Canadian Rockies
Magnificent mountains, outdoor adventures and wildlife…
How to Travel to the Canadian Rockies
Fly into Calgary International airport (YYC) and rent a car. It’s an easy 90 mile drive to Banff on the Trans Canada Hwy 1. You might want to stay in the town of Banff the first night even if you plan on traveling to Jasper because it’s a long day of traveling from most U. S. cities. Note: when entering Banff National Park you need to purchase a park pass at the tollbooth valid for the duration of your stay.
Where to Stay in the Canadian Rockies
There are a wide range of motels, hotels, and cabin rentals available depending on your budget or how much driving you want to do. Canmore is closer to Calgary and located outside of Banff National Park and therefore, has less expensive lodging choices.
Banff is a charming town in Banff National Park and an easy exit off the Trans Canada Hwy. Banff has hotel options ranging from 5 star hotels to quaint cabins. It’s easy to explore the whole town on foot. Start on Banff Avenue which is lined with shops and restaurants. Wander up and down the side streets. Once you’ve covered the downtown area, head across the Bow River and venture into the neighborhoods and area mountains, hot springs and parks.
Banff can become crowded on summer weekends so visiting during the week or planning activities outside of town on may make your stay more enjoyable.
We stayed at the legendary Fairmont Banff Springs hotel often called Canada’s ‘Castle in the Rockies’. If you choose to stay someplace else be sure to visit the hotel to take in the views and appreciate the architecture of this 125 year old UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Fairmont offers amazing views of the Bow River and the Canadian Rockies. The Rundle Lounge is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy lunch or a drink while enjoying the scenery. Expect high prices and small rooms but the location and views are worth it.
What to see in banff National Park
Hike Tunnel Mountain is an easy hike on a well – maintained path located on the edge of Banff. The trail heads might be difficult to find because they are located in neighborhoods so ask directions. You’ll have unbelievable 360 degree views of the entire valley on the hike up as the trail winds around the mountain. Allow a couple of hours for the whole hike because you will want to stop and take pictures along the way.
Banff Gondola offers the best panoramic views of the valley and the gondola ride up the mountain is thrilling. Check the link for hours of operation and ticket prices.
Travel to Johnston Canyon to walk the picturesque wooded trail to the Lower and Upper Waterfalls. It’s an easy 25 minute drive west of Banff on the Trans Canada Hwy. Once on the highway follow signs for Bow Valley Pkwy- route 1A. Take the parkway until you see Johnston Canyon-it’s well marked and easy to find. Park in the parking lot and follow the crowd to the path. The trial is paved and easy to navigate but it can be slippery in places. You can use the restrooms and buy snacks before getting back in your car.
How to Drive the Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies
We drove the Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper and would HIGHLY recommend it. Take Trans Canada Hwy north and it will lead right onto the Icefields Parkway. It’s an easy drive but you’ll have to share the road with trucks and campers so be patient. Try to spend at least one night in Jasper to experience this magnificent area. It’s about a 3 ½ hour drive but will take much longer because you will want to pull into the scenic lookouts along the route to take pictures. The scenery is indescribably beautiful!
There may only be one store or restaurant on the drive so be prepared. Bring water and snacks and definitely fill your gas tank before leaving Banff. There are porta johns available at some of the sights or lookouts.
Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is located in a valley right on Lake Louise. The dining room overlooks the lake and is a nice place for a meal or snack. You can rent one of the iconic bright red canoes and paddle around the lake or hike up a mountain to the Tea House. It’s a tough hike because of the steepness and altitude. We started the climb but turned around when we learned there had been an accident and the Tea House was closed for the day!
Many people love Lake Louise but I would suggest you skip it if you’re short on time because there are so many other beautiful sights along the way and you won’t miss the crowds at the hotel.
Bow Lake is a beautiful glacier fed lake right along the highway. Look for the sign for Num-Ti-Jah Lodge and turn onto the gravel road that leads down to the lake. You can walk out onto the dock or along the coast to get great pictures.
Peyto Lake is absolutely a must – see natural wonder located about 25 miles north of Lake Louise on the Icefields Parkway. Look for the easy-to-miss sign on your left (if you’re heading north). Park in the lot and climb the short but steep paved path to the viewing area. It will be crowded but the views of the green-blue glacier fed lake are breathtaking.
