8 days in Canada Itinerary

Among the world's oldest national parks, Banff National Park serves as a World Heritage-listed mecca for cyclists, hikers, skiers, bird-watchers, mountain climbers, and anyone else with a passion for exploring vast untouched wildernesses.

Start off your visit on the 29th (Sat): take in panoramic vistas at Surprise Corner, take in the dramatic scenery at Bow Falls, then trek along Bow Glacier Falls, then contemplate the waterfront views at Two Jack Lake, and finally explore the activities along Cascade Ponds. On your second day here, take in the awesome beauty at Sulphur Mountain, stroll through Plain of Six Glaciers, contemplate the waterfront views at Lake Agnes, then take a memorable drive along Morant's Curve, then get great views at Fairview Lookout, and finally trek along Bow River Trail.

To find maps, more things to do, ratings, and tourist information, read our Banff National Park road trip planner.

Richmond to Banff National Park is an approximately 3.5-hour flight. You can also drive; or do a combination of subway and bus. The time zone changes from Pacific Standard Time (PST) to Mountain Standard Time (MST), which is usually a 1 hour difference. Traveling from Richmond in April, expect Banff National Park to be slightly colder, temps between 9°C and -4°C. On the 1st (Mon), wrap the sightseeing up by early afternoon so you can drive to Canmore.

Bordered by the spectacular peaks of the Alberta Rockies, within a stone's throw of Banff National Park, the town of Canmore serves as an excellent base for outdoor adventures.

Kick off your visit on the 1st (Mon): relax and rejuvenate at some of the best spas, then explore the galleries of Avens Gallery, then stroll through Ribbon Creek Trail, and finally admire the verdant scenery at Bow Valley Provincial Park. Keep things going the next day: contemplate the waterfront views at Spray Lake, explore the activities along Upper Kananaskis Lake, then stroll through Galatea Lakes Trail, then steep yourself in history at Burgess Shale, and finally contemplate the waterfront views at Grassi Lakes.

For reviews, other places to visit, photos, and other tourist information, read our Canmore online tour itinerary planner.

Canmore is just a stone's throw from Banff National Park. In May, daily temperatures in Canmore can reach 17°C, while at night they dip to 0°C. You'll have a few hours on the 3rd (Wed) to wrap things up before traveling to Drumheller.

Keep an eye out for prehistoric beasts lurking in dark corners during your trip to Drumheller.

Start off your visit on the 3rd (Wed): walk around Midland Provincial Park, examine the collection at Royal Tyrrell Museum, examine the collection at Fossil World Discovery Museum, then take some stellar pictures from Orkney Viewpoint, and finally look for gifts at Jurassic Store Fossil World.

To find photos, reviews, where to stay, and tourist information, read Drumheller trip planner.

Traveling by car from Canmore to Drumheller takes 3 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of bus and car; or do a combination of bus and taxi. Traveling from Canmore in May, expect Drumheller to be a bit warmer, temps between 22°C and 5°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 3rd (Wed) early enough to go by car to Grande Prairie.

Grande Prairie is a city in northwest Alberta, Canada within the southern portion of an area known as Peace River Country. For other places to visit, photos, more things to do, and tourist information, read Grande Prairie trip itinerary planning tool.

Getting from Drumheller to Grande Prairie by car takes about 7.5 hours. In May in Grande Prairie, expect temperatures between 20°C during the day and 3°C at night. On the 5th (Fri), you'll have the morning to explore before heading off to Tumbler Ridge.

Start off your visit on the 5th (Fri): get a new perspective on nature at Tumbler Ridge Museum.

To see ratings, traveler tips, other places to visit, and more tourist information, go to the Tumbler Ridge online trip itinerary builder.

Drive from Grande Prairie to Tumbler Ridge in 2.5 hours. The time zone changes from Mountain Standard Time (MST) to Pacific Standard Time (PST), which is usually a -1 hour difference. In May, daytime highs in Tumbler Ridge are 20°C, while nighttime lows are 4°C. You'll have a few hours on the 5th (Fri) to wrap things up before traveling to Prince George.

Prince George, with a population of 74,003, is the largest city in northern British Columbia, Canada, and is the "Northern Capital" of BC. Situated at the confluence of the Fraser and Nechako Rivers, and the crossroads of Highway 16 and Highway 97, the city is the service and supply hub for one of the fastest-growing regions in Canada and plays an important role in the province's economy and culture.HistoryThe origins of Prince George can be traced to the North West Company fur trading post of Fort George, which was established in 1807 by Simon Fraser and named in honour of King George III. The post was centred in the centuries-old homeland of the Lheidli T'enneh First Nation, whose very name means "people of the confluence of the two rivers."1800sThroughout the 19th century Fort George remained unchanged, while Fort St. For photos, traveler tips, and tourist information, refer to the Prince George trip itinerary planner.

Getting from Tumbler Ridge to Prince George by car takes about 5 hours. Expect a daytime high around 21°C in May, and nighttime lows around 3°C. Wrap up your sightseeing by early afternoon on the 6th (Sat) to allow time for the flight back home.