Discover a slower side of the Canadian Rockies on this 7-day self-drive journey that balances the wide, open mountain landscapes of Kananaskis with the classic highlights of Banff National Park. Begin in a region known for Banff-calibre scenery without the crowds, staying at a mountain lodge designed for relaxed evenings, shared meals, and a close connection to the surrounding landscape. The journey then shifts to Banff for iconic sights and time to explore at your own pace, before concluding with an easy transition to Calgary. The itinerary is shaped around flexibility, comfort, and thoughtful pacing.
DAY 1: CALGARY TO KANANASKIS & MOUNT ENGADINE LODGE
Arrive in Calgary and pick up your rental car for the drive into Kananaskis, an expansive mountain region known for scenery on par with Banff but far less travelled. At Mount Engadine Lodge, settle into a backcountry setting with no cell service or in-room electronics. Enjoy afternoon tea overlooking the open meadow, where moose and deer are often seen, followed by a hearty lodge dinner. The evening sets the tone for a stay focused on quiet landscapes, grounded comfort, and unhurried time in nature.
Meal: Dinner
Accommodation: Mount Engadine Lodge
DAY 2: EXPLORING KANANASKIS AT YOUR OWN PACE
Today is well suited to both active exploration and relaxed sightseeing. Guests who enjoy being outdoors can explore nearby trails by foot in fall, or by snowshoe and cross-country ski in winter. Those preferring a gentler pace can explore Kananaskis by car, pairing scenic drives with short, accessible walks. This day can also be customised with private guided experiences if desired, or spent unwinding at one of two Nordic-style spas in the region. The flexibility allows you to shape the day around your interests, energy level, and the season.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mount Engadine Lodge
DAY 3: A DAY TO SETTLE IN OR HEAD BACK OUT
This day remains intentionally flexible. Guests keen to stay active can return to nearby trails for another day of exploration, while others may choose to slow down at the lodge. The views from Mount Engadine are among the most expansive valley panoramas in the Rockies, visible directly from the lodge’s common areas and meadow-facing windows. Wildlife is often seen moving through the open landscape below. Whether spent outdoors or indoors by the fire, the day is about choosing your own rhythm.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Mount Engadine Lodge
DAY 4: SCENIC FLIGHT, THEN ON TO BANFF
Depart the lodge and drive to Canmore for a 35-minute scenic helicopter flight over Mount Assiniboine and surrounding glaciers, offering a broader perspective on the scale of the Rockies. After the flight, continue into Banff and check in at Buffalo Mountain Lodge on Tunnel Mountain. This afternoon marks a gradual return to a more developed setting, with access to Banff’s restaurants, cafés, and shops, while still staying in a quiet, forested location just above the townsite.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Buffalo Mountain Lodge (or similar)
DAY 5: CLASSIC SIGHTS OF BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Spend the day exploring some of Banff National Park’s well-known highlights at your own pace. Options include time in the Banff townsite, a visit to Lake Louise, or a walk through Johnston Canyon. Each can be enjoyed with a mix of scenic driving, short walks, and time to pause for coffee or lunch. With no fixed schedule, the day balances iconic scenery with a relaxed, self-directed approach.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Buffalo Mountain Lodge (or similar)
DAY 6: FROM THE MOUNTAINS TO CALGARY
With Calgary just over an hour away, the day leaves room for choice. Some travellers linger in Banff for one last walk or viewpoint before heading east, while others continue on earlier for time in the city. Calgary is known for its strong, chef-driven restaurant scene, distinct neighbourhoods, and easy shopping, supported by Alberta’s low sales tax. Many guests choose to plan a memorable final dinner here, a natural way to close the journey with good food and conversation.
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Arts Calgary Downtown (or similar)
DAY 7: DEPART CALGARY
Depart from Calgary International Airport at your convenience. For those with later flights, the city’s central location allows time for a final coffee, neighbourhood stroll, or last-minute shopping before returning your rental car. The journey concludes with an easy departure after a well-paced exploration of Alberta’s mountain landscapes.
Meal: Breakfast
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
