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Sample Itinerary

Personalised Alberta Itinerary

2 Days — Calgary & Banff

Sarah & Mike2 adults · no kidsAdventure & outdoorsJuly 14–15
A

Alissa M. — Your Alberta Planner

Born and raised in Calgary · Local guide

Hi Sarah! I'm Alissa, a Calgary local who has spent years discovering every corner of southern Alberta — from the best hidden trails in Kananaskis to the tucked-away teahouses above Lake Louise. For two adventurous adults, I've built you a route that hits the icons but skips the tourist queues wherever I can. I've hand-picked every stop with care, but I encourage you to do a quick check before you go — hours change, places evolve, and every traveller's taste is their own.

Day 1Calgary — First ImpressionsJuly 14

You're here — welcome to Alberta! Day 1 stays in Calgary so you can settle in, get your bearings, and still have a genuinely great day. I've picked spots that feel local, not touristy.

9:00 AMBreakfast at OEB Breakfast Co.eatoeb.com

🚗 Starting point — Calgary city centre

One of Calgary's best breakfast spots — known for creative eggs benny and locally sourced ingredients. Arrive early on weekdays to skip the weekend rush.

4.6 (3,204 reviews) · 📍 610 8 Ave SW, Calgary, AB

10:30 AMNose Hill Park — Highland Trail Loopcalgary.ca

🚗 18 min drive from OEB Breakfast Co.

Calgary's largest natural park and one of the biggest urban parks in North America. The Highland Trail gives you sweeping views over the entire city and the Rockies on the horizon — a stunning introduction to what's coming.

📍 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB

1:00 PMLunch at LFragment — Inglewood

🚗 22 min drive from Nose Hill Park

Tucked into Calgary's oldest neighbourhood, this neighbourhood favourite does simple, seasonal food exceptionally well. Grab a window seat and watch Inglewood's eclectic street life go by.

4.5 (892 reviews) · 📍 1228 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB

2:30 PMStudio Bell — National Music Centre

One of Calgary's most architecturally striking buildings. The interactive exhibits are genuinely engaging even if you're not a music buff — allow 1.5 hours. Free parking nearby on weekdays.

5:00 PMScotsman's Hill — Golden Hour Viewpoint

Calgary's best free viewpoint — a grassy hill in Ramsay with an unobstructed panorama of downtown and the Rockies turning pink at sunset. Bring a blanket. This spot is a local secret that tourists almost never find.

7:30 PMDinner at The Nash

Farm-to-table Canadian cuisine in a beautifully restored building in Mission. The seasonal menu changes regularly — the duck confit and Alberta beef are reliably outstanding. Book ahead.

Day 2Banff National Park

The mountains are calling. Today is your first full day in Banff — we're hitting Lake Louise and Moraine Lake early before the crowds arrive, then spending the afternoon exploring at your own pace.

6:00 AMEarly drive to Lake Louise

1.5 hrs on Hwy 1 — book your Parks Canada shuttle in advance — Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round.

7:30 AMMoraine Lake — Valley of the Ten Peaks

One of the most photographed lakes in the world — and it deserves every photo. Access is by Parks Canada shuttle only (book in advance at reservation.pc.gc.ca — shuttles sell out).

10:00 AMPlain of Six Glaciers Trail

14km return from the Lake Louise lakeshore. Strenuous but stunning — glaciers the whole way up. Trail ends at a historic teahouse with homemade soup.

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1:30 PMLunch at Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse

🚗 At the top of the trail

Trail-access only, no reservations. Homemade soups, sandwiches, and baked goods at 2,135m. One of the best lunches you'll have in the mountains.

4:00 PMBanff Avenue & Bow Falls

🚗 45 min drive from Lake Louise

Walk the main strip, pop into local shops, then follow the river path down to Bow Falls — dramatic and walkable from town.

7:30 PMDinner at Juniper Bistro

Perched above Banff with panoramic mountain views from every table. The elk tenderloin is exceptional. Book a window table when you reserve.

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Local tip: Moraine Lake Road is closed to personal vehicles year-round. Book a Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park and Ride in advance at reservation.pc.gc.ca — shuttles typically sell out, so reserve before your trip.

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Stay in Banff tonight — you're perfectly positioned for the Icefields Parkway drive north tomorrow morning.

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