Spanning the border that separates British Columbia from Alberta, the Canadian Rockies are full of ruggedly majestic scenery, towering peaks, and pristine alpine lakes. The area is connected by a series of national and provincial parks that are full of amazing things to see and do, and which were collectively named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Explore the quaint towns of Canmore, Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff, or go skiing, hiking, horseback riding, or rafting — your options for adventure are never ending in the Canadian Rockies. For the top things to do, plus when, where, and how to do them, this is your guide for how you vacation in the Canadian Rockies.
Top Things To See In The Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are a treasure trove of natural wonders to explore, and many of the top sights are contained within the four national parks that make up the UNESCO World Heritage Site. These four parks are Jasper and Banff national parks on the Alberta side, and Yoho and Kootenay national parks on the British Columbia side. If you are planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, these are the places you won’t want to miss.
Jasper National Park is the largest of the four, and is home to an extensive network of trails, an abundant population of wildlife, and an international dark sky preserve. The Sulphur Skyline Trail is one of Jasper’s most popular (and most strenuous) hikes, a nearly five-mile out-and-back with a more than 2,000-foot elevation gain that offers panoramic views of the park from the top. Maligne Canyon is the deepest canyon in the park, and is accessible to people of all abilities through a series of six bridges over different parts of the canyon.
Not far from the canyon lies a lake of the same name — Maligne Lake, which is the largest lake in the park. Maligne Lake is famous for its dazzlingly blue glacial waters, and for a small islet known as Spirit Island that was considered a spiritual place by the area’s indigenous people. Mount Edith Cavell, one of the park’s most prominent peaks, is home to a high-altitude meadow that is renowned for being one of the best spots to view alpine wildflowers, which grow there in abundance each year. Miette Hot Springs are the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies, and a soak in their luxurious waters is a great way to relax tired muscles after hitting the trails.
Less than two hours by car from Jasper National Park is Banff National Park, Canada’s first (and perhaps most beloved) national park. The iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise are the park’s most well-known attraction. Home to hiking trails and water sports in summer, plus ice-skating and a world-class ski resort in winter, Lake Louise is an absolute must-see on any vacation in the Canadian Rockies. Not to be overshadowed, the glassy waters of Moraine Lake are also a must-see, as they create a perfect mirror image of the towering peaks that surround the glacier-fed lake.
For one of the park’s most popular hikes, the trek to Johnston Canyon is a short, easy walk through a stunning mountain canyon that showcases multiple glacial waterfalls along the way. Hike the iconic Plain of Six Glaciers for 360-degree views of the park and its many glaciers, making sure to stop for a cup of tea and a slice of cake at the historic Six Glaciers Teahouse. For a more strenuous day hike, the journey to Aylmer Lookout offers the best views of the surrounding mountains and the pristine waters of Lake Minnewanka. For more fun things to do in and around Banff National Park, check out this handy Banff travel guide.
Known for being one of the most scenic highways in the world, Icefields Parkway is a 144-mile stretch of highway that connects Banff and Jasper national parks, and is home to some amazing things to see along the way. Stop at the viewing platform for Athabasca Falls, the most powerful falls in the Canadian Rockies. Admire the stunning turquoise waters of the iconic Peyto Lake. Park and make the two-mile out-and-back journey to Sunwapta Falls, a stunningly beautiful waterfall with a more than 60-foot drop. The beauty of the area surrounding Icefields Parkway is world-renowned.
British Columbia’s Yoho National Park is Canada’s second national park, and although much smaller than Jasper and Banff, it has just as much to offer in the way of jaw-dropping beauty. Home to an abundance of wildlife, keep your eyes peeled for wolves, coyotes, badgers, moose, elk, deer, mountain goats, squirrels, marmots, wolverines, cougars, lynx, black bears, and grizzly bears. Hike the 3.2-mile loop to Emerald Lake and enjoy stunning views of the pristine waters of Yoho’s largest lake. Enjoy the scenic views of Takakkaw Falls, the largest waterfall in the park and the second largest in all of Canada — it’s more than 1,200-foot drop is a sight to behold. Join a guided hike to the Burgess Shale fossils, and see fossils that are more than 500 million years old. If you’re planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, Yoho National Park should be on your list.
