An Epic 2-Week Canada Itinerary for The Rocky Mountains: From Calgary to Vancouver

Canada is a bucket list destination for many and it certainly was for me. I didn’t expect to tick it off my list for a few more years but when the opportunity came up to visit with family, we couldn’t say no. 

2 weeks in Canada from Calgary to Banff then onto the Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver? This truly was going to be the adventure of a lifetime. 

This 2 week itinerary offers a gorgeous mixture of city sightseeing, outdoor adventure and luxurious travel and can be done from Calgary to Vancouver or the reverse way from Vancouver to Calgary. This 2 week Canada itinerary is very flexible too so if you find you don’t quite have 2 weeks to explore, just take out the activities which aren’t suitable. 

If I were to condense any of this itinerary, I’d combine Lake Louise and Moraine Lake with a visit to Johnston Canyon and Emerald Lake. I would also take a day out of Vancouver, especially if you have a late flight to go back home. You could also just use Calgary as an entry point into the Rockies and bypass the city altogether. However, the itinerary below is designed, and fully tested, to experience all the highlights of the Rocky Mountains and doing so in a way that isn’t rushed. If you don’t have a lot of annual leave remaining though, amend to what works best for you or drop me an email for some advice!

2 Week Itinerary For Canada: Calgary to Vancouver via Banff

Do I Need A Car?

No, you don’t need a car but it helps if you want more flexibility in your schedule. Plus, a Canada road trip just sounds dreamy, right? However, if you don’t want to navigate Canadian roads then the itinerary below can easily be done without a car using transfers, and tours with transport included. In places like Banff and Vancouver, public transport makes getting around really easy and there’s also a public train in between the two if you don’t want to splurge on the Rocky Mountaineer.

For us, having a car in Banff allowed us to explore the Rocky Mountains and Banff National Park at our leisure, pull over at roadside stops with the most incredible views, and do hikes that we couldn’t have easily accessed without our own rental car.

When Should I Visit Canada?

Each season in Canada offers something different. Winter brings with it piles of snow and therefore is great if you want to ski or snowboard at resorts around Banff or Whistler. However, as you’re in the Canadian Rockies, snow can last well into spring and rear its head in September with many of the big peaks being snowcapped all year round. Also, I can imagine visiting places like Banff around Christmas and new year are very magical, if not very cold. 

Summer is great for outdoor adventures and perfect if you want to hike the many trails on offer in Canada’s National Parks. The weather is likely to be better, although you can still expect snow on the mountains. Places like Moraine Lake are accessible too so if that is on your bucket list, make sure to time your visit to Canada between June and October. 

Spring and Autumn bring changing colours and also cheaper prices and less people. We visited in mid-September and although the weather can vary in Canada around this time of year, we got lucky with plenty of sunshine and blue skies, and crisp cool mornings in the mountains warming up into mild afternoons. Although Vancouver did treat us to some torrential rain, as to be expected on the west coast, the rest of our trip was dry. 

What Should I Pack For My Canada Trip?

I haven’t visited Canada in any other seasons apart from Autumn/late Summer. We had clothes for all seasons and still needed a heavier rain jacket for Vancouver. I’d recommend layers, and plenty of them no matter what time of year you go.

Most days we were out in our warm jackets early in the morning but by lunch it was shorts and t-shirt weather. I would say good walking shoes or trainers are a must though. Some trails are rocky so it helps to have good support. I took a couple of pairs – a waterproof pair of walking trainers for hiking and then a pair of trainers for evenings in Banff, or for casual wear.

Is 2 Weeks Enough To Explore The Rocky Mountains?

2 weeks, and the itinerary below, allows you to see a lot of the main highlights between Calgary and Vancouver. Sadly, you won’t see everything, and there are a few places we missed out but that leaves more to see on the next adventure!

2 weeks however, does allow you to enjoy a decent amount of time in Calgary, Banff and Vancouver. You could even take a few days from Banff and add Jasper into the mix, allowing you to see more of the Canadian Rockies. Doing this is a great way to see another area of the Canadian Rockies, but you’d take things at a slightly less leisurely pace.

With that in mind, here’s your 2 week itinerary for a trip to the Canadian Rockies. Feel free to miss things out and add any optional activities in. This itinerary is also based on having a car, however there are options for tours that makes it possible to see most places below, you might just have to switch some of the days around.

Arrival Day: Fly Into Calgary

There are flights from all over the world landing into Calgary, so depending on where you’re flying from, your flight could land at any time of day. Therefore, your arrival day is flexible depending on your arrival time. For us, our flight from London Heathrow with Air Canada, landed just after lunchtime. So we were in Calgary in time to check in at our hotel and enjoy a leisurely, and jetlagged, afternoon and evening around the city.

How To Get From Calgary Airport to Calgary City Centre

There are plenty of options available to travel from Calgary Airport to Calgary City Centre. Either bus, taxi or private transfer will all get you to Calgary or your hotel with ease. 

Alternatively, you can hire a car straight from the airport. This is a great idea if, like us, you’re using a car to drive to Banff later in your trip although just be aware that you’ll have to pay for city centre parking if you take this option. There are lots of providers to choose from so you’ll be able to find something suitable for your Canadian adventure.

How To Get A Bus From Calgary Airport to Calgary

Although we did hire a car for our time in Canada, we didn’t need it for our first couple of days in Calgary. So to get to Calgary from Calgary Airport, we used the bus. For us, this was the easiest option as it took us straight into the centre of Calgary, we then just had a short walk to our hotel.

Getting the bus from Calgary Airport was fairly simple, we simply exited the arrivals hall at door 15, navigated our way to pillar 32 and bought a ticket at the ticket machine. We had cash for this but the machine also accepted cards so it’s good to have both options to hand. We hopped on route 300, which looked like the most direct route, and about 40 minutes later we were in Calgary. These buses run around every 30 minutes and there’s a different pillar to stop at if you’re arriving into Calgary Airport’s domestic terminal. 

More information on using the bus to get from Calgary Airport to Calgary can be found on the airport website. Alternatively, Google Maps was really useful for us when planning this route.

Hotel Shuttle Buses

If you’re lucky enough to stay at a hotel in Calgary that offers a complimentary shuttle bus from Calgary Airport to your hotel, this is well worth taking advantage of. You may already have sorted this out through your booking or travel agent but this list on Calgary Airport’s website is a helpful resource if you need to sort this out at the airport. Just give your hotel a call from the courtesy phone to arrange pickup. 

