Top Things to do in Canadian Rockies
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The 10 Best Mountains in Canadian Rockies, Canadian Rockies
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. Bow Summit
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 62 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
To reach the Bow Summit we had to hike up further from the Peyto Lake viewing platform which was already overcrowded with tourists. It required some more effort and time to get up there but it was well worth the trouble. The view from the summit was one of the best views in the Rocky Mountains we had so far. We got a bird’s eye view of Peyto Lake, the bluest of the lakes, and the surrounding peaks. The Bow Summit was so peaceful with hardly any crowd. We were lucky to have travelled by bus as the parking lot for buses and handicapped cars are the closest to the Peyto Lake viewing platform, and so the walk to the summit is doable.
2. Temple Mountain
3. Big Beehive
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 126 reviews
Reviewed By BlueHero - New Jersey, United States
Big Beehive is one stop while we did the big loop hike, starting from Lake Louise, then stopped at Lake Agnes, Devils Thumb, Big Beehive, Plains of Six Glaciers, and finally back to Lake Louise. You can visit Big Beehive either through the big loop as we did. Or you can just go there via Lake Agnes and then turn around. The views from Big Beehive was great. And the difficulty level for the trail leading to Big Beehive was between easy and modest. Highly recommended.
4. Tower of Babel
5. Goat's Eye Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 5 reviews
Located in Sunshine Village, this mountain was meant to be skied: scenic and challenging trails are serviced by the world's fastest chairlift.
Reviewed By Trekbud - Loughborough, United Kingdom
Fantastic ski mountain with plenty of runs from friendly blues to more challenging blacks. Great snow this year but can get very wind blown some years. Often windy, especially on the chair lift and I recommend investing in a face mask if you don’t have one. Picnic area has been spruced up and looks much nicer. Toilets ok, drinking water available.
6. Jasper SkyTram
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,897 reviews
Jasper SkyTram is the longest and highest guided aerial tramway in Canada. This family trip offers incredible views of six different mountain ranges, turquoise-coloured lakes, glacier-fed rivers and the town of Jasper. Gain a new perspective on Jasper National Park, the largest park in the UNESCO Canadian Rockies World Heritage Site. Watch for wildlife below as you gently climb towards the upper station located at 7,425 feet (2,263 meters). A knowledgeable guide will accompany you on your 7.5 minute flight, sharing a few insights about the area, its history and the diversity of nature surrounding you. Stroll along the interpretive boardwalk or try hiking the 1.4 km trail to the summit of Whistlers Mountain at 8,081 feet (2,463 meters). Make sure to stop at the Summit Restaurant for a meal at the top of the Canadian Rockies and visit the gift shops at the upper or lower stations for a souvenir to take home. From March to early May, rent snowshoes at the top for a unique experience.
Reviewed By bbeerbower - Peachtree City, United States
This was my favorite of the 2 gondola/sky trams we took up to the mountains. Banff gondola, Lake Louise gondola & Jasper Sky Tram. the scenery was fantastic at the top, you could see the entire valley, the town of Jasper and Whistler etc. Once there you could hike up to the top of the mountain or just sit on rocks taking in the scenery.
7. Consolation Lakes
8. Sulphur Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 718 reviews
Hike or ride to the top of this scenic mountain.
Reviewed By volcanogirl - Texas, United States
We took the gondola up to the top of Sulphur Mountain. This was a really wonderful way to spend the day. It took us about eight minutes to reach the top, and we were greeted with a breathtaking view of the valley down below and gorgeous mountains and tall stands of pine trees surrounding us. We toured the state-of-the- art visitor's center, watched a brief movie, and enjoyed a delicious lunch at the Sky Bistro. There's a series of boardwalks that go all over the mountain; we spent the day hiking those all the way up to the old weather station and an area where they used to study gamma rays - a neat piece of history. The hiking wasn't difficult, just lots well constructed steps up and down. I'd recommend going on a beautiful, clear day so you can enjoy the views. This was one of our favorite activities on our trip, and we look forward to going back again someday.
9. Mt. Edith Cavell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 570 reviews
Reviewed By TLG444 - Lethbridge, Canada
The drive was beautiful but a bit scary. Very narrow with 180 degree switchbacks and drop-offs in some areas. We arrived at the parking area late afternoon, after a long day of sight-seeing. It was starting to get cold and the mosquito's were horrendous so we decided to not attempt the hike to the glacier.
10. Whistlers Mountain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 100 reviews
Reviewed By burr6013 - Mississauga, Canada
Part of the Trident Range of the Canadian Rockies, Whistlers Peak is a 2,463-metre mountain summit in Jasper National Park. It stands approximately seven kilometres northeast of the Alberta municipality of Jasper. Canada’s highest and longest aerial tramway, Jasper SkyTram, ascends to a lookout (boardwalk) on Whistlers Mountain at 2,263 meters elevation (roughly 200 metres below Whistlers Peak). A hiking trail (approximately 1.4 kilometres long) continues from the lookout to Whistlers Peak. From the summit on a clear day, one can see Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, nearly 100 kilometres away. Note that it can be windy and rather cold on the mountain, even in the summer. Come prepared. The air at the top of the mountain is also very dry, so be sure to bring plenty of water. Other points of interest visible from Whistlers Mountain include the Athabasca River, several mountain ranges (including Mount Bridgland, Monarch Mountain, Pyramid Mountain, Hawk Mountain, Mount Colin, Grisette Mountain, Mount Tekarra, Mount Hardisty, Mount Kerkeslin, Terminal Mountain, and Manx Peak), numerous glacier lakes, and the town of Jasper. Fun Fact: Whistlers Mountain is named after the hoary marmots that scurry about the mountain and are known for making a whistling call. Neat! Weather permitting, the tramway runs from the end of April through to the beginning of October. Look for Jasper SkyTram off Highway 93 at the end of Whistlers Road. Tickets (excluding tax) cost $131.50 for families (two adults and two youth), $52 for adults (16+), and $27.50 for youth (6-15). Reserve ahead to save time upon arrival. Check the Web site for operating hours. Cars depart every nine minutes. If there is low cloud cover, it is not worth going up the mountain as your view of the landscape will be obscured. A ride is about 7.5 minutes and includes a guide who shares insights about the area, its history, and the wealth of nearby wildlife. Each car holds 26 passengers plus one operator. In the spring and fall, there can be snow on the mountain. Consider checking with tramway staff to see if Summit Trail is accessible without any special gear before making plans. Note that snowshoes are available to rent at the upper station in the early season. If you are thinking of trekking up Whistlers Mountain, like I did, know that it is a 6.6-kilometre hike on Whistlers Trail to the upper station and takes between three and six hours. Take your time, wear sturdy shoes, and make frequent water stops. Note that if you hike up, you will need a half-price ticket to take the tramway down. There is a restaurant (The Treeline Restaurant) at the upper station serving breakfast, lunch, and light snacks. There is also a gift shop and washroom facilities. The lower station has a café, a gift shop, washrooms, and free parking.
