Welcome to the Canadian Rockies, where words don’t fully capture the experiences. Amidst 180,000 square kilometers of wild and explosive terrain shifting between Alberta and British Columbia, this magical terrain is nothing like the itineraries describe. Immersive, surreal, and even more beautiful than scripted, the Canadian Rockies offer captivating and marvelling landscapes and, with these, a million things to do and see.

 

In this piece, we’ll cover the top things to do in the Rockies, giving you a headstart on the top gems and activities this adventure wonderland provides.

 

 

banff-national-park

photo credit: Dajahof

 

 

1. Ride the Banff Gondola

If you’re seeking the perfect Rockies experience, the Banff Gondola in Banff National Park is one of the many exciting places to start. This 8-minute ride up Sulphur Mountain is a joy-filled way to encounter a chunk-sized perspective of what the Canadian Rockies are all about. Calm and steady, the gondola ascends, giving you enough time to appreciate the marauding beauty. Its floor-to-ceiling windows frame craggy peaks and thick wood forests. With more elevation gain, the famous Mount Rundle and the vast Tunnel Mountain in the north reveal themselves in the south.

 

Reaching the summit, a world of exploration unfolds. From a 360-degree observing platform, drink in the views of Sundance Range, Fairholme Range, and the town of Banff seated between the ranges. And should you meet clear weather, you can see far-off glaciers glistening in the sun.

 

Dining choices like the Sky Bistro mix excellent cuisine with amazing views, transforming this from a ride into a whole experience.

 

 

2. Walk the Banff National

Walking and hiking in Banff National Park is a gateway to awe-inspiring adventures. Traverse the iconic Lake Louise Lakeshore, where turquoise waters reflect towering peaks, or challenge yourself on the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail for sweeping alpine vistas. Discover the charm of Johnston Canyon, with its dramatic waterfalls and cliffside pathways, or ascend Tunnel Mountain for panoramic views of Banff town and the Bow Valley. From the surreal beauty of Moraine Lake's Valley of the Ten Peaks to the serene pathways of Sunshine Meadows, each trail unveils the park's legendary landscapes, blending adventure with breathtaking scenery.

 

 

rocky-mountaineer-train

photo credit: Rocky Mountaineer

 

 

3. Train to Banff National Park

Embark on an unforgettable journey aboard the Rocky Mountaineer, where luxury meets the wild majesty of the Canadian Rockies en route to Banff National Park. As you glide through dramatic canyons, verdant forests, and alongside glacial rivers, the panoramic windows frame nature’s grandeur in every direction. Savor gourmet cuisine inspired by local flavors, paired with impeccable service that transforms travel into a seamless indulgence. By the time the snow-capped peaks of Banff come into view, you'll feel as though the journey itself has been a prelude to the park's breathtaking allure.

 

 

4. Wildlife Watching in Jasper National Park

The Rockies abound in wildlife, and Jasper National Park is among the top sites to observe it all up close. Look for elk grazing in meadows, mountain goats shivering on cliffs, and the odd black bear prowling close by the road. Early mornings and nights are the best periods for observing wildlife, hence be sure your camera is ready.

 

You can also participate in guided wildlife expeditions for an even greater chance to meet the park's numerous wildlife inhabitants. But even more interesting, these expert guides tell amazing tales about creatures and their habitats throughout the tour.

 

 

5. See the Breathtaking Takakkaw Falls

Derived from the Cree language, which translates to 'it is magnificent,' Takakkaw Falls truly embodies its meaning. This amazing 373-meter (1,224-foot) waterfall in Yoho National Park is one of Canada's tallest and most stunning waterfalls.

 

The adventure starts as you meander along Yoho Valley Road, a path winding through the heart of Yoho National Park. On your way, dense forests slowly reveal views of the surrounding mountain peaks, rushing rivers, and alpine meadows, ultimately arriving at the base of the falls.

 

Here, the sheer force of the falling water creates a sensory overload—the surrounding base gives a mighty roar as water plunges, creating a cool mist shower you can feel on your skin. But even more exhilarating, the backdrop of snow-capped peaks combines with the lake’s charm to create an even more captivating experience.