Getting An Airport Taxi

You can easily get an airport taxi from Calgary Airport to Calgary. Located at doors 1, 9, and 15 on the arrivals level, this is probably the quickest way to get into Calgary. Fares are based on a meter and on a regular day should cost around $40 to $45 dollars. This can vary though depending on traffic and time of day.

If you want to travel in style, limousines are also available and there’s more information on accessible transport on Calgary Airport’s page on taxi transport.

Pre-arranged Pick Up and Drop Off

Another quick and easy option is to pre-arrange a pick up at Calgary Airport. This can be done through Uber or Lyft and drivers can be met at doors 3, 12 or 15, on arrivals level or on departures at Doors 5 and 11 during peak times.  More information can be found on the Calgary Airport website: 

Check In At Your Hotel

There are a lot of hotel options in Calgary ranging from the budget friendly to the luxurious. We stayed at Hotel Arts, a great location to enjoy Calgary’s downtown area.

Due to airline strikes, we were in Calgary for 1 night more than we intended (great as we got to enjoy Calgary for an extra day, not great for the stress 3 days before our trip!). However, everything got sorted and Hotel Arts provided the perfect base for a couple of nights in the city.

Check in was at 3pm and we were able to get straight into our room which was comfortable and clean. We didn’t have breakfast here as we knew there were a few places around Calgary we wanted to try out but you can add this on to your booking if needed.

Leisurely Evening With Dinner At Native Tongues Taqueria

If you’re in Calgary in time for dinner, make your way to Native Tongues Taqueria, a restaurant serving up delicious Mexican foods. Although some of the food here was a bit spicy for me, the stuff I did eat was great and their margaritas are very good. I would definitely recommend booking if you can as it was busy when we were there but you might get lucky with a walk in.

There are a few Native Tongues locations but we ate at Native Tongues Victoria Park.

Day 1: A Day In The City Of Calgary

Breakfast At Egg Club

Breakfast on day 1 of your Canadian adventure is nothing fancy but oh my goodness is it delicious. Get yourself down to Egg Club for a down to earth culinary delight. Originating out of Toronto for the want and need for more affordable dining options, Egg Club was born and quickly travelled across Canada. Serving up various egg sandwiches in Japanese milk bread (I went for the Classic with an additional smoked sausage patty) this is a good meal to start the day with!

Walk Through Prince’s Island Park And Bow River

Like us, you might be suffering a little from jet lag on your first day in Canada, so getting out into the fresh air is a sure fire way to help keep you going. Heading slightly out of the city, we wandered down to Prince’s Island Park, an urban park north of downtown Calgary with gorgeous parkland and wetland hosting a whole variety of animals. We wandered through the many trails onto the Bow River Pathway Bridge towards the Crescent Heights Lookout Point.

Crescent Height’s Lookout Point

It’s from Crescent Height’s Lookout Point that you get an incredible view of downtown Calgary and its cityscape. Many people use the steps up to the lookout as a workout spot so get ready to be passed, sometimes at speed, by several people repeatedly running from top to bottom. For us, it was more a leisurely stroll taking in the view around halfway up, and to catch our breath. At the top, the view from Crescent Heights’s Lookout Point is great and with several benches here you can pause for a bit to enjoy the skyscrapers of Calgary.

Coffee Stop At Sought and Found

This is an optional coffee stop – I did say we were struggling with the jetlag at this point – and involves a little wander through Calgary’s northern suburbs. However, just a short 7 minute walk from Crescent Height’s Lookout Point, you can go grab a coffee from Sought and Found a place that serves up specialty coffee. I

f you’re really into your coffee, you can try out a coffee tasting menu where you get 3 coffees – either a flight of 3 coffees 1 way, or a flight of 1 coffee 3 ways!

Walk Back To Downtown Calgary

It’s time to walk back to downtown Calgary. You can either walk back the way you came or take a route through Chinatown. This is a great opportunity to enjoy a bit of shopping, or stop for a bite to eat somewhere. We headed to Deville Coffee for another coffee and I enjoyed a delicious chocolate chip cookie.

Head Up The Calgary Tower

If you have a bit more energy, it’s time to enjoy another viewpoint of Calgary and head up the Calgary Tower. 191 metres high and with views across Calgary and beyond to the Rocky Mountains, you get to experience a 360 degree view of the city. Plus, if you’re brave enough, take a step onto Calgary Tower’s glass floor for a real birdseye view experience.

Take A Free Walking Tour With Toonie Tours

One thing we didn’t plan on doing, and I’m so glad we did, was a walking tour of Calgary. We did our 3 hour walk of Calgary with Toonie Tours, a free tour which was led by an expert guide who, although not from Calgary, clearly loved the city and was so knowledgeable about Calgary’s history. Along with personal anecdotes, we got to learn about Calgary’s past, and how the city’s modern and historic wealth was built. 

Winding in between the city’s skyscrapers, we headed up onto Calgary’s Plus 15 network – built to protect the city’s people in the harsh winters – which is a connection of 86 bridges and 16km of walkways. Around 15 feet above the ground, hence the name Plus 15, these walkways take you between various buildings in Calgary and some cool viewpoints of the city too.

We were able to get our bearings, understand more about the streets of Calgary and see some prominent sights and artwork along the way. Sometimes, free walking tours aren’t that great but I’d fully recommend this one as I felt like we got a really good foundation on Calgary’s history. Take some money for a tip if you feel like you’ve enjoyed it as much as we did!

Beers, Cocktails and Nachos at National on 10th

By now, you’ll have your bearings a little more around Calgary and you’ll probably have worked up an appetite for a bite to eat or a cocktail or two. Head to National on 10th, a casual bar that serves up great happy hour drinks and easy food after a day in the city.

We ordered the nachos, which were delivered on the lid of a beer keg. This was more than enough for 2 people and really delicious too. We were also conveniently at National on 10th for happy hour where all drinks are half price so naturally I couldn’t resist an espresso martini. Yes, this first day really was sponsored by coffee and jetlag! National on 10th has loads of seating inside but also has a great rooftop to enjoy on a dry day!

