i've just googled this to see what you were talking about, what a cool idea.

It is although you'll miss Stampede as your trip is in June and 2023 Stampede runs July 7 - 16.

Pancake breakfasts however are a staple of almost every local fair and exhibition so I'd check your planned route a few months in advance to see is your travels coincide with these local events.

As a former Calgarian now relocated back “down east”, I would echo that outside of stampede Calgary may be worth skipping. I loved my time living there, but (again, outside of stampede) nothing about the city ever felt like it would be of particular interest for a tourist. More just a nice place to live on the whole.

With that said, if it works to do a loop like you’re considering there are some great sights just to the west.

My local tips would be to consider exploring the region just outside Banff (the national park). There are some great options within the Alberta Parks (provincial) system in Kananaskis Country. I’d recommend Grassi Lakes as it’s a great trail for families with both east and difficult versions. Even the “difficult” is pretty family friendly for a “big kid” - and there is a great payoff at the top with mountain and waterfall views.

(note: I lived out there in 2013-2017 and while googling after typing the above, it appears this trail is closed for the 2022 season, but maybe check back since you’d be going in 2023. However the notice on the Alberta Parks site leads me to believe that things have changed fundamentally since I lived there:

“Since 2019, visitation to Kananaskis Country has increased by 32 per cent. In 2020 and 2021, the region welcomed more than 5 million visitors annually.Grassi Lakes and Goat Creek are two popular areas in the region and increased visitation has put increased pressure on existing facilities and the landscape. This work is necessary to address site degradation, public safety issues, emergency access, parking congestion and waste management challenges”)

The other option, within Banff that I have done in the past and would recommend are the oTENTik’s at Two Jack Lake. Nice if you want something a little less “rustic” than a tent but still to have that camping-type experience. They’re basically a raised A-frame with canvas walls and have electricity, lighting and heating. You rent them through Parks Canada, although I think they sell out quickly so watch on their site when they are released for booking.

I never voyaged west of Banff or into Jasper while I was out there so can’t help you beyond that!