Top Canadian Rockies Tours & Vacations 2024/2025 [reviews...

Canadian Rockies Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025

Our 56 most popular Canadian Rockies trips. Compare tour itineraries from 39 tour companies. 140 reviews. 4.7/5 avg rating.

Small Group Canadian Rockies Tours

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Top Canadian Rockies Attractions & Experiences

Top Canadian Rockies Experiences

  • Seeing the incredible turquoise blue lakes around the Canadian Rockies
  • Canoeing on Lake Louise
  • Hiking for amazing views in the Valley of the Ten Peaks around Moraine Lake
  • Spotting bears, elk, and moose on a wildlife photography tour
  • Staying at the majestic Banff Springs Hotel
  • Exploring the Columbia Icefields
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Canadian Rockies Tours & Travel Guide

Canadian Rockies Attractions & Landmarks Guide

The Rocky Mountain Range is the largest mountain range in North America, running 3000 miles north to south, from New Mexico up through Alberta, Canada. The Canadian portion is makes up roughly 1000 miles of the range, serving as a natural part of the border between the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta.

Known to be imposing and dramatic, the Rocky Mountains beckon all types, from luxury lakeside lodge go-ers and luxury ski resort goers, to campers, daring mountain climbers, and wildlife photographers seeking the perfect bear shot.

There are innumerable national parks that feature the Rockies, including of course the official Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado. In Canada, the three major parks to visit for experience the Rockies are: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, and Yoho National Park.

Whether you choose to travel in luxury or are more interested in roughing it, the Canadian Rockies is a trip that everyone should make once in their life. This unbelieveable landscape will instantly and endlessly enthrall and amaze you.

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is one of the primary destinations for travelers to the Canadian Rockies. This beautiful park is the oldest in Canada, established in 1885. The oldest but not the largest, at 2,564 square miles.

What to see in Banff National Park:

Lake Louise - This is one of the main attractions in Banff National Park, famous for it’s pristine turquoise color. Ideal for a day of canoeing and walking along the trail that surrounds the late, with a view of Mount Victoria in the distance.

Moraine Lake - Scenic hikes are available in all levels around this beautiful lake, also exhibiting the same stunning turquoise color. A bit more out of the way than Lake Louise, it’s often far less crowded, though definitely no less spectacular.

Jasper National Park

The larger Jasper National Park (4,200 square miles) is near Banff, and was established in 1907. Here you’ll find the same caliber of stunning wilderness, lakes, and glaciers to explore.

What to see in Jasper National Park:

Columbia Ice Fields - The largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, Columbia Icefield and neighboring Athabasca Glacier are a sight to behold. A great spot for landscape photographers, history buffs, and geology buffs, be sure to take a tour to learn all there is to know about this incredible spot.

Sunwapta Falls - This is actually two falls, the upper and lower. Generally most people head to see the Upper Falls, as they are easier to get to. Visit in late spring for the most spectacular viewing after the main glacier melts. 

Yoho National Park

Located in Southeast British Columbia, Yoho National Park was established in 1886, one year after Banff National Park. 507 square miles, it is a treasure trove of beautiful sights, history, and wildlife. Far less well known, this is a great place  to visit to avoid crowds!

What to see in Yoho National Park:

Spiral tunnels -These man-made tunnels were originally constructed to prevent accidents along one particularly steep gradient made by the Canadian Pacific Railway Line. Today you can visit to learn about their construction and the feat of early modern engineering that they were.

Takakkaw Falls - A dramatic waterfall, this is one of the highest in North America, plummeting over 800 feet to the ground below. You can take an easy hike right up to the base for a unique perspective as you gaze up through the water and feel the spray on your face, or you can opt for a more strenuous but rewarding view when you take the Iceline hiking trail.

Wildlife of the Canadian Rockies

The wildlife of the Canadian Rockies is a big part of why people travel here. Diverse species make their home here from black bears, grizzly bears, moose, grey wolves, and white tailed deer — just to name a few. Canada is also one of the best destinations for birding enthusiasts, with over 400 different species, including 16 separate species of owl.

When heading out on a wildlife tour, it’s important to adhere to safety precautions and prepare accordingly. In your car, don’t leave any food or items that could be detected by smell (such as lip gloss, gum, or coffee cups). These will attract larger animals like bears, who have been known to break into to vehicles.

Also, the benefit of visiting a place like the Rockies is to see wild animals. So it’s important that they stay wild. Keep your distance and avoid trying to pet, feed, or get up close. The less used to human activity these animals are the better.