Drinks at Four Dogs Brewing Company

One place we had to try out in Calgary was Four Dogs Brewing Company. One because they served their own beer in the taproom, two because it was a short walk from our hotel, and three because their drinks are inspired by gorgeous dogs. How could we resist? A very chilled out place where there are a few seats outside and plenty of room inside. Plus if you love dogs, it’s too easy to get into a conversation with the owner about the bar’s origins and there might even be a friendly dog at the bar to fuss over.

Day 2: Drive From Calgary To Banff and Into The Rocky Mountains

Breakfast at The Beltliner

Start off your day with another good breakfast. This time at The Beltliner, a diner style place serving filter coffee on tap and giant breakfast portions. I had the pancakes here and then a little sample of an apple pie and caramel sauce for breakfast dessert (it was my birthday this day so this was such a treat, and also, I was on holiday). Both options were delicious and I’d go here again for a great breakfast in Calgary.

Pick Up Rental Car and Drive To Banff

If you’re driving to Banff, it’s time to pick up your rental car. You can pick up from central places in Calgary but we decided to go back to the airport to pick up our rental vehicle. This meant we didn’t have to drive through the centre of Calgary but did mean that we had to make our way back to the airport. We also unfortunately timed our pick up for the time for when a lot of flights had arrived so we did get stuck in a queue. However, once we’d got the keys from AVIS, we were on our way to Banff and the Canadian Rockies. 

The drive from Calgary to Banff takes just under 2 hours but you’ll want to allow for stops along the way as there are some pull over places to admire the views!

Buying Your Pass to Banff National Park

To visit any of the National Parks in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, you need a pass. This can either be a daily pass or a Discovery Pass. As we were staying 7 days, it worked out better value for us to buy a Discovery Pass which is valid for 12 months. One of the bonuses of the Discovery Pass is that it grants you entry into all national parks and national sites in Canada – perfect if you’re doing some travelling.

If you’re unsure of which is the better value for your stay, try out this handy tool on the Banff Lake Louise Tourism Board site which helps calculate which is the right pass for you. This will also account for the number of people you’ll be travelling in the same vehicle with if you’ve rented a car. You can buy a family or group pass for up to 7 people travelling in the same vehicle which works out as great value if a few of you are travelling together.

You can either buy your pass online – although it’s worth factoring in delivery time for this as well as the cost for postage – or in person at one of the National Park Gates or at a National Park Visitor Centre if you’re not able to buy one at your National Park Gate entry point, or if you’re arriving by public transport.

We purchased ours at Banff Park East Gate. The staff were really helpful ensuring we got the best value option and were clear in where to display the pass for checks. Discovery Passes need to be hung on your rearview mirror and daily paper passes are to be placed on the driver’s side dashboard window. You might expect a queue here in the summer months and at busy tourist periods but we weren’t waiting longer that 5 minutes in mid-September.

The Banff Blog has a great resource page on purchasing your pass if you are in need of more information before purchasing.

Other resources for your visit to Banff include the Banff and Lake Louise Tourism Site and the Parks Canada site.

Take A Transfer from Calgary

The Rider Express Bus

If you’re not hiring your own car to travel to Banff from Calgary, that’s not a problem. As the Gateway To The Rockies, Calgary offers plenty of options to get in between the two destinations. Hop on the Rider Express from Calgary which takes around 2 hours and has a few departures a day from Calgary.

Luxury Coach Transfer

If you want a bit more flexibility but still want to keep to a budget, take a one-way transfer from Calgary to Banff on a comfortable coach with wi-fi. You can choose your departure point from either a downtown hotel or Calgary Airport which provides more choice and with big viewing windows, you’ll get a great view of the Rocky Mountains as you travel in.

Shared Transfer from Calgary

Shared transfers are also an option from Calgary Airport. All you need to do is meet 5 minutes before your departure time at the pick-up location and you’ll be whisked away to Banff to start your holiday!

Private Transfer from Calgary

For the ultimate in flexibility and personalisation, get a private transfer to Banff. You can travel from either your hotel in Calgary or from Calgary Airport straight to your accommodation in Banff. It’s a real door-to-door service and you can even ask your driver for tips along the way.

Check In At Your Hotel In Banff

Banff has a huge choice of accommodation so whether you’re after something budget friendly, basic, luxurious or self-catering, you’ll be able to find it. For our stay in Banff, we actually stayed in 2 hotels both at the Northern entrance of Banff on Banff Avenue. First up was the Moxy Banff and the second hotel we stayed at was the Hotel Canoe and Suites. I loved both places and wouldn’t hesitate to stay at either one again but I think the Hotel Canoe and Suites just beats Moxy Banff as my favourite of the two.

The Moxy Banff is in line with all other Moxy hotels you’ll find across the world. Fun and quirky with bags of personality in its decoration. We checked in and got handed a voucher for a welcome drink, then got settled into our room which had a view of the mountain tops and Moxy Banff’s heated pool and hot tubs – a very welcome addition after a day of walking and the perfect place to relax with a drink from the bar. 

Halfway through our stay in Banff, we transferred across to the Hotel Canoe and Suites. This hotel felt a little more luxurious and grown up with a lot of space in the bedroom for our luggage. We were given a choice of custom tea or coffee for our room on check in – this was appreciated on the cool mornings before we went out! I loved the interior design of Hotel Canoe and Suites too, very muted and calm with the bathrooms being some of the most gorgeous bathrooms I’ve seen in a hotel.

Both of these hotels are at the top end of Banff meaning you have a 20 minute walk to the main action in the centre. This is no problem if you don’t mind a walk, plus there’s the opportunity to see wildlife along the way – we saw a few deer a couple of times just enjoying the grass in people’s gardens! Alternatively, you can get the bus from outside each hotel which takes you straight into Banff and runs regularly throughout the day and evening.

Take A Stroll To Bow Falls Viewpoint

After the drive, you’ll probably want to stretch your legs so why not take a stroll to the Bow Falls Viewpoint? Around 25 minutes walk from the centre of Banff, this short walk takes you down Banff Avenue, across the Banff pedestrian bridge and then along the edge of the Bow River to Bow Falls. 

This route will also take you along Banff’s Art in Nature trail, where you can see lots of local artwork inspired by, and representing, the people, wildlife and nature of Banff and Canada.

