Top Things to do in Canadian Rockies
What to do and see in Canadian Rockies, Canadian Rockies: The Best Nature & 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. 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. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 ????????????
6. 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!
7. 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.
8. 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
9. Athabasca Glacier
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 927 reviews
The snow never melts on this glacier, a major tourist attraction.
Reviewed By Fee_n_Gaz
Take the huge bus up to the glacier for a walk then walk out over the canyon using the glass bridge. Great staff on the bus keeping you entertained and amazing sights, well worth a visit.
10. Sunshine Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 965 reviews
Sunshine Village sits high on the Continental Divide in the heart of Banff National Park, and is just minutes from the mountain town of Banff. Three sprawling mountains provide breathtaking sitelines, uninterrupted by any signs of civilization beyond the resort's leasehold. Ski or ride in Alberta and British Columbia in one run. Sunshine Village's seven-month season stretches from early November until late May - the longest non-glacial season in Canada. The Village's altitude of 7,082 feet ensures the snow stays dry. Sunshine can receive up to nine metres (30 feet) of snow in a season, and it stays all year.
Reviewed By flattiresonmycar
We stayed at this resort for two nights and wished it was much longer. So much fun! All Staff at the village were exceptional; truly friendly and willing to go the extra mile to make one feel welcome. Thank you to all for your sincere kindness The accommodation was fabulous, scenery spectacular food was wonderful and the guided mountain tour hosted by Paul and Ron was just the best! They were very knowledgable and attentive to needs of the group making sure everyone arrived safe and sound at the end of the day. Wonderful.
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