefields is one of the most unique stops on the drive from Banff to Jasper, and it’s the largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies. You can join a walking tour that takes you right onto the Athabasca glacier! We chose to just visit the   Icefield Skywalk  as we were short on time. It’s a glass-floored lookout, which was a little scary, but it’s well worth it as, along the way, you learn about the story of the Icefields. You will also be treated to an epic view of the Sunwapta Valley.

If you’re hungry you can grab a bite to eat here – there’s a casual restaurants and a fancier option. Just time it right as they can both get very busy with tour groups.

IMPORTANT INFO –  To drive through the Icefields Parkway you need to purchase a daily pass which costs $10.50 per adult or $20 for a family of up to 7 people travelling in one vehicle. These daily passes expire at 4 pm the next day. To purchase your pass there are pass kiosks located at each end of the Icefields Parkway near Lake Louise and Jasper. They can also be purchased online at  Banff/Lake Louise Tourism .

11. Sunwapta Falls

Fed by the Athabasca Glacier, the Sunwapta Falls is a stunning place to stop. The falls are 18 meters tall. This site is good for a quick stop – the upper falls can be viewed from the car park if you’re short on time. You can go white-water rafting (imagine!), and there are many awesome hiking trails, two of the most popular being the hikes to the Lower and Upper Falls.

12. Athabasca Falls

The lovely Athabasca Waterfall stems from the Athabasca River and is 23-meters tall. There are a number of lookout points where you can see the power of the falls. The falls itself are not very high compared to others in the Canadian Rockies, but the size of the river makes these falls one of the most powerful in the country!

Jasper is one of my favorite towns in Canada, when I visited I could really imagine myself living there. Not only is it incredibly scenic, it’s the right mix of small town charm with lots of activities and great restaurants. Some of my favorite restaurants/Cafes in Jasper include  Famoso Neapolitan Pizzeria ;  Sunhouse Cafe  and  Evil Dave’s Grill .

Jasper National Park requires a pass to enter, it  costs $10.50 per adult and can be purchased from Parks Canada .

Jasper is home to the world’s second-largest dark sky preserve in the world. The annual  Jasper Dark Sky Festival  is held in October every year – it draws thousands of visitors and has had guest speakers from NASA as well as Hollywood celebrities in the past. Jasper has over 1,200 km of hiking trails, and some of the best in the area include Pyramid Lake and Maligne Canyon.

Another great thing to do in Jasper is to hop on the   Jasper SkyTram  – Canada’s highest and longest, guided aerial tramway up to the top of the 2,263-meter summit. Grab some food at the restaurant at the top, and enjoy views of Mount Robson (in the next state, B.C.). If you’re visiting Jasper in the Summer and you’re feeling adventurous then you must book onto the  two hour white water rafting tour on the Athabasca River . This is grade 2 rafting so expect to get wet!

Where to Stay in Jasper

• Fairmont Jasper Park  is a collection of luxurious log cabins located on the emerald-green Lac Beauvert. This is the ultimate bucket-list-worthy hotel in Jasper!
• Chateau Jasper  is a cozy hotel surrounded by the mountains of Jasper National Park and a 10 minute walk from the center of town.
• Jasper Inn and Suites  just off Highway is a cozy inn-style property with a pool and a sauna.
• Bear Hill Lodge   relaxed cabin-style accommodation (with fireplaces) surrounded by woodland.

Thanks for reading my blog!

It’s easy to see why a road trip from Whistler to Jasper is one of the best and most popular things to do in Canada. I mean, not only are there lots of amazing activities to enjoy but there are scenic mountain views, gatorade-blue lakes and the chance to spot unique wildlife.

Thanks so much for reading. I hope this guide has helped you plan the perfect road trip between Banff and Jasper! If you found this blog helpful, be sure to browse around some more! I have guides on  Canadian road trip tips ,  luxury vacation to Whistler  as well as  doing a ski season in Whistler   and so much more!!

PIN THIS for later!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Plan a Road Trip
• Plan a Flight
• Find an Airport
• Where to Stay
• All Questions

Jasper to Toronto drive

Jasper to toronto road trip planner.

Here's a sample itinerary for a drive from Jasper to Toronto. If you're planning a road trip to Toronto, you can research locations to stop along the way. Make sure you check road conditions to double check the weather. Traveling with a dog or cat? Find pet-friendly stops . Camping along the way? Search for RV campgrounds . Find the best hotels, restaurants, and attractions based on the most talked about places recommended by Trippy members.

10:00 am  start in Jasper drive for about 6.5 hours

day 1 driving ≈ 6.5 hours find more stops

10:00 am  leave from Springfield (Missouri) drive for about 3.5 hours

1:17 pm   Chesterfield (Missouri) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:17 pm drive for about 4.5 hours

day 2 driving ≈ 7.5 hours find more stops

9:00 am  leave from Bloomington (Indiana) drive for about 4.5 hours

1:28 pm   Toledo (Ohio) stay for about 1 hour and leave at 2:28 pm drive for about 3 hours

5:33 pm   Salford stay for about 1 hour and leave at 6:33 pm drive for about 1.5 hours

8:10 pm  arrive in Toronto stay at The Drake Hotel

day 3 driving ≈ 9 hours find more stops

Where should I stop along the way?

Springfield (Missouri)   (11 answers)     questions about Springfield (Missouri):         Can't miss restaurants in Springfield?         What town is about 500 miles west of Springfield MO on Interstate 40 Chesterfield (Missouri)   (3 answers) Bloomington (Indiana)   (5 answers)     questions about Bloomington (Indiana):         Where are the monks Toledo (Ohio)   (14 answers)     Toledo Zoo   (2 mentions)     questions about Toledo (Ohio):         Where's a fun place for breakfast in Toledo Ohio? Salford   (2 answers)

Where's the best place to stay in Toronto?

Are you going straight to a hotel, or looking for a vacation rental or Airbnb?

The best resource on neighborhoods, areas, and hotels is the Trippy page on where to stay in Toronto .

If you're looking for a quick answer, you can check out The Drake Hotel , which was mentioned 3 times on Trippy.

Here are some more hotels people talk about:

Want to research more popular hotels in Toronto? Click the blue button below.

Where's the best place to eat in Toronto?

Need some recommendations on somewhere to get food?

Trippy members suggest St. Lawrence Market , which was mentioned 11 times.

Here are some more restaurants people talk about:

Want to research more popular restaurants in Toronto? Click the blue button below.

What are some things to do in Toronto?

This section could be endless, so rather than trying to suggest every local activity or attraction, we'll leave it open-ended.

These are some of the places people talk about on Trippy:

Of course, Trippy is the perfect place to ask questions because there's an entire community of travelers talking to each other and sharing tips and advice. Trippy is where you can get answers personalized for your tastes, budgets, trip dates & more!

For example, here are some questions people have asked about Toronto. Click on any question to see answers from the community!

Click the button below to explore more questions and answers related to Toronto.

Do I really have to go back home?

Yes, even this step is optional, because if you're on vacation who wants the trip to end? It's okay, you can start planning your next trip!

Want to plan the trip back? Get the reverse directions for a Toronto to Jasper drive , or go to the main page to plan a new road trip .

You can also compare the travel time if you're flying or driving by calculating the distance from Jasper to Toronto . Or get a full Jasper to Toronto flight plan .

Don't forget about exploring your own hometown with a staycation. You can also find some cool day trips or get away for a weekend.

And if you know Jasper well, please help your fellow travelers and answer their questions about Jasper!

More info on this route:

road conditions from Jasper to Toronto

places to eat

alternate routes

Google driving directions