If you have time when you arrive in Banff, why not enjoy a horseriding adventure? You can enjoy a 1-hour horse ride along the Bow River or take an extended 2-hour horse ride, ascending and descending the slopes of the Sundance Loop around Sulphur Mountain. 

If you don’t want to do any of the above – maybe you just want to relax ahead of an adventurous week – you’ll do the walk past Bow Falls on your way to Banff Gondola on day 2, so you won’t miss out on this amazing waterfall!

Pizza At Bear Street Tavern

By now, you’ll probably be pretty hungry so make your way to Bear Street Tavern for some pizza. Most places in Banff are pretty casual so you can head out for dinner straight from your walk if needed. No one will bat an eye if you stroll in wearing a jacket, walking leggings, fleece and trainers.

We happened to drop on Bear Street Tavern when several of the pizzas were half price. This is something to be aware of if you are travelling on a budget, several places around Banff offer happy hours for both food and drink so you can get a bargain if you time your meals right. Even if my pizza hadn’t been half price, I still would go back here. It’s a super casual place for dinner and I felt very relaxed after a day of travelling!

Bear Street Tavern also does salads and other dishes if you don’t fancy pizza! 

If, like us, you’re still struggling with jetlag, it’s time to head back to your hotel ready for your first full day in Banff. But if you have the energy, enjoy Banff’s evening activities – head to some bars or wander around the shops on Banff Avenue!

Day 3: Exploring Banff and Sulphur Mountain via the Banff Gondola 

Enjoy Breakfast at Tooloulou’s

It’s time for another big breakfast and this morning, head to Tooloulou’s. Offering Cajun Creole style food with a Canadian Rocky Mountain influence, you’ll definitely have a hearty meal here to set you up for the day. We arrived around 8.30am and the place was already full. But, the friendly staff gave us a little buzzer and before we knew it we had a table. And it was worth the short wait with a hefty portion of pancakes and salmon and cream cheese bagel being devoured before we started our day. Book ahead if you want to eat here as it’s a popular place!

Trail Walk To Banff Gondola

Banff Gondola is one of the main things to do in Banff. You can get the bus from Banff up to Banff Gondola (just hop on Route 1 from Banff Avenue) however there is a really lovely walk along the Bow River, past Bow Falls. You’ll then head past Fairmont Banff Springs before going through the forest up to Banff Gondola. 

From the centre of Banff, this will take just over an hour and there are some hilly sections so take some water with you. If you don’t have any refreshments, there is a Starbucks at Banff Gondola if you need a coffee and a snack. Directions are easy to follow via Google Maps – just download this before you set off so you can access off line if needed.

Banff Gondola

Next up on your full day in Banff is the Banff Gondola. Take in the view of the Bow Valley and the mountains surrounding Banff as you ascend 700 metres to the top of Sulphur Mountain. 

You can buy tickets at the ticket centre or in advance – you’ll get a timed entry so definitely take a pack of cards or browse the gift shop if you have to wait. Once it’s your time slot, hop onto the platform and get on board the gondola pod that’ll take you to the top! This experience is slightly expensive but it’s a great way to enjoy a different perspective of Banff, plus you get to go to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Get your camera ready as there are some views to remember, and just sit back and enjoy the ride.

Walk On Sulphur Mountain 

When you exit Banff Gondola at the top of Sulphur Mountain, take the short walk to Sanson Peak where you’ll find the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site and the 1903 weather observatory. This walk is all on boardwalk and although there are some steps and inclines, it’s not a hard walk with the proper path – plus, you won’t want to rush this walk as the views are amazing.

Dinner At Hankki Banff

Dinner on your second night in Banff is a very relaxed, almost fast food affair. However, getting a bite to eat at Hankki means you’re going to get a really good, affordable meal. We enjoyed this place so much that we went back twice – it’s perfect if you’ve been out all day and just want something quick but filling and delicious. The main thing to try here is the Korean rice bowl so go here hungry and ready for a good feed!

Day 4: Mini Road Trip To Some Of Banff’s Most Scenic Spots

Breakfast At Sudden Sally

If you’re staying at Hotel Canoe and Suites, then you may have already eaten at Sudden Sally or picked up a coffee here in the morning. However, even if you’re not a hotel guest, you can enjoy a delicious breakfast before your day starts. Try out the buttermilk pancakes or the organic granola parfait with a fresh orange juice or coffee – the perfect spot if you’re heading out of Banff for the day.

Sudden Sally Menu

Johnston Canyon 

Johnston Canyon was one of the main walks I wanted to do when we stayed in Banff. It looked like a good, simple walk to do – low effort but high reward in terms of experience. The walk ends in an incredible waterfall and is a relatively short walk to complete, so how could we not visit here? This is another walk that’s got a proper boardwalk, however it’s still sensible to wear shoes with good grip in case there’s ice or if it’s slippery from any rain fall. 

I’d recommend getting here early as you’ll nearly have the trail to yourself – a good idea as one of the waterfalls you may have to join a line to get the full view.

If you don’t have your own vehicle to visit Johnston Canyon, there are day trips where you can combine Emerald Lake, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Johnston Canyon – a great way to tick off a lot of main sights in one go!

Vista Lake Walk

I’m not sure how we learned about the walk at Vista Lake, maybe through a Lonely Planet guidebook? However we found out about it, I’m glad we did because this was one of my favourite trails we did when we visited Banff. 30 minutes from Banff, park your car at the top of the valley, and take the single track trail down the hill to Vista Lake.

As you descend through the trees, you get glimpses of turquoise green water and when you reach the bottom, the view just opens up into this vast space with a picturesque views of Boom Mountain. If you’ve brought food with you, this is the perfect picnic spot. Take a rest, refresh, enjoy the view and then head back up to the top.

The whole walk is less than 3km, and didn’t take us more than 2 hours so it’s a great midday stroll, especially as the path is shaded to protect you from the sun on a sunny summer’s day.

Painted Pots, Marble Canyon, and Vermillion Lakes

As the day goes on, there are a few more stops to enjoy. Paint Pots, Marble Canyon and Vermillion Lakes. Paint Pots was a real surprise treat for us, somewhere we pulled over because we just saw a sign on the main road. Before we knew it, we’d parked up, walked around 1km through woodland and along a boardwalk, to some incredible iron stained land that just looked magical against the green grass, grey mountains and blue sky. A fully recommended pit stop if you want to see something different. 

