CANADIAN ROCKIES TOURS

Explore all the must-see sites and viewpoints, both man-made and natural, in and around the town of Banff. 

We suggest starting your loop drive at the Bow River Bridge. Here, you can catch a glimpse of the iconic "Castle in the Rockies," the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, before continuing on to the cascading Bow Falls.  

On the south side of the bridge, you’ll find several attractions you can explore at your leisure, including the Banff Gondola, the Hot Springs, and the Cave & Basin sites. 

As you follow Tunnel Mountain Road, take in the stunning views from Surprise Corner and visit the hoodoo formations, which provide breathtaking vistas of the sheer drop of Rundle Mountain. 

The lakes just outside of Banff, including Johnson Lake and Lake Minnewanka, are perfect for short hikes and boat tours. You can complete the loop by climbing Mt. Norquay. 

The thermal spots at Vermilion Lakes are great for observing birdlife, as well as elk and deer, and when the waters are calm, you can capture a classic sunset reflection photo. 

This drive offers a wonderful introduction to the national park and serves as a must-do orientation for any first-time visitor to Banff. 

Allow at least 3 hours to complete this loop, and be sure to set aside additional time to stop and explore the many attractions along the way.KKey 

Highlights Include: 

• Bow Valley Parkway, 
• Castle Mountain, 
• Emerald Lake, 
• Johnston Canyon, 
• Lake Louise, 
• Moraine Lake, 
• Spiral Train Tunnels, 
• Takakkaw Falls, and Yoho National Park.s, and 
• Yoho National Park.

Discover the Canadian Rockies, where towering peaks, vividly coloured lakes and breathtaking waterfalls create unforgettable scenery.

Explore two of the region’s most iconic lakes: Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Then discover the wonders of Yoho National Park, whose name comes from a Cree expression of awe. With highlights such as the Spiral Tunnels, Emerald Lake and the spectacular Takakkaw Falls, it’s easy to see why.

This stunning landscape is also prime grizzly bear habitat. Keep an eye out for wildlife, and always observe bears from a safe distance.

For a slower-paced journey, follow the scenic Bow Valley Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise. This reduced-speed route offers wildlife-viewing opportunities and access to Johnston Canyon, one of Banff’s favourite easy hikes.

Highlights Include • Bow Valley Parkway • Castle Mountain • Emerald Lake • Johnston Canyon • Lake Louise • Moraine Lake • Spiral Train Tunnels • Takakkaw Falls • Yoho National Park

Experience one of the world’s most spectacular drives, where towering peaks, hundreds of glaciers and remarkable wildlife make the journey as memorable as the stops. Along the way, we’ll share stories of the mountaineering explorers who helped put this extraordinary landscape on the map.

Pause at Bow Lake and step inside the historic Lodge at Bow Lake. Then discover Peyto Lake, where fine glacial silt gives the water its astonishing turquoise-blue colour.

Watch for the Weeping Wall, where streams cascade down the sheer cliffs of Cirrus Mountain. Beyond the climb at Big Bend, stop at the viewpoint to appreciate the immense scale of the surrounding peaks.

Pack a lunch and take advantage of the scenic picnic areas along the route. For a more adventurous break, tackle the short but steep Parker Ridge hike, rewarded with dramatic views of the Saskatchewan Glacier.

For many, the Columbia Icefield is the day’s highlight. Venture onto the Athabasca Glacier on a guided vehicle tour, or prebook a guided icewalk for a closer look at this remarkable frozen landscape.

Complete the experience with stops at Sunwapta Falls and Athabasca Falls, where thundering water reveals the forces that continue to shape the Rockies.

Allow 10–14 hours for a full day of sightseeing, exploring and unforgettable views.

Highlights Include • Athabasca Falls • Big Bend • Bow Lake • Peyto Lake • Columbia Icefields Centre • Crowfoot Glacier • Parker Ridge • Sunwapta Falls • Stutfield Glacier • Weeping Wall

Make Jasper your base for at least a full day of mountain scenery, wildlife watching and memorable adventures.

Close to town, discover the beauty of Patricia and Pyramid Lakes, watch for bighorn sheep at Old Fort Point, or ride the Jasper SkyTram up Whistlers Mountain for sweeping views of the surrounding peaks.

Venture farther to explore Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake, where a scenic cruise offers the chance to capture the iconic view of Spirit Island.

For a relaxing finish, take the drive to Miette Hot Springs and unwind with a soothing soak. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way.

Highlights Include • Jasper SkyTram* • Maligne Canyon • Maligne Lake • Miette Hot Springs • Mount Edith Cavell • Old Fort Point • Pyramid and Patricia Lakes