The Canadian Rockies on Points: Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise
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There's a lake in the Canadian Rockies that looks like someone Photoshopped it.
You've probably seen the pictures — that impossible turquoise water, a chateau perched on the shore like it was placed there by a film set designer, mountains rising behind it so steep and so close they seem to lean in. You've looked at those pictures and thought: That can't be real. No place actually looks like that.
Lake Louise is real. And it actually looks like that.
So does Moraine Lake, where the water is the color of a Caribbean postcard but the mountains are covered in snow. So does Jasper's Maligne Canyon, where turquoise rivers have carved through limestone for 11,000 years. So does the Icefields Parkway — 232 kilometers of highway through the most vertically dramatic landscape in North America, where glaciers hang between peaks and wildlife crosses the road because everything here still belongs to them.
The Canadian Rockies are one of the last places on Earth where nature is still obviously in charge. Mountains don't just surround you — they dwarf you, in the best possible way. The air tastes different. The silence at 6,000 feet is the kind of silence that has texture. And the Fairmont hotels that anchor the region — the Banff Springs, the Chateau Lake Louise, the Jasper Park Lodge — are among the most legendary properties in North America.
And all three are bookable on points.
Let's plan the trip.
Getting There: Flights to the Canadian Rockies on Points
Calgary (YYC) is your gateway. It's the closest major airport to Banff (90 minutes by car) and the starting point for the Icefields Parkway drive to Jasper. Edmonton (YEG) is the alternative if you're starting from the Jasper end (3.5 hours by car).
Flights to Calgary
| Route | Program | Points (Round Trip) | Cash Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US → Calgary | Aeroplan (via Chase UR or Amex MR) | 25,000–50,000 | $400–$800 | Air Canada nonstop from many US cities |
| US → Calgary | United MileagePlus (via Chase UR) | 25,000–45,000 | $400–$800 | United or Air Canada metal; Star Alliance |
| US → Calgary | American AAdvantage | 25,000–50,000 | $400–$800 | Via Dallas, Phoenix, or connecting |
| US → Calgary | Southwest (via Denver/Seattle) | 15,000–30,000 | $300–$600 | Connecting only; no direct to Canada |
| US → Calgary | Capital One Miles | Varies | Varies | Portal booking at 1¢/mile |
The WanderWise move: Air Canada via Aeroplan is the natural play here. Transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards to Aeroplan (1:1) and book Air Canada nonstop from major US hubs. Aeroplan's dynamic pricing often delivers round-trip economy to Calgary at 25,000–35,000 points per person from US cities — that's better than most domestic flights.
Direct routes from the US to Calgary: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Phoenix, Denver, Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Minneapolis, Newark, and several seasonal routes. Air Canada has made Calgary remarkably accessible.
Business class consideration: Unlike transatlantic flights where business class transforms the experience, the flight to Calgary from most US cities is 3–5 hours — short enough that economy is perfectly comfortable. Save your premium cabin points for longer trips. If you want the upgrade, Aeroplan prices business class at 50,000–70,000 points round trip, which is reasonable but not the best use of your points on a short haul.
Getting from Calgary to Banff
- Rental car (recommended): The drive from Calgary to Banff is 90 minutes on the Trans-Canada Highway — straight, easy, and beautiful as the foothills give way to mountains. You'll want a car for the Icefields Parkway anyway.
- Banff Airporter shuttle: $65 CAD each way, door-to-door service. Good if you're staying exclusively in Banff town and don't plan to drive.
- Brewster Express: $75 CAD each way. Similar service with comfortable coaches.
The WanderWise move: Rent a car. The Canadian Rockies are a driving destination, and the roads are spectacular. You'll need a vehicle for the Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the smaller valleys and viewpoints that make this trip extraordinary. Major rental agencies are at YYC airport. Budget $50–$80 CAD/day for a mid-size SUV, which handles mountain roads comfortably and has space for luggage. All-wheel drive isn't necessary in summer but gives peace of mind in September or early October.
Where to Stay: The Fairmont Properties on Points
The Fairmont hotels in the Canadian Rockies aren't just places to sleep — they're destinations in themselves. These are grand railway hotels, built in the late 1800s and early 1900s when the Canadian Pacific Railway wanted to lure wealthy travelers west. They succeeded. The hotels are still here, still grand, and now bookable on Marriott Bonvoy or Accor Live Limitless points (Fairmont was acquired by Accor, but many properties remain cross-listed on Bonvoy through legacy partnerships).
