A family road trip through the Rocky Mountains stretching from Alberta’s glacier-carved valleys to Colorado’s high-alpine passes is one of the most spectacular one-way drives in North America. Whether you travel from Alberta to Colorado or Colorado to Alberta, the experience delivers breathtaking scenery, kid-friendly hikes, wildlife sightings, and plenty of chances to slow down and reconnect.
Many travelers pair this adventure with one-way vehicle shipping to save time or avoid a second long drive. US Canada Auto Transport makes it simple: drive the direction you want, then ship your vehicle back home. If you’re planning the Colorado side of your journey, you can explore options at Ship a car to Colorado from Alberta on our Colorado page.
After you read through the itinerary, you can easily estimate costs (or finalize your plans) by using our quick-quote tool.
Why This Trip Works So Well for Families
This is a trip built around flexibility, slow travel, and natural beauty. Mountain towns are designed for family fun, and the national parks on both sides of the border offer:
- Short, scenic hikes for every age
- Visitor centers with interactive exhibits
- Lakeside picnic areas
- Easy wildlife viewing opportunities
- Fun detours through charming alpine towns
Another bonus: a one-way route cuts the driving time in half. You enjoy everything once no need to repeat the same highways on the way back. Simply ship your vehicle home after the trip.
The Family Rockies Adventure Route
Below is a suggested north–south itinerary that works equally well in reverse.
You can view the general route here: View the Colorado – Alberta Rockies Route on Google Maps
Day 1: Calgary or Edmonton to Canmore/Banff
Start your journey in Alberta’s stunning Bow Valley. Families love Canmore for its quieter feel and walkable downtown, while Banff adds the iconic postcard views. Both offer easy hikes, bike rentals, and mountain-view playgrounds.
Highlights:
- Bow River boardwalk
- Grassi Lakes Trail
- Banff Avenue stroll
- Lake Minnewanka viewpoints
Driving Tips:
If you’re coming from Edmonton, add a few extra hours and consider stopping in Red Deer for lunch before reaching the Rockies.
Day 2: Banff National Park Exploration
Spend a full day exploring Banff’s world-class scenery. With kids, flexibility is key so we recommend a mix of short trails and scenic pullouts rather than a long hike.
Family Favorites:
- Moraine Lake Shuttle (stress-free access)
- Johnston Canyon
- Cascade Ponds picnic area
- Banff Gondola (optional splurge for 360° views)
At the end of the day, take a relaxing dinner in town and soak in the evening alpenglow.
Day 3: Icefields Parkway → Glacier Country, Montana
Today’s drive is one of the most beautiful in the world. The Icefields Parkway links Banff with Jasper National Park, but you only need to drive halfway to reach Peyto Lake and the Columbia Icefield before heading south toward the U.S. border.
Recommended Stops:
- Bow Lake
- Peyto Lake Overlook
- Columbia Icefield Skywalk (optional)
Border Crossing Tip:
Families should keep passports handy and ensure any food items brought across the border meet agricultural regulations. With kids, choose border crossings with shorter wait times such as Carway/Peigan.
Your destination tonight is the east side of Glacier National Park. Even a short visit gives you access to waterfalls, river valleys, and the legendary Going-to-the-Sun Road (open seasonally).
Day 4: Glacier National Park → Southern Montana
Spend the morning exploring Glacier before heading south. The scenery shifts from dramatic peaks to wide-open Montana landscapes—perfect for podcasts, family games, or a few peaceful hours together.
Scenic Break Options:
- Flathead National Forest
- Helena (the state capital)
- Little Belt Mountains pullovers
This is a lighter day, allowing kids to rest and parents to recharge before the Colorado portion of the adventure.
Day 5: Montana → Northern Colorado Foothills
Enter Colorado through its northern scenic gateway. As you approach the foothills, the Rockies rise sharply on the horizon a thrilling moment for kids and adults alike.
Possible Stops:
- Fort Collins Old Town (great ice cream stops)
- Cache la Poudre Scenic Byway
- Loveland Visitor Center (big “LOVE” sculpture for photos)
Settle into Estes Park, the eastern entrance to Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP). This family-oriented mountain town has riverside paths, local elk wandering around town, and plenty of lodging suited for groups.
Day 6: Discover Rocky Mountain National Park
RMNP is the crown jewel of Colorado. From easy meadow walks to crystal-blue alpine lakes, the park is perfect for families.
Kid-Friendly Stops:
- Bear Lake
- Sprague Lake
- Moraine Park (great for spotting elk)
- Trail Ridge Road (seasonal high-alpine highway)
If you’re planning more activities in Colorado, check out Colorado to Alberta: The Rockies-to-Rockies Road Trip for added trip inspiration and seasonal tips.
Mid-Trip Planning Tip
Trying to decide how long to spend in each region? Use our Road Trip Planner to customize your route and map out must-see stops. You can shorten or expand days depending on your family’s travel style.
Day 7: Estes Park → Denver or Northern Colorado
Complete your journey with an easy drive to Denver or any northern Colorado city. This part of the route offers side trips through Boulder, Golden, or even Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway (formerly Mount Evans) for high-elevation views.
From here, many families choose to ship their vehicle home and fly reducing stress and saving vacation days.
Practical Tips for Families Driving the Rockies
Estimate Driving Distances
- Alberta to Glacier NP: ~4.5–5 hours
- Glacier NP to Northern Colorado: ~10–12 hours (split over 2 days recommended)
- Estes Park to Denver: ~1.5 hours
What to Pack
- Layers for changing mountain weather
- Snacks for long scenic stretches
- Binoculars for wildlife viewing
- Vehicle documents for border crossing
Best Time of Year
Late June through early October offers the best conditions for driving mountain passes and accessing high-elevation trails.
Why Pair Your Trip With One Way Car Shipping?
One-way Rockies trips mean no retracing your route, no doubling your gas budget, and more time exploring instead of driving.
US Canada Auto Transport offers fully insured cross-border vehicle transport, easy tracking, and flexible schedules to match your vacation.
You can start your adventure in Alberta, end in Colorado or flip the route and begin in Colorado instead. This trip works beautifully in either direction, and shipping one way makes the logistics simple.
If you’re starting on the Colorado end, check options at:
Ship a car to Colorado from Alberta on our Colorado shipping page.
Final Thoughts: A Rockies Adventure Built for Memories
Whether your family drives south from Alberta to Colorado or makes the trip northbound from Colorado to Alberta, this Rockies-to-Rockies journey delivers unforgettable views and moments you’ll talk about for years. Mountain passes, turquoise lakes, national parks, and friendly alpine towns offer the perfect setting to unplug and explore together.
Plan your custom route using the Road Trip Planner and when you’re ready, let US Canada Auto Transport bring your car home safely so the adventure stays stress-free from start to finish.
Google Map Itinerary Link:
