By now, you already know I’ve an actual comfortable spot for Canada! It’s one in all my favorite international locations to go to with essentially the most unbelievable cities like; Toronto, Vancouver and Calgary (to call a number of). That being stated, the actual draw for me is the good outside, particularly with all the very best locations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to go to. 

Stretching between the attractive locations in Alberta and British Columbia, the Canadian Rocky Mountains is among the most dramatic and iconic locations in western Canada which you could’t miss. It’s completely attractive and residential to world-well-known lakes, frozen waterfalls and essentially the most lovely scenic spots. It’s completely timeless and fully attractive. 

We’ve explored the Canadian Rocky Mountains fairly a number of occasions now – and, on every go to, we at all times discover someplace we haven’t been. That is the primary lesson in exploring the mountains right here, I feel it’d take you years (if not a long time) to see all there’s to expertise. So, don’t anticipate to ‘full’ or see the whole lot in only one journey; it simply isn’t attainable. 

That being stated, you possibly can simply make a dent in a number of the most iconic and dazzling spots to get an actual taster of what the Canadian Rockies is all about.

So, to save lots of you somewhat time (and to maximise your journey), I needed to share the gems we completely liked. Some are inside simple attain of Banff or day journeys from cities like Calgary; while others would require somewhat planning. Regardless of the case, I’m certain I can whet your urge for food with a handful of spots you’ll love. 

Have a look, beneath, at the very best locations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to go to. Have a tremendous time in Canada. 

1.) Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Connecting each the Banff Nationwide Park and Jasper Nationwide Park, Icefields Parkway would possibly simply be Canada’s most iconic driving routes. And guess what, it’s completely attractive! 

Among the finest locations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to drive, you’ll be capable to cease off at spots like; Boundary Lake, the unbelievable Columbia Icefield Skywalk and even spot the Stutfield Glacier that’s completely big! 

Plus, for those who fancy a reasonable hike, be part of the Parker Ridge Path that has some epic views. Simply you should definitely take some layers, it does get chilly on the prime! 

Now, we’ve pushed this route fairly a number of occasions and though it’s completely beautiful it may be closed with out warning, particularly in the colder months (as a result of avalanches). We’ve been caught out a number of occasions by this and it’s a reasonably large detour ( 4-5 hours further) for those who’re planning on driving between Jasper and Banff. 

Learn extra: 1-week itinerary to discover Banff

2.) Yoho Nationwide Park, British Columbia

Yoho Nationwide Park has some bonny views throughout the Canadian Rockies and is well one in all British Columbia’s most iconic parks. 

As soon as right here, you possibly can head round to discover; the Pure Bridge, Hamilton Falls, Takakkaw Falls, Spiral Tunnel, Higher Spiral Tunnel Viewpoint, and The Village of Subject. You’ll be spoilt for selection, particularly with the Emerald Lake and Lake O’Hara, too.

What I might say is that you simply’ll want a good quantity of days to really discover Yoho Nationwide Park. So, be sure you guide your self into some lodgings so that you’re not too pressed for time. 

Oh, and don’t neglect you possibly can simply pop over to Wapta Falls, too! 

Learn extra: Best hikes in British Columbia

3.) Banff Nationwide Park, Alberta

Being Canada’s oldest nationwide park, Banff is among the extra well-known and effectively-identified spots to see in the Candian Rockies. Set across the city of Banff itself, the nationwide park is a big area that features a number of the prettiest spots in Alberta. 

As soon as right here, you possibly can discover; Lake Minnewanka, head on the paths round Mount Norquay and ski the slopes at Sunshine Village. 

Oh, and for those who’re hankering for a deal with, guide a keep on the Fairmont Lake Louise – we liked it and the views had been unbelievable across the lake. Simply don’t fall down as a lot as I did when ice-skating throughout the lake – these bruises damage! 

Learn extra: Best issues to do in Banff

4.) Peyto Lake, Alberta

One other spot in Banff Nationwide Park, Peyto Lake is named after Invoice Peyto, a pioneering mountain information that after labored in Banff. 

Now, Peyto Lake is completely attractive, particularly with the blue-inexperienced color that’s attributable to the glacier waters which can be excessive in minerals. 

One factor to notice, automobile parking might be restricted right here – particularly on busier weekends. If you wish to keep away from the vast majority of guests, head throughout a very first thing in the morning when it’s a lot quieter. 

Learn extra: Best issues to do in British Columbia

5.) Wells Grey, British Columbia

We couldn’t resist a cease at Wells Grey Provincial Park while highway tripping between Vancouver to Calgary – and what an ideal name it was! 