Marble Canyon is somewhere we could easily have done a longer walk, however we’d already walked a lot this day so for us, we just took a quick walk up to Marble Canyon’s main view point – which is pretty cool.

Vermillion Lakes is another great roadside stop – I’ve heard it’s a great place to watch the sunrise but for us, it was a spot to watch the road trains rolling in through the valley. A great sight if you’re able to time it right!

Day 5: Visit the Iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Things You Need To Know About Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake

Visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are two places that require planning in advance. It’s not something you can easily decide to do the day before or on the day. 

Parks Canada runs shuttle reservations which open on a certain date each year (in 2025 this was April 16) or you can reserve a seat from 8am two days prior to departure. Since we’d booked to go to Canada only a few months before, we had to take our chance trying for the 8am reservation opening. This was stressful. We were sitting at breakfast, ready to refresh the website when the clock turned 8am. As soon as we did, no availability showed. Thinking we’d refreshed too early, we refreshed the screen again. No availability. 

That was it, we thought we’d missed our chance. I don’t know if we were unlucky or if we’d missed a step in the process (you have to create an account in advance) but we honestly thought we’d missed our chance to visit Lake Louise and also Moraine Lake, both places on our bucket list for Canada.

However, after doing a bit of research and thorough research into various options and alternatives, we settled on a tour which would take us to Lake Louise then via shuttle bus to Moraine Lake and back again. 

For us, this turned out to be a great option, probably a better option that what we were originally planning on. We were able to hop on whichever shuttle bus we liked from Lake Louise Village – if you have your own car just park up here and make your way to Wow Banff Stand. Then we could also get on any bus we liked from Lake Louise to Moraine Lake, giving us the flexibility to stay as long as we wanted in each. 

This option was more expensive than the shuttle via Parks Canada but to avoid the stress, and chance of not seeing Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, I’d go for this choice again and again. If you do decide to go for the Parks Canada option, it’s good to know there are other options if needed.

There is more information on visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, including operating dates on the Parks Canada website. There’s also specific information on visiting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on the Banff Lake Louise Tourism Board website.

Lake Louise 

Lake Louise is incredible, there’s no doubt about it. It’s almost like this lake was made to be a picture for a postcard with its turquoise waters backed by mountains and glaciers, and fringed by green trees. You can get a Roam Transit to Lake Louise from Banff, it’s the 8X (Lake Louise Express), you just need to book in advance and you won’t be able to go to Moraine Lake with this option.

Our transfer bus though brought us from Lake Louise Village and we arrived among very few crowds. Absolute bliss and a bucket list item, ticked off.

While we were here, we did the Plain of Six Glaciers walk. Other walks you can do around Lake Louise include the Fairview Lookout, the Lake Agnes Teahouse walk, and  the Little Beehive and Big Beehive walks.

If you don’t want to do any walks around Lake Louise, there are other activities you can do. Why not take to the water on one of the classic red canadian canoes?

You can’t reserve these advance as they’re on a first-come, first-served basis but just make your way to the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Boathouse – you’ll easily spot this on the west shore of Lake Louise. It’s $170+ GST for one hour in a Lake Louise canoe or $160 + GST for 30 minutes so going for the hour is much better value and gives you plenty of chance to get some iconic photos of your own!

In winter, Lake Louise turns into a winter wonderland with cross-country skiers, ice climbers, and ice skaters whizzing across the surface of the frozen lake. A magical sight that would draw me back here in the colder months!

Plain of Six Glaciers Walk and Teahouse

There are many walks you can do around Lake Louise – the Plain of Six Glaciers walk is the one we did and it was a great mix of flat lakeside paths and trails into the mountains. We had originally planned to just do the flat Lake Louise Lakeshore Walk, a flat 2km trail which runs alongside Lake Louise.

However, once we started walking, and gaining a small bit of elevation, we couldn’t stop. We saw the signs for the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse and from then, that was our goal. What happened from there was the most beautiful hike, past rock climbers on steep cliff faces, gravelly switchbacks up the mountains and views of the glaciers cascading down the mountains. 

Reaching the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse is a real treat and is meant to be quieter than the popular Lake Agnes Teahouse which you can also reach from Lake Louise.

Built here in 1927 by the Canadian Pacific Railway, and typically open between early June and early October, this place is worth the walk. There’s no electricity here, everything is cooked on a propane stove by staff that carry supplies from the bottom of the valley and stay here for a few nights to serve up delicious treats to guests. I’d recommend the chocolate cake and a glass of fresh lemonade but the nachos are also a great choice.

Head back down to Lake Louise once you’ve enjoyed some refreshments, taking in the views of Lake Louise along the way. This walk is just over 13km and can take around 3.5 hours to complete – this is at a steady pace with plenty of stops to enjoy the views, take photos and for refreshments at the teahouse. It was much busier along the lake shore when we got back from our Plain of Six Glaciers walk but we still managed to get some great family photos and admire the view

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake, if it’s open when you’re in the Rocky Mountains, is a must visit spot. It’s a picture perfect lake and the place that’s used in many photographs that represent this area of Canada. We spent around an hour here wandering by the lake shore, watching people row on the water in bright red Canadian canoes, and wandering up to the view point to get our own classic photo. I loved it here, maybe more than Lake Louise. 

Although it’s a smaller lake, it felt a bit more peaceful with slightly less crowds although that might be because we visited later in the day. I’d definitely make the effort to visit for sunrise here, I can imagine it’s just such a special moment.

Top Tip: Moraine Lake is only accessible from June through to October. You can also only access Moraine Lake via a prebooked tour.

Dinner At Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant

Visiting Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant was high up on our list of places to eat in Banff. Recommended by someone we knew who’d visited Banff, and always a busy spot, we had high hopes for this place.

Firstly the drinks were great (we managed to drop in on happy hour for beers and cocktails which is 3pm to 5pm everyday) and the food we enjoyed for dinner was really delicious. I had the Mac n’ Cheese Gratin for my main and the Citrus Meringue for my dessert. I’d recommend booking as this place, like a lot of places in Banff, does get busy, but we managed to walk in and grab a table outside where a mini firepit kept the evening chill off us.

