This itinerary combines the best of the best—the best-known natural highlights, the hikes you won’t want to miss, and the most scenic drives. Understand that you will not see all of the Canadian Rockies in one week, but you won’t miss anything major either.

DAY 1
Fly into Calgary, pick up a rental car and head for the mountains. After settling in to your Banff accommodation, spend the afternoon exploring the town, including a stop at the information center and a walk along the Bow River to the Fairmont Banff Springs.

DAY 2
Head to Lake Minnewanka for the morning’s first tour boat departure. After a picnic lunch at Two Jack Lake take the Bow Valley Parkway to the village of Lake Louise.

DAY 3
Rise early to visit Lake Louise before the crowds arrive. Drive to Moraine Lake and hike into Larch Valley. Head to Yoho National Park and spend the afternoon driving through the Yoho Valley and visiting Emerald Lake.

DAY 4
Go white-water rafting down the Kicking Horse River. Head north along the Icefields Parkway, bunking down for the night en route to Jasper.

DAY 5
Continue to Jasper and take a morning boat tour on Maligne Lake. After lunch, head west to Mount Robson Provincial Park and view the park’s namesake peak as the sun sets. Return to Jasper for the night.

DAY 6
Make as many stops as time allows on the way back down the Icefields Parkway. At Columbia Icefield, choose between an Ice Explorer tour and the hike to Wilcox Pass. Continue south to Canmore.

DAY 7
This morning is free to explore the town of Canmore and its history, to walk along the riverfront trails, and to catch up on souvenir shopping before returning to Calgary.