Best Places To Visit In The Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are an incredible example of Canada’s most iconic and spectacular landscapes.
Spanning the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta, the Canadian Rockies are home to ice-capped peaks, jagged mountains, alpine lakes and an incredible array of glacial features.
With all of these dramatic landscapes on offer, it is hard to decipher the best places to see in the Canadian Rockies.
Which is why, in this article, we are going to highlight the best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies so you will be able to create the ultimate Canadian Rockies itinerary.
We are going to guide you through some of our favourite Canadian Rockies destinations, so you will have a complete list of the most beautiful places to enjoy when you get to visit the world-famous mountain range.
Canadian Rockies Overview
Biggest Cities Nearby: Calgary and Vancouver
Main highlights: Glacier Lakes; Mountain Peaks; Incredible Wildlife; Stunning Scenery
Highest Point: Mount Robson (11000ft)
Best Hotel to stay at: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
Best Hostel to stay in: Banff International Hostel
Best way to explore the Canadian Rockies: renting a car with Rentalcars.com
When to visit the Canadian Rockies?
We will start by saying that there is no bad time to visit the Canadian Rockies.
We know it’s easy to say, but the answer to this question really depends on what you want to get out of the Canadian Rockies. if you’re looking for a magical winter wonderland unlike anywhere on else on the planet, then visiting in the depths of January and February will be your best choice.
If you are looking for those azure, blue lakes that you see on all of the Canadian Rockies postcards, then it’s best to explore in the height of summer.
Note: the lakes will be at their most vivid at the end of the summer when the glacial water has completely melted and none of the rock sediment is continuing to flow into the lakes.
Of course, one other thing to note is that visiting the Canadian Rockies in the shoulder seasons will have its advantages in that many of the crowds will not be around and you will be fortunate enough to have many of the incredible destinations on our best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies list to yourself.
One thing to look out for in the Rockies are avalanche warnings - at the end of spring when the snow begins to melt and at the beginning of Autumn when the snow starts to fall again, are when the warnings will generally be at their highest.
Best Things to see in the Canadian Rockies
Lake Louise
Undoubtedly one of the most spectacular places in the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise has long been lauded as one of the premier travel destinations in North America.
Lake Louise easily makes our list of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies, thanks largely in part to it’s world-famous surroundings. In the summer months, the waters of Lake Louise reflect a magnificent, turquoise colour.
One of the important things to know before visiting Lake Louise in the summer is that the turquoise hue is created by rock flour sediment making its way into the lake from the nearby Victoria Glacier. This phenomenon can be seen in a number of glacial lakes in the Canadian Rockies, but none are quite as stunning as Lake Louise.
Devil’s Thumb hike, Lake Louise
Come the winter, the waters of the famous lake are frozen over, and canoeing on Lake Louise is replaced by skating on arguably the most picturesque ice-rink in the world.
As you weave your way around the rink, you cannot help but be enamoured by the truly breathtaking surroundings you find yourself in - the mighty Victoria Glacier looms intimidatingly in the background, as a fresh dusting of snow litters the foreground.
Add to this, a magnificent selection of hikes, walks and strolls in Lake Louise, and you begin to realise why Lake Louise is such an incredible destination to discover.
There can be absolutely no denying, Lake Louise truly is one of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies.
Tip: Lake Louise is incredibly busy, so heading there when the crowds have dispersed for the day is certainly worth it. This Lake Louise evening tour with Dinner is the perfect way to experience the famous Lake without the crowds.
Lake Louise Sunrise Canoe
Moraine Lake
Perhaps less well-known than Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is unequivocally one of the most serene and beautiful places in the Canadian Rockies.
The glacier-fed lake is located a short 14km drive from Lake Louise village, in the heart of the valley of 10 peaks.
Images of the famous lake have appeared on windows homescreens, in video games, and even on $20 Canadian bank notes. It is clear that Moraine Lake offers some of the most extraordinary views in the Canadian Rockies.
There are a number of hiking trails at Moraine Lake, but the most popular and well-trafficked is certainly the Moraine Lake Rockpile trail. The simple 300m out-and-back trail takes you to the main viewpoint of Moraine Lake - where you are greeted to stunning glimpses of the lake, and the surrounding peaks.
