Towering peaks, glacier-fed lakes, moody pine forests, and crisp alpine air: the Canadian Rockies pack a visible punch. However past the various picture-perfect angles, this dramatic mountain vary is a gripping playground of wilderness and wildlife. Whether or not you are into mountaineering the Canadian Rockies in summer season or chasing the Northern Lights in winter, there are infinite alternatives for forging deep into the wild. Add in some canoeing, craft beer, and stargazing, and you have got a tailored map for a multifaceted mountain expertise.
Now you is likely to be inclined to seize this checklist and head out by yourself. It is Canada! How laborious might it’s to discover? Effectively, the nation is huge and our small group excursions add that magic contact of maple syrup to make the journey extra significant. With us, you are not checking off sights and getting out simply lengthy sufficient to snap a selfie. You are swapping tales round campfires, connecting with native tradition, and seeing these inspiring locations by way of the lens of sustainability and neighborhood. So lace up your boots or settle into an iconic crimson canoe with a number of the greatest issues to do within the Canadian Rockies.
Absorb Icefields Parkway views
When you’re searching for probably the most scenic drives on the planet, the Icefields Parkway is actually a high contender. Spanning 232km (144 mi) between Jasper and Lake Louise, this legendary route delivers dramatic panoramas at each flip: glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, and the occasional roadside bear sighting. You should definitely have your digicam inside arm’s attain always.
Highlights embrace Peyto Lake (formed like a wolf’s head and one in all our planet’s most jaw-dropping landscapes), the surreal Weeping Wall, and the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Hold your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and mountain goats — a trademark of Canadian Rockies wildlife. The drive itself is spectacular, however the encounters alongside the way in which make this really unforgettable.
Take probably the most scenic route on: Canadian Rockies Encompassed
Paddle out into Lake Louise
Acknowledged world wide, you’ve got absolutely seen photos of the enduring dreamy glacial blue framed by towering peaks and the stately Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Whether or not you are visiting within the peak of summer season or underneath a blanket of winter snow, Lake Louise is endlessly enchanting.
In hotter months, canoeing Canada-style is the factor to do. Paddle out into the aquamarine expanse and really feel utterly immersed in nature, with solely the sound of your paddle breaking the floor. When you want to remain on dry land, hike as much as the Lake Agnes Tea Home of the Plain of Six Glaciers for panoramic views and a rewarding cup of tea. In winter, the lake transforms right into a magical skating rink surrounded by ice sculptures and snow-dusted mountains.
Fall in love with Lake Louise on: Better of Northern Rockies & the Pacific Northwest
Discover Banff Nationwide Park — Canada’s first
On the coronary heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff Nationwide Park was the primary of its type within the nation and stays a high favorite. Each bend opens up a distinct angle of rugged backcountry, bustling city life, and alternative for journey. And, because of its many lakes, Banff occurs to be one of many bluest locations on earth. The distinction of vigorous Banff city and the huge wilderness simply outdoors its limits is a part of what makes it so particular.
Climbing the Canadian Rockies does not get a lot better than the paths round Banff. Strive Tunnel Mountain for a fast leg-stretcher, or tackle the more difficult Sulphur Mountain for swoon-worthy views. Sunshine Meadows, Johnston Canyon, and the Icefields Parkway trailheads are all inside simple attain. Afterward, unwind within the Banff Higher Scorching Springs or pattern some native craft beer in Canada’s highest city.
On a G Adventures tour, count on your information to share insider information about Indigenous historical past, geology, and wildlife, so as to add deeper layers of that means to every hike or viewpoint. Guides usually share private anecdotes or conventional tales, enriching the entire expertise with an area perspective.
Have the perfect time in Banff on: Canadian Rockies: Nationwide Parks Westbound
Stroll throughout the mighty Columbia Icefield
Few locations make you’re feeling smaller than the Columbia Icefield. Straddling the Continental Divide, this huge expanse of historic ice is a humbling reminder of the earth’s glacial historical past. It covers an space of roughly 230 sq. km (143 sq mi) and feeds into a number of main river programs.
Choosing a guided glacier stroll offers you the possibility to strap on crampons and discover crevasses and ice caves. When you’re craving much more adrenaline, step onto the close by Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored commentary deck that juts out over a 280-metre drop. It isn’t for the faint of coronary heart, however the views are unbeatable, particularly at golden hour.
Marvel on the Athabasca Glacier on: Vancouver Island & Northern Rockies
Bundle up for winter aurora chasing
Winter within the Canadian Rockies is all of the extra mesmerizing if you’re pulling on a heat parka every night time for the possibility to see nature’s most magical show. Whether or not you’re out for a guided stroll, skating on an froze lake, or having fun with a sleigh trip in locations like Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, every clear night time brings the potential of a Northern Lights encounter. If you’re that far north in winter and surrounded by darkish wild sky, your possibilities enhance considerably so it’s price being a focus of your journey.
To kick it up a notch, we recommend spending time in Smoky Lake studying from the Indigenous Métis neighborhood after which settling in for a tea ceremony at night time. After the legends and folklore are instructed, confidently you might look as much as see the Northern Lights in all their shimmering glory. And it’ll imply much more with the background of how the skies and constellations served their folks as guiding lights for survival, planting, looking, and when to work the land.
Scan the wintry alpine skies on: Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer
Catch the dawn at Moraine Lake
It is laborious to imagine a lake like Moraine exists outdoors of a screensaver, however belief us, it is actual. Set within the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this glacier-fed stunner shifts hues all through the day, from deep sapphire to vibrant teal. The lake is commonly shrouded in mist within the morning, including a dreamy, ethereal high quality to the already fairytale scene.