Don’t litter! Keep all your trash with you until you can deposit it in a bear safe trash can.

Wildlife tours are a fantastic way to increase your chances of spotting one of the area’s famous dwellers, both large and small. While the bigger attractions, like bear and elk will be easier to see, your guide will be able to point out some of the smaller species such as marmots, rabbits, squirrels, and of course many different types of birds.

Taking the Train through the Canadian Rockies

Train travel is one of Canada’s biggest assets. For such a big country, travel by rail brings the amazing expanse to life and provides a unique view of the varied landscapes.

The Rocky Mountaineer is perhaps the best known rail journey one can take to experience this unbelievable area. There are 4 main routes on the Rocky Mountaineer, each will give you an unforgettable experience. All involve exciting excursions, top of the line dining, and comfortable accommodations along the way. This is also a very popular and exciting trip for families with young children.

Coastal Passage - Take an epic journey with sweeping views of the beautiful blue pacific before you turn inland to see the dramatic Rockies. This is a cross-border trip, beginning in Seattle, and ending in Banff National Park.

Rainforest to Gold Rush - Experience the unique coastal Rainforest atmosphere before heading to the deep Fraser Canyon, and taking in the gold rush history of Cariboo. This train tour ends in Jasper National Park.

Journey Through the Clouds - This train tour spends some time in the Kamloops area, following the route of the Fraser river.

First Passage to the West - From Vancouver to Banff, this historic journey follows a main route through many important sights, including where the “last spike” was stuck during the construction of the railroad in 1885.

Top 10 Things to Do in the Canadian Rockies

1. Banff National Park - If it’s your first visit, make sure that you spend some time in Banff National Park. The oldest National Park in Canada, it is rich with history and stunning natural beauty. Also be sure to visit the nearby town of Banff, which, although touristy, is nevertheless a classic mountain town perfect for a meal and some shopping before heading out to explore the wilderness.

2. Lake Louise - One of Canada’s more recognizable picture perfect postcard places, Lake Louise is known for its incredible blue waters and beautiful mountain views. Be sure to pop into or stay at the impressive places of accommodation: Château Lake Louise or Banff Springs Hotel.

4. Moraine Lake - Similar in color and brilliance to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake is another incredible stop for those visiting the Canadian Rockies. Surrounded by 10 peaks, this picturesque area attracts fewer travelers than the closer in Lake Louise. Travel here for beautiful hikes and fewer crowds.

5. Icefield Parkway - Purported to be one of the most beautiful scenic highways in all of Canada,  this two lane road extends between Jasper National Park and Banff National Park, passing many quintessential sights along the way. You may even get to glimpse some of the famous Canadian wildlife along the way at one of the many overlooks.

6. Columbia Icefield - The largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies, Columbia Icefield and neighboring Athabasca Glacier are a sight to behold. A great spot for landscape photographers, history buffs, and geology buffs, be sure to take a tour to learn all there is to know about this incredible spot.

7. Hot Springs - There are many different hot springs you can take advantage of in the Canadian Rockies. This is a wonderfully unique and relaxing experience, perfect for families and couples visiting one of the area’s many lodges.

8. Skytrams and Gondolas - If you’re not afraid of heights, you’ll definitely want to take a thrilling ride in one of the area's many sky trams or gondolas. Get a literal bird’s eye view of the beautiful parks, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and lakes.

9. Whyte Museum - For history buffs and train travel enthusiasts, a visit to the whyte museum in Banff, is a great stop.

10. Johnston Canyon - This beautiful canyon beckons enthusiastic hikers year round. The hike is so popular that multiple websites, including the official park website, suggest getting there very early to avoid the crowds.

Canadian Rockies Reviews & Ratings

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Arup

Oct 2015

Written on

This was my 9th trip with intrepid

This was my 9th trip with intrepid in the space of 4 years. Enough said.

E

Eva

Oct 2015

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Very good organisation, variety of activity options

Very good organisation, variety of activity options

P

Patricia

Oct 2015

Written on

Loved all the activities, the group, the

Loved all the activities, the group, the amount of time we got in eac...

j

jacintha

Sep 2015

Written on

The group leader was amazing and very

The group leader was amazing and very well organised.

R

Rebecca

Sep 2015

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The trip was amazing, Dustin was an

The trip was amazing, Dustin was an incredible guide a...

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