Discover the Canadian Rockies: Self-Launched Adventure
10 days · Canadian Rockies, Canada
Exodus Travels charges £4,500
No-markup version: ~£1,050 per person
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Experience the jaw-dropping Canadian Rockies independently — from the Icefields Parkway to Moraine Lake — at a fraction of the guided tour price. This self-launched itinerary mirrors the Exodus "Discover the Canadian Rockies" route through Calgary, Jasper, Golden, Yoho and Banff, swapping group coaches and hotel packages for public shuttles, budget lodges and self-booked activities. Stunning glaciers, turquoise lakes and world-class hikes are all still on the menu — you just won't be paying the group-tour premium to enjoy them. All costs are approximate estimates.
Day-by-day
Arrive in Calgary
Calgary, Alberta
Fly into Calgary International Airport and make your own way to a central hostel or budget hotel downtown. Calgary is a lively, walkable city with great food and a buzzing arts scene — spend the evening exploring the Beltline neighbourhood, grab a craft beer at one of the local breweries, and get excited for the adventures ahead. Pick up any last-minute gear at MEC (Mountain Equipment Company) on 12th Ave SW if needed.
🚌Calgary Airport to downtown: CTrain Light Rail (free from airport terminal), ~20 mins
🛏HI Calgary City Centre Hostel (dorm ~£25/night) or Acclaim Hotel Calgary Airport (budget hotel ~£70/night)
- →Explore Calgary's Beltline neighbourhood on foot
- →Visit the Calgary Tower viewpoint (self-pay, ~CAD $20)
- →Stock up on snacks and trail supplies at a local supermarket
- →Check trail conditions and book national park passes online at Parks Canada (required for Jasper and Banff)
Calgary to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway
Jasper, Alberta
Take the SunDog Tours shuttle from Calgary to Jasper — a spectacular 5–6 hour journey that winds through the heart of the Rockies. Ask your driver about photo stops along the Icefields Parkway. Alternatively, hire a car in Calgary for greater flexibility (highly recommended if splitting costs across 2–4 travellers). Arrive in Jasper by late afternoon, check in and explore the charming town centre on foot.
🚌SunDog Tours shuttle Calgary to Jasper ~£50pp, or hire car from Calgary (~£45/day split between travellers)
🛏HI Jasper Hostel (dorm ~£30/night) or Jasper Downtown Hostel (~£35/night)
- →Ride the SunDog Tours shuttle Calgary–Jasper (~£50/person) or drive a hire car
- →Stop at Athabasca Falls en route (free with Parks Canada pass)
- →Stroll Jasper town centre and pick up a trail map from the Parks Canada Visitor Centre
- →Grab dinner at Jasper Brewing Company or pick up supplies from a local grocery store
Jasper National Park Exploration
Jasper, Alberta
Spend a full day exploring Jasper National Park — Canada's largest national park at over 10,800 sq km. Ride the famous Jasper SkyTram for panoramic views over the Rockies, then hike or mountain bike the trails around Patricia and Pyramid Lakes. Wildlife sightings of elk, bear and moose are common — keep your distance and carry bear spray (available to rent in town).
🚌Local cycling or on-foot; rent bikes from Freewheel Cycle in town
🛏HI Jasper Hostel (dorm ~£30/night) or Jasper Downtown Hostel (~£35/night)
- →Jasper SkyTram cable car (self-book directly, ~£45/person)
- →Hike the Pyramid Lake Loop trail (free, ~6km)
- →Mountain bike rental from Freewheel Cycle (~£35 half day)
- →Wildlife spotting around Maligne Lake Road at dusk
Maligne Canyon Hike
Jasper, Alberta
Head out to Maligne Canyon — one of the most dramatic slot canyons in the Rockies. Walk the self-guided trail (no guide required) from the upper parking area down through all six bridges, reading the interpretive signs along the way. The canyon drops to over 50m deep in places. In the afternoon, drive or take a taxi to Miette Hot Springs (the hottest hot springs in the Canadian Rockies) for a relaxing soak.
🚌Maligne Canyon is 11km from Jasper — taxi (~£15 one way) or rent a bike. Miette Hot Springs is 60km — shared shuttle or taxi (~£20 return).
🛏HI Jasper Hostel (dorm ~£30/night) or Jasper Downtown Hostel (~£35/night)
- →Self-guided hike of Maligne Canyon (free with Parks Canada pass, full loop ~5.8km return)
- →Read the geological history boards at each of the six canyon bridges
- →Afternoon soak at Miette Hot Springs (~£10 entry, taxi ~£20 return or book a day-trip shuttle)
- →Check if the Mary Schäffer Loop around Maligne Lake is accessible as an add-on (1.8mi loop)
Icefields Parkway South to Golden
Golden, British Columbia
Drive or take the SunDog shuttle south along the legendary Icefields Parkway (Highway 93) — widely considered one of the world's greatest scenic drives. Stop at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and book a guided glacier walk on the Athabasca Glacier (highly recommended). Continue south to the turquoise Peyto Lake viewpoint before arriving in Golden for the night.
