Trip across the rockies

It would certainly work, but even not being hikers, I think you are seriously shortchanging the Rockies.

I would be inclined to add at least one more day around Lake Louise/Banff. You could easily back you plans up by a day - easy to drive from Drumheller to near the airport if you want to stay at an airport hotel. So do Drumheller on the 9th, Brooks on the 8th etc. That gives you a whole day for Lake Louise/Moraine Lake/Banff - great place for photos and wildlife. Revy to Jasper will be a very long day, so you will want as much of the return trip to Lake Louise as possible to enjoy the Icefields Parkway.

Also, you don't mention when you coming to Alberta/BC - if it's this summer, your itinerary will likely be dictated by accommodation availability. People are already reporting a very limited accommodation availability between the end of June and mid September, especially in Jasper.

It's June 27th to July 8th. Have all accommodation booked (but cancellable) except the last night at the airport. Had planned to go via yellowhead highway and stay in Valemount 1st night but was told this plan B via Revelstoke was more scenic. I was a bit worried about the length of Revelstoke to Jasper hence the need for reassurance!

Revy to Jasper is definitely way more scenic than the Yellowhead. And fortunately you're just barely far enough ahead of the long weekend that traffic won't be too gross yet.

There's not too much in the way of wildlife for Dinosaur PP & Drumheller if that's your priority. And as ksneds suggested, it's only a 90 minute drive from Drumheller to Calgary, so devoting a whole day just to getting back to Calgary is a bit of a waste and the time would be better utilized in the mountains.

Is there anyway you can extend your trip a few days or move it forward a couple. The Calgary Stampede starts on the 8th this year. http://www.calgarystampede.com/stampede

Yep, I've done this in 8 days ;)

Just want to agree with others about Drumheller and Brooks; no need to stay in either really if all you are looking for is a day in the area. As mentioned its generally only 90 minutes from Calgary (depending on which area of the city you are in). You can drive out in the morning see Dinosaur Provincial park and the Hoodoos in the morning and the Royal Tyrell museum in the afternoon and still be back in Calgary in time for a great steak dinner.

Also agree that your first to days is a ton of driving. If you are going to drive straight through you might consider flying to Calgary instead; you'll still get some stunning mountain scenery (especially on the Icefields Parkway) but spend half the time in the car.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.