Vancouver to Jasper, Banff National Park and Columbia Icefield 5-Day Tour

Start your journey in Vancouver, setting off in the morning to drive along the picturesque Fraser Valley Highway, taking in the breathtaking views on your way to Hope, a charming town rich in history from the Gold Rush era. From there, we’ll head to Kamloops, known as the “hometown of Ginseng.” Explore a local American ginseng plantation and processing facility to learn about the cultivation process and the plant’s therapeutic benefits. Don’t miss the chance to sample authentic American ginseng tea.

Next, we’ll visit Spahats Falls. While it may not rival the grandeur of Huangguoshu Falls or Niagara Falls, this natural wonder, shaped over more than 400,000 years by glaciers and volcanic activity, is a stunning sight in its own right. After a day full of exploration, we’ll settle in for the night in Valemount.

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Itinerary:

Vancouver → Hope → Kamloops → Kamloops Ginseng Factory → Spahats Falls → Valemount
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Hope

Hope Town is a charming place to stroll and explore, offering stunning natural scenery and a sense of instant relaxation. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, it’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in everything this peaceful town has to offer.

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Kamloops Ginseng Factory

The Ginseng Factory, located in Kamloops, highlights why the city is known as the “Ginseng Capital.” Thanks to its pollution-free fertile soil and semi-arid climate, Kamloops has become the largest producer of American ginseng. During your visit, you’ll learn about the cultivation process of this valuable herb and discover its many health benefits and medicinal properties.
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Spahats Falls

Spahats Falls, also known as Spahats Creek Falls, is a stunning waterfall located on Spahats Creek within Wells Gray Provincial Park in British Columbia, Canada. Just a short 10-minute drive from Clearwater, followed by a quick 5-minute walk, the falls cascade 75 meters in a straight drop. The nearby canyon offers a fantastic vantage point, where you can clearly see the layered rock formations that were shaped over time by successive lava flows.

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Hotel： Valemount Vacation Inn; or similar
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Start your day with a morning departure from Valemount, heading into Mount Robson Provincial Park. As the oldest provincial park in British Columbia and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Mount Robson is a must-see. It also marks the beginning of the Fraser River’s 1,368-kilometer journey toward the Pacific Ocean.

Next, we’ll make our way to Jasper, a charming town nestled within the Jasper National Park. Experience its unique character, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Afterward, we’ll embark on a cruise across Maligne Lake, the world’s second-largest glacial lake and the only lake in the Rockies that allows motor boats. After an unforgettable day of sightseeing, we’ll head back to the hotel to relax and unwind.

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Itinerary:

Valemount → Mount Robson Provincial Park → Town of Jasper → Maligne Lake Cruise → Hotel
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Mount Robson Provincial Park

Mount Robson Provincial Park, the second oldest park in British Columbia’s system, is undoubtedly one of the world’s natural treasures. Dominating the park’s western entrance is Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, standing at an impressive 3,954 meters. This towering mountain overshadows the surrounding peaks, offering breathtaking views that are spectacular year-round, whether blanketed in winter snow or under the summer sun. It’s truly one of the finest vistas in the Rocky Mountains.

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Town of Jasper

Jasper is a quaint town nestled in the northernmost part of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, with a population of around 3,000 residents. Founded in 1822, the town is well-equipped with essential public services, including restaurants, hotels, a train station, bus station, cinemas, post office, schools, and hospitals. While there are many small towns across North America, each with its own unique history and charm, Jasper stands out due to its prime location within Canada’s renowned Jasper National Park. This picturesque setting makes it a favorite destination for tourists from around the world.
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Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is another breathtaking destination waiting to be explored. Often considered one of Canada’s most stunning hidden gems, it’s a must-see spot that promises unforgettable views and a truly magical experience.

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Hotel：Super 8 Hinton; or similar
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Today’s journey begins at Jasper National Park, one of Canada’s most iconic alpine parks and the largest in the Canadian Rockies. Known for its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife, this UNESCO World Heritage site offers a breathtaking natural environment. From there, we continue our adventure into Rocky Mountain National Park, where we reach Athabasca Falls. Though not the tallest waterfall in the Rockies, the force and grandeur of the falls, created by the confluence of different rivers, make it one of the most spectacular sights in the region.

Next, we head along the famous Icefields Parkway to Columbia Icefield. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to ride a massive snowmobile to the Athabasca Glacier, plunging 300 meters into the heart of this ancient ice formation, a remnant from the Second Ice Age. Afterward, we’ll experience the Icefield Skywalk—a thrilling 280-meter-high glass bridge offering panoramic views of the surrounding ecosystem, one of the world’s most unique.

Our journey continues to Peyto Lake, where the glacier-fed waters shimmer in a mesmerizing shade of “Tiffany blue,” a result of the mineral deposits at the lake’s bottom. This stunning, gem-like lake is surrounded by towering peaks, offering an unforgettable vista. We conclude the day with a peaceful arrival in Banff Town, where the evening unfolds in the heart of this charming mountain destination.