Kootenay National Park is just as scenic as its three next-door neighbors, but is less well-known and perhaps quieter than the others, making it a perfectly peaceful place for a retreat. Make the short, easy trek to Marble Canyon and admire the geological marvel from one of seven bridges that spans its depths. Another short, easy trek that is well worth your while will take you to the Paint Pots, a collection of mineral-rich springs that are vibrantly colored just like pots of paint. Explore the Stanley Glacier Basin and hunt for fossils of ancient trilobites and brachiopods that are millions of years old, or simply admire the views of the enormous glacier. Journey to Numa Falls, an impressive waterfall that is full of unique rock formations and crazy churning water. Indulge in a relaxing soak in the comfortingly hot mineral waters of Radium Hot Springs, known for their rejuvenating and restorative powers. Kootenay National Park offers an amazing escape from your daily grind.
Please note that a Canadian Parks Discovery Pass is required for entry into all Canadian National Parks. Plan ahead and purchase a 12-month Discovery Pass online.
How Many Days Do You Need In The Canadian Rockies?
The answer to this question is variable based on a number of factors, but a healthy minimum is around five days. Your schedule and travel preferences will help determine your length of stay, with the goal being to see and experience as much as you can within your personal parameters. The most important thing is to have the flexibility to explore the Canadian Rockies at your own pace, whether that be visiting one park per day for five days, or just focusing your entire stay on exploring a single park as thoroughly as possible.
That being said, spending three to five days or longer in each national park would be ideal, to have the fullest experience possible and not miss any of the top sights. Experienced Canadian Rockies visitors recommend spending two to three weeks in the area to have the full-scale experience.
The Best Time Of Year To Visit The Canadian Rockies
The climate of the Canadian Rockies is subarctic, which generally equates to sunny, mild summers and cold, snowy winters. The mild summers are perfect for hiking and exploring the national parks, and the snowy winters are great for skiing and other snowsports. For that reason, most visitors to the Canadian Rockies will choose to visit in either summer or winter, depending on their desired experience.
If hiking to scenic vistas and admiring cascading waterfalls are what you seek, the best time to visit is June through mid-September. During this season the hiking trails will be open, the weather will be warm(ish), the flora will be in bloom, and the fauna will be out and about. Visiting earlier or later in the season may result in lower prices and some areas of the parks may be available, but there are no guarantees where Mother Nature is concerned.
If world-class skiing or snowboarding is what you seek, plan your visit between late November and early May, when the ski resorts are generally open, weather dependent. Again, early or late in the season may result in lower prices and fewer crowds, but you won’t be guaranteed perfect powder. For the best snow and optimal winter experience, December through March are your best bet.
If your focus is on visiting Banff specifically, this handy article gives more specifics on the best time of year to visit Banff.
The Best Way To See The Canadian Rockies
When planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, your options for exactly how to explore them are numerous. The most common way to get around is by car, whether that be a road trip in your own vehicle or flying into Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver and then renting a car. Having a vehicle gives you the flexibility to travel when and where you choose, without being dependent on a rigid timetable. With road trips the journey is part of the experience, and seeing snow-capped vistas and roaring rivers out your window only adds to the excitement of it all.
If road-tripping isn’t your thing, there are several alternate options for experiencing the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Train travel may sound like something from days gone by, but when it comes to this part of the world, it’s a very modern experience. Coast through the mountains in a luxury railcar, with world-class food and amenities at your fingertips, and world-class views out your window. For more information on the best Canadian Rockies train trips, check out this overview of the Rocky Mountaineer. If you want to get really creative, book a scenic airplane or helicopter tour to see the area from above, or join a horseback-riding or dogsled tour to experience the rugged beauty of the mountains in a whole new way. In certain areas, you’ll even find options for boat or canoe rentals, allowing you to explore on the water as well.