 

 

moraine-lake

photo credit: tripleeagle

 

 

6. Paddle on Moraine Lake

There's a high chance you’ve seen the stunning Moraine Lake if you’ve ever come across a picture of the Canadian Rockies. With a skyline defined by the Valley of Ten peaks, this glacial gem located in Banff National Park immerses you in its vivid turquoise waters resulting from sunlight reflecting off fine glacial silt.

 

To see the Lake up close, rent a canoe and calmly enjoy a peaceful paddle along its stretch or walk through the nearby Rockpile Trail for the “Twenty Dollar View,” named after its appearance on Canada’s old $20 bill. Hikers would find sunrise and sunset especially captivating on this trail as the light gazes over the terrain in a warm and inviting display.

 

 

7. Drive the Legendary Icefields Parkway

There are less than a handful of roads in the world that provide as many breathtaking sites to see as the ones offered on the Icefields Parkway. These are not your typical, everyday panoramas; they are hypnotizing and intriguing vistas stretching through 235 kilometers between Jasper and Lake Louise in Banff National Park.

 

Despite being regarded as one of the most beautiful roads in the world, you’ll never be able to fully appreciate its splendor until you decide to take a trip down it. The route travels through various mountainous terrain, glaciers, and sparkling blue lakes, and because there are vistas and pauses along the way that are conveniently accessible, you have just the proper amount of time to take in as many sights as possible.

 

While on this exciting joy ride, you should make it a point to see the enormous Columbia Icefield, one of the biggest icefields in North America, and the gorgeous Peyto Lake—a highlight among the most photographed locations in the world. From a vantage point, the lake appears to have the shape of a wolf's head and a beautiful turquoise hue. This is because of the rock flour caused by the glaciers in the surrounding area.

 

Another thrilling site is the Athabasca Glacier, where you can participate in a guided tour on the ice and have a chance to get up close and personal with this glacial beauty.

 

 

8. Hike to the Agnes Tea House

For a chance to combine adventure with charm in the Canadian Rockies, take a hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House. Situated above Lake Louise, this 7-kilometer round-trip adventure crosses verdant forests, past tumbling waterfalls, and up to the serene Lake Agnes, a pure alpine lake encircled by mountains.

 

On your way up, panoramic vistas of nearby valleys and glaciers seated far off in the distance unfold—each view a breathtaking reward that adds to the experience. At the top, the Lake Agnes Tea House awaits you, offering a warm and cozy rest from the hike. You’ll find the rustic aesthetic of this charming structure, built way back in 1901, especially inviting. It is constructed with locally sourced timber and stone to reflect the surrounding landscape. Inside, the wooden interior, steeply pitched roof, and comfortable, cabin-like interior all complement the environment, creating a blissful atmosphere that's almost impossible to resist. However, the tea house’s true appeal lies in its sole accessibility by foot, making the journey even more rewarding.

 

 

9. Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

One of the best things about the Rockies is it's hot springs. Due to its extensive geothermal activities, there are several hot springs situated across the Canadian Rockies’ expanse where you can soak in mineral-rich waters heated by the earth's geothermal energy. The Banff Upper Hot Springs is one such site. Unwind in the rejuvenating embrace of the Banff Upper Hot Springs, where steamy, mineral-rich waters soothe every muscle after trekking in Canadian Rockies. With the crisp mountain air and breathtaking alpine views as your backdrop, it's the ultimate reward for an adventurous day on the trails.

 

The water here ranges from 37-40°C and has attracted millions of tourists since the late 1800s because of its therapeutic benefits. Here, plunge in the warm, healing waters while surrendering to a backdrop of surreal mountain ranges. This experience is made even more memorable as it is open all year round, allowing visitors to reap its benefits all year round.

 

 

See the Canadian Rockies For What They Are

 

The Canadian Rockies reveal less of their charm through words. To truly capture the experience of this explosive terrain, you must see the Rockies for what they are—an otherworldly marvel best experienced in the moment amidst its invigorating landscapes and overwhelming viewpoints.

 

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