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Itinerary:

Hotel → Jasper National Park → Athabasca Falls  → Columbia Icefield (Includes Ice Explore and Icefield Skywalk) → Peyto Lake → Banff Town
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Jasper National Park

Jasper National Park covers an expansive 4,200 square miles (10,878 square kilometers) and is home to active geological processes, stunning mountain landscapes, and a rich variety of wildlife and plant species. Initially established as a forest park in 1907, Jasper originally spanned around 5,000 square miles (12,950 square kilometers). In 1930, it was officially designated a national park in its current size. In 1984, it was recognized as part of UNESCO’s Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage site, further cementing its global significance.

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Athabasca Falls

Nestled in Jasper National Park, Athabasca Falls is a stunning waterfall situated along the upper reaches of the Athabasca River. Renowned as one of the most mesmerizing falls in the Rocky Mountains, Athabasca Falls stands 23 meters tall, with powerful torrents of water plunging over the rocks. What makes this waterfall even more remarkable is the sheer force of the rushing water, which carries sand and stones, eroding the riverbanks and creating deep potholes in the rock beneath. The dynamic and raw energy of the falls makes it a must-see natural wonder.
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Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is a remarkable remnant of a massive ice sheet that once shaped much of the Rocky Mountains’ landscape. Today, it spans approximately 325 square kilometers (130 square miles) and offers a truly awe-inspiring destination to explore. This vast expanse of ancient ice is not only a geological wonder but also a breathtaking highlight of the Canadian Rockies.

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Columbia Icefield Skywalk

Experience the awe-inspiring forces of glaciology from a fully accessible cliff-edge walkway that leads to a glass-floored observation platform, perched 280 meters (918 feet) above the Sunwapta Valley. Offering unparalleled views of towering ice-capped peaks and expansive glacier-carved valleys, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk provides the perfect vantage point to witness nature’s most majestic spectacle.
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Peyto Lake

Each summer, glacial rock flour flows into Peyto Lake, and the fine particles suspended in the water give the lake its striking bright turquoise color. This unique natural phenomenon has made Peyto Lake one of the most popular and photographed attractions in the park.

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Hotel：Irwin’s Mountain Inn; Red Carpet Inn; or similar

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We bid farewell to Banff in the morning and begin our day with a ride on the Banff Sulphur Mountain Gondola. From the top, enjoy sweeping views of the iconic Hot Springs Chateau Hotel, the town of Banff, and the majestic Rocky Mountains stretching out before you.

Next, we head to Lake Louise Village, a serene spot nestled among towering snow-capped peaks and tranquil forests—perfect for a peaceful break. Afterward, we visit Lake Louise, often referred to as the “Rocky Mountain Sapphire,” where you can immerse yourself in its calm, turquoise waters and breathtaking beauty.

Our journey continues to Moraine Lake, another stunning glacial lake in Banff, known for its peaceful waters and gentle ripples in shades of blue. After exploring the lakes, we’ll pass through Glacier National Park, taking in the spectacular views of the glacier-carved valleys.

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Itinerary:

Banff → Banff Gondola → Lake Louise Village → Lake Louise → Moraine Lake → Revelstoke/Salmon Arm
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Town of Banff

Banff is a picturesque resort town located within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. As one of the country’s top tourist destinations, it’s celebrated for its stunning mountain scenery and natural hot springs. Banff is also a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities for hiking, biking, scrambling, skiing, and year-round adventure.

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Banff Gondola

Take a unique journey on the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where you’ll be treated to panoramic views of six spectacular mountain ranges. This eight-minute ride offers breathtaking scenery in every direction, making it a must-do experience. On clear, sunny days, the gondola is the perfect activity for families, couples, and groups to enjoy together.
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Lake Louise

Lake Louise, a picturesque hamlet within Banff National Park, holds a rich heritage as one of the world’s most iconic mountain destinations. Named after Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll, this stunning location is renowned for its breathtaking alpine scenery. With its turquoise waters and dramatic mountain backdrop, Lake Louise is truly one of the most famous—and unforgettable—vistas in the world.

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Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is another breathtaking destination waiting to be explored. Often considered one of Canada’s most stunning hidden gems, it’s a must-see spot that promises unforgettable views and a truly magical experience.

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Hotel：Hilltop Inn Salmon Arm; Comfort Inn & Suites Salmon Arm; Sandman Hotel Revelstoke; or similar
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In the morning, we’ll set off towards Kelowna, known as the fruit capital of British Columbia. Our first stop will be to take a refreshing swim in the legendary Lake Okanagan, where we’ll keep an eye out for the elusive Ogopogo, the mythical lake monster of Indigenous folklore. Afterward, we’ll visit one of the renowned “VQA” wineries, where we’ll sample some exquisite red and white wines, and don’t forget to grab a bottle of the famous Canadian ice wine. Finally, we’ll hop on the bus and head back to Vancouver.

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Itinerary:

Revelstoke/Salmon Arm → Kelowna → Okanagan Lake→ Grizzli Winery/Summer Hill Winery → Vancouver
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Okanagan Lake

Okanagan Lake is a stunning destination where algae and plant growth are generally limited. However, the shallow areas at both ends of the lake support the most abundant plant life. It’s definitely a must-see spot and well worth the visit.

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Grizzli Winery/Summer Hill Winery

Grizzli Winery is located in the heart of the Okanagan region in Canada, surrounded by picturesque mountains and lakes. The abundant sunshine and significant temperature differences between day and night contribute to the creation of wines with a distinct and exceptional flavor.
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