🚌Hire car recommended for this leg (~£45/day); alternatively SunDog Tours Jasper–Banff shuttle stops at key Icefields Parkway sights (~£50pp, book in advance)
🛏Dreamcatcher Hostel Golden (~£25/night dorm) or Prestige Inn Golden (budget private room ~£90/night)
- →Stop at the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre and take the Athabasca Glacier guided ice walk (Icefield Centre direct booking ~£55/person via Pursuit)
- →Peyto Lake viewpoint and short Bow Summit trail (free with Parks Canada pass)
- →Stop at Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls en route (free)
- →Arrive in Golden and explore the small mountain town
Yoho National Park
Golden / Field, British Columbia
Yoho National Park is the Rockies' best-kept secret — a stunning park of thundering waterfalls, emerald lakes and towering peaks. In the morning, try white-water rafting on the Kicking Horse River with Alpine Rafting (book direct online). In the afternoon, hike to the incredible Takakkaw Falls (one of Canada's highest waterfalls), then loop around photogenic Emerald Lake — one of the most beautiful spots in the entire park.
🚌Drive or hire car from Golden to Field/Yoho (~30 mins). Hire car strongly recommended for Yoho access.
🛏Dreamcatcher Hostel Golden (~£25/night dorm) or Prestige Inn Golden (budget private room ~£90/night)
- →White-water rafting on Kicking Horse River with Alpine Rafting (~£75/person, book at alpinerafting.com)
- →Hike to Takakkaw Falls (free with Parks Canada pass, 1km easy trail)
- →Emerald Lake loop hike (free, 5.2km easy circuit with stunning reflections)
- →Optional: Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse Mountain (~£60/person)
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
Banff / Lake Louise, Alberta
Two of the most photographed lakes on earth — and they're every bit as stunning in real life. Note that Parks Canada now operates a mandatory shuttle system to Moraine Lake (no private vehicles allowed in peak season) — book your Parks Canada shuttle tickets well in advance online. Spend the morning at Moraine Lake, hike the Rockpile Trail for the iconic panoramic view, then head to Lake Louise in the afternoon. Canoe on either lake or hike the Lake Agnes Teahouse trail above Lake Louise. Drive on to Banff to check in for three nights.
🚌Hire car from Golden to Banff via Lake Louise (~1.5 hrs). Use Parks Canada shuttle to Moraine Lake (mandatory, book ahead).
🛏HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre (hostel, ~£35/night dorm) or SAMESUN Banff (~£35/night dorm) after driving to Banff
- →Pre-book the Parks Canada Moraine Lake shuttle (mandatory in summer, ~£8/person return — book at reservation.pc.gc.ca)
- →Hike the Rockpile Trail at Moraine Lake (free, 20 mins, the iconic view)
- →Lake Louise shoreline walk and optional canoe rental (~£35/hour from Fairmont boathouse)
- →Hike to Lake Agnes Teahouse above Lake Louise (free, 7km return, moderate)
Banff National Park Free Exploration
Banff, Alberta
Canada's oldest national park (est. 1885) and one of the world's most spectacular. Spend the morning exploring independently — ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for jaw-dropping 360° views, or hike the Sulphur Mountain trail (free, ~5.5km, saves the gondola fee). Wander the shops and galleries of Banff Avenue, dip into the Banff Centre, or head out to Johnston Canyon for a self-guided waterfall hike.
🚌Walk or cycle within Banff town; hire a bike from Snowtips-Bactrax (~£30/day)
🛏SAMESUN Banff (~£35/night dorm) or Banff Y Mountain Lodge (~£40/night dorm)
- →Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain summit (self-book at banffjaspercollection.com, ~£40/person) OR hike the Sulphur Mountain Trail free (5.5km, 655m elevation gain)
- →Johnston Canyon self-guided trail to Lower and Upper Falls (free with Parks Canada pass, ~5.6km return)
- →Explore Banff Avenue — visit the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies (£6 entry)
- →Optional horse riding with Warner Stables (~£55/hour)
Hiking in Banff National Park
Banff, Alberta
Your last full day in the Rockies — make it count with a great hike. Banff has trails for every level: the easy Bow Falls Loop (2.7km), the moderate Tunnel Mountain Summit (4.6km, great town views), or the challenging Sulphur Mountain summit trail (5.5km, 655m gain) if you skipped it yesterday. For the most rewarding day, head to the Sentinel Pass trail via Larch Valley above Moraine Lake — a stunning high-alpine hike that's unmissable in September when the larches turn golden. Spend the evening enjoying Banff's restaurants and bars.
