What to see in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies is vast at 180,000 sq kilometres in size so there is a lot to see. To discover the area you need to spend a minimum of a week, whilst two weeks is a much better length of trip to explore the area.
The Rockies has some beautiful scenery and fantastic wildlife, so you really don't want to miss these, and here are some of my highlights of the Canadian Rockies Mountains and areas not to miss.
Banff Town
The town of Banff makes a great place to base yourself for a few days. A resort town, you have a number of stylish boutiques, souvenir shops, upmarket restaurants, chic bars and chateau-style hotels all within walking distance. The beautiful parkland around also has much wildlife from Elks to Grizzly Bears and don't miss the Banff Hot Springs close to town, for a relaxing swim.
Moraine Lake
Moraine Lake is a beautiful lake in Banff National Park where the water is a vivid shade of blue. The water is this colour as it is glacier fed and light reflects off the fine particles of rock called the rock flour. It's a stunning lake and one which is jaw-dropping to see. It's a great area if you are a hiker as there are several hikes around Moraine Lake from easy walks to more strenuous hikes.
Lake Louise
Lake Louise is another glacial lake in Banff National Park. Again this area is great for hiking but if you want to save your energy, take the gondola up into the sky for a bird's eye view. The eight-minute ride takes you up to an altitude of 2,281 metres (7,486 ft) from which you can view the natural beauty of the area.
Whistler
Whistler is one of the largest ski resorts in Canada and has many activities such as skiing snowboarding and tobogganing that you can do. The hub of Whistler is easy to walk around and the chalet-style pedestrian village has many restaurants and accommodation options or why not visit one of the craft breweries in the area? If you visit in the summer you can hike or ride the Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
Takakkaw Falls
Takakkaw Falls is a waterfall located in Yoho National Park, with a total height of 373 metres (1,224 ft), it's the 2nd tallest waterfall in Canada and it is worth a trip to see it if you are in the Rocky Mountains. They are easy to get to as well, there is a car park nearby and a short 10-15 min walk will get you to the falls in no time.
Jasper
Jasper an alpine town in the Canadian Rockies is another place worth visiting. Part of the Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, it is surrounded by amazing wildlife, see if you can spot an elk whilst you are there! Take the Sky Tram to the summit of Whistlers Mountain for an amazing view of the downtown area, or visit the Jasper Yellowhead Museum that showcases the region's history through artefacts, photographs & displays. It also has the Glacier Skywalk a cliff edge walkway were a glass floor separates you from the drop below.
Maligne
Take a trip to Maligne valley. Start at the canyon which once was a series of caves, but now exposed by scraping glacier and erosion, then journey to the lake. Have lunch at the lake then book an afternoon cruise to soak up the stunning area.
Best way to explore the Canadian Rockies
To get a feel of the Canadian Rockies then you will need to travel around the vast area. Hiring a car or motor home is a great way to see the natural beauty. If you don't want to drive then why not travel on the Rocky Mountaineer train? The views look awe-inspiring and you can be pampered as you take in the views from the glass-roofed train.
As you can see there is so much to see and do in the Canadian Rockies, in fact, Canada is a perfect destination for almost anyone. I can't wait to book my next holiday here! Let me know, have you ever thought about visiting the Canadian Rockies?
I've had my eye on an itinerary similar to this for a while now - combining the Rockies with a stay in Vancouver to see the whales etc. I'd love to take the train, but the prices are eye-watering - but for a once in a lifetime trip, I bet it's amazing
ReplyDeleteThis looks so beautiful, Canada has been on my wish list of places to visit for as long as I can remember!
ReplyDeleteStevie x
Well I hadn't had it on my plan to visit but I do now!!!
ReplyDeleteEvery place mentioned is just spectacular! I'd personally want to try a dip in the Banff hot spring.
ReplyDeleteThere are so many great things to see, and I hope to visit more of what Canada has to offer.
ReplyDeleteOh wow I would love to explore the Rockies! It's on my bucket list and there are such fantastic outdoor places to see and do in the area
ReplyDeleteLaura x
Oh wow it looks absolutely amazing there . Would definitely add this to my list of destinations
ReplyDelete