19 Incredible Places to Visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are filled with incredible places to visit, ranging from stunning hikes, powerful waterfalls, and colourful lakes. Also known as the Canadian Rockies, this mountain range is a popular destination throughout every season. Travellers from around the world visit to admire the roaring mountains, which look straight out of a postcard.

With so many incredible places to visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, you will struggle to visit them all in a single trip. After visiting once, the Rockies are sure to have you wanting to visit again as soon as possible!

Continue reading the explore the best places to visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in both Alberta and British Columbia!

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Where the Canadian Rocky Mountains Are Located

The Canadian Rocky Mountains are located along the border of Alberta and British Columbia. There are so many incredible places to visit throughout the mountain range that you will have to spend quite a long time here to explore the highlights.

To get to the Canadian Rockies, most people fly into Calgary or Edmonton. From there, it is typical to rent a car and drive out to the mountains.

When to Visit the Canadian Rocky Mountains

While the Canadian Rocky Mountains are great to visit all year round, you will certainly get a different experience depending on when you visit.

Spring: The Rockies are beautiful to visit in Spring as the trees and flowers become full of life again. During this time, you can expect the waterfalls to be at their peak volume, and be able to hike before the peak tourist season.

Summer: Summer is definitely the peak tourist season and it’s no secret why! The weather is beautiful for exploring and the mountains look incredible. It will definitely be busy during this time. You may have to arrive at the popular attractions very early in the morning.

Fall: My favourite time to visit the Rocky Mountains is during the fall. The weather is cooler and you can find some pretty fall foliage around the area.

Winter: The Rocky Mountains in the winter can have quite treacherous conditions for driving. You definitely need a 4×4 vehicle with great snow tires in order to adventure. In addition, some of the side roads are closed and require you to hike to certain waterfalls or viewpoints. However, seeing the mountains and the area covered in snow is an incredible experience!

Best Places to Visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in Alberta

Jasper National Park

One of the most popular places to visit in the Rocky Mountains is Jasper National Park. Within the park, there are numerous waterfalls and hikes with views that are definitely postcard-worthy! There is a quaint town in the park with plenty of restaurants and shops to explore as well.

Check out some of the best places to stay in Jasper!

Athabasca Falls

Athabasca Falls is one of the best waterfalls to visit within Jasper National Park. It is located along the Athabasca River and is one of the most popular places to visit in this area.

Sunwapta Falls

Also located within Jasper National Park, Sunwapta Falls is a great waterfall to stop by on your way between Jasper and Banff. The waterfall is easily accessible, requiring only a few minutes of walking from the parking lot to reach. Here, you’ll be amazed by the power of the waterfall with incredible mountain views all around.

Valley of the Five Lakes

Valley of the Five Lakes is home to the best hike in Jasper National Park, in my opinion. This part of the park is home to – you guessed it – five lakes! Each lake has varying shades of emerald greens and turquoise blues that are sure to leave you speechless. The hike around the trails is low to moderate intensity, making it a great hike for the whole family.

Sulphur Skyline Trail

The Sulphur Skyline Trail is one of the best places to hike and visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains due to the incredible views of the mountains. The hike is about 8 km roundtrip and offers the most incredible panorama views in Jasper National Park.

Maligne Lake & Maligne Canyon

Maligne Lake is quite popular as it is the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies. The water boasts incredible shared of blue and green and is surrounded by roaring mountains. One of the best attractions is taking the Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island!

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is famous worldwide as it’s home to beautiful glacier lakes, incredible hiking, and jaw-dropping views. I find that it is much busier than Jasper National Park as it is home to the famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You’ll have to arrive early during the peak season to avoid the crowds!

Check out the best places to stay in Banff!

Lake Louise

Lake Louise is famous worldwide as it is one of the most photogenic lakes in the world. Many arrive at sunrise to experience the beauty of the rising sun colouring the peaks of the mountains, creating beautiful reflections on the water. During peak season, you must arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds.

Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake is another world-famous lake located within Banff National Park. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains! Like Lake Louise, people often arrive during sunrise to capture the beauty of the bright blue lake with the soft glow of the morning sun (pictured above).

Morant’s Curve

Morant’s Curve is a beautiful viewpoint located near Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. After visiting one (or both!) of the lakes, stop here to admire the beautiful blue river and the mountains in the distance. If you’re lucky, a train will be driving by, creating the perfect postcard shot!

Fun Fact: This is the place pictured on the Canadian $10 bill!

Lake Agnes

Lake Agnes is a beautiful lake accessible via a hike from Lake Louise. The hike brings you to a teahouse, where tea has been served in the mountains since 1905.

Plain of the Six Glaciers

Another fantastic hike near Lake Louise is Plain of the Six Glaciers. You will walk by roaring mountains and again reach a unique tea house to enjoy a warm beverage before continuing on your hike.

Columbia Icefield

The Columbia Icefield is the largest icefield in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is definitely one of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains overall due to the extravagance of the icefield and the six major glaciers it feeds.

Canmore

Canmore is a popular town to visit on a trip to Banff National Park, as it is located close nearby. This quaint town offers great restaurants, boutique shops, and more incredible hiking trails!

Best Places to Visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains in British Columbia

Helmcken Falls

Helmken Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in all of Canada. The powerful waterfall looks like it forces it’s way out of the side of the wall and drops 141 meters into a canyon. It is located just steps from the road and is beautiful to visit all year round.

Mount Robson Provincial Park

Mount Robson Provincial Park is the second oldest park in British Columbia. It is home to Mount Robson, which has the highest mountain peak in the Canadian Rockies at 12,972 feet. The park is filled with incredible hikes and camping for a wonderful nature-filled getaway.

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is one of the best parks and places to visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. It is home to stunning glacial lakes, tall waterfalls, and amazing fossil beds. It is home to the famous Emerald Lake, which boasts unique emerald colours.

Fun Fact: The word “Yoho” is a Cree expression for awe and wonder.

Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park has been high on my bucket list for a very long time, due to the amazing hikes the park has to offer. The park is home to fossil beds to explore, along with relaxing hot springs to visit.

Glacier National Park of Canada

Most of the most picturesque places to visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is Glacier National Park of Canada. It is home to many incredible hiking trails, amazing waterfalls, and panoramic views of the roaring mountains.

Book an Adventure in the Rocky Mountains

There are so many exciting excursions to book when visiting the Canadian Rockies, so be sure to check them out!

Book Your Stay Now

What would you add to this list of the best places to visit in the Canadian Rocky Mountains? Let me know in the comments!

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You might also like:

• Exploring Sunwapta Falls, Jasper National Park
• Visiting Athabasca Falls, Jasper National Park
• The Best Day Hike in Jasper National Park
• The Perfect Winter Weekend Getaway in Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
• 16 of the Absolute Best Day Hikes In Canada
• Inglis Falls: The Most Beautiful Waterfall in Grey County, Ontario
• Taking Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island in Fall

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