The Big Three
Fairmont Banff Springs — "The Castle in the Rockies"
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Banff town, overlooking the Bow Valley and Spray River |
| Built | 1888 (rebuilt 1928 after a fire) |
| Program | Accor Live Limitless (ALL); also occasionally on Bonvoy for legacy Bonvoy members |
| Points/Night | 50,000–80,000 ALL points |
| Cash Rate | $500–$1,200 CAD/night depending on season |
| Rooms | 764 rooms across the original castle and modern wings |
| Why We Love It | This is the hotel that defined the Canadian Rockies. Scottish Baronial architecture, a Willow Stream Spa that's one of the best in North America, Rundle Bar for whisky, and views that haven't changed in a century. Walking the stone corridors feels like stepping into a Gothic fairy tale. |
Booking strategy: The Fairmont Banff Springs is bookable through Accor's ALL loyalty program. Earn ALL points directly through Accor credit cards or stays, or through partner transfers. The challenge: Accor's program is less accessible from US transferable points than Hyatt or Marriott. The practical approach for most WanderWise travelers is a hybrid strategy — use your points for flights and other hotels, and pay cash for the Fairmont properties. At $500–$700 CAD/night (roughly $360–$510 USD) in shoulder season, the Banff Springs is a genuine luxury bargain compared to equivalent US properties.
The alternative Bonvoy play: Marriott Bonvoy points can be used at some Fairmont properties through a legacy arrangement. Availability is limited and rates are high (70,000–100,000 Bonvoy/night), but if you have a large Bonvoy balance, check availability. Transfer Chase UR or Amex MR to Bonvoy (though Bonvoy is usually not the highest-value transfer target).
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise — "The Diamond in the Wilderness"
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Directly on the shore of Lake Louise |
| Built | 1911 |
| Program | Accor ALL |
| Points/Night | 55,000–90,000 ALL points |
| Cash Rate | $600–$1,500 CAD/night depending on season |
| Why We Love It | Wake up. Open the curtains. Lake Louise fills the window. That's it. That's the review. The location is singular — no other hotel in North America has a view like this. The afternoon tea service overlooking the lake is a required experience. |
Lake Louise reality check: The Chateau is expensive, even by luxury standards. Peak summer rates (July–August) exceed $1,000 CAD/night. The WanderWise strategy: stay 1–2 nights at the Chateau for the experience, then base yourself in Banff (more dining options, lower hotel costs) and drive to Lake Louise for day visits — it's only 40 minutes from Banff. You get the iconic experience without spending your entire trip budget on one hotel.
Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | On Lac Beauvert, Jasper National Park |
| Built | 1922 |
| Program | Accor ALL |
| Points/Night | 40,000–65,000 ALL points |
| Cash Rate | $400–$900 CAD/night |
| Style | Rustic luxury — log cabins and cedar chalets spread across 700 acres of lakefront |
| Why We Love It | This is the most relaxed of the three Fairmonts. Individual cabins instead of hotel corridors. Elk grazing on the golf course. A boathouse on a lake so clear you can see the bottom at 20 feet. It feels like the world's most elegant summer camp. |
The WanderWise move: Jasper Park Lodge is the best value of the three Fairmonts — lower rates, more availability, and a setting that many visitors prefer over the grander Banff Springs. At $400–$600 CAD/night in shoulder season ($290–$440 USD), it's the most accessible luxury option. Book your splurge night at the Chateau Lake Louise, your adventure nights in Banff, and your relaxation nights at Jasper Park Lodge.
Non-Fairmont Options on Points
| Hotel | Location | Program | Points/Night | Cash Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moose Hotel and Suites | Banff town | Independent (cash) | — | $300–$600 CAD | Top-rated boutique; rooftop hot pools |
| The Malcolm Hotel | Canmore (20 min from Banff) | Independent (cash) | — | $250–$450 CAD | Modern luxury; slightly lower prices than Banff |
| Elk + Avenue Hotel | Banff town | Independent (cash) | — | $200–$400 CAD | Central, contemporary, excellent value |
| Mount Royal Hotel | Banff town | Independent (cash) | — | $150–$300 CAD | Historic; Banff's original hotel (1908) |
| HI Hostels | Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper | N/A | — | $40–$80 CAD | Private rooms available; stunning locations |
Canmore consideration: The town of Canmore sits 20 minutes east of Banff, just outside the national park boundary. Hotels are 20–40% cheaper than Banff, restaurants are excellent, and the mountain views are equally stunning. The trade-off: you'll drive an extra 20 minutes to reach Banff's highlights. For many travelers, this is the value play — stay in Canmore, day-trip to Banff.
