Self-Guided Canadian Rockies Audio Tour from Edmonton

Key facts

What's included

Itinerary

1. Stop 1

   Take the gondola to Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views across six mountain ranges. Walk to the Cosmic Ray Station and enjoy dining options while watching the sunset.

   30 minutes

2. Stop 2

   View Bow Falls near the Banff Springs Hotel, with dramatic water levels changing seasonally. A trail and parking area offer a higher vantage point.

   30 minutes

3. Stop 3

   Capture the iconic view of Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, and surrounding mountains from a scenic viewpoint across the road.

   20 minutes

4. Stop 4

   Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, where thermal springs led to the creation of Canada's first national park. Tour the interpretive centre and underground cave.

   30 minutes

5. Stop 5

   Relax in Banff's hot mineral springs, the only hot springs you can bathe in within the park, located just above the gondola base station.

   20 minutes

6. Stop 6

   Explore Lake Minnewanka, a glacial lake with a rich Aboriginal history. Consider a boat cruise or enjoy a short hike and a picnic with mountain views.

   20 minutes

7. Stop 7

   See the hoodoos—tall, spindly rock formations shaped by erosion—along a flat trail with views of Bow River and Rundle Mountain.

   20 minutes

8. Stop 8

   Visit the wetlands near town, ideal for birdwatching and wildlife spotting, accessible by walk, bike, or canoe.

   30 minutes

9. Stop 9 Pass by

   Drive the scenic old Trans-Canada Highway 1A, with views of Castle Mountain and Morant's Curve, and visit Johnston Canyon for a short hike to waterfalls.

10. Stop 10

    Hike the easy trail to Johnston Canyon's Lower and Upper Falls, with the option to explore icy winter landscapes or lush summer scenery.

    30 minutes

11. Stop 11

    Enjoy the Valley of the Ten Peaks, famous for Moraine Lake. Options include canoeing, short walks, or dining at Moraine Lake Lodge.

    30 minutes

12. Stop 12

    Experience the Icefields Parkway, voted the world's most beautiful mountain drive, with spectacular views of glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls.

    1 hour

13. Stop 13

    Visit Yoho National Park, home to Takakkaw Falls and other scenic spots, with optional short stops along the way.

    2 hours

14. Stop 14

    See Takakkaw Falls, one of the largest waterfalls fed by glaciers, with chances to spot wildlife along the drive through Yoho Valley.

    30 minutes

15. Stop 15

    Visit Emerald Lake, renowned for its vibrant color. Enjoy walking, paddling, or dining at the lakeside lodge. A quick stop at Natural Bridge is included.

    30 minutes

16. Stop 16

    Discover Spiral Tunnels, an engineering marvel where trains pass over themselves through Kicking Horse Pass, managing steep grades.

    20 minutes

17. Stop 17

    Hike to Parker Ridge for breathtaking views of Saskatchewan Glacier. The trail is steep but rewarding, with options for rests and scenic overlooks.

    1.5 hours

18. Stop 18

    See Crowfoot Glacier near Bow Lake, a hanging glacier shaped like a crow's foot, shrinking over time but still a striking sight.

    20 minutes

19. Stop 19

    Stop at Bow Lake, fed by Bow Glacier, with historic Bow Lake Lodge and great photo opportunities of the lake and surrounding peaks.

    20 minutes

20. Stop 20

    Visit Lake Louise, famous for its turquoise waters and Victoria Glacier. Options include hiking, canoeing, or visiting the Lake Louise Gondola and teahouses.

    30 minutes

21. Stop 21 Pass by

    Drive under the Weeping Wall, a stunning waterfall of snowmelt that creates frozen falls suitable for ice climbing during winter.

22. Stop 22

    Ride the Jasper SkyTram to 2200 meters for panoramic views and hiking opportunities in the alpine environment.

    30 minutes

23. Stop 23

    Visit the Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in the world, with options for guided tours on an Ice Explorer or viewing from the Discovery Centre.

    30 minutes

24. Stop 24

    Experience the Columbia Icefield Adventure, including a glacier tour and SkyWalk over a canyon, with a combined duration of about 2 hours.

    2 hours

25. Stop 25

    See Sunwapta Falls, a picturesque waterfall with short trails to peaceful pools and scenic canyon views.

    30 minutes

26. Stop 26

    View Peyto Lake from Bow Summit, the highest point on the Icefields Parkway, famous for its bright turquoise color and mountain backdrop.

    30 minutes

27. Stop 27

    Enjoy the view of Pyramid Lake and Pyramid Mountain from a scenic overlook near Jasper, with a small island accessible via footbridge for photos.

    30 minutes

28. Stop 28

    Walk into Maligne Canyon to see impressive limestone formations and waterfalls. Optional longer hikes are available along the canyon trails.

    30 minutes

29. Stop 29

    End your tour at Maligne Lake, famous for Spirit Lake cruise and stunning mountain scenery. Prebooking the cruise is recommended.

    1 hour

30. Stop 30

    Visit Athabasca Falls, a powerful waterfall carved through quartz-rich rock, especially impressive during spring melt.

    30 minutes

31. Stop 31

    Climb to Old Fort Point for sweeping views of Jasper and its valleys, often visited by Big Horn Sheep.

    1 hour

32. Stop 32

    Take a scenic side trip to Cavell Glacier and Cavell Meadows for wildflower viewing, glacier views, and mountain wildlife. Allow at least 1 hour.

    1 hour

33. Stop 33

    Relax at Miette Hot Springs, the hottest thermal pools in the Rockies, with scenic views and wildlife sightings along the drive.

    30 minutes

Meeting point & pickup

Meet at the starting point

From Mt Robson, continue east toward Jasper. The commentary begins as you reach the welcome signs for Jasper National Park. After booking, check your email for the 'Download Audio Tour' link, then preview the route in the app.

Cancellation & confirmation