Early mornings are greatest to beat the crowds and catch the tender glow of dawn lighting up the peaks. Hike the Rockville Path for the enduring view, or go additional afield into Larch Valley if you happen to’re chasing golden fall foliage. The larches flip sensible shades of yellow-orange in September, making this the most effective locations for autumn hikes.
Spot bears in Jasper Nationwide Park
Extra laid-back than Banff however no much less beautiful, Jasper Nationwide Park is beloved for its huge wilderness and hushed sense of solitude. It is also a Darkish Sky Protect, which makes stargazing in Jasper a bucket checklist expertise. You possibly can see the Milky Manner stretch throughout the sky, framed by silhouetted mountain peaks.
Hop on a Maligne Lake cruise, discover the magical Maligne Canyon, or hike the Edith Cavell Meadows path to identify glaciers clinging to cliffs. Spirit Island on Maligne Lake is likely one of the most photographed spots in Canada. When you see it, you will perceive why.
Wildlife lovers will even be of their aspect. Think about elk wandering by way of city, or catching a glimpse of bears, moose, and even wolves if you happen to’re fortunate. On a G Adventures tour, your Chief Expertise Officer (CEO) helps interpret animal habits and clarify native conservation efforts, deepening your understanding of the area. Studying about coexistence and preservation makes every wildlife sighting really feel much more particular.
Step out into Canadian backcountry on: Canadian Rockies: Nationwide Parks Eastbound
Go to Calgary — gateway to the Rockies
The gateway metropolis to the Rockies, Calgary blends metropolis tradition with rugged frontier spirit. Most G Adventures Canadian Rockies excursions begin or finish right here, and it is price spending a day exploring earlier than hitting the street or heading residence.
Take a look at the Calgary Tower for a panoramic intro to the town, or stroll by way of the East Village for craft breweries, dwell music, and public artwork. The Glenbow Museum presents deep dives into Western Canadian historical past and Indigenous tradition, whereas Prince’s Island Park presents peaceable riverside paths steps from downtown.
When you’re right here in July, the Calgary Stampede brings the cowboy power full pressure with rodeos, concert events, and a full-blown carnival ambiance. It is a spectacle of Western tradition that is price experiencing a minimum of as soon as.
Stampede your method to Calgary on: Canadian Rockies & Pacific Northwest Journey
Strap on snowshoes in Sunshine Meadows
Winter actually places a hush upon the land so there’s no higher time to attempt strolling on recent fallen snow in probably the most Canadian method attainable. (Let’s be trustworthy, most Canadians haven’t achieved this both however relaxation assured it’s very enjoyable.)
Be part of an area information, shoot upward in a gondola, after which set out throughout the Continental Divide searching for iconic wildlife with big nets strapped to your ft. With nothing however powdery wilderness in entrance of you, you’ll take pleasure in sweeping views of Banff Nationwide Park and Mount Assiniboine, the best peak within the area. The crisp, clear winter air will do wonders to your sense of well-being and the laughs of navigating the snowshoes are yours perpetually.
Make snowy tracks on: Canadian Rockies Winter Journey
Take a selfie at Athabasca Falls
Do not let its modest peak idiot you. Athabasca Falls is likely one of the strongest and photogenic waterfalls within the Canadian Rockies. Positioned simply off the Icefields Parkway, it is a frequent cease on G Adventures excursions, and important for street trippers trying to break up the drive.
The churning water has carved out dramatic limestone canyons over centuries. Discover the viewing platforms and quick trails to see the falls from each angle. The roar of the water, the mist in your face, and the rainbow that typically seems within the spray all add as much as an immersive sensory expertise. Tip: Go early within the morning when the mist catches the sunshine good and the tour buses have not arrived.
Wind up getting energetic in Whistler
Technically outdoors the primary Canadian Rockies vary however usually included in prolonged itineraries, Whistler is a should for thrill-seekers. Residence to North America’s largest ski resort, it is an adrenaline-fueled base for snowboarding the Canadian Rockies, mountain biking, zip-lining, and snowshoeing. The slopes listed below are world-renowned, and even learners will discover terrain to like.
However Whistler is not all pace and slopes. The walkable village itself is straight out of a storybook, and full of nice eateries and retailers. Seize a domestically roasted espresso and stroll by way of the Indigenous artwork galleries, or hop on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for panoramic mountain views. Whistler additionally hosts quite a few festivals year-round, including music, movie, and meals into the combination.
Strive a tipple or two at Kelowna breweries
Whereas not within the Rockies correct, Kelowna is commonly a detour or finale on a Canadian Rockies street journey, particularly for these with a style for good wine or chilly craft beer. This sunny Okanagan Valley metropolis is thought for its vineyards, orchards, and laid-back lake life. It is the proper place to drink all of it in after your alpine journey.
Take a wine tour alongside the lakeshore, pattern farm-to-table delicacies, or lease a kayak and discover Okanagan Lake. The waterfront boardwalk is good for sundown strolls, whereas Knox Mountain Park presents nice mountaineering trails with metropolis views. When you’re extra into hops than grapes, the craft beer Canada scene is prospering right here, with new microbreweries popping up frequently. Strive a flight at BNA Brewing or Kettle River Brewing Co., for starters.
G Adventures travellers love ending a high-energy Rockies tour with a couple of days of leisure and absorbing Kelowna’s sunshine. Relive your alpine recollections of a glass of native pinot or pale ale, swapping tales with buddies earlier than heading residence.
Get artful in Kelowna on: Better of Northern Rockies & the Pacific Northwest