The Scenic Drives
The Canadian Rockies are a driving destination, and two roads in particular are among the most spectacular on the continent.
The Icefields Parkway (Highway 93 North)
Route: Lake Louise to Jasper — 232 km (144 miles)
Drive time: 3–4 hours without stops, but plan a full day
What to expect: Glacier-fed lakes, hanging glaciers, waterfalls, mountain goats, bear sightings, and viewpoints that each seem more dramatic than the last.
Must-stop viewpoints (south to north):
- Peyto Lake — the turquoise, wolf-head-shaped lake you've seen on every Canadian calendar
- Mistaya Canyon — a short walk to a narrow limestone gorge with raging turquoise water
- Saskatchewan River Crossing — the only services between Lake Louise and Jasper; fuel up
- Columbia Icefield / Athabasca Glacier — walk to the toe of a glacier that's been receding for 125 years. The Ice Explorer bus takes you onto the glacier itself (book in advance, $65 CAD)
- Glacier Skywalk — a glass-floored observation platform 280 meters above the Sunwapta Valley. Not for the faint of heart, but the views are transcendent
- Athabasca Falls — the most powerful waterfall in the Rockies; short, accessible walk from the parking lot
The WanderWise move: Drive the Icefields Parkway from south to north (Lake Louise → Jasper), making it a one-way transition day between your Banff base and your Jasper base. This way you're always driving toward something new, and you arrive in Jasper for dinner. Leave by 8 AM for the best light and fewest crowds at the viewpoints.
The Bow Valley Parkway (Highway 1A)
Route: Banff to Lake Louise — 51 km (32 miles)
Drive time: 45 minutes without stops
What to expect: The scenic alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway, winding through dense forest with frequent wildlife sightings — bears, elk, deer, and bighorn sheep. Johnston Canyon (see Day 3 below) is along this road.
VIA Rail: The Canadian
For travelers who want the journey to be the destination, VIA Rail's "The Canadian" is one of the world's great train rides.
Route: Toronto → Vancouver (or reverse), with stops including Jasper
Duration: 4 days, 3 nights (Toronto to Jasper); 1 additional night to Vancouver
Class options:
| Class | Price Range (Toronto → Jasper) | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | $400–$700 CAD | Seat only; bring your own food and pillow |
| Sleeper Plus | $1,500–$3,000 CAD | Private cabin with bed, meals in the dining car, access to panoramic dome car |
| Prestige | $4,000–$8,000 CAD | Suite with private bathroom, concierge, gourmet meals, exclusive lounge car |
The WanderWise perspective: The Canadian in Sleeper Plus class is one of those experiences that belongs on a lifetime list. You wake up in the prairies, lunch as the foothills begin, and by afternoon the Rockies are filling your panoramic dome car window. The dining car meals are surprisingly good, the fellow passengers are interesting (this train attracts a literary, curious crowd), and the romance of transcontinental rail travel is alive in a way it isn't anywhere else in North America.
Points strategy for VIA Rail: VIA Rail's loyalty program (VIA Préférence) isn't easily accessible through US transferable points. The practical approach: pay cash for the train and use points for your flights into Toronto (or Vancouver) and all hotel nights. Alternatively, use Capital One miles at 1¢/mile through the Capital One portal to partially offset the train cost.
Itinerary integration: Fly into Toronto (or take The Canadian from Vancouver eastbound), ride the train to Jasper, spend 2 days in Jasper, drive the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, spend 2–3 days in Banff, and fly home from Calgary. This combines the romance of the train with the freedom of a driving itinerary — and it's the trip people write about in Christmas letters.
The 7-Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary
This itinerary covers Banff, Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway, and Jasper at a pace that allows for both iconic experiences and quiet moments. Designed for 55+ travelers who want grandeur without exhaustion.
