Hidden gems of the Rockies self-drive tour

Collect your hire car from downtown Calgary and drive south along the Cowboy Trail to Waterton Lakes National Park. The afternoon is free to go walking or explore the small town of Waterton.

Spend a day discovering the beauty of Waterton Lakes National Park. We recommend a leisurely cruise on the lake to the USA border, looking out for moose and bald eagles.

Drive from Waterton Lakes National Park into British Columbia. The two-and-a-half-hour route to the mountain town of Fernie takes you from rolling prairies to deep valleys and craggy mountains. You also cross the Crowsnest Pass and have views of Turtle Mountain, where a huge landslide occurred in 1903. Once at Fernie, settle into your accommodation and explore this historic town.

Spend the day in the small alpine town of Fernie. There's plenty here to satisfy an array of interests from hiking trails and mountain biking, to fishing and boating on the region's scenic rivers and lakes.

Today continue your journey into the mountains and on to Kootenay National Park. This three-hour drive passes through several towns, including Cranbrook, Invermere and Radium Hot Springs. You then climb to the Sinclair Pass before arriving in Kootenay National Park. After settling into your accommodation, you can explore the park's beautiful wilderness scenery, perhaps following one of the area's shorter walking trails while looking out for moose, elk and bears.

Spend a full day in Kootenay National Park. There are many activities available and some wonderful scenery to explore. You may wish to take a picnic and hike to the beautiful Cobb, Dog or Olive mountain lakes or try fishing, mountain biking or kayaking. You'll also be able to partake in a half-day natural cultural experience to learn about the local history, ancestral skills and the people who call the region home.

Drive for around two and a half hours from Kootenay National Park through Banff National Park to the small town of Canmore. You may wish to stop and explore the shops of Banff en route or take the gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

Spend a full day exploring the iconic scenery of Banff National Park or trying some of the many available activities, including mountain biking, white-water rafting, canoeing and hiking. We like the trail that leads along the Johnston Canyon to the Ink Pots — seven cold mineral springs that bubble to the surface of open meadows. Round off the trip with a scenic helicopter flight over the incredible, snow-topped Mount Assiniboine, Gloria Glacier and the many lakes of the national park.

The morning is free for last minute sightseeing or shopping before driving to Calgary Airport to drop off your hire car prior to boarding your onward flight. Your return flight will arrive the same day.