Moraine Lake - viewpoint from Moraine Lake rock pile
Moraine Lake does unfortunately become difficult to access in the height of the summer months due to tourism, but if you get there early enough in the day (pre-7am), you will have no issues finding parking and space on the trails.
Amongst the many epic things to do at Moraine Lake is the insanely beautifully larch valley hike. The once-in-a-lifetime activity near Lake Louise is accessible in the early autumn months of September and October, when the valley comes alive as the eponymous trees turn to their signature yellowy, orange colour.
A combination of pristine glacial water, numerous craggy peaks, and spectacular one-time events like Larch Valley, makes Moraine Lake one of the most remarkable places to see in the Canadian Rockies.
Larch Valley
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is an impressive natural canyon in the heart of Banff National Park. Carved deep into the limestone, Johnston Canyon is a wonderful example of the natural beauty that can be found in abundance in the Canadian Rockies.
Located on the grand Bow Valley Parkway (1A), Johnston Canyon is 35km away from Lake Louise and is accessible by car or bike. This makes Johnston Canyon feature on any worthwhile Lake Louise summer destination guide.
The main hiking trail in the canyon is a simple out-and-back trail that will take you to the two signature attractions in Johnston Canyon - the Lower Falls and the Upper Falls.
The lower falls, the smaller of the two waterfalls, can be found 1.1km into the trail, with the upper Falls a further 1.5km away. Watching the waterfall on the upper section plummet 40m into the river below is certainly an unforgettable experience.
In the winter, the trails are still accessible, and a Johnston Canyon Icewalk is a magical way to spend an afternoon in the Canadian Rockies.. A metal gangway has been built into the side of the canyon walls, which helps visitors navigate their way to the waterfalls.
With lush forest, ominous canyon walls and incredible waterfalls, the Johnston Canyon hike is one of the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies and is a must-do when visiting Banff National Park. .
Johnston’s Canyon Lower Falls
Banff
The town of Banff is the flagship destination of the Canadian Rockies. Banff has been welcoming guests from all around the globe ever since workers of the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) discovered natural, thermal hot springs on the outskirts of the town in the late 1800s.
Banff has a distinctive Swiss alpine feel to it, thanks largely to the number of Swiss mountain guides that were flown into the national park in the early 1900s after the tragic death of Phillip Abbot in Lake Louise - the first recorded mountaineering fatality in North America.
Walking down Banff Avenue, Banff’s main street, you will find a number of alpine-inspired restaurants and gift shops, alongside a swathe of accommodation options.
Banff Avenue (Cascade Mountain in the distance)
Being one of the more built-up areas in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is also home to a number of breweries and distilleries. Banff Park Distillery, located directly on Banff Avenue, offers a contemporary take on campfire cooking on its menu, alongside its vast collection of signature, local spirits.
A short 5-minute walk from the town, you will find Cave and Basin, the historic site where the infamous hot springs were first discovered all those years ago.
Banff is also home to 2 world-class skiing resorts - Sunshine Village and Mount Norquay. Alongside Lake Louise Ski Resort, they create the famous Big 3 resorts that attract snowsports enthusiasts from around the globe annually. The Sunshine Village sightseeing gondola also offers panoramic views of the town of Banff and the surrounding mountains.
The discovery of the hot springs in the town led the Canadian government to declare Banff National Park as the first national park in Canada - making the town of Banff one of the most significant places to visit in the Canadian Rockies.
Bow Falls walking trail - on the outskirts of Banff
Lake Minnewanka
Found about 5km outside of the town of Banff, Lake Minnewanka is 21km long and 142m deep, making it the 2nd longest lake in the Canadian Rockies (after Maligne Lake).
Lake Minnewanka, meaning ‘Water of the Spirits’ in Nakoda, was home to Aboringinal people for over 10000 years, but is now more commonly frequented by tourists and day-visitors from nearby Banff.
In 1941, a Dam was created on Lake Minnewanka to supply the town with hydro-electric power. As a result, the water levels of the lake increased by 30m, fully submerging the resort town of Minnewanka Landing in the process.
Lake Minnewanka is now a popular spot for recreational scuba-divers who go in search of the lost town, as well as discovering an older, submerged dam that was first built in 1912.
A number of boat tours are available when visiting the lake, including the brilliant Lake Minnewanka beer cruise. A number of local craft beers accompany your cruise around the lake, where a knowledgeable guide will teach you the history of the lake and the surrounding area.