Day 1: Arrive Calgary → Banff
Fly into Calgary (YYC). Pick up rental car. Drive 90 minutes west on the Trans-Canada Highway. Watch the landscape transform from prairie to foothill to mountain in real time.
Check in: Fairmont Banff Springs or Moose Hotel and Suites
Afternoon: Walk Banff Avenue — the town's main street, framed by mountains at both ends. Browse shops, grab coffee, acclimate to the altitude (4,500 feet — drink extra water today).
Evening: Dinner at Park Distillery (game meat, mountain cocktails) or The Bison (farm-to-table Canadian cuisine). Walk the Bow River boardwalk at dusk — elk are often grazing along the riverbank.
Day 2: Banff Highlights
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Banff Gondola to Sulphur Mountain summit (8 minutes, 2,300 feet of elevation gain). Boardwalk at the top with 360° views of six mountain ranges. Accessible via wheelchair and stroller. |
| Late morning | Bow Falls — a 5-minute walk from the Fairmont; these are the falls from the Marilyn Monroe movie River of No Return |
| Afternoon | Lake Minnewanka cruise (1-hour boat tour on a glacier-fed lake surrounded by peaks; $65 CAD) or Banff Upper Hot Springs (natural thermal pools at 40°C, overlooking the Bow Valley; $10 CAD) |
| Evening | Surprise Corner viewpoint for sunset — the classic angle of the Fairmont Banff Springs with the Rockies behind it. Dinner at Juniper Bistro (mountain views from the dining room) |
Day 3: Lake Louise
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Drive the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1A) to Johnston Canyon — a well-maintained walkway along a canyon with two waterfalls. The Lower Falls (1.1 km each way, easy) is one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies. The Upper Falls (2.7 km each way, moderate) is even more dramatic. |
| Midday | Continue to Lake Louise. Park at the overflow lot and take the shuttle (summer only) or arrive before 8 AM to get a spot. Walk the lakeshore trail to the far end — the turquoise water, Victoria Glacier, and Chateau Lake Louise compose themselves into the most famous view in Canada. |
| Afternoon | Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise — a civilized tradition in a room with floor-to-ceiling lake views. Book in advance. Or: Moraine Lake (20 minutes from Lake Louise) — the Twenty Dollar View, named because it was on the Canadian $20 bill. Many visitors find Moraine even more beautiful than Lake Louise. |
| Evening | Dinner in Lake Louise village or return to Banff |
Optional overnight: One night at the Chateau Lake Louise for the sunrise experience. Watching the lake at dawn — no crowds, mist on the water, glacier glowing pink — is worth the splurge.
Day 4: Icefields Parkway — Lake Louise to Jasper
Today is the drive of a lifetime.
| Time | Stop | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM | Depart Lake Louise | Full tank of gas; pack lunch and snacks (limited services on route) |
| 9:00 AM | Peyto Lake viewpoint | Short uphill walk to the lookout; the turquoise lake below is otherworldly |
| 10:30 AM | Mistaya Canyon | 10-minute walk to the gorge; hear the water before you see it |
| 12:00 PM | Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre | Lunch at the café; book the Ice Explorer glacier tour ($65 CAD) or Glacier Skywalk ($35 CAD) in advance |
| 2:00 PM | Athabasca Falls | Most powerful waterfall in the Rockies; fully accessible paved paths |
| 3:30 PM | Arrive Jasper | Check in to Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge |
| Evening | Dinner at the Jasper Park Lodge's Orso Trattoria | Lakeside patio; watch the elk |
Day 5: Jasper
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning | Maligne Canyon — the deepest accessible canyon in the Rockies. Walk the bridges from the top down (the first three bridges are easy; bridges 4–6 involve steeper terrain). The turquoise water rushing through narrow limestone walls is mesmerizing. |
| Midday | Maligne Lake cruise to Spirit Island (90 min round trip, $75 CAD) — the most photographed scene in the Canadian Rockies. Spirit Island sits in the lake surrounded by peaks, and the cruise narration covers the geology and Indigenous history of the area. |
| Afternoon | Return to Jasper Park Lodge. Canoe on Lac Beauvert (complimentary for guests), hike the easy lakeshore trail, or simply sit on your cabin porch and watch the mountains do their thing |
| Evening | Jasper Dark Sky Preserve — Jasper is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. After dinner, drive 10 minutes from town, turn off your headlights, and look up. On a clear night, the Milky Way is so vivid it doesn't look real. |
Day 6: Jasper → Banff (Return Drive or Alternative Route)
Options:
Option A: Drive the Icefields Parkway back south, stopping at anything you missed on Day 4. The road looks completely different in the opposite direction.