Columbia Icefields a tour company built a restaurant and souvenir shop along the Icefields Parkway to attract visitors. They also sell tickets to explore a glacier in a huge Ice Explorer bus. They also built a horseshoe shaped glass Glacier Skywalk over the valley that’s worth a visit if you’re not afraid of heights. The tickets can be expensive and you’ll enjoy the same scenery while driving so it depends if you’re interested in riding the Ice Explorer. If you’re short on time or money, keep driving!
Athabasca Falls is slightly west of the Icefields Parkway and south of Jasper. Take 93A off the parkway and follow the roar of the water as it travels through the valley. There are paved paths and multiple lookouts from which you can feel the force of the river. It’s really impressive and a worth seeing.
What to Do & See in Jasper
Jasper is a railway town located in Jasper National Park. It is a few blocks wide and much smaller and more rural feeling than Banff. There are restaurants and motels and guest houses to choose from. It’s worth staying one night in or around Jasper to fully enjoy the beauty and abundant wildlife. Depending upon the season you visit you may see bear or elk along the roadside. We stayed in a cabin at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge located 4 miles outside of town and we loved it! The hotel itself is busy with tourists and tour groups but the setting on the Lake Beauvert is very serene.
Sundog Wildlife Tour A guide will pick you up in a bus at your hotel for a three hour tour of the area in search of wildlife. We saw mating elk and bald eagles but no bear that can sometimes be spotted walking the streets of Jasper.
What to See in the Canadian Rockies
Maligne Lake cruise is a ‘must do’ while in Jasper National Park. Head east on highway 16 from Jasper then turn right onto Maligne Lake Road. You’ll travel through stunning scenery past Medicine Lake and the Athabasca Lookout.
Maligne Lake is the largest, and perhaps most beautiful, natural lake in the entire Canadian Rockies. You’ll ride in a glass-covered boat to Spirit Island where you can get out and take photos and explore the area before your return trip. You must make reservations and purchase tickets for the before you leave home! A highlight of our trip.
After your boat ride you can buy souvenirs and food at the restaurant or walk up a path (ask directions) to Moose Lake. It’s a small lake where moose are sometimes spotted-we didn’t see any but it was worth the walk through the woods.
Where to Eat in the Canadian Rockies
Banff Restaurants
Park Distillery Restaurant and Bar was our favorite restaurant in Banff. We enjoyed great food in a casual, fun atmosphere!
Chuck’s Steak House– I normally don’t go to steak houses but we went with a group and it was really delicious!
Balkan the Creek-a Greek restaurant is certainly a surprising find in the Canadian Rockies but we enjoyed great lunch. Unexpectedly good and cheap!
We also dined at: Block – small plates, Asian cuisine. Three Ravens – located at the Banff Center for Arts and Creativity is a highly rated restaurant with views over the town and valley. It’s expensive but might be worth it. Saltlick – good but not outrageous. Maple Leaf – also not a memorable meal.
You can also enjoy pizza and Italian restaurants but we wanted to try Canadian cuisine. You’ll find delicious regional beef, bison and fish on the menu. I recommend making a couple dinner reservations once you know your travel dates because restaurants do fill up quickly in the summer months.
What to Pack When Traveling to the Canadian Rockies
Pack everything from tee shirts and jeans to down vests, fleece and waterproof jackets for frequent rain showers. Temperatures can range from the low 80s during the day to the30s at night so wear layers.The weather changes very quickly in the mountains. Sunny skies can soon bring brief rain showers and even snow at higher elevations in the summer. Pack a hat or gloves if you get cold easily.
The dress code at most restaurants is ‘mountain casual’ so there’s no need to pack fancy clothes.
Bring binoculars to help you spy wildlife. Sneakers are fine for walking and light hiking. Backpacks come in handy to carry an extra layer of clothes or water. Leave food in the car so you don’t attract bear!
How to Plan a Trip to the Canadian Rockies
A valid passport is required to enter Canada. The passport must have one blank page. Children under 16 just need proof of citizenship.
Reserve a rental car in advance at Calgary airport.
Good bye from the Canadian Rockies
Canada Athabasca Falls Banff National Park Banff Restaurants Canada Canadian Rockies Columbia Icefields Fairmont Banff Springs Hikes in Banff Jasper Jasper National Park Johnston Canyon Maligne Lake Peyto Lake Waterfalls in Canadian Rockies
Beth's Boarding Pass 