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Alberta & The Canadian Rockies - suggested route
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Flanking Alberta’s western border with their rugged peaks and ranges, the Canadian Rockies are home
to alpine meadows, emerald lakes, wild waterways, back country wilderness, and some of the most beautiful
roads in the world.
This short introduction to the glorious foothills and the world-renowned Rocky Mountains - with either
motorhome or car and hotels - will take about ten days. It can be extended (why not include Jasper and the
Icefield Parkway?), shortened or amended to suit your needs.
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DAY 1 - Calgary
Arrive into Calgary and overnight
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DAY 2 - Calgary to Drumheller
(75 miles)
Today you explore the Alberta Badlands and the world of the dinosaur. As you travel northeast from Calgary
towards Drumheller, the rich, rolling farmlands suddenly breakaway to reveal an astonishing, twisting, turning
canyon, walled with multi-coloured layers of sandstone, mudstone and coal alternating with shale sequences.
Plan to spend a few hours visiting the Royal Tyrell Museum, a world-class facility dedicated to the
study of Drumheller’s early residents, the dinosaurs. Amongst other attractions worth visiting in the area are
Horseshoe and Horsethief Canyons, Badlands Historical Center and the World’s Largest Dinosaur. Stay overnight
in the Badlands region.
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DAY 3 - Drumheller to Waterton National Park (218 miles)
Travel across the prairies bound for Pincher Creek – most noted for Kootenai Brown’s Pioneer Village. You could
also stop in Cardston to visit the Remington Carriage Museum which has the largest collection of horse-drawn
vehicles in North America. Continue south on Highway 6 to Waterton Lakes National Park,
full of charm and natural mountain splendour. We recommend you spend at least two nights here exploring the area.
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DAY 4 - Waterton National Park
Waterton Lakes National Park has a variety of activities! Immerse yourself in the peaceful serenity of the park.
Hiking trails are open year-round, offering a unique experience, breath taking scenery, and a variety of
flora, fauna and wildlife. Waterton offers a huge variety of fishing experiences. You can fish at the most
beautiful alpine lakes the Rocky Mountains have to offer.
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DAY 5 - Waterton National Park to Kananaskis
(169 miles)
Leave Waterton detouring to Fort MacLeod and the world famous Head Smashed In Buffalo Jump - a UNESCO
World Heritage Site and one of the oldest buffalo hunt sites of the native Black foot people.
Here you can learn about and understand the way of life of the native inhabitants of Alberta.
Follow Highway 22 through the foothills of the Rocky Mountains until just south of Longview and the Bar U Ranch,
a National Heritage Site, and one of the oldest ranches in Alberta. It’s full of original buildings,
on going archaeological digs and intriguing exhibits. From Longview, it’s a breath taking journey
into the Kananaskis Valley as you leave the flatlands and arrive in the high mountain region of Kananaskis.
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DAY 6 - In Kananaskis Country
Take some time to stroll through Kananaskis Village, beautiful at anytime of year. Hiking is glorious in
Kananaskis for hikers of all ages and abilities with a vast variety of hikes amongst woodlands, streams
and meadows.
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DAY 7 - Kananaskis to Banff
(49 miles)
The heart of the Rockies, you will need two or three days to see all the highlights of this stunning mountain
region including Lake Louise and Lake Minnewanka, and hopefully spot some wildlife along the way.
You can also hike, ride, fish, canoe and bicycle. There are excellent hotels and campsites throughout the park.
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DAY 10 - Banff to Calgary
(75 miles)
90 minutes to the airport to return your vehicle and fly home.
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