Towering over the plains of Alberta and British Columbia one can find the majestic snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, an enormous land in Canada, filled with awe-inspiring scenery and wildlife and a multitude of recreational activities for all ages, plus plenty of unique opportunities, known only by people living in this area, who are considered as one of the most hospitable nations in the world. Made of shale and limestone, they are so beautiful that it’s no wonder that UNESCO included them in its list of World Heritage Sites.
Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Waterton, Golden, Canmore, Fernie, Kimberley, Kananaskis, Invermere, Revelstoke, Valemount and Cranbook are alpine towns sprinkled throughout the Canadian Rockies, all ideal starting points for mountain activities and each with its own charm and points of interest, sure to appeal to even the most adventurous travelers.
In Banff and Yoho National Parks, explore a stunning wilderness of hanging glaciers, rushing rivers, and jewel-toned lakes. Spend the day exploring Jasper’s geological marvels. Hike in the blooming meadows surrounded by glacier—carved mountains and search for elk, bighorn sheep, grizzly bears, caribou and wolves. Feel the thunderous spray of waterfalls and watch the sun set over Lake Louise. Rejuvenate and recharge your batteries in hot springs at Radium, Fairmont and Nakusp. This and much more are waiting for you in the enchanting Canadian Rockies.
Banff National Park
Canada’s first national park nestled in the heart of the magnificent Canadian Rockies, Banff was established in 1885 and spans some 6,641 square kilometers of protected terrain, encompassing everything from picturesque mountains and exclusive glaciers, U-shaped valleys gouged by glaciers and shadows, to beautiful rivers and lakes, amazing waterfalls and hot springs, and a wide range of unique wildlife. Each year millions of visitors come to Banff to marvel at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk amongst the flower-filled heavens at sunshine Meadows, and ride the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views of six mountain ranges.
Outdoor recreation and activities simply abound at Banff National Park. Visitors will find over one-thousand kilometers of hiking and biking trails, as well as skiing, golfing, drive-in campgrounds, fishing, canoeing, skating and, of course, SIGHTSEEING. Banff also offers a variety of place to ice and rock climb, mountaineer, river raft and kayak. Those who are looking for spectacular Banff wildlife should visit the park in early spring (April-May) or in fall (September-October).
Banff is also a popular wedding destination and it has lots of reasons for that – stunning outdoor locations, majestic beautiful environment and tons of adventure. Accommodation options in Banff compose an eclectic list that includes everything from backcountry lodges without electricity or running water, campgrounds, hostels with shared bedroom facilities and roadside motels, as well as luxurious hotels and truly striking historic mountain resorts.
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
A popular getaway showcasing the Art, Culture and History of Banff and the Canadian Rockies, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is a must-see attraction. Native Canadian materials, pioneering artifacts and the history of mountain recreation, transportation and commerce housed in the museum’s four art exhibition galleries are what make up its unique Heritage collection. The museum also features a shop, where visitors will find a large selection of books, postcards and posters devoted to the Rocky Mountain culture.
Admission to the museum is $8 for adults, $5 for students and people 65+, and free for children 6 and under. Guided walks and tours are available. Top trending hotels found in the vicinity of Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies include Brewster’s Mountain Lodge, Mount Royal Hotel, King Edward Hotel and Homestead Inn Banff.
Like Banff, Jasper and Lake Louise are also popular with tourists with the main attraction of Lake Louise being the sparkling crystal-clear turquoise lake itself, while Jasper, established as a National Park in 1907 comes with great mountain ecosystem, wildlife, heritage sites and unlimited outdoor recreation.
Whether you are planning a family vacation with kids, a honeymoon or a short nature break, I guarantee, visitors exploring Canada’s Rocky Mountains will not be disappointed; this safe, clean, scenic paradise promises memorable vacations, one to remember forever.
