Why You Need a Summer Rockies Road Trip

If the idea of glacial lakes, winding mountain trails, and fresh alpine air sounds like your kind of summer, then a Rockies road trip should be at the top of your list. This season, there’s an extra reason to pack your bags: the Canada Strong Pass will be returning for Summer 2026, offering free admission to all national parks and historic sites. That means your summer adventure just became even more accessible, giving you more reason to dive into nature, unplug from routine, and experience the very best of Banff National Park.

When to Go & Why It Matters

Late June through early September is the ultimate window for a summer Rockies escape. Trails are open, wildflowers are in full bloom, and long daylight hours give you more time to explore. With the Canada Strong Pass offering free entry to national parks, this is the year to make it happen. Whether you’re road-tripping from a nearby state or province or flying into Calgary and driving in, the journey to Lake Louise is part of the magic, especially when the destination is this unforgettable.

Make the most of your summer getaway with our Rockies Road Trip Package, featuring up to 20% off Deluxe Mount Temple accommodations and complimentary self-parking, the perfect pairing for adventure-filled days and easy mountain mornings.

7 Days of Summer Adventure from Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Using Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise as your home base means you get the best of both worlds: luxurious comfort and direct access to some of the most iconic landscapes in the Rockies. Here’s how to spend a week immersed in it all:

Day 1: Arrive & Acclimate

Settle into your room with a view and take your first walk around the lake. Stretch your legs on the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail, a gentle introduction to the area with unbeatable scenery. Finish with a relaxed dinner at The Lakeview with spectacular lakeside views.

Day 2: Iconic Trails and Teahouses

Hike to the Lake Agnes Teahouse or extend to the Plain of Six Glaciers—both classic summer routes that begin right outside the hotel. Expect turquoise waters, alpine wildflowers, and the occasional marmot sighting.

Day 3: Paddle and Picnic

Rent a canoe and glide across Lake Louise at sunrise, there’s no better way to start the day than surrounded by still water and towering peaks. For lunch, grab-and-go your lunch from Guide’s Pantry, perfect for a scenic meal on the go. In the afternoon, take the hotel’s exclusive guest shuttle to Moraine Lake, where you can climb the Rockpile for iconic views or simply soak up the scene lakeside.

Day 4: Icefields Parkway Adventure

Take a day trip up the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Visit the brilliant blue waters of Peyto Lake, continue up the parkway and explore the Columbia Icefield via the Skywalk—a glass-floored walkway suspended above a dramatic glacial valley. After a day of alpine vistas and glacier encounters, return to the Chateau for a well-earned evening massage at Fairmont Spa.

Day 5: Explore Yoho National Park

Just 30 minutes away, Yoho offers a quieter pace. Visit Takakkaw Falls, marvel at the natural bridge over the Kicking Horse River, and spend the afternoon paddling or walking around Emerald Lake.

Day 6: Scenic Guided Tour – The Three Lakes Scenic Drive

Join a guided half-day adventure through some of the most picturesque landscapes in the Canadian Rockies. The Three Lakes Scenic Drive offers a relaxed yet awe-inspiring way to explore the region, with your guide sharing local stories, history, and natural wonders along the way. Stop at a selection of serene alpine lakes, take short walks to panoramic viewpoints, and soak in the kind of beauty that stays with you long after the journey ends. Return to the Chateau with a camera full of photos, and a fresh appreciation for the landscapes just beyond your doorstep.

Day 7: Wind Down or Ramp Up

Choose your own adventure: sleep in, indulge in a morning yoga class, or take a final hike up to Fairview Lookout. If you’re not ready to go home yet, explore nearby Canmore or Banff townsite before hitting the road.

A Summer to Remember

With national park entry fees waived across Canada this season, there’s never been a better time to explore Banff, Yoho, Jasper, and beyond. But this trip is more than a checklist of iconic sights—it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, breathe deeper, and experience moments that stay with you long after you’ve left. From glacier-fed lakes to starlit evenings, every day invites you to slow down, look up, and take it all in.

Book your Rockies Road Trip Package today and enjoy up to 20% off Deluxe Mount Temple accommodations plus complimentary self-parking—your summer in the mountains starts here.