Visiting the Canadian Rockies
Visited: August 2018, august 2021, june 2022In August of 2018, I joined my family on a trip to the Canadian Rockies. It was my first time seeing mountains and to say I fell in love with them instantly would be an understatement. The feeling of awe that overwhelmed me in the midst of these endless, ancient peaks has returned to me on every visit back and on trips to other mountainous regions like the Salkantay Trek in Peru and the Southern Alps in New Zealand’s South Island. I simply can’t get enough of them.
If you’re planning a trip to the Rockies, don’t forget to explore beyond Banff’s borders. Though the most famous national park is definitely stunning and well worth visiting, the quieter parks nearby have their own magic that deserves to be explored.
Below I’ve broken it down by regions to make day-to-day planning simpler — saving you in both time spent on the road and the endlessly rising gas prices! Before you dive in, just remember the Rockies have so much to do and see, so try to avoid over extending yourself. I recommend keeping your itinerary as chill as possible, then selecting hikes day before depending on your energy levels and muscle aches.
A couple of quick reminders:
If you’re planning to hit the trails (which I definitely recommend doing) remember to schedule extra time and plan for recovery too.
The Canadian Rockies are full of wild animals and you should make sure you know what to do if you have a wildlife encounter.
Remember to stick to the trails and respect nature.
Now, let’s start planning!
Canmore
Canmore is the perfect place to choose as your base when exploring the nearby parks — especially if you’re flying into Calgary. Not only is this little town conveniently located, but Canmore itself is cozy and welcoming, with so much to discover.
Read more about Staying in Canmore.
Kananaskis Country
Hoping to spend some time on your trip avoiding the peak-season crowds swarming to Banff? Kananaskis is for those willing to venture off the proverbial beaten-path to find the best views. This region will make you work for it… but it’s worth it, I promise!
Read more about Kananaskis Country.
Banff National Park
Banff really needs no introduction. Being one of the most famous locations in Canada, the park sees over 4 million visitors a year. Known for its stunning (and accessible) views, it is the perfect place for people just starting to explore the world of hiking with it’s well-marked and well-maintained trails.
Read more about Banff Day Hikes or Banff Viewpoints.
Yoho & Kootenay National Parks
Yoho and Kootenay combined make up less than half of Banff — but they have just as much beauty. You’ll find them across the provincial border in B.C. with less crowds, and tons of easy access stops. If you want to plan a road trip rest day, these might be the parks for you.
Read more about Yoho and Kootenay.
Jasper National Park
Over twice the size of Banff, Jasper is a little out of the way to those landing in Calgary and staying in Canmore or Banff. That said, the route along the Icefields Parkways to get there is often referred to as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. I’d say that alone is worth the detour! Thanks to the distance, Jasper avoids the worst of the crowds making it a true nature lover’s escape.
Read more about Jasper Day Hikes.