Are The Canadian Rockies Expensive?
Yes and no. There are more expensive and less expensive ways to experience the Canadian Rockies, and there are ways to explore the area that will fit every budget, large or small. Travel is one of your biggest expenses, followed by accommodations. With RCI, your accommodations vary in price by season, which can offer ways to ensure your accommodations fit within your budget. The great news is that once you’ve purchased your national parks pass, the beauty contained within the parks won’t cost you a penny, no matter how many days you spend exploring. Meals can add considerable cost to your trip, but cooking your own meals in your RCI resort suite’s kitchen can shave hundreds of dollars off your food budget.
The Best Ski Resorts In The Canadian Rockies
If you’re looking for the best ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies, you’ll find them in abundance on both the Alberta and British Columbia sides.
Lake Louise Ski Resort just may be the crown jewel of all the best ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies. It’s huge — the resort spans three mountains and covers 4,200 acres with 139 runs, all overlooking the iconic turquoise waters of stunning Lake Louise. It also has a massive snow-making system, equating to perfect powder no matter the weather. Just 20 minutes outside of Banff, Sunshine Village is another biggie. It also spans three mountains, offering ten lifts and more than 100 runs suitable for all experience levels. With more than 30 feet of annual snowfall on average, Sunshine offers amazing skiing from November through May every year. Rounding out Banff’s big three, Mt. Norquay Ski Resort is just minutes from Banff and is the only ski resort in the area that offers fully lit night skiing. It’s a family-friendly place, with lots of beginner and intermediate runs, and a massive snow tubing area. Bonus: You can ski all three under one pass — the Tri-Area Lift Ticket, good at Lake Louise, Sunshine, and Norquay.
On the British Columbia side, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies. With an average annual snowfall of 34 feet, this resort offers 69 runs, four lifts, a gondola, and the longest vertical drop in North America, at more than 5,600 feet! Another great B.C. option is Fernie Alpine Resort. This low-key, uncrowded resort has amazing stats: nearly 30 feet of annual snowfall, more than 140 runs, five large alpine bowls, and ten lifts, which all adds up to one perfectly awesome ski experience. Rounding out the best ski resorts in the Canadian Rockies are Nakiska Ski Area and Panorama Mountain Resort, both on the Alberta side, and both offering world-class skiing for all levels.
Planning A Trip To The Canadian Rockies
If you’re planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies, you’ll want to secure top-notch accommodations with RCI in advance. There are many options to choose from, both in Alberta and British Columbia. Here are some of RCI’s top resorts in the Canadian Rockies:
Destinations at Holiday Park — Kelowna, British Columbia
St. Ives On Shuswap — St. Ives, British Columbia
The Delta Grand Okanagan Resort And Conference Centre — Kelowna, British Columbia
Vacation Internationale Pinnacle Lodge — Sun Peaks, British Columbia
Vacation Internationale St. Ives On Shuswap – St. Ives, British Columbia
Banff Gate Mountain Resort — Canmore, Alberta
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort — Banff, Alberta
Elkhorn at Panorama — Panorama, Alberta
Heron Point At Invermere On The Lake — Invermere, Alberta
Panorama Vacation Retreat At Horsethief Lodge — Panorama, Alberta
Paradise Canyon Golf Resort — Lethbridge, Alberta
Sunchaser Vacation Villas — Fairmont Hot Springs, Alberta
Sunchaser Vacation Villas At Riverside — Fairmont Hot Springs, Alberta
Once you’ve finished your amazing vacation in the Canadian Rockies and experienced all of the wonderful sights there are to see, there are plenty more to discover all across Canada — make sure to check out this handy list of Canada’s top natural wonders before planning your next Canadian adventure.