🚌On foot within Banff; shuttle or hire car to Moraine Lake trailhead if doing Larch Valley hike
🛏SAMESUN Banff (~£35/night dorm) or Banff Y Mountain Lodge (~£40/night dorm)
- →Choose your hike: Bow Falls Loop (easy, 2.7km), Tunnel Mountain (moderate, 4.6km), or Larch Valley to Sentinel Pass (strenuous, 11.6km — book Moraine Lake shuttle in advance)
- →Wildlife spotting along Vermilion Lakes at sunrise or sunset (free, great for photography)
- →Browse Banff Ave for souvenirs and enjoy a final dinner at Tooloulou's or The Bison Restaurant
- →Optional: rent a canoe on the Bow River at the Fairmont Banff Springs (~£25/hour)
Departure from Banff
Banff / Calgary, Alberta
Your Canadian Rockies adventure ends this morning. Grab a final breakfast in Banff before making your way back to Calgary for your flight home. The Banff Airporter runs a reliable shuttle service direct to Calgary International Airport — book in advance online. Allow at least 3 hours before your flight. If you have time before your transfer, enjoy a last coffee on Banff Avenue or a quick walk around the Bow River.
🚌Banff Airporter shuttle Banff to Calgary Airport (~£40/person, ~90 mins). Book at banffairporter.com.
🛏N/A — departure day
- →Final breakfast at Whitebark Café or Eddie Burger + Bar in Banff
- →Last stroll along the Bow River boardwalk
- →Transfer Banff to Calgary Airport via Banff Airporter shuttle (~£40/person, banffairporter.com)
Self-launched vs. Exodus Travels
| This itinerary (self-launched) | Exodus Travels | |
|---|---|---|
| Price per person | ~£1,050 | £4,500 |
| Duration | 10 days | 10 days |
| Who books it | You and your group, direct | Tour operator, guided group |
| Savings | £3,450 per person (77%) | |
Estimate only, not a guaranteed price. Always verify costs independently before booking.
Want to see more Exodus Travels-style trips? Check them out here.~£1,050
estimated per person
You never pay Travel Crew for this — you pay hostels, transport, and activity providers directly, the same as if you'd booked it all yourself.
This publishes your dates so other travellers can find and join you — no tour operator needed.
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Frequently asked questions
How much does Discover the Canadian Rockies: Self-Launched Adventure cost?+
Doing it yourself with this self-launched itinerary costs an estimated £1,050 per person for 10 days in Canadian Rockies, Canada. This is an AI-generated estimate based on typical budget-traveller prices — actual costs will vary by season and how you book.
Is this cheaper than booking with Exodus Travels?+
Yes — Exodus Travels charges around £4,500 per person for a similar tour. Doing the same route independently, using the same standard of accommodation and activities, costs an estimated £1,050 — a saving of roughly £3,450 (77%) per person.
How long is the Canadian Rockies, Canada trip?+
This itinerary runs 10 days, covering 10 day-by-day stops through Canadian Rockies, Canada.
How do I join this trip?+
You can join an existing open departure using this itinerary if one is scheduled, or launch your own departure with your own dates and invite other travellers to join you — no tour operator required.
Isn't it easier to just use a tour operator?+
Well, yes, a tour operator will book all the individual parts of your travel for you and provide a guide. That's obvious, but doing this has the potential to save the group thousands, which can in turn improve your itinerary substantially or save you huge amounts of money. Also, when you launch a departure, Travel Crew has tools in place to help you book the individual sections of the trip or make it easier for you to do this as a group. Really, you do not need a middle man. If you are more comfortable paying more and using a middle man, then you should certainly do this.
Is it safer to book through a tour operator?+
Arguably, there isn't much difference. A self-launched trip runs on the same principle as a group travel crew: collective responsibility, everyone looking out for each other, the same way it would if a group of friends organised the trip themselves — because that's exactly what's happening. You should always take out travel insurance before you go, self-launched or not; that doesn't change either way. Every open departure is published publicly with real dates and a real trip organiser, so it's never an anonymous arrangement, and our support team is reachable any time you need help, including in an emergency while you're away. Longer-term, we're building direct relationships with ground DMCs in popular destinations, offered as an optional paid add-on for extra on-the-ground support. Ultimately, though, the group is responsible for its own conduct and safety on a self-launched trip, same as on any trip you plan yourself.
What kind of trip is this?+
This is a adventure, hiking, wildlife trip through Canadian Rockies, Canada, self-launched rather than run by a tour operator — you organise it with a group you find or bring yourself.
Would you like to name the operator, name the trip, or have any suggestions about how to improve this itinerary?
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