Banff, AB
- Syeed Hamid
- Jun 4
- 5 min read
The Icefields Parkway is packed with stunning landscapes, hidden gems, and unforgettable experiences—all without spending a dime. This is one of the first genuine trips I ever went on, and honestly, words can't describe how small you feel, and the wonder you experience looking at the sights along the way. I've never been much of a nature person (Gen Z techie here), but most of the attractions listed below are not only free but easy to get to and have great infrastructure. Sadly, not all of these are wheelchair accessible, and there is a TON of walking involved (I see this as a perk cause every restaurant I stopped at along the way was AMAZING- I always wonder how I don't gain weight on these trips).
The Ultimate Budget-Friendly Road Trip: Calgary to Jasper
Exploring the stunning stretch between Calgary and Jasper is an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, towering waterfalls, and glacier-fed lakes—all without spending a fortune! This budget-friendly itinerary takes you through some of the most scenic spots along the Icefields Parkway, with plenty of free attractions and smart ways to save along the way.
Below is a sample trip planner I use whenever I go. Do note that Banff and Jasper do have a fee to enter, which is charged per car- I'd highly recommend a Parks Canada Discovery Pass if you plan to go for longer than 7 days and/or will visit multiple parks.
Day 1: Edmonton to Jasper National Park
Stop 1: Miette Hot Springs
Drive Time: ~4 hours from Edmonton
Cost: ~$8 per adult
What It’s Like: Nestled in the mountains, these hot springs offer a relaxing soak with stunning views. The drive up is scenic, and there are hiking trails nearby if you want to explore before or after your dip. Usually, I do this on the way back- after all the walking, hiking and eating, the soothing hot water is a godsend.
Stop 2: Maligne Canyon
Drive Time: ~1 hour from Miette Hot Springs
Cost: Free
What It’s Like: Jasper’s deepest canyon, featuring towering limestone walls and rushing waterfalls. A series of bridges offer incredible views of the deep, narrow gorges and the powerful waters below. The lower you go the cooler it gets so make sure to bring warm clothes that you don't mind getting wet!
Where to Stay in Jasper:
Budget Option: HI Jasper Hostel (~$50–$100/night)
Mid-Range Option: Jasper Downtown Hostel (~$150–$250/night)
Day 2: Jasper to Banff via Icefields Parkway
Stop 3: Athabasca Falls
Drive Time: ~30 minutes from Jasper
Cost: Free
What It’s Like: A powerful waterfall that crashes through a narrow canyon, creating a thunderous roar. The surrounding trails offer multiple viewpoints to take in the dramatic scenery.
Stop 4: Sunwapta Falls
Drive Time: ~30 minutes from Athabasca Falls
Cost: Free
What It’s Like: A stunning two-tiered waterfall with rushing waters that carve through the rocky landscape. The upper falls are easily accessible, while a short hike leads to the lower falls for a quieter experience. From the parking lot, the upper falls shouldn't take more than 20 minutes to get to.
Sunwapta Falls, early October
Stop 5: Columbia Icefield Area
Drive Time: ~1 hour from Sunwapta Falls
Cost: Free to visit, paid tours available (~$100+)
What It’s Like: One of the largest icefields in North America, the Columbia Icefield is a dramatic landscape of towering ice formations. You can walk up to the edge of the glacier and feel the crisp mountain air. If you aren't taking the tour (highly recommended), be EXTREMELY careful where you walk- the ice is very slippery, and in some parts you can even fall through.
Stop 6: Mistaya Canyon
Drive Time: ~45 minutes from the Columbia Icefield
Cost: Free
What It’s Like: A hidden gem with swirling rock formations carved by the rushing waters of the Mistaya River. The canyon’s deep crevices and powerful currents make it a mesmerizing stop. From the parking lot to the viewing platform is an extremely short walk, but semi steep terrain- bring good shoes.
Where to Stay in Banff:
Budget Option: HI Banff Alpine Centre (~$50–$90/night)
Mid-Range Option: Banff Inn (~$150–$250/night)
Day 3: Exploring Sulphur Mountain & Banff
Stop 7: Sulphur Mountain
Drive Time: ~15 minutes from Banff
Cost: Free to hike, gondola ride (~$70 per adult)
What It’s Like: A challenging but rewarding hike leads to panoramic views of Banff and the surrounding mountains. If hiking isn’t your thing, the gondola ride offers a scenic and effortless way to reach the summit. At the very top, there is the cosmic ray station. I'll be honest, while the views are great, I didn't think it was worth the cost of the ride. The hike takes 3-4 hours one way, which isn't worth it either....I come here purely for the Starbucks and the washrooms lol.
Stop 8: Bow Falls
Drive Time: ~10 minutes from Sulphur Mountain
Cost: Free
What It’s Like: A short walk leads to this wide, rushing waterfall near downtown Banff. It’s a great spot for photos and a peaceful break before heading back. You can get right down to the water's edge, but be very careful as the current is strong. Nearby, there is the Fairmont Banff Springs, which is free to wander around- It might be my luck, but every single time I've gone, there has been a wedding.
Day 4: Banff to Edmonton via Scenic Stops
Stop 9: Peyto Lake
Drive Time: ~45 minutes from Banff
Cost: Free (requires a National Park Pass)
What It’s Like: A short uphill hike leads to a breathtaking viewpoint overlooking this surreal turquoise lake. The color is so vibrant it almost looks unreal, making it one of the most photographed spots in the Rockies.
Stop 10: Bow Lake
Drive Time: ~30 minutes from Peyto Lake
Cost: Free
What It’s Like: Nestled beneath towering peaks, Bow Lake is a peaceful spot perfect for a picnic or a quiet moment of reflection. The reflections of the mountains on the water make for stunning photos. Depending on what time of the day you go, it can either be super packed or empty.
Stop 11: Takakkaw Falls
Drive Time: ~1 hour from Bow Lake
Cost: Free
What It’s Like: One of Canada’s tallest waterfalls, Takakkaw Falls plunges an impressive 373 meters. The mist from the falls creates a refreshing atmosphere, and the short walk to the base offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. Cell coverage is very spotty in the area, but the trail is well-cut and it's not hard to find tons of hikers trying to scale as high as they can go up the sides of the falls.
Final Drive Back to Edmonton
Drive Time: ~4.5 hours from Takakkaw Falls
With affordable accommodations, free activities, and priceless scenery, this trip is all about maximizing adventure while minimizing costs. I've done this trip multiple times in different variations, and each time it's cost me less than $500 for a full week (hostels and flights with Aeroplan points, car rental being the biggest cash amount, and the Canada Parks pass being the rest). Flying into Edmonton saves a bit on flights, and if your point balance isn't high enough, you can do this trip during the winter- look for promos for Air Canada flights, and hostels usually offer a discount if you book in advance as well. Have fun, and save smart!
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