We spent an entire day right here, although you possibly can spend for much longer, and discover a number of the parks most iconic spots.

When you arrive, you should definitely spot Helmcken Falls that’s completely unbelievable in winter or summer time. Plus, take a while to go to Spahats Creek Falls or go whitewater rafting (with Inside Whitewater Expeditions) on the North Thompson River. 

We liked it. 

6.) Johnston Canyon, Alberta

Simply off the Trans-Canadian Freeway, Johnston Canyon is a comparatively simple hike that’s nice for those who’re not essentially the most assured of hikers (however nonetheless need nice views).

Taking you thru with scenic wooded canyon, with trails for mountain climbing, it’s the most effective locations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to go to in any season. Although do put on crampons for those who’re heading on the paths in winter (like we did), the route is icy.

Alongside the best way, you’ll get to see Lower Canyon Falls and Higher Canyon Falls which is a should-see! Taking about 2.5-hours (there and again) it’s one thing we did in the morning earlier than heading again to Calgary. 

Learn extra: The best way to go to Johnston Canyon

7.) Moraine Lake, Alberta

Near the border with British Columbia, Moraine Lake is a completely eye-catching lake that has some unbelievable mountain climbing trails across the shore. 

For the very best views, head to the Rockpiles space the place you’ll get to see all throughout the glacial fed waters! 

Learn extra: Best locations in Canada to go to

8.) Athabasca Falls, Alberta

Nestled inside Jasper Nationwide Park, Athabasca Falls is among the finest locations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains to discover that’s round 25-minutes south of Jasper city. 

Very easy to go to, as soon as right here you possibly can discover a number of the trails and observe the routes over the falls that’s completely beautiful when the water is excessive.

Additionally, for those who fancy a ski, head over to Marmot Basin (simply north) to strive their slopes. A lot quieter than spots like Sunshine Village, it’s a complete gem that has a heap of runs for all skills. 

Learn extra: Your itinerary to discover Jasper Nationwide Park

9.) Canmore, Alberta

We spent fairly a little bit of time in and round Canmore on our final journey to the Canadian Rockies and completely liked it. Though not inside a Nationwide Park itself, the area is beautiful and there’s a lot to see.

After arriving, you should definitely trek Grotto Canyon that’s completely lovely in the winter months.

Simply be certain to get some crampons as you’ll be mountain climbing over the frozen river at occasions! Maintain your eyes peeled for the historic pictographs painted by First Nations individuals on the partitions of the canyon.

If that’s not your factor, head over to the Wolfdog sanctuary that cares for wolfdogs that may’t be launched into the wild. we stopped by for a number of hours and completely liked studying extra about wolfdogs and the way they took place. 

For a spot to remain, drive to Kananaskis and test into the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. It was completely beautiful and so they even have a Nordic-model outside spa, too! 

Lastly, for some epic views, head on a helicopter flight from Alpine Helicopters (we did the Royal Canadian Tour) that took us proper over the Canadian Rockies and effectively into the towering mountains.

It was unbelievable and such an ideal view. 

Learn extra: Best spots to see in Canmore

10.) Maligne Lake and Canyon, Alberta

Nestled inside Jasper, Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake is among the extra common locations in Jasper Nationwide Park to see.

On a transparent day, you’ll get to see the unbelievable rocky peaks and spot the glaciers that feed the lake itself. In the summertime months, you possibly can lease a canoe and paddle the lake’s waters; it’s completely lovely and serene. 

Additionally, for those who’re visiting in the winter, head to Maligne Canyon and hike by means of the frozen path to the waterfall.

It’s completely beautiful and very easy to guide with a information in Jasper.

Learn extra: Best hikes in Alberta

11.) Takakkaw Falls, British Columbia

As talked about inside Yoho Nationwide Park, Takakkaw Falls is a spot you actually can’t miss. You see, at over 370+ metres in peak, it’s the second tallest waterfall in all of Canada! 

Fancy an extended hike? Head on the Iceline Path that heads manner past Laughing Falls and is completely lovely and unspoilt. 

Learn extra: Spots to see driving from Vancouver to Calgary

12.) Lake Louise, Alberta

Most likely Alberta’s most-well-known lake, Lake Louise is a gem to see at any time of the yr.

Briefly touched upon earlier, We’ve visited Lake Louise in summer time and winter and it’s completely lovely and effectively value a gander while exploring the broader Canadian Rockies.

In the summertime, you’ll get to go out on the lake inside a canoe and hike the paths overlooking the Rockies themselves.

During the winters the turquoise waters freeze and you’ll head proper onto Lake Louise to go ice skating!

Learn extra: Visiting and staying at Lake Louise

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