4-Day Coho Roadtrip: Banff & Jasper — Moraine Lake, Icefields Parkway & Kayaking

Trace the Rockies from the Okanagan to Jasper over four days: paddle blue lakes, stand at the toe of a glacier, and drive the Icefields Parkway. This Coho segment compresses the best of Banff and Jasper into a focused, accessible alpine road trip.

Banff, Alberta•

4 days (approx. 9–12 hours driving total, daily excursions 1–6 hours)

•By Adventure Collective•October 2025

The Experience

The bus slips out of Vancouver before dawn and the cityscape gives way to a patchwork of cedar forests and glacial silhouettes. By mid-afternoon you’re standing on the shore of Skaha Lake with a paddleboard beneath your feet, then days later you’re tracing the rim of a turquoise bowl cut into the ice: Moraine Lake’s rockpile view. This four-day Coho segment is a compressed northern road odyssey — a deliberate sprint through the Fraser Valley, Okanagan vineyards, Revelstoke’s quiet bays, and the raw spine of the Canadian Rockies along the Icefields Parkway. Geology takes center stage here: towering peaks sculpted by repeated glaciations, valley floors filled with moraine and silt that grind to the fine ‘rock flour’ giving Peyto and Moraine their signature blue-green hues. You’ll watch the Athabasca and Sunwapta rivers demand attention, carving canyons and throwing themselves over falls with a force that makes photography a breathless, wet affair. History threads through the route too — stop at Craigellachie where the Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway sealed a transcontinental connection, and taste Indigenous-inspired bannock at Kekuli Café in Kelowna, a reminder that these landscapes have human stories as old as the ice. Practically, this is not a backpacker’s thru-hike; it’s a curated driving tour with short walks and a few moderate hikes. Expect driving blocks of 2–6 hours between stops; the Icefields Parkway itself is roughly 232 km of continuous alpine scenery and is the spine of days three and four. Lake Louise sits around 1,600 m elevation; Peyto’s viewpoint is near 1,860 m — come prepared for thinner air at higher lookouts. Most on-site activities are short: a 30–60 minute stroll to viewpoints, a 20–45 minute walk to the toe of Athabasca Glacier, and paddle sessions on Skaha and Revelstoke lakes. The tour bundles some practical benefits — national park fees and exclusive access to Moraine Lake are included, and accommodation is mixed-gender, hostel-style dorms over three nights. Bring layers: mornings can be coastal-blue and cool; the high country may deliver wind and snow even in shoulder seasons. Footwear should be rugged day-hike shoes rather than sandals. Because luggage is limited (one main bag, max 23 kg; one small daypack), pack light and keep day essentials within reach. This itinerary balances spectacle with logistics — you’ll leave with glacier-stung photos, a clearer sense of how ice shapes a continent, and enough practical know-how to return and explore deeper.

Before You Go

Pack a compact layer system

Temperatures can swing from coastal mild to alpine chill in hours; lightweight insulating layers and a waterproof shell will cover most conditions.

Limit luggage to the allowed size

The tour allows one main bag (max 23 kg) and one small daypack — overlimit charges may apply and storage is limited.

Stay hydrated at altitude

Many lookouts sit above 1,500 m; drink water and pace hikes to avoid altitude headaches.

Expect muddy trails and spray

Bring grippy shoes and a quick-dry buff; viewpoints near waterfalls and glaciers can be wet and slippery.

Local Knowledge

Hidden Gems

•Lightning Lake at E.C. Manning — a quiet, reflective stop with easy trails
•Handmade wooden kayaks on Lake Revelstoke — unique craft and calm waters for photos

Wildlife

•Moose
•Mountain goat

Conservation Note

Parks Canada limits access to sensitive sites to reduce erosion and congestion; follow Leave No Trace, stick to boardwalks, and respect wildlife viewing distances.

The route crosses sites like Craigellachie where the Last Spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, a turning point in Canadian nation-building.

Photographer's Notes

Best times:Sunrise — Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, Golden hour — Peyto Lake viewpoint, Midday — waterfalls and canyon details

Key viewpoints:

• Moraine Lake rockpile (classic wide-angle)
• Peyto Lake lookout for the wolf-shaped shoreline
• Columbia Icefield plateau and Athabasca Glacier toe

Subjects to capture:Turquoise alpine lakes, Powerful waterfalls and canyon rock, Glacier faces and moraine ridges

What to Bring

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Waterproof shell jacketEssential

Protects against mountain rain, wind, and unexpected snow at higher elevations.

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Supportive day-hiking shoesEssential

Traction and ankle support are useful for muddy viewpoints, glacier toe walks, and canyon routes.

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Reusable water bottle with filter or tabletsEssential

Clean water access can be limited on long drives and at trailheads; stay hydrated at altitude.

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Small daypack (20–30L)Essential

Keeps layers, camera, snacks, and personal items handy during short hikes and paddling sessions.

Common Questions

Is national park entry included?

Yes — national park fees are included in this tour, and the itinerary includes access to Moraine Lake when available.

What is the luggage allowance?

Each passenger is allowed one main bag (max 23 kg / 50 lbs, max linear dimensions 158 cm) stored in the bus hold, plus one small daypack in the passenger compartment.

Do I need prior paddling experience for Skaha or Revelstoke?

No — paddleboarding and the wooden-kayak experiences are suitable for beginners and include basic instruction; life jackets are provided.

Are there age restrictions?

Yes — the minimum age for this tour is 18 years.

What happens if weather cancels a stop?

The operator may alter the schedule for safety or park access; if minimum numbers aren’t met the trip can be cancelled and refunded per the policy.

How physically demanding are the glacier and falls stops?

Most walks are short but can be steep or uneven; the hike to the Athabasca Glacier toe is a moderate 20–45 minute walk over rocky terrain.

Book This Experience

Check Availability

Duration

4 days (approx. 9–12 hours driving total, daily excursions 1–6 hours)

Location

Banff, Alberta

Difficulty

moderate

Fitness Level

Participants should have moderate fitness: able to walk 3–6 km over uneven terrain and manage several short hikes at altitude.

Free cancellation available

Topics

Adventure Tours Bus Tours Multi day Tours Seasonal

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