Day 6: Drive The Scenic Icefields Parkway

This is one day where if you have your own car, you’ll have a lot more flexibility, however there are so many tour options to enjoy the Icefields Parkway if you don’t have a vehicle. At 144 miles long, connecting Lake Louise and Jasper, the Icefields Parkway is an essential experience if you’re roadtripping around Canada.

It’s a great activity to do if you include a stay in Jasper on your Canadian itinerary as it’s the road you’ll drive on anyway to get between Banff and Jasper. However, it’s easy to do the Icefields Parkway as a day trip from Banff and the below are some key sights to see along the way. 

Bow Lake Viewpoint

The first stop, around 25 miles from Lake Louise, is Bow Lake. This stop is easy enough to enjoy from the roadside and from here you can see Crowfoot Glacier. 

Columbia Icefield and Glacier Icefields Skywalk

Although we didn’t do the Glacier Icefields Skywalk or a trip onto the Columbia Icefield, these are two of the most popular activities to do on the Icefields Parkway. However if you don’t want to do either, you still get incredible views of the mountains and the Athabasca Glacier from the road and the Icefield Centre.

If you do want to enjoy these exhilarating activities, you can book your tickets for the Glacier Skywalk and a guided tour on the Athabasca Glacier if you’re able to make your own way to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Alternatively, there are options with transport from Banff which includes lunch and both activities on a Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure.

Sunwapta Falls

One reason we didn’t do the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure was because we wanted to spend more time exploring Sunwapta Falls. This stop was the last on our Icefields Parkway Adventure before doubling back towards Banff.

A relatively easy, short 3km walk took us from Upper Sunwapta Falls to Lower Sunwapta Falls, and what a place to enjoy a small hike. If you decide to do this walk, just follow the signs from the car park and the trail is easy to follow through woodland before coming out at Lower Sunwapta Falls.

Peyto Lake

Our last stop, which I’d argue was our best stop on this road trip on the Icefields Parkway, was Peyto Lake. Yet another poster child for this region, there’s no getting away from the beauty of Peyto Lake and its turquoise blue water. 

There is a short uphill walk from the car park at Peyto Lake to the main view point. However if you want to do a longer hike, the Peyto Lake Loop Trail is a 2.4km walk which gives you different view points of Peyto Lake, takes you through forested trails, and is probably quieter than the main viewing area. 

Day 7: Lake Minnewanka Boat Trip, an Afternoon in Canmore, and Upper Banff Hot Springs

Lake Minnewanka Boat Trip

Lake Minnewanka was a real treat for a relaxed morning in Banff. The night before, we’d stopped at the IGA to pick up some breakfast snacks and headed out early-ish to fit in a walk before hopping on a boat tour.

Our short walk took us to Stewart Canyon Bridge and it will take you about an hour for a return trip from the Lake Minnewanka car park. We took our time and spotted deer and had a little breakfast picnic in the woods. 

Then, when we returned from our walk, we boarded the Lake Minnewanka Cruise for a journey along this 21km long glacial lake. Seating around 30 people, the covered and heated boat allows you to enjoy Lake Minnewanka in comfort, although there are no restrooms on board.

Your hour-long journey will take you into the depths of Lake Minnewanka where your skippers will tell tales of the history of the lake. We visited on a very cloudy and wet morning, which only added to the eeriness of the stories. That being said, don’t let the weather put you off – of course it would have been amazing to see Lake Minnewanka on a clear, blue sky day but we only had one morning free in our schedule and I’m glad we saw it in the rain rather than miss out altogether. 

The boat, as well as being covered, has an outdoor viewing area and the skippers will dish out warm, traditional tea to try out on your journey!

Get tickets for a Classic Cruise, Premium Cruise, or even a Beer Voyage where you also get to enjoy craft beer on your journey.

Have an Afternoon in Canmore

Having only spent one afternoon in Canmore, I’d say it was like a more free-spirited, independent sister to Banff’s lively and welcoming hub. With a gorgeous main street and plenty of shops to browse, Canmore is a wonderful place to spend a leisurely couple of hours.

Sit down for a warming bite to eat at Graze Food and Drink, the ideal spot for some comfort food – we all tried the soup of the day and it was just what we needed on a cloudy afternoon. We had originally tried to get into the Grizzly Paw Pub but it was busy – this will be on our list for our next visit!

After lunch, we did a spot of shopping, first popping into Mixed Culture to browse their range of beers and wines (perfect to take away if you have a balcony at your hotel in Banff). Then, we wandered the main street and came across Stonewaters, an incredible shop full of well designed items for your home as well as books, accessories, and gifts – I easily could have spent a fortune in here on mugs, coffee table books, candles, accessories for my camera, but unfortunately my bank balance and luggage allowance meant I simply bought a few souvenir stickers and pin badge. 

Enjoy A Sunset Soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs

After a leisurely day, it’s time to keep with the theme of relaxation and head for a soak at Banff Upper Hot Springs. Located near Banff Gondola, you can easily catch a Roam Transit Bus to Banff Upper Hot Springs if you don’t want to walk. Just take Route 1 from Banff and get off at the stop before Banff Gondola. We chose this option as the temperature had dropped and we couldn’t wait to get into the relaxing warm water! 

There’s no need to book, just turn up, pay your entry fee ($17.50 for adults), and get ready to soak away any stresses (although it’s hard to have any when you’re on holiday in the Rocky Mountains). Time your visit right and you’ll get to see the snow topped mountains turn pink as the sun sets.

If you don’t have your own swim wear or towels, you can rent them at Banff Upper Hot Springs and there are changing rooms and showers to use before and after your visit.

To head back, I’d recommend taking the short walk to Banff Gondola and catching the bus back to Banff from here.

Combine a trip to Lake Minnewanka, Banff Gondola and Banff Upper Hot Springs on this day trip from Banff – a great option if you don’t have your own vehicle and want everything to be taken care of! 

Day 8: A Relaxed Day In Banff

Walking and Shopping On Banff Avenue

For your last full day in Banff, it’s time to just enjoy this wonderful mountain town. The first thing we did was take one last walk to stretch our legs. There’s a short trail called the Fenland Trail which is a great place for a morning stroll. You can also rent a canoe nearby so if you missed out on taking a paddle on Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, or it was too expensive, this is a cheaper way to enjoy some time on the water.

