Top Things to do in Canadian Rockies
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10 Free Things to do in Canadian Rockies That You Shouldn't Miss
From Alberta’s southwestern border north into British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies are a network of provincial and national parks that collectively make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banff and Jasper national parks are connected by the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. The towns of Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper are hubs for adventures including hiking, horseback riding, rafting and wildlife viewing. Accommodation ranges from hotels to mountain lodges.
Restaurants in Canadian Rockies
1. Moraine Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5,819 reviews
This beautiful lake nestled in the mountains is best known for its appearance on the back of the Canadian dollar bill.
Reviewed By AlbertSalichs - Manresa, Spain
Moraine Lake is one of the main sightseeings in Banff National Park, one of the three national parks, which are close with others: Yoho, and Jasper National Parks. Here it is possible to do some different excursions (we did one, the Consolation Lake Trial about 6 km surrounding the lake and go up to a the other lake), really a wonderful excursion with great views of the lake and surroundings.. Near the lake, there are some natural areas of forest, where you can see also very beautiful views. A Top in (West) Canada!!! In fact, the best views are from a little top in front of Morraine Lake, from where you can see incredible views of the lake and the Valley of Ten Peaks. (See also Banff National Park, Minnenwanka Lake, Consolation Lake, Louise Lake, Herbert Lake, Hector Lake, Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Johnston Canyon, Mistaya Canyon, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Glacier, North Saskatchewan River, Valley of Ten Peaks).
2. Mount Edith Cavell Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 224 reviews
Reviewed By JayY_Canada
Best things about the hike: - Begins at fairly high elevation (1700+ meters) - not much effort before getting above the tree line - Awesome views: glacier, lake, mountain peaks, blue sky - Wild flowers (even late in the season) - Pikas and mountain marmots (they are not as shy as those we saw in other places; you can get a really close-up view) - Moderate efforts: took us 4 hours round trip to the highest point of the trail and back; this is with extended lunch and animal viewing stops; we are moderately active and only average in fitness level. - The pay-off is excellent for you effort. (It takes a lot more work to get this kind of view elsewhere.) Things to be prepared for: - Bug repellent (even this late in the season) - Prepare for changing weather (hot, cold, windy, rainy); but "marginal weather" often produces the most spectacular views. - Sturdy hiking shoes and/or hiking poles help; the upper part of the trail could be a little slippery/scary for some. - Could be crowded; (not so much this year due to COVID perhaps) - No outhouses once you leave the parking lot; time your "needs" for a 4+hr walk. - Bring your long lens if you are into animal photography
3. Peyto Lake
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,192 reviews
Reviewed By Mary-Meadows - Hamilton, Canada
Driving back from the Icefield we happened upon this hidden gem. We were able to drive to top parking lot so only a short walk out to the lookout through a pine forest that was so beautiful with the snow on the trees from the snow we received that morning (yes in June!) When you get to the lookout the view of Peyto Lake is breathtaking. The colour is brilliant blue. So glad we found this beauty!
4. Wilcox Pass
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 102 reviews
Reviewed By Czarofconsoles - Vancouver, Canada
Really amazing hike, with great views of Athabasca Glacier. It was a great sunny day with cool winds when we did this hike. Starts from the trailhead just a km away from Athabasca Glacier. Nice steady incline but not much challenging to the camping spot. Throughout the hike views to the glacier and valley don't leave you. You reach the intersection and take a slightly steep incline to the viewpoint just in front of glacier. Views were spectacular and we had a great lunch in those windy conditions.
5. Plain of Six Glaciers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By Sophie_12341369 - Saint Jerome, Canada
This is a truly amazing hike that gets you up close to the glaciers with the option to eat a snack at the tea house. The trail itself is challenging but very doable for someone of average fitness. It is uphill but never gets too steep. The views are amazing all the way up. Highly recommend
6. Lake Agnes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 480 reviews
Tiny lake only a couple of kilometers away from Lake Louise; a great hiking destination.
Reviewed By cathyw156 - Ottawa, Canada
We arrived at 9:45 on the first monday in October and there were still spots left in the main lot (although they were filling up quickly). The trail is well marked. We hiked to the Lake Agnes Teahouse first. From there we went up to the Little Beehive and then retraced our steps to the Teahouse. We had a quick lunch before hiking up the Big Beehive trail. There was a short section where it switchbacks up that I found a bit uncomfortable not being the best with heights but it would likely not bother most people. We returned by the trail through the forest that joins up with the Highline trail. This takes you back to Mirror Lake. I think this route was longer than if we had gone back to the Teahouse and down from there but I preferred that to doing the switchbacks back down. Loved the views at Lake Agnes and from the tops of both beehives!
7. Lake Minnewanka
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,734 reviews
There’s no comparing the emerald green waters of Minnewanka with any urban landscape. Mountain ridges stretch as far as the eye can see, eventually blurring into a blissful cascade of colours.
Reviewed By bhavnaandshahaan - Mumbai, India
This place has my heart forever... so beautiful, serene and quiet.... was in love with the natural beauty ... do take the scenic drive after the boat experience and soak in the magic ... on our boat tour we met Mr Tim Cook the ceo of apple which was a total surprise .... for more pics and reviews from our trip to banff follow us on instagram @ bhavnaandshahaan
8. Maligne Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 4,561 reviews
A scenic limestone canyon with waterfalls and walking trails.
Reviewed By nikkisC5765BV - Banff, Canada
I did the whole hike all the way to 6th bridge (7+km out and back). The first 1/4 of the hike is heavily trafficked as it follows the canyon. After this, it follows a gorgeous river through the woods to 6th bridge. Stunning the whole way. Great for families as it can be customized to a long or short hike depending on which bridge crossing you turn back Lovely cafe with outdoor seating and a firepit at the parking lot.
9. Athabasca Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5,708 reviews
A spectacular waterfall in Jasper National Park.
Reviewed By BrittanyMExplores - Winnipeg, Canada
Athabasca Falls is located approximately 30 minutes south of the town of Jasper along the scenic Icefields Parkway. It is a place definitely worth stopping and exploring. There were a network of paved pathways leading to various areas overlooking the waterfalls and viewpoints of the deep and narrow canyon. Athabasca Falls was powerful and gorgeous waterfall with a stunning backdrop of forests, mountains and the river flowing through as huge volumes of water rushed down into the canyon. There were a few lookout points offering different views of the falls along the trails. I visited on a sunny afternoon and the area was quite crowded with some of the lookout areas being very small, so I had to wait my turn in order to get up front and take photos. The pathways were interesting to explore and one of them led through a narrow section between two walls of the canyon with stairs carved into the rocks. There were some great vantage points overlooking the river and the canyon to see where the water had eroded the rock to create caves and unique rock formations over many years. Athabasca Falls was a wonderful area to discover, admire the natural beauty and take plenty of photos. The parking lot was large and could accommodate quite a few vehicles. It would probably be best to visit in the morning during the summer season before the crowds of people show up. If you’re driving the Icefields Parkway, definitely stop here.
10. Medicine Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 420 reviews
Reviewed By JAS840 - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
No doubt giving five stars to this site as it's a very beautiful and peaceful lake. Well, a lot of visitor, by the way. The most attractive for us is the nesting Bald Eagle. There were two chicks when we were there and one of the parents was busy feeding them
