Camping out is a great way to experience the Canadian Rockies [1], and you’ll save some money to boot. This itinerary works for both tent campers and those who have their own or a rented RV (recreation vehicle). It’s important to remember that not all campgrounds have powered sites or accept reservations.
Turn down Highway 40 as you travel west from Calgary [2] to Kananaskis Country [3]. Spend the night in Peter Lougheed Provincial Park [4].
Plan a leisurely hike to Rawson Lake [5] (pack a fishing pole). Head north, traveling via Spray Lake Provincial Park if you’re not put off by unpaved road. In Banff [6], stay on Tunnel Mountain Campground [7] if you want to walk to town, otherwise head to Two Jack Lake campground [7].
Beat the traffic by rising early for the drive to Lake Louise [8]. Stop at Johnston Canyon for a short walk to a tall waterfall. Snag a spot at the Lake Louise campground [9] before noon, then spend the afternoon visiting local attractions.
Rise before dawn to catch Moraine Lake [10] at its most pristine, then begin the trip to Jasper [11] along the Icefields Parkway [12]. Choose to camp en route or continue to the campgrounds spread along the highway south of the town.
Spend the morning exploring Jasper attractions like Mount Edith Cavell [13] and Maligne Lake [14], then head back through Lake Louise to Yoho National Park [15] and pitch your tent for the night.
Drive to Golden [16] and enjoy lunch at the top of Kicking Horse Mountain Resort [17]. Drive south to Radium Hot Springs [18]. Stay at one of the commercial campgrounds near town or continue on into Kootenay National Park [19] and set up camp there.
Before returning to Calgary [2], make a stop at the Paint Pots [20], one of Kootenay National Park [19]’s most unusual natural wonders.
Links:
[1] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies
[2] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alberta/calgary
[3] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alberta/calgary/kananaskis-country
[4] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alberta/calgary/kananaskis-country/peter-lougheed-provincial-park
[5] http://www.moon.com/destinations/alberta/calgary/kananaskis-country/peter-lougheed-provincial-park/hiking
[6] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/town-banff
[7] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/town-banff/camping
[8] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/lake-louise-and-vicinity/lake-louise
[9] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/lake-louise-and-vicinity/camping
[10] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/lake-louise-and-vicinity/moraine-lake
[11] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/town-jasper
[12] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/icefields-parkway
[13] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/town-jasper/sights-and-drives/mount-edith-cavell
[14] http://www.moon.com/destinations/canadian-rockies/banff-and-jasper-national-parks/town-jasper/sights-and-drives/maligne-lake
[15] http://www.moon.com/destinations/british-columbia/southern-interior/yoho-national-park
[16] http://www.moon.com/destinations/british-columbia/southern-interior/yoho-national-park/golden
[17] http://www.moon.com/destinations/british-columbia/southern-interior/yoho-national-park/golden/kicking-horse-mountain-resort
[18] http://www.moon.com/destinations/british-columbia/southern-interior/nelson-the-rockies/radium-hot-springs
[19] http://www.moon.com/destinations/british-columbia/southern-interior/kootenay-national-park
[20] http://www.moon.com/destinations/british-columbia/southern-interior/kootenay-national-park/paint-pots-and-marble-canyon