Its fascinating history and breathtaking scenery make Lake Minnewanka one of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies.
Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise
Grassi Lakes
Overlooking the town of Canmore, just outside the boundary of Banff National Park, Grassi Lakes are a collection of vibrant, emerald coloured lakes.
The lakes are named after Lawrence Grassi, a well-respected mountain guide who helped create a number of hiking trails in the area, including the one up to Grassi Lakes. The trail itself is a well-maintained, wide trail that is heavily trafficked in the summer months.
Grassi Lakes
The highlight of a visit to Grassi Lakes is of course, the picturesque lakes themselves. Consisting of vigorous shades of blue and green, the lakes are unlike any other lakes found in the Canadian Rockies.
The Grassi Lakes area is also frequently populated by eager rock-climbers looking to explore the surrounding mountain faces. The faces were once home to a now extinct sponge reef, making the subsequent handholds ideal for rock climbing enthusiasts.
Once you are fortunate enough to see Grassi Lakes with your own eyes, you will understand why they have made our list of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies.
Grassi Lakes
Emerald Lake
As you may have noticed by now, the Canadian Rockies are home to many breathtakingly beautiful glacial lakes, and Emerald Lake is no exception.
Emerald Lake is the largest of the 61 lakes and ponds found in Yoho National Park, British Columbia, as well as being one of the national park’s primary tourist destinations.
Emerald Lake Lodge
The first non-indigneous person to discover the lake was Canadian mountain guide Tom Wilson, who accidentally stumbled upon the lake when his horses went astray. Mr Wilson was staggered by the colour of the water, and decided to name it ‘Emerald Lake’, as a homage to what he saw.
Emerald Lake Lodge sits on the shores of the lake, and offers a high-end luxury accommodation option when visiting the area. In the summer months, canoe rentals are popular, alongside the 5km walking loop that follows the perimeter of the lake. In the winter, Emerald Lake freezes over and becomes a popular setting for cross-country skiing.
Emerald Lake is a destination that should not be missed on any Canadian Rockies itinerary.
Hiking above Emerald Lake
Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls is a waterfall found in Yoho National Park, and is one of the more unique places to visit in the Canadian Rockies.
Located near Field, in British Columbia, the water cascades for a total of 373 metres, making it the second highest waterfall in Canada (after Della Falls, also in British Columbia).
Once you get to the car park at Takakkaw, it is only a short 1.3km walk to the base of the impressive falls. From here, you begin to comprehend the sheer height of the falls - the noise of the water crashing over the edge is particularly deafening.
The falls are at their most impressive towards the beginning of the summer as this is when the glacial ice is melting and the volume of water cascading over the falls is at its greatest.
We certainly recommend that you include Takakkaw Falls in any Yoho National Park Itinerary, as it truly is one of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies.
Takakkaw Falls
Natural Bridge
Another location that we highly recommend visiting in the Canadian Rockies is the impressive Natural Bridge.
Located 3km west of the town of Field, Natural Bridge is a rock formation that spans the Kicking Horse river. The rockface has been sculpted by powerful erosive forces, creating a wonderful natural bridge that the river flows under.
The water used to run on top of the rock, and through a waterfall into the river below, but years of erosion created a hole in the rock face, where the water now runs instead.
Ironically, the Natural Bridge can be viewed best from a man-made bridge that also spans the kicking horse river.
Many visitors to Yoho National Park will try to combine Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and Natural Bridge into one day trip. The combination of the 3 attractions certainly raises the profile of Yoho National Park, which is often overlooked by visitors when compared against the national parks of Banff, Jasper and Kootenay.
Natural Bridge - Yoho National Park
Peyto Lake
Great News - Peyto Lake is open for visitors again!
Since roughly the beginning of 2020, Peyto Lake has been undergoing major renovation works by Parks Canada to improve access to the beautiful lake. Thankfully, work has finally been completed and guests are able to marvel once more at one of the Canadian Rockies premier destinations.
Found approximately 40km north of Lake Louise, along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake is a magnificent example of how stunning the landscapes found in the Canadian Rockies can be. There is little to no wonder that Peyto features on an abundance of Canadian postcards, books and tv commercials.