Option B: Take Highway 11 (David Thompson Highway) east through Abraham Lake and the Saskatchewan River valley — a less-traveled route through dramatic canyon country. Rejoin the Trans-Canada at Saskatchewan River Crossing and continue to Banff.
Check in: Final night in Banff (Fairmont Banff Springs or your preferred hotel)
Evening: Farewell dinner at Eden at the Rimrock — fine dining with panoramic valley views. Or keep it casual at the Elk & Oarsman pub on Banff Avenue.
Day 7: Banff → Calgary → Home
Morning at leisure. Final walk along the Bow River. Last coffee on Banff Avenue.
Drive to Calgary airport (90 min). Return rental car. Fly home.
The Points Budget: What This Trip Actually Costs
Complete breakdown for two travelers, 7-day Canadian Rockies itinerary:
Flights
| Segment | Program | Points (for 2) | Cash Taxes/Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| US → Calgary (Round Trip, Economy) | Aeroplan (via Chase UR or Amex MR) | 60,000–80,000 | $50–$100 |
| Flight Total | 60,000–80,000 | $50–$100 |
Hotels
| Property | Nights | Strategy | Points or Cash | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fairmont Banff Springs | 2 | Cash (or Bonvoy if available) | Cash: $720–$1,020 USD | Peak experience; worth the cash |
| Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise | 1 | Cash | Cash: $440–$730 USD | Sunrise over the lake; one-night splurge |
| Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge | 2 | Cash | Cash: $580–$880 USD | Most relaxed of the three; lakeside cabins |
| Banff (final night — Moose Hotel or similar) | 1 | Cash | Cash: $220–$360 USD | Comfortable base for final evening |
| Hotel Total | 6 | $1,960–$2,990 USD |
Trip Summary
| Category | Points Used | Cash Spent |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (Round Trip Economy) | 60,000–80,000 Aeroplan | $50–$100 |
| Hotels (6 nights, primarily Fairmont) | — | $1,960–$2,990 |
| Car rental (7 days mid-size SUV) | — | $350–$500 |
| National park passes (Banff + Jasper) | — | $100 (Discovery Pass for 2) |
| Dining, activities, gondolas, cruises | — | $800–$1,200 |
| Gas | — | $100–$150 |
| Total | 60,000–80,000 points | $3,360–$4,940 |
| Cash equivalent (flights + everything) | $4,200–$5,800 | |
| You saved on flights | $800–$1,600 |
The honest math: The Canadian Rockies trip is less about massive points savings and more about smart allocation. The flights are the clear points win (saving $800–$1,600 for a couple). The Fairmont hotels are harder to cover on points (Accor's program isn't as accessible as Hyatt or Marriott for US-based earners), so cash is the practical play. The good news: even paying cash for everything except flights, a 7-day Canadian Rockies trip with Fairmont hotels runs $3,500–$5,000 per couple. That's less than most people spend on a week at a US beach resort — and the experience is in a completely different league.
To maximize further: Use a Chase Sapphire Reserve or Amex Platinum to earn 3x–5x points on your Fairmont hotel stays and dining, building your balance for future trips where points deliver higher value (Europe, Australia, Asia).
How to Earn the Flight Points
- Chase Sapphire Preferred (one card): 60,000 Chase UR → transfer to Aeroplan → both flights covered
- That's it. One sign-up bonus covers round-trip flights to Calgary for two people. The simplicity is the beauty.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Months | Weather | Highlights | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Peak) | July–August | Warm (60–75°F days, 40s at night) | All roads/trails open; Lake Louise and Moraine Lake accessible; longest days | Highest; book 6+ months ahead |
| Early Fall (Best) | September | Cool (50–65°F days, 30–40s at night) | Golden larch season; fewer crowds; spectacular yellow forests against snow peaks | Moderate; excellent sweet spot |
| Late Spring | June | Cool to warm (55–70°F); some trails still snowy | Wildflowers begin; waterfalls at peak flow from snowmelt | Moderate |
| Shoulder | October | Cold (40–55°F days, 20–30s at night) | First snow on peaks; larches still golden early month; Icefields Parkway may close late Oct | Low |
| Winter | Nov–April | Cold to very cold (0–30°F) | Skiing at Lake Louise and Sunshine Village; frozen waterfalls; Northern Lights; Banff Springs at lowest rates | Low except ski holidays |
The WanderWise move: The last two weeks of September are the Canadian Rockies at their absolute best. The larch trees — the only conifer that turns color and drops its needles — transform entire mountain valleys into fields of gold. The effect against fresh snow on the peaks and turquoise lakes below is staggering. Crowds have thinned dramatically from summer's peak. The Fairmont hotels drop to shoulder-season pricing. Nights are cold, but days are crisp and clear. This is the photographer's window, the hiker's window, and the WanderWise window — all at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a passport for Canada?