Later on in the day, wander the high street and take a look in the shops – The Spirit Of Christmas was my absolute favourite – but there’s also a ton of outdoor shops including Colombia and Patagonia. In between all that, enjoy Banff’s huge selection of coffee shops, bars and snack places or take advantage of the many happy hours throughout Banff if you’re enjoying an evening out for your last night.

Happy Hours in Banff

Before we went to Canada, a lot of people said that it’s an expensive place to visit. And yes, while it’s not cheap, there are certain things that are on a par with UK prices or cheaper. Coffee is definitely cheaper, and meals out and cocktails and beer are around the same price as the UK. However, there are some great deals around for both food and drink with Banff’s many happy hours. Sudden Sally’s was my favourite – 50% off cocktails and food between 2pm and 5pm. What a bargain!

Days 9 and 10: Rocky Mountaineer to Vancouver via Kamloops

The next couple of days are days of luxury. Step on board the Rocky Mountaineer for a journey of a lifetime through the Rocky Mountains and then onto Vancouver via Kamloops. 

Road Trip Through The Rocky Mountains by Car

If travelling by train isn’t on your Canada bucketlist, then maybe taking a roadtrip through the Canadian Rockies is? Keep your rental car if you’ve had one in Banff, or hire one from one of the rental shops in town, and head for the open road towards Vancouver. If you do this drive straight through, it’ll take you just over 9 hours. However, it’s likely you’ll want to stop at a few places along the way so allow extra time and maybe even add a night in at Kamloops to break up the journey.

Getting to Vancouver via Bus or Train

The Rocky Mountaineer isn’t on everyone’s budget. It is a big expense and to me, it’s worth the splurge but there are other ways to travel between Banff and Vancouver if you’re travelling on a budget or if you’d rather spend your hard earned money on other experiences.

You can still travel via train to Vancouver through ViaRail, however you do have to depart from Jasper for this. The journey is around 23 hours long and there’s only a couple of departures a week so it’s a less flexible option than driving. If you go for the sleeper option, ticket prices can start to add up but this is something I’d definitely consider in the future to enjoy a relaxing, scenic journey through the Rocky Mountains.

You can also get a bus through to Vancouver from Banff. With two departures a day with Rider Express, your journey will take just under 11 hours. Either choose the journey that takes you through the night, that way you can sleep on the coach and wake up in Vancouver ready to start your day. Or, take the bus that travels through the day so you can take in the mountain views as you travel through places like Golden, Revelstoke and Kamloops.

Day 11: Get To Know Vancouver from the Vancouver Lookout and A Food Tour in Gastown

So you’ve woken up in Vancouver and you’re ready to explore for the next few days. The below is a great way to see some of the best parts of the city with some optional extras too that you can add in depending on what you fancy doing!

Vancouver is a very walkable city if you’re happy to get your steps in but local transport is easily accessible.

We stayed at the The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver which was in the perfect location for us. It’s only a few blocks from Canada Place, a 30 minute walk from Stanley Park, and maybe most importantly, only 5 minutes walk from the nearest Tim Hortons. There are a lot of other options for places to stay in Vancouver depending on your budget and preference for location.

When you’ve chosen where to stay, this is what I’d suggest doing for your next few days in Vancouver.

Vancouver Lookout

Before you explore Vancouver, get your bearings with a birdseye view from Vancouver Lookout. We really enjoyed seeing the layout of the city and its location between the sea and the mountains and there’s lots of information about the history of Vancouver too. 

Built in 1977, and opened by astronaut Neil Armstrong, the lift of Vancouver Tower will haul you 168 metres (553 feet) above the city and a complimentary audio guide will give you information about everything you can see on your 360 degree view of Vancouver. I loved this audio guide as it allowed me to really understand more about the city and I took my time really looking at things and spotting landmarks I never would have picked out myself. All you need is your mobile phone and a headset for this!

Gastown Food Tour

After seeing Vancouver from above, it’s time to get into one of its coolest neighbourhoods. Gastown is a historic area of the city with gorgeous red brick buildings and the city’s famous Gastown Steam Clock, a famous landmark which erupts with steam every 15 minutes and is worth the wait to see.

However, although you can do walking tours of Gastown, why not get to know this area of Vancouver through its food? Try delicious donuts, craft beer, some of the city’s finest sushi, an exquisite taco, and more on an elite walking food tour of Gastown. Over 3 hours, and across 5 eateries, you’ll try some amazing foods, as well as a complimentary cocktail, while you also learn about the history of the area. Some places you might just end up going back to later on your trip so it’s a good idea to plan this as early as you can on your trip to Vancouver.

Dinner At Burgoo

If you’re still hungry after your food tour, head to Burgoo in downtown Vancouver for a whole load of comfort food. Recommended by our host, Karsten, on the Rocky Mountaineer, we tried Burgoo out on our first proper night in Vancouver. Although we arrived at a quiet time, the staff were super friendly and helpful with choosing dishes that our whole table could enjoy. I, again, had the Mac ‘n’ Cheese for my main along with a side of crispy brussel sprouts. We were able to walk in and grab a table but reserve ahead if you like the look of this place – it’s one I’d highly recommend.

Day 12: Visit Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Go Whale Watching, and Enjoy Vancouver’s Breweries

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

Today it’s time to visit one of Vancouver’s most popular attractions, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. I’d recommend going as early as possible for this activity – we were on the first bus out from Vancouver and it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves for the first 30 minutes. That might have had something to do with the absolutely torrential rain we experienced though…

Even in the horribly wet weather – which is half expected on the west coast – Capilano Suspension Bridge Park was a great place to spend a couple of hours. The bridge itself, which is 137 metres (450 feet) long and connects two sides of a valley, 70 meters (230 feet) high above the Capilano River, is a really cool experience and has been a great attraction for many visitors since 1889. And don’t worry about it breaking, it can hold the weight of a fully loaded 747 airplane. So although it looks delicate, it’s a very sturdy bit of engineering.

 

After the bridge, there’s a great, lush West Coast rainforest to explore which is full of ancient trees. As an adult, I found this place fascinating but I can imagine if you’re a family visiting with kids, this place will keep you entertained for a long time with several bridges connecting platforms around the trees and different activity areas so you can learn more about the nature in this area.

