Canadian Rockies

Mountain majesty. Turquoise lakes, glaciers, wildlife, and pristine wilderness.

NatureAdventurePhotography

About Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies deliver some of North America's most spectacular mountain scenery - where impossibly turquoise lakes mirror jagged peaks, massive glaciers calve into pristine waters, and wildlife roams ancient forests. From Lake Louise's iconic fairmont to Moraine Lake's Valley of the Ten Peaks, from Jasper's dark sky preserve to Banff's hot springs, from world-class skiing to summer hiking and wildlife viewing, the Rockies offer year-round adventure in a UNESCO World Heritage wilderness.

What to See & Do

Lake Louise - turquoise lake with Victoria Glacier backdrop

Moraine Lake - iconic Valley of Ten Peaks view

Banff - mountain town with hot springs and gondola

Icefields Parkway - spectacular scenic drive

Jasper - dark sky preserve and Maligne Lake

Columbia Icefield - walk on ancient glacier

Wildlife - bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and moose

Yoho National Park - Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake

Where to Stay

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

luxury

Iconic castle hotel directly on Lake Louise with mountain views.

Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge

luxury

Lakeside cabins with golf, spa, and wilderness luxury.

Mount Engadine Lodge

boutique

Remote backcountry lodge accessible by trail in Spray Valley.

Activities & Experiences

Icefields Parkway Drive

Scenic drive with glacier viewpoints

Duration: Full day

Glacier Walk

Guided walk on Athabasca Glacier

Duration: 3 hours

Lake Louise Canoeing

Paddle turquoise waters

Duration: 2 hours

Wildlife Safari

Early morning bear and elk viewing

Duration: Half day

Banff Gondola

Sulphur Mountain summit with views

Duration: 2 hours

Backcountry Hiking

Guided day hikes to alpine lakes

Duration: Full day

Where to Eat

Eden

Contemporary

Farm-to-table at Rimrock Resort

The Bison

Canadian

Local game and Rocky Mountain cuisine

Fairmont Dining

Fine Dining

Elegant meals at castle hotels

Grizzly House

Fondue

Banff institution since 1967

Sample Itineraries

Canadian Rockies Adventure

7 days
Nature & Hiking
7 days
1

Arrive Banff

  • Fly to Calgary
  • Drive to Banff
  • Check into hotel
  • Afternoon town walk
  • Banff Avenue shopping
  • Dinner at The Bison
2

Lake Louise

  • Early drive to Lake Louise
  • Morning canoeing
  • Hike to Lake Agnes teahouse
  • Lunch at teahouse
  • Moraine Lake afternoon
  • Sunset photos
  • Return Banff
3

Banff Exploration

  • Morning wildlife safari
  • Bear and elk viewing
  • Lunch in town
  • Banff Gondola
  • Summit boardwalk
  • Evening Banff Upper Hot Springs
4

Icefields Parkway

  • Scenic drive north
  • Bow Lake stop
  • Peyto Lake viewpoint
  • Columbia Icefield
  • Glacier walk
  • Arrive Jasper
  • Check into lodge
5

Jasper Adventures

  • Morning Maligne Canyon
  • Lunch at lodge
  • Afternoon Maligne Lake cruise
  • Spirit Island
  • Return and spa
  • Dinner overlooking lake
6

Jasper Dark Sky

  • Morning hiking Bald Hills
  • Alpine meadows
  • Packed lunch
  • Afternoon rest
  • Evening planetarium
  • Dark sky stargazing
7

Return Calgary

  • Scenic return drive
  • Stops at viewpoints
  • Lunch en route
  • Arrive Calgary afternoon
  • Evening departure

Quick Facts

Region

Central America

Best Time to Visit

Jun-Sep (hiking), Dec-Mar (skiing)

When to Go

June-September offers hiking season with wildflowers and long days. December-March perfect for skiing.

Avoid: April-May and October-November have unpredictable weather and many closures.

Getting There

Calgary Airport (YYC) is gateway - 1.5 hours to Banff. Vancouver (YVR) alternative with scenic drive. Edmonton serves Jasper. Rental car essential for exploring. Brewster offers tours. Rocky Mountaineer luxury train from Vancouver.

Local Tips

  • Book hotels 6-12 months ahead for summer
  • Parks pass required - buy at entrance or online
  • Bear safety crucial - carry bear spray on trails
  • Lake Louise parking fills early - arrive before 7am
  • Weather unpredictable - pack layers and rain gear
  • Wildfire smoke can impact visibility in late summer
  • Tipping 15-20% standard in restaurants

Ready to Experience Canadian Rockies?

Our concierge team will craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your preferences, handling every detail from flights to hidden gems.