For the best, most quintessential view of Peyto Lake, head to the newly renovated viewing platform to get that perfect Canadian Rockies shot.
Peyto Lake from the Peyto Lake Viewpoint
Morant’s Curve
The Canadian Pacific Railway weaves its way across the width of the Canadian Rockies, but it arguably doesn’t pass a more beautiful area than the section of track that bends around Morant’s Curve.
Morant’s curve is a sweeping section of track that curves around the Bow River and was made famous by the 20th century Canadian Pacific Railway Photographer Nicholas Morant, who pictured the famous section of the railway and brought the area to light.
The section itself is a 10-minute drive from Lake Louise (40-minute drive from the town of Banff) and represents one of the finest photograph opportunities in the whole of the Canadian Rockies.
An ideal place to explore in the winter or summer, try to time your visit to coincide with a passing train to get that truly authentic Canadian Rockies capture.
Morant’s Curve - found along the Bow Valley Parkway near Lake Louise
Lake Agnes
Yet another stunningly beautiful glacier-fed lake that cannot be missed in the heart of the Canadian Rockies is Agnes Lake.
Found around 600m above Lake Louise, Lake Agnes is the lesser known cousin of its famous neighbour but no less impressive. To access the lake you must hiking the Lake Agnes trail that takes you through the forest at Lake Louise before arriving at the pristine lake.
Nestled on the shoreline at Lake Louise is the world-famous Lake Agnes Teahouse, itself an unmissable place to visit in the Canadian Rockies, that serves its signature chocolate cake throughout the summer months alongside over 100 different flavours of tea - a well-earned treat once you make it to Lake Agnes.
The view from the back of Lake Agnes
Tip: if you’re wondering how on Earth you are going to fit in so many incredible spectacles into one Canadian Rockies itinerary, then a Lakes and waterfalls day-trip from Banff will be perfect for you. The tour takes you to Lake Louise, Victoria Glacier, Takakkaw Falls and Moraine Lake amongst others.
Maligne Canyon
A beautiful slot canyon in the heart of Banff National Park, Maligne Canyon is a wonderful natural phenomenon in the Canadian Rockies that can be explored in any season.
The canyon itself is over 50m deep and in the summer contains a fast flowing river, waterfalls and wonderful summer hiking trails.
Come the depths of winter, the waterfalls freeze over and the canyon is populated with adrenaline-junkies experiencing everything that ice-climbing has to offer.
A mere 12-minute drive from the town of Jasper, Maligne Canyon is certainly one of the best natural places to visit in the Canadian Rockies.
Orla Ice-climbing in Maligne Canyon
Best Things to do in the Canadian Rockies
On top of having some of the most beautiful areas of natural beauty in the world, the Canadian Rockies is also home to some incredible bucket-list worthy activities.
Here we outline some of the best things to do in the Canadian Rockies:
Banff Gondola
Sulphur Mountain rises high above the town of Banff and one of the best things to do in the Canadian Rockies is to soar to the top on Banff Gondola.
Banff Gondola Ride Admission allows you to ride to the peak of Sulphur Mountain before taking a stroll across the Banff Skywalk, a 1km self-guided interpretive walk.
With restaurants and unbeatable views over the town of Banff, the Gondola is a brilliant activity to enjoy in the Canadian Rockies.
Banff Skywalk in the winter
Canmore Cave Tours
If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fuelled adventure in the Canadian Rockies and you’re not afraid of confined spaces, then the Canmore Caving Adventure Tour will be perfect for you.
The tour begins at the Canmore Caving office before heading to the ominously named ‘Rat’s Nest Cave’, where you will be safety-briefed before heading down into the cave.
Among the many highlights of the adventure is an 18m abseil into a deep dark hole, and the dreaded ‘laundry chute’ - the most compact and tight section of the entire cave network.
Proudly labelled as the best activity to do on a rainy day in the Canadian Rockies, delving deep into rat’s nest cave is an adventure that is bound to make even the most-intrepid explorer a little weak at the knees.
Ticket 4 Two Please preparing to go caving
Ben in Rat’s Nest Cave
More Information: visit Canmore Caving Adventure Tour to find out even more details about this incredible Canadian Rockies adventure.
Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is consistently noted as one of the most scenic drives in North America and a visit to the Canadian Rockies is the perfect opportunity to explore this gem.
