Top highlights of the Canadian Rockies: mountains, lakes, and more
There’s no shortage of breathtaking scenery and outdoor activities in western Canada, and this Canadian Rockies Travel Guide is here to help you discover it all.
From glacier-carved valleys to vibrant coastal cities, western Canada is full of locales that locals love—and that travelers don’t want to miss. On our guided tours of the Canadian Rockies, you’ll get more than just postcard views. You’ll uncover the stories, secret spots, and small joys that make this corner of the world so special. Consider this your Canadian Rockies Travel Guide to the kind of getaway you’ll be talking about for years (or at least until your next trip back).
Explore the highlights of the Canadian Rockies
Towering mountain peaks, shockingly blue lakes, idyllic resort towns—the Canadian Rockies have it all.
Admire Banff National Park’s beauty
Named Canada’s first national park in 1885, Banff is truly a sight to behold. Alberta’s southern landscape is saturated with scenic stops and outdoor adventures, and Banff National Park is no exception. Watch for Canadian wildlife as you gaze out across the picturesque peaks to the mighty glaciers and the magnificently hued lakes they feed into. (Yes, they really are that turquoise.)
It’s not just Banff’s natural landscapes that’ll blow you away, though. The charming village of the same name is one of the most scenic towns in the Canadian Rockies thanks to its picturesque blend of walkable streets, shops, and art galleries. It’s a glitzy resort destination with a stunning mountain backdrop that travelers from all over the world love to admire. If you ask us, hours spent strolling along the quaint streets count as Canadian Rockies highlights.
On our guided tours of the Canadian Rockies, we’ll show you the best of Banff—as well as offer some unique opportunities to enjoy it from new perspectives. Sign up for the Banff River Float excursion on our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour to bob your way down Bow River, taking in the scenery as you go. Or, opt to take the Sulphur Mountain Gondola Ride excursion on our National Parks: Canadian Rockies, Glacier & Yellowstone tour to see the sights from new heights.
Planning your trip? Be sure to also read through our Banff National Park Travel Guide.
Feast your eyes on Lake Louise
This glittering lake earns a place in travelers’ hearts daily because it only takes one glance to start swooning. Tinted a vibrant blue hue that would make Sinatra’s eyes jealous, Lake Louise is absolutely one of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies. (It also made our list of seven must-see Canadian sites.)
Take our National Parks: Canadian Rockies, Glacier & Yellowstone tour to enjoy a local-led sightseeing tour of this beloved lake, and be sure to bring your camera. Whether you visit in winter to see it covered with an icy winter-wonderland glow or come in the warmer months to see it thawed in all its electric-blue glory, your camera roll is in for a treat. Those looking to fill their free time at the lake with a bit of activity on our Canadian Rockies tours will relish hiking along the stunning lakeshore trail or ice skating under the stars in the winter months. Looking up at the towering mountain peaks that circle the lake never gets old!
Ride the Rocky Mountaineer train
If scenic rides in vintage trains are your thing, look no further than the Rocky Mountaineer train. A ride in this glass-domed train offers unmatched views of Canada’s mountains, lakes, and forests—making it a must-add bucket list item for travelers looking to immerse themselves in the Canadian Rockies. Reaching heights above 12,000 feet, this expansive mountain range is certainly a noteworthy feature of Canada’s western terrain. You can take it all in as the train chugs its way through the breathtaking expanse from Alberta to British Columbia.
Join us on our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour to board the train in Banff and ride all the way west to Vancouver, stopping in Kamloops for a comfortable night at one of our hand-selected hotels. On your journey, be sure to pop out to the train’s unique outdoor viewing area for a stretch of the legs and the chance to breath in that refreshingly crisp mountain air. Paired with the panoramic mountain views, it’s a true treat for the senses!
Before you answer that “All aboard!” call, read all about Canada’s Rocky Mountaineer →
The best cities to visit in the Canadian Rockies
There’s more than just stunning natural scenery to explore on a trip to the Canadian Rockies. Cap off your trip with a couple of city stops.
Explore vibrant Vancouver
Heralded as “Manhattan with mountains,” Vancouver is a trendy, multicultural hub that consistently ranks among the world’s most livable cities—so we think it makes the perfect addition to a Canadian Rockies itinerary. Looking for the best ways to experience it? Soak in the historic vitality of Granville Island and Gastown, the waterfront allure of Coal Harbour, or the sprawling greenery of Stanley Park. Vancouver is a destination rich in food, art, and activity, and you’re sure to find something to do.
When you travel on our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour, you’ll end in Vancouver, where you can explore the city’s highlights (like the charm-filled Gastown district and the sprawling, 1,000-acre Stanley Park) alongside a local expert on a guided sightseeing tour. We also recommend tacking on the Vancouver extension for a couple extra days in this vibrant city—trust us, you’ll want them! Don’t forget to add the optional Bill Reid Gallery & Lunch excursion for the chance to admire Indigenous Northwest Coast art before tucking into lunch at one of the city’s many mouthwatering local spots.
Fall in love with Calgary
Yeehaw, it’s time to get to know Cowtown, aka Calgary. Consider this cattle-ranching capital your gateway to the Rockies. You’ll find it in the foothills of those majestic mountains and begin your journey there when you embark on either our National Parks: Canadian Rockies, Glacier & Yellowstone tour or our Canadian Rockies by Train: Banff, Lake Louise & Vancouver tour. Don’t be fooled, though: Calgary is so much more than a convenient airport to fly into to get to Banff (although, most Canadian Rockies travel tips will tell you it is also that).
When you explore Calgary with us, we’ll give you a taste of the city’s western charm, showing you beloved spots like the Canada Olympic Park (where the 1988 Winter Olympics were held), the Calgary Stampede grounds (home to the largest outdoor rodeo event in the world), and Bow River (the same majestic current that flows through Banff). It won’t be long before Cowtown wins your heart!
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