Trail / Canada
My Top 5 from a Road Trip Around the Rockies
Icefields Parkway, Moraine Lake, Banff, Jasper wildlife and Miette Hot Springs — the five highlights that made two weeks in the Canadian Rockies unforgettable.
Words by Alex · 8 September 2026 · 6 min read
My Top 5 from a Road Trip Around the Rockies
Canada had been on my bucket list for a long time. Getting the leave and the money together always seemed to be the issue — until the end of 2025, when the stars finally aligned.
What followed was just over two weeks of the best road tripping I have ever done, across some of the finest country I have ever seen. These were the five highlights that stuck with me.
1. Icefields Parkway
This is undoubtedly one of the best drives on earth.
The Icefields Parkway is a single-lane highway that links Jasper and Lake Louise through some of the most breathtaking scenery I have ever seen. The route winds across the floor of a glacial valley, framed by snow-capped peaks, before meandering through woodland and into the town of Lake Louise.
The drive itself takes around two to three hours, but it is something I would happily have done for days. A must-do for any trip to the Rockies.
2. Moraine Lake
This was my personal top destination on the entire trip.
The lake is secluded, with no access for private vehicles. You will need to use the Parks Canada shuttle service to reach it.
Moraine Lake could not be more iconic. Jagged peaks plunge down to turquoise water fed by glacial melt, while lush woodland lines the banks. A trail circles the perimeter, so you can walk right around the shoreline.
It is less busy than Lake Louise, and feels more peaceful as a result. Perfect for a morning or an afternoon. It was probably the most beautiful place I have ever visited.
3. Banff
The town of Banff sits a little further south than Lake Louise. It is the last major town before the Rockies give way to Calgary on the eastern plains.
It is a popular destination, and it caters well for tourists. There are plenty of places to eat, drink and shop. Two highlights for me were the Spirit of Christmas store — where crossing the threshold feels like Christmas Eve every day — and Big Bear Trading, which sells good-quality souvenirs and clothing.
I found the vibe in Banff chilled and charming. I really enjoyed exploring the main street and the surrounding neighbourhoods. If shopping is not your thing, you can stroll around Central Park by the river and take in the views.
Parks Canada also operates several large RV parks just outside town, so camping is not an issue.
4. Seeing Wild Elk in Jasper
Jasper sits within Jasper National Park, in a valley surrounded by mountain peaks.
It is less popular than Banff, but no less charming. Nearby attractions include Maligne Lake, and the town is the northern gateway to the Icefields Parkway.
The town is recovering from wildfires that devastated the area at the end of 2024, but it remains a haven for outdoor pursuits. When we visited, the wildlife was a real highlight. Massive elk often strayed close to the road and wandered into the campsites on the outskirts of town.
5. Miette Hot Springs near Jasper
Around a 45-minute drive from Jasper, up into the mountains, are Miette Hot Springs.
The small complex has five or six pools, all fed by natural mountain springs. It is open to visitors and run by Parks Canada. Entry is around £11 per adult, and that gives you all-day access to the pools plus showering and changing facilities poolside.
In late October, the alpine forests were covered in a blanket of snow as it fell from the sky. We sat in 40-degree water, enjoying the views. It was the perfect way to round off the trip.
