Awe-inspiring mountain peaks, majestic national parks and crystalline lakes are the highlights of this remarkable region. Wander the pristine trails of Banff and Jasper National Parks.
Discover the beauty of ethereal Moraine Lake or hike to iconic Lake Louise. Alternatively, take a round-trip gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain for sweeping views of six mountain ranges.
1. Hike the Stawamus Chief Trail
Stawamus Chief, or ‘The Chief’ as it is locally known, is a popular hike in the region. This mountain trail Canadian Rockies and West Coast offers three separate peaks to climb; the South, Centre and North Peaks, all of which have stunning views across Howe Sound and up to Garibaldi Provincial Park.
The hiking season stretches from late March through to October. Summer is the best time to visit if you want to experience the Rockies at their liveliest with warm weather and fewer crowds. However, spring and autumn are a lovely transitional period with melting snow, emerging wildlife and changing landscapes.
2. Explore the Icefields Parkway
One of Canada’s most iconic drives, the Icefields Parkway is a must-see for nature lovers. Witness jaw-dropping views of mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes and rivers.
You will find numerous stopping points with picture postcard views along the way. Be sure to allow 6-8 hours to explore the parkway (starting at sunrise and ending at sunset) if you want to see everything!
Look out for wildlife such as moose, deer and mountain goats. But remember to keep a safe distance of 30 meters from any animals and never feed them!
3. Hike in Waterton Lakes National Park
The smaller sister to Glacier National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park offers beautiful lakes, jagged mountains and thrilling hiking trails. Located just across the US border, it’s an incredible destination that feels like a more relaxed version of Glacier with beautiful mountain scenery.
The most popular time to visit is from mid-June through to mid-September when you can enjoy the best hiking in Canada. The Alderson Carthew Trail is a highlight, as is the Crypt Lake hike which requires climbing, tunnelling and a ladder. Alternatively, winter from early December to March is perfect for snowshoeing and wildlife spotting.
4. Stay in a Luxury Ranch
Wide-open pastures, fire-licked forests, and meadows bursting with wildflowers inspire your inner cowboy. Find your powerful refuge in the wild at a working ranch like Siwash Lake Wilderness Resort, where horseback riding and five-star adventures blend with eco-adventures.
Or, stay in a traditional log cabin at Free Rein Guest Ranch. It’s an intimate ranch with a maximum of 12 guests and a focus on an all-inclusive experience.
Cultural vultures will love a ranch vacation to Utah, with its rich heritage and diverse landscapes. And, skiers can enjoy a luxury winter ranch vacation to Montana.
5. Explore Glacier Lakes
The Canadian Rockies are a pristine wilderness area with a jaw-dropping array of natural beauty. Discover emerald-blue glacial lakes, towering mountain peaks, and quaint little towns on a road trip through the region’s national parks.
Stroll in the shade of mossy old-growth cedars, spy on Haida totem poles, and marvel at ice-blue glacier lakes during a scenic railway vacation through the region. Make sure to bring quality hiking shoes and a sturdy backpack for the journey. You’ll also want to check out the Bow Summit Lookout and Peyto Lake Trail.
6. Explore Jasper National Park
The alpine town of Jasper offers endless activities set against a backdrop of huge mountains. Thrill-seekers can enjoy white water rafting and glacier hiking while those seeking serenity can take a lake cruise or explore the park on a bike tour.
The best time to visit the Canadian Rockies is in summer from mid-June to mid-September when temperatures are warm and wildlife is plentiful. However, if you prefer cooler weather and less crowds, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn offer incredible experiences. Take the Rocky Mountaineer luxury sightseeing train or travel via VIA Rail sleeper train for unique views of iconic sights.
7. Take a day trip to Banff
A visit to the Canadian Rockies is a must any time of year. However, spring is when the park really comes alive with wildlife and stunning scenic vistas.
Take a Lake Minnewanka cruise, hike the ruins of the Lower Bankhead area, and try some of Banff’s best restaurants. It’s also a great time to try your hand at snowshoeing or hiking the easy trails.
Soak up the postcard-perfect views of this bucket list national park, including the unreal blue hue of Lake Louise. Explore the Icefields Parkway on a guided tour, or walk onto Athabasca Glacier on a glass Skywalk.
8. Explore Lake Louise
Canada’s pristine wilderness is renowned for its jaw-dropping natural scenery. From pristine glacial lakes to endless pine forests and rugged mountains, the Rockies are truly magical.
Visit in summer for the best hiking conditions and to see the mountains at their liveliest. Autumn offers stunning fall colors and fewer crowds, while spring is a transitional season with melting snow and emerging wildlife.
Explore the world-famous turquoise blue Lake Louise on a scenic horseback ride and hike some of the area’s top trails, such as Devil’s Thumb or the Plain of Six Glaciers.
9. Take a day trip to Yoho National Park
Yoho National Park neighbors Banff and Kootenay, and it’s often overlooked by travelers. However, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers mountain scenery that will leave you with a sense of admiration and awe.
Emerald Lake captivates with its emerald-green hue, and the surrounding President Range mountains leave you speechless. The Natural Bridge is another highlight of this National Park, as it stretches over the pulsing Kicking Horse River.
The Lake O’Hara Alpine Circuit is a must, but scoring coveted campsites and bus tickets can be a daunting task. Intrepid explorers can hike to Sherbrooke Lake instead, which is just as stunning and less busy.
10. Take a day trip to Kootenay National Park
While most people think of Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise when they imagine a road trip through the Canadian Rockies, Kootenay National Park is an equally stunning hidden gem.
It’s less busy than Banff and features contrasting scenery from ice-capped peaks to mirror-like mountain rivers and vast forests.
Conclusion
From short hikes to multi-day backcountry trips, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Kootenay National Park. Autumn is a great time to visit as the landscapes turn into an awe-inspiring display of colours. You’ll also find a plethora of wildlife from elk to bighorn sheep and migratory birds.
