Top Things to do in Canadian Rockies
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What to do and see in Canadian Rockies, Canadian Rockies: The Best National Parks
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. Banff National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 523 reviews
Reviewed By EkMusafir - Pune, India
Banff National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, together with the other national and provincial parks that form the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. There are beautiful mountain landscapes to explore with tall peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, canyons, limestone caves and fossil beds. There is a lot of wildlife in the forested regions which include Grizzly Bear, Black Bear, Wolves, Cougars, Wolverine, Red Fox, Weasel, River Otter, Coyote, Elk, Moose, Deer, Mountain Goat, Bighorn Sheep and many other smaller animals like Beaver, Squirrel and Chipmunks. We took a guided coach tour and first visited the photogenic lakes; Emerald, Louise and Moraine stopping the night in Banff town. Next day we visited Bow Lake, Peyto Lake and drove up to the Columbia Icefields and Jasper National Park via the Icefields Parkway, which is supposedly one of the most scenic motorways in the world, and justifiably so. The scenery on both sides of this Highway No. 93 was spectacular with snow capped peaks even in summer, and many sparkling lakes and waterways glinting between the tall trees in unique shades of blue, green and indigo. It was a truly memorable trip in which we picked up a canvas of beautiful landscape paintings that will forever remain etched in our minds as long as we live.
2. Temple Mountain
3. 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.
4. Red Rock Canyon
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 859 reviews
Reviewed By GallantJ - Alberta, Canada
We visited Red Rock Canyon in July 2020. The drive along Red Rock Canyon was beautiful and scenic. We were disappointed that we didn't see any wildlife as others had mentioned, but the landscape is amazing and shows the devastation left by the fire. The wild flower ground cover is impressive, as it grows up where the trees were once super thick. There are two parking lots at the canyon, both of which fill up quickly by mid-day. There are also washrooms on site. We arrived at 9:30 on a Thursday, well before the crowds, and had the place almost to ourselves. I've seen pictures of the canyon crowded with hundreds of people, which is the way it was by the time we left a few hours later. Definitely go early for a more serene experience. One of the bridges was out, so it wasn't possible to do a complete loop around the canyon. The park is undergoing lots of repairs and upgrades since the fire. It's great to see the area coming back since the fire, so this is all part of the process. It's a super easy hike around the canyon, and we were able to safely venture down into it and explore. The kids liked playing the cold water. Some people sat and had a lunch. From the canyon, there are a number of hiking paths and horse trails of varying difficulty levels. We chose to hike up to Blackiston Falls (about 1 km), and while we turned around here, there is a much longer hike that continues past this point. The path is clear all the way and the scenery absolutely beautiful. At the falls, they have built two look-off platforms. It is an easy hike for all ages. I highly recommend going early in the day, or perhaps even later in the evening. By the time we left, people were circling the parking lot looking for spaces, the canyon was full of visitors, and the place just didn't feel as nice. Overall, a great experience. A beautiful spot!
5. WhiteFish - BowRiver - ElkFlats Loop
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By 370neillg - Nottingham, United Kingdom
Relaxing walk giving good views of Bow River and surrounding scenery. We enjoyed really good weather on our walk. Only downside was the mosquito squadron who decided my wife was an afternoon snack, she reacts quite badly so we had to visit pharmacist for medication afterwards
6. Waterton Lake National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By AnjanManda - Hyderabad, India
Waterton national park is unique mountain park.It is the place where the mountains meet the prairies.In 1932 the park along with ‘US Glacial national park ‘ united to form the worlds first “International peace park”. With unguarded border the park symbolises the bonds of peace and friendship between two countries.The park witnessed huge forest fire two years ago.Ice ages and glaciers, floods and recent fire along with Pacific & arctic weather systems have shaped the parks land scape over the years.The town is on the shores of lake.There are many hiking trails.we took the cruise across the lake but were not fortunate to spot any wild life.The place is not much crowded.Breathe in fresh mountain air enjoying scenic mountain vistas.As you explore the place look out for the ‘Red chairs’ ,iconic chairs strategically placed to offer good view points of the place.