Spend Half A Day Whale Watching

After you’ve spent the morning at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, it’s time to explore Vancouver’s waters for an afternoon of whale watching. This activity is season dependent with May to October having the highest concentration of whales in the area and July and August being the peak months to spot orcas and humpback whales. 

Breweries and Beer of Vancouver

Vancouver, like a lot of places in the Pacific North West, has a great craft beer scene. Head into the evening exploring many of Vancouver’s breweries and tap rooms. We tried out Steamworks Brewpub before getting a taxi out to Powell Brewery. We also visited CowDog Brewery but sadly it looks like this place is now permanently closed. Other spots to try out include Superflux Beer Company, Container Brewing, Bomber Brewing, East Van Brewing, Luppolo Brewing Co, and Strange Fellows Brewing.

If you’re doing a self-guided tour, make sure to check the opening times of breweries and tap rooms. On our travels there’s been a few times we’ve missed out because we sadly didn’t check the opening times. However, to make sure you don’t miss out on the best beers in Vancouver, you could always take a craft beer brewery tour to sample the most delicious drinks in the city.

Day 13: Stanley Park and Granville Island and Market

Explore Stanley Park

Stanley Park is just another feather in Vancouver’s bow of nature spots. A huge park with ancient woodland, a sea wall and plenty of trails to explore, it’s an easy place to spend the morning. We walked around 11km around the outskirts via Second Beach and Third Beach then through Stanley Park to the Hollow Tree and Beaver Lake before reaching the Stanley Park Rose Garden, then the Vancouver Aquarium, and onto the seawall back into the city. There was a huge area we didn’t cover so we might have missed out on some of the main sights but we felt like we got a good feel for the park and really enjoyed exploring and wandering.

Take The Water Taxi To Granville Island

After walking a few thousand steps around Stanley Park, take a more relaxed approach to your afternoon with a trip to Granville Island for a lot of good food and some shopping. From Vancouver, one of the main water taxi companies is Aquabus who run frequent routes up and down False Creek between 7am and 9.15pm, 7 days a week. They run every 15 minutes from several piers around the city including Yaletown, Hornby Street and Plaza of Nations. You can either buy your tickets in advance on the Aquabus website, or purchase on board with cash or card.

Once you’ve arrived on Granville Island, take your time exploring the food market and its surrounding shops and eateries. There are over 300 businesses here so there’s plenty to see. The Public Market, open from 9am to 7pm has 50 independent food places – and it can be really hard to decide what to eat. We enjoyed a bowl of seafood chowder in between tasting samples from various stalls as we wandered around.

If you sit outside, with a view overlooking the Granville Bridge and view of Vancouver’s skyline, you might just spot a person wandering around with a Harris Hawk. This is to help keep pesky seagulls at bay who are cheeky enough to try and take your delicious food if they have the chance. Don’t let this stop you from sitting outside though, it’s a gorgeous place to sit on a nice day!

One thing I would do, having seen how much there is to enjoy on Granville Island, is do a food tour. That way you get to try out the best stuff – and a great way to decide what to eat if you have time to visit again on your trip to Vancouver.

Day 14: Home time

Depending on what time your flight departs – ours was around 8pm so we had plenty of time to enjoy another day in Vancouver – you might have the opportunity to do some bonus sightseeing. There are plenty of other things to do in Vancouver that we weren’t able to fit into our itinerary, or other things took priority. 

However the below activities could be a great way to fill your final few hours in Vancouver. Alternatively, do some shopping, coffee shop hop, or go back to your favourite spot in the city for one last time before you depart.

Alternative Activities In Vancouver

Day Trip to Whistler

Maybe you have a full extra day in Vancouver? Or maybe you want to swap out one of the days above for a day trip to Whistler. As you travel along the Sea To Sky Highway, one of the most scenic roads in the Rockies, Shannon Falls is your first stop – the third highest waterfall in Canada. You’ll then get to experience the Sea to Sky Gondola, a 10-minute ride to reach a height of 885 metres where there’s panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. 

Then, it’s time for a visit to Whistler. This village in the Rocky Mountains is home to the 2010 Winter Olympics and on this tour you’ll get 4 whole hours to explore at your own pace. Get some lunch, do some shopping or simply settle into a cosy coffee shop and do some people watching in this pedestrianised town.

Grouse Mountain

If you have an evening flight, this 4-hour excursion to Grouse Mountain is a great bonus activity to add to your Vancouver itinerary before you go home. With free pickup from your hotel, you’ll head directly to Grouse Mountain, one of Vancouver’s highlights. Climb to the peak on the Peak Chairlift Experience. Once you reach the top of Grouse Mountain, take your time to explore and keep your eyes peeled for grizzly bears, watch a lumberjack show, or enjoy one of the many walking trails in this area.

Walking Donut Tour

Another great option if you have an afternoon or evening flight, and especially if you have a sweet tooth, is a Donut Tour of Vancouver. This walking tour will show you the best of the best of Vancouver’s donut scene around Downtown, Canada Place and Gastown. This donut tour is 2 hours long so is the perfect short activity to squeeze in before you say goodbye to Vancouver.

If donuts aren’t quite your thing, another 2 hour tour is the Sinners and Sweets Tour. You’ll get to hear mysterious tales of Vancouver, see magnificent architecture around the city, all while eating some of Vancouver’s best sweet gourmet goodies.

Getting To Vancouver Airport

The quickest way to get to Vancouver Airport is on the Canada Line, Vancouver’s rapid transit rail which will get your from downtown to Vancouver Airport in less than 30 minutes. The benefits to travelling this way are that it’s the cheapest option, and one of the quickest. You may have to walk your luggage to your nearest station (you can depart from Waterfront, Vancouver City Centre, and Yaletown-Roundhouse stations) but for us this was the best option.

You can also grab a taxi which will cost you $46 if you travel from Downtown Vancouver.

And there you have it, a two-week Canada itinerary that takes you from Calgary to Vancouver, with unforgettable stops in Banff and along the iconic Rocky Mountaineer route. It’s the kind of trip that offers a little bit of everything: dramatic landscapes, mountain-town charm, and a unique way to experience the best of Western Canada.

Maybe you’re planning your next big adventure or just dreaming for now, but I hope this 2-week itinerary gives you a clear idea of what’s possible and helps take some of the stress out of organising your route.

If you’ve got any questions or your own tips for this route, feel free to drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear how your trip shapes up.