Top Things to do in Canadian Rockies
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What to do and see in Canadian Rockies, Canadian Rockies: The Best Things to do Good for Adrenaline Seekers
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. Icefields Parkway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,845 reviews
Scenic highway cutting through breathtakingly beautiful mountain passes.
Reviewed By BCW_1016 - Charlevoix, United States
We drove it in our rental car leaving Banff at 7:30AM and did not get beck until after 4PM - so much to see! This is an absolutely beautiful drive with many places to stop to take in the marvelous views of mountains, lakes & streams and/or enjoy short hikes. You can see many glaciers on the mountains. We took the drive in mid September and the Aspen trees were a beautiful golden color against the backdrop of green pine trees. Our turning point was at the “Ice Field Center” where we walked up to the glacier. If you wanted to get up close and personal with the ice, tours are available - they take you out onto the glacier on a special bus and let you walk around for a few minutes. A very enjoyable day.
2. 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).
3. 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
4. Crypt Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 281 reviews
Reviewed By Burkendah - Cold Lake, Canada
No trip to Waterton National Park would be complete without a hike to Crypt Lake. It is probably one of the most difficult hikes but it is well worth it. The landscapes are stunning, the views are amazing, the lake itself is one of the most beautiful I have ever soon (and I have traveled all over the world). The trail is full of plants, insects, birds and mammals (mule deer, squirrels, prairie dogs, marmots) The feeling of accomplishment when you complete the hike is genuine. It is a tough hike but anyone with enough determination can do it.
5. Carthew - Alderson Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By SandyJ158 - Cochrane, Canada
We debated the choice of Crypt Lake or the Carthew- Alderson trek. The C.A. pass won out and we had the pleasure of booking and riding the early shuttle bus to the Cameron Lake trailhead with the Waterton Outdoor Adventures service. Bookings for the morning trip (7:30 a.m.) were easily made the day before with a very pleasant and personable staff member at Tamarack Outfitters. We had a lovely and informative ride up to the starting point with our knowledgeable owner/driver and knew exactly where to begin as she walked the group right to the trailhead. This was a reasonably priced, extremely handy service, complete with complimentary tea/coffee and a great way to start the day. The hike itself was spectacular, with views of 5 different stunning lakes, a myriad of waterfalls and incredible 360 degree views from the summit. With bluebird skies and a rare day without any wind, this rates as a lifetime hike. It is a strenuous day hike but worthy every bit of effort to get to each new view. Go on a day with sunshine as the views are outstanding!
6. Parker Ridge Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 554 reviews
Reviewed By hp_hphan - Ontario, Canada
I was very fortunate to see mountain goats. They were running from one side to the other. It was quite windy at the too but the View was amazing. Definitely recommend this hike.
7. Sulphur Skyline Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By 159barrys - Mount Pearl, Canada
It took us over 4 hours up and back but we paced ourselves as a group and took multiple breaks. This was our first time to Jasper so we took a guided hike and had the benefit of an experienced tour guide who made the experience all the better. There was a lot of people on the trail the day we went so bears were not a factor. It was a warm September day but we needed our warm jackets at the top. The last 500 meters are the hardest but the view from the top is beyond description.
8. Canmore Cave Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,031 reviews
Canmore Cave Tours operates year-round tours in Rat's Nest Cave, near Canmore, Alberta, Canada. For those seeking as much excitement as possible, including squeezes, rappels, and other adrenaline-inducing activities we offer a 6-hour "Adventure Tour". For those just looking to sample what the cave has to offer, or those with less time, we offer a 4.5 hour "Explorer Tour". We can offer these tours year-round, in any weather because the cave is a constant 5 degrees Celsius, a comfortable temperature any time of the year.
Reviewed By Kansiy - Calgary, Canada
Thanks Annie for early morning Monday tour, lots of fun !!!! Me and my kid loved it ... THANKS AGAIN ????????????
9. 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.
10. Valley of the Ten Peaks
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