The Parkway is a 232km stretch of road that links Banff National Park with neighbouring Jasper National Park.
The jaw-dropping scenery visible from the road features stunning waterfalls, multiple glaciers and dramatic mountain peaks.
Accessible all-year round, there is a reason that Condé Nast Traveller rated the Icefields Parkway as one of the World’s Best Drives.
Icefields Parkway - one of the most scenic drives in the World
Don’t have a car? Not to worry, the Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway Tour starts in Banff and takes you around some of the highlights of the Canadian Rockies.
Helicopter Ride over the Canadian Rockies
There is no better way to appreciate the beauty of the Canadian Rockies than when you are soaring high above the mountains in a helicopter.
Rockies Heli Canada is found just off the Icefields Parkway, 1.5 hours from Lake Louise, and has been operating helicopter tours of the Canadian Rockies since 1999.
The Heli Wilderness Tour takes you on a scenic 20-minute helicopter flight before the pilot sets the heli down at the confluence of a river, where you are able to get out and explore. The tour even comes with Prosecco in the summer or hot chocolate in the winter.
There really is no finer way to see the charming Canadian Rockies than in the comfort of a private helicopter tour.
Setting the helicopter down by the River
Best places to stay in the Canadian Rockies
To get the most out of your Canadian Rockies adventures, we have collated some recommendations of the best places to stay in the Canadian Rockies.
We have tried to offer a range of accommodation options, covering budget-friendly hostels to extravagant alpine resorts.
Fairmont Banff Springs (£££)
Outskirts of Banff - 0.4miles from centre of Banff
The ‘Castle in the Rockies’ is the ultimate luxury retreat for anyone looking to have a world-class hospitality experience when visiting the Canadian Rockies.
The recently renovated Willow Stream Spa is one of the signature features of the resort - offering a wide range of treatments and massages.
The Fairmont Banff Springs is home to 2 swimming pools - it’s particularly magical in winter when you can swim in the heated outdoor pool while the snow is falling all around you.
Did you know? The Fairmont Banff Springs is home to a world-class golf course and 6 different restaurants - we would recommend eating at the iconic 1888 Chop House. Discover more of what the Fairmont Banff Springs has to offer.
Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (£££)
Found in Lake Louise - Stands on the shores of the lake itself
The undisputable crown jewel of all of the hotel options in and around Lake Louise is the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The grand hotel was originally built as a single wooden shack by the Canadian Pacific Railway way back in 1882.
Nowadays, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a deluxe alpine resort that can be used as a luxury base camp for exploring Lake Louise and the Canadian Rockies.
We worked at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise for a year (In winter and Summer) so we know just how good of a hotel it really is.
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the winter
Lake Louise Inn (££)
1.6 miles from Lake Louise - found in the centre of Lake Louise Village
The Lake Louise Inn is a particularly brilliant accommodation option for those looking to visit Lake Louise and the surrounding area.
If you’re travelling as a family or a larger group, Lake Louise Inn offers a wonderfully affordable Apartment option, equipped with a modern kitchen and a number of different sleeping options.
Did you know? Lake Louise Inn is less than 1 mile from the Trans-Canada Highway, making sites like Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls all the more accessible.
Lake Louise Inn during the summer (Photo courtesy of Lake Louise Inn)
Banff International Hostel (£)
Found in the centre of Banff
It is widely considered that the Canadian Rockies is a generally expensive place to visit, but with that being said, Banff International Hostel offers a budget-friendly accommodation option for those looking to explore the Canadian Rockies at a fraction of the cost.
Banff International Hostel is located on Banff Avenue in the town of Banff, meaning you can use Banff as the springboard to your Canadian Rockies adventures.
Banff International Hostel provides traditional hostel rooms, where you may be sharing with other guests, or the option of private rooms at slightly more cost.
Did you know? Before we got a job in Lake Louise, we stayed at the Banff International Hostel for 4 weeks. It’s where we learned many of our top tips for surviving as a couple in hostels
Winters in Banff (Canadian Rockies)
The Canadian Rockies are blessed with beautiful glacial lakes, incredible wildlife and magnificent mountain peaks. We hope this list of the best places to see in the Canadian Rockies will inspire you to visit this part of the world, and help you create the ultimate Canadian Rockies itinerary.