Yes. US citizens need a valid passport (or passport card for land/sea crossings) to enter Canada. If your passport expires within six months of your travel date, renew it before booking.
Is the altitude a concern?
Banff sits at 4,537 feet (1,383 meters). Lake Louise is at 5,033 feet. If you're coming from sea level, you may notice mild breathlessness during the first day — drink extra water, skip the strenuous hikes on Day 1, and avoid alcohol the first evening. Most people acclimate within 24 hours. If you have heart or lung conditions, consult your doctor before visiting high-altitude destinations.
Are the drives safe for older travelers?
The Trans-Canada Highway and Icefields Parkway are well-maintained, two-lane-plus roads with excellent signage. The Icefields Parkway has no guardrails in some sections (which adds to the drama), but the road itself is wide and well-surfaced. Speed limits are 90 km/h (56 mph) and strictly enforced by radar. Drive at your own pace — there are pullouts every few kilometers for photos and slower drivers. Wildlife on the road is the main hazard; elk, deer, and occasionally bears cross without warning, especially at dawn and dusk.
Should I worry about bears?
Black bears and grizzly bears are present throughout both national parks. Sightings are common, especially along the Icefields Parkway and Bow Valley Parkway. Stay in your car when you see a bear (Parks Canada recommends at minimum 100 meters distance). On hiking trails, carry bear spray ($50 CAD at any outdoor shop in Banff), make noise, and hike in groups. Bear encounters resulting in harm to humans are extremely rare in the national parks — the bears are generally more interested in berries than in you.
Can I visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake without a reservation?
In peak summer (July–August), Parks Canada requires a shuttle reservation or confirmed parking pass for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. The parking lots fill by 6–7 AM. Book shuttle reservations at reservation.pc.gc.ca when they open (usually April for summer season). In September, parking is less competitive, but still arrive early. The shuttle system is well-run and eliminates the stress of parking entirely.
What about the VIA Rail option?
The Canadian runs Toronto → Jasper → Vancouver (and reverse) two to three times per week, depending on season. It's a 4-day, 3-night journey from Toronto to Jasper, or 1 additional day/night to Vancouver. Sleeper Plus class (cabin with meals) runs $1,500–$3,000 CAD per person. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not a budget travel hack. If you have the time and the inclination, adding The Canadian to your Rockies trip extends it to 10–14 days and adds one of the world's great rail journeys.
Your Next Step
The Canadian Rockies are the trip that makes you understand why national parks exist — not as attractions, but as promises. A promise that turquoise water will always fill a glacial lake. That elk will always graze at dusk along the Bow River. That the Icefields Parkway will always be there, waiting for you to round the next curve and find another view that stops you mid-sentence.
The Fairmont hotels have been keeping that promise since the 1880s. Your points handle the flights. And $3,500–$5,000 buys a week of grandeur that most people assume costs twice that.
This isn't a trip you take because it's a good deal. It's a trip you take because the mountains are real, the lakes are real, and the only thing better than the pictures is being there.
That's the WanderWise way.
Ready to plan your Rocky Mountain trip?
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All point values are approximate and based on current program pricing as of early 2026. Award availability and point costs fluctuate — always check current rates before booking. Fairmont hotel rates are estimates and vary significantly by season — July/August peak rates can be 50–100% higher than September shoulder rates. Parks Canada policies on reservations and shuttles may change annually. CAD to USD conversion assumes approximate parity of $1 CAD ≈ $0.73 USD. WanderWise may earn a commission from credit card links; see our affiliate disclosure for details.