Canadian Rockies Overview
The Canadian Rockies region straddling Alberta and British Columbia is one of the most iconic destinations in all of North America. The region is a network of provincial and National Parks that have collectively been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Comprising of Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho National Parks, few regions can match the true magnificence of the Canadian Rockies for beautiful mountain scenery, crystal-clear lakes, soaring glaciers and hot springs.
One of the biggest attractions of the Canadian Rockies is the abundance of wildlife and the region boasts some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities; especially large mammals such as elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bears. If outdoor adventures are more your thing the you will find activities like mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, canoeing, fishing and rafting.
Whether you want to explore the Rockies on tour, by train aboard the world-famous Rocky Mountaineer, or on a self-drive expedition, the spectacular Icefields Parkway is a ‘must do’ when visiting the Canadian Rockies. Stretching 232 km from Jasper to Banff, it is home to one of the most scenic drives in the world with the dramatic snow-capped mountains, pristine mountain lakes and ancient glaciers marking this scenic route.
Dotted across the land of snow-capped mountains, crystal clear alpine lakes and green meadows, you’ll find beautiful villages like Banff, Canmore, Jasper and Lake Louise which each offer their own unique appeal, and a range of accommodation from world-class luxury to the simple and rustic.
We offer all types of holidays in the Canadian Rockies, which can be tailor-made to suit your interests, timeframe and budget. Whether your interest is in bear-watching at a specialist bear watching wilderness retreat, enjoying the mountains, valleys and wildlife-rich forests on an independent self-drive, hiking the epic landscapes on a guided walking holiday, sitting back and relaxing on an escorted tour or marvelling at the spectacular scenery on the world famous Rocky Mountaineer train, we can help you experience the Canadian Rockies in a way that suits you.
Canadian Rockies Highlights
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is the most visited tourist attraction in the Canadian Rockies and arguably the most impressive national park in Canada. The area encompasses spectacular mountain scenery, hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and the town of Banff. Wildlife is abundant here, with grizzly bears, black bears, wolves, caribou, and elk, many of which are frequently sighted along the main highway through the park.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is world famous for its turquoise lakes, the Victoria Glacier, soaring mountain backdrop, palatial hotel, and incredible hiking. Surrounded by a lifetime’s worth of jaw-dropping sights and adventures, Lake Louise is a rare place that must be experienced to be believed.
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway runs from Lake Louise to Jasper and is one of the most beautiful drives in Canada. This 230-kilometre stretch of highway leads past lakes, mountains, glaciers and waterfalls, with stopping points for visitors to get out and experience the landscape.
Maligne Lake
The majestic Maligne Lake is the second-largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. While its azure-blue waters can be cold for swimming, there are plenty of other activities to do in the Maligne Valley including hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing, kayaking and boat tours to Spirit Island.
Columbia Icefield Adventure
Discover the power of nature on the Columbia Icefield Adventure. At the heart of the incredible Icefields Parkway is one of the largest non-polar ice fields in the world. Here, you’ll travel on a massive Ice Explorer to a place where you can walk on, feel and drink from the Athabasca Glacier. Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored Skywalk at the cliff’s edge.
Moraine Lake
Set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rock piles, creating a scene so stunning it almost seems unreal. Sit lakeside and absorb the sights and pure mountain air, or explore further by canoeing and hiking. It’s an iconically jaw-dropping place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Best Time To Visit The Canadian Rockies
Canadian Rockies holidays tend to appeal most in the summer months, well away from the well-below-zero winter. Mid-May to mid-September is when the hiking paths and rafting rivers open for business, and glacier hikes become more accessible due to snowmelt. Lakes often don’t fully defrost till mid-June; so, consider whether you’d rather be kayaking or ice skating. Wearing layers is essential; although things cool at high altitude there have been some surprisingly hot summers in recent years. July and August weather is the best for any summer activities with the longest daylight. Temperatures hit even 30 °C mark. This is the best time for hiking, trekking, biking, kayaking, and even swimming in the lakes. For autumn colours, the best time to go to the Canadian Rockies is mid-September, when the larch trees go for gold.