Canadian Rockies Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Moraine Lake showing a lake or waterhole, mountains and landscape views
Canadian Rockies featuring snow and mountains
Banff National Park showing mountains, snow and landscape views
Maligne Canyon showing landscape views, a gorge or canyon and snow
Maligne Canyon featuring landscape views and snow

Find some of North America’s most spectacular landscapes and parklands in this vast region of mountains, lakes, wilderness and wildlife.

Majestic views and outdoor sports make a vacation to the Canadian Rockies an excellent choice for thrills and adventure or peace and serenity. Visit seven national and provincial parks that are so beautiful they’ve been identified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

BanffOpens in a new window is both Canada’s first national park and a town center within the park. Look for an arch on the lengthy Great Divide Trail separating Alberta and British Columbia along the continental divide. Ski on mountains famous for excellent conditions, including Norquay, Lake LouiseOpens in a new window and Sunshine VillageOpens in a new window. Enjoy sulfur hot springs at one of the area’s luxury resorts or spas. A hike or drive along the Bow River offers views of rushing water.

Bring your camera to Moraine LakeOpens in a new window where mountain peaks reflect in the blue-green glacial lake. This image appeared on the back of the 1970s Canadian 20-dollar bill. South of Banff, the Canmore Nordic Centre was built for the 1988 Winter Olympics. Today enjoy winter cross-country skiing and summer mountain biking. Tour Canmore Caves or learn to rock climb, ice climb or mountaineer.

Follow the Icefields ParkwayOpens in a new window north past the Columbia IcefieldOpens in a new window for views of glaciers. Step onto the frozen ice mass or look through the glass-bottomed Glacier Skywalk at a glacial ravine hundreds of feet below. Continue along this drive within Jasper National ParkOpens in a new window where you can enjoy backcountry hiking in the wilderness. The park’s natural delights include Athabasca FallsOpens in a new window and Maligne CanyonOpens in a new window. Look for elk, moose, caribou and grizzly bears. Swim, kayak, waterski, fish and scuba dive in the alpine lakes of Waterton Lakes National Park.

The Canadian Rockies offer year-round beauty and adventure. Try heli-skiing in winter, photograph mountain wildflowers in spring, go whitewater rafting in summer and view colorful foliage and purple mountains reflected in still lakes in fall.

Travel by plane, train or car to nearby CalgaryOpens in a new window or EdmontonOpens in a new window to begin your journey. Find your favorite Canadian Rockies mountain, glacier or lake to explore now and remember for a lifetime.

Where to stay in Canadian Rockies

Banff featuring street scenes and night scenes

Downtown District

If you're spending some time in Downtown District, Bow River and Banff Legacy Trail are top sights worth seeing.

Downtown District
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Uptown District

While Uptown District isn't home to many top sights, Tunnel Mountain and Victoria Glacier are some notable places to visit nearby.

Uptown District
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Tunnel Mountain District

If you're spending some time in Tunnel Mountain District, Surprise Corner and Tunnel Mountain Trail are top sights worth seeing.

Tunnel Mountain District
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Town Centre

While visiting Town Centre, you might make a stop by sights like Art Country Canada Canmore Gallery and Canmore Museum and Geoscience Centre.

Town Centre
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Banff Centre District

While visiting Banff Centre District, you might make a stop by sights like Bow River and Walter Phillips Gallery.

Banff Centre District
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Spring Creek

If you're looking for some top things to see and do in Spring Creek and surrounding area, you can visit Grassi Lakes and Canmore Caverns.

Spring Creek
Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort

3 out of 5
1029 Banff Ave, Banff, AB
The price is AU$175 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$175
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (2,470 reviews)
"My dog & I loved our stay here. Away from the noise of downtown but not too far away. Not sure it was value for money, but late choosing this trip probably didn’t help with the high demand at this time of year."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa

3.5 out of 5
521 Banff Ave, Box 1070, Banff, AB
The price is AU$185 per night from 13 Oct to 14 Oct
AU$185
13 Oct - 14 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this spa hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (2,832 reviews)
Amazing stay for the price
"Loved our stay at the Caribou Lodge! The lobby and our room are super cozy and clean. Staff are friendly and helpful. Location is great, just 20 mins walk from Banff center or less than 10 mins by bus (bus passes for the whole stay provided by the hotel too which we love). Bus stop is right by the ..."

Reviewed on 16 Sept 2025

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa
Hotel Canoe and Suites

Hotel Canoe and Suites

4 out of 5
600 Banff Avenue, 2000, Banff, AB
The price is AU$493 per night from 18 Oct to 19 Oct
AU$493
18 Oct - 19 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (1,669 reviews)
"Beautiful facility. We experienced a constant strong sewer gas smell on the 3rd floor hallway by our room and the elevators were not working properly causing lots of anxiety. Otherwise it was a great location and our room was wonderful. The special room coffee was a great addition and delicious."

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Hotel Canoe and Suites
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hidden Ridge Resort

Hidden Ridge Resort

3.5 out of 5
901 Hidden Ridge Way, Banff, AB
Stay at this aparthotel in Banff. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 hot tubs. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (4,593 reviews)
"We did have a nice stay. Being on the Rosm route was super handy. We didn’t give it a 5 because it needs a refresh. Maybe upgrade the mattress. We had a great hike right by the property. Great three days"

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Hidden Ridge Resort
Basecamp Resorts Canmore

Basecamp Resorts Canmore

3.5 out of 5
1102 Bow Valley Trail, Canmore, AB
Stay at this 3.5-star condo in Canmore. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,327 reviews)
"Pretty good with exception No elevator No washroom on lower level"

Reviewed on 19 Sept 2025

Basecamp Resorts Canmore
Sundance By Basecamp

Sundance By Basecamp

2.5 out of 5
2 Sundance Rd Hwy 40, Kananaskis, AB
Stay at this campground in Kananaskis. Enjoy free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions Bronze Chair Ski Lift and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (329 reviews)
"Staff were friendly, showers hot and clean, tents were a fun change for camping."

Reviewed on 18 Sept 2025

Sundance By Basecamp
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Activities

Cities near Canadian Rockies

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