Jun 3, 2019
There’s something simply wonderful about the breathtaking Canadian Rockies that keeps travellers coming back time and time again. Not only is it home to some of the most picturesque mountain scenery in the world, but you can also spot the amazing wildlife and meet some of the world’s friendliest people.
The Canadian Rockies has a real charm and magic to it that leaves travellers full of awe and wonder on each and every visit. As our wonderful Tour Director Tina Djuretic says, “Life is not about counting the amount of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away, and that is what the west coast of Canada delivers.”
To help you with your trip, here are our top 12 reasons why you must visit the Canadian Rockies.
1. Breathtaking landscapes
When we think of the Canadian Rockies we are immediately drawn to its breathtaking landscapes. Experience the beautiful national parks of Banff and Jasper, home to incredible mountains, valleys and deep canyons as well as the iconic Mount Robson, the highest point of the Canadian Rockies, rising 3,954m.
You can even admire the scenery as you drive the stunning Sea to Sky Highway from Whistler to Vancouver with steep mountains one side and the sea on the other. Everywhere you look you will be greeted and charmed by the Canadian landscape that rises above and all around you.
You can even admire the scenery as you drive the stunning Sea to Sky Highway from Whistler to Vancouver with steep mountains one side and the sea on the other. Everywhere you look you will be greeted and charmed by the Canadian landscape that rises above and all around you.
2. Wildlife
Time your visit right and you can see a diverse array of Canadian wildlife.
From black and brown bears coming out of hibernation during spring; to elk, moose and big horned sheep grazing the land. You can also spot mountain goats, squirrels, chipmunks and whales.
From black and brown bears coming out of hibernation during spring; to elk, moose and big horned sheep grazing the land. You can also spot mountain goats, squirrels, chipmunks and whales.
3. Water everywhere
British Columbia is home to literally thousands of rivers and lakes. Some of the most amazing glacial lakes known for their aqua blue and turquoise colour include the magnificent Lake Louise, Lake Morraine and Peyto Lake in Banff, as well as Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.
Cruise the glacial waters of Maligne Lake by boat to Spirit Island or hire a canoe and paddle across Lake Louise towards the Victoria Glacier and admire the breathtaking views up close.
Cruise the glacial waters of Maligne Lake by boat to Spirit Island or hire a canoe and paddle across Lake Louise towards the Victoria Glacier and admire the breathtaking views up close.
4. Glaciers
Canada is also well known for its glaciers, of which approximately 17,000 are found in Alberta and British Columbia. The Icefields Parkway, along with its jaw dropping scenery and cascading waterfalls, has over 100 ancient glaciers.
Be sure to stop at the Columbia Icefield where you can board an ‘Ice Explorer’ and step foot on the Athabasca Glacier.
Be sure to stop at the Columbia Icefield where you can board an ‘Ice Explorer’ and step foot on the Athabasca Glacier.
5. Great walks and hiking trails
If you love to explore by foot then Canada is home to many hiking trails to suit all walking abilities. One walk you must do when you’re in Lake Louise is to walk across the frozen lake during winter. For those with more time on their hands, then a hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House is a must during the warmer months. Not only will you be rewarded with stunning views at the top, but you can also enjoy a mug of steaming tea from a choice of 100 different types of loose leaf tea. Be sure to refill with a delicious sandwich and soup or a slice of cake.
In Jasper, you can also walk across the frozen Lake Beauvert at the Jasper Park Lodge, whilst in Whistler, take a leisurely walk along the Lost Lake trail, starting in Whistler village, bringing you to a small pretty lake, with views of Blackcomb and Whistler Mountains along the way.
6. Stay in magnificent hotels
Canada has no shortage of beautiful properties to stay at and during your luxury tour through the Canadian Rockies you can enjoy a number of Scenic Special Stays at some of the most magnificent hotels.
Experience a 5-star luxury stay at the fairytale Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” and stay in a lake view room at the magnificent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
For our Tour Director Tina though, the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Whistler is her absolute favourite. “Not only do I love the vibrant energy of the whole town, but the hotel has that ski lodge feeling to it. It’s a huge entrance with big wood beams and lots of gorgeous vases of flowers everywhere.”
Experience a 5-star luxury stay at the fairytale Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies” and stay in a lake view room at the magnificent Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
For our Tour Director Tina though, the exclusive Fairmont Chateau Whistler is her absolute favourite. “Not only do I love the vibrant energy of the whole town, but the hotel has that ski lodge feeling to it. It’s a huge entrance with big wood beams and lots of gorgeous vases of flowers everywhere.”
7. An outdoor paradise
If you love the great outdoors, then there are so many activities to get your heart racing. Go canoeing on Lake Louise, enjoy a Float Trip along the Bow River in Banff, or experience the thrill of a helicopter ride over the Three Sisters Peaks.
You can even soar over the valley in Whistler on a zip line, or hit the open road in a Harley Davidson™ sidecar in Jasper National Park.
Of course, for something more leisurely, be sure to ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views over the Banff National Park, Canada’s very first and most visited national park.
You can even soar over the valley in Whistler on a zip line, or hit the open road in a Harley Davidson™ sidecar in Jasper National Park.
Of course, for something more leisurely, be sure to ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for breathtaking views over the Banff National Park, Canada’s very first and most visited national park.
8. Beautiful waterfalls
Besides the rugged mountain landscape, the Canadian Rockies is home to some absolutely beautiful waterfalls including the Athabasca Falls in Jasper National Park.
Shannon Falls however is a true highlight and one of the tallest waterfalls in British Columbia measuring 3,335m and located in Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway.
Shannon Falls however is a true highlight and one of the tallest waterfalls in British Columbia measuring 3,335m and located in Whistler along the Sea to Sky Highway.
9. Icefields Parkway
Drive along the spectacular 230km Icefields Parkway, connecting two of the Rockies most popular destinations – Banff and Jasper.
Rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, you can enjoy majestic mountain views on both sides, spectacular icefields and ancient glaciers, aqua blue lakes and thundering waterfalls, and you may even catch a glimpse of the Canadian wildlife too.
Rated as one of the top drives in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, you can enjoy majestic mountain views on both sides, spectacular icefields and ancient glaciers, aqua blue lakes and thundering waterfalls, and you may even catch a glimpse of the Canadian wildlife too.
10. Ride the Rocky Mountaineer in style
No trip to the Canadian Rockies would be complete without riding the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train in GoldLeaf carriage. Board the train at Banff to begin your two day journey to Vancouver on the First Passage to the West itinerary.
Your highlights will include travelling through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and traversing the Continental Divide where you can be inspired by the spectacular mountains and dramatic canyons. And of course, experience unparalleled views from the bi-level glass dome luxury coaches and dine on gourmet à la carte meals, prepared by expert chefs.
Listen to the in-depth commentary from your onboard Hosts as they describe the enthralling history of the local area and provide excellent storytelling throughout.
Your highlights will include travelling through the legendary Spiral Tunnels and traversing the Continental Divide where you can be inspired by the spectacular mountains and dramatic canyons. And of course, experience unparalleled views from the bi-level glass dome luxury coaches and dine on gourmet à la carte meals, prepared by expert chefs.
Listen to the in-depth commentary from your onboard Hosts as they describe the enthralling history of the local area and provide excellent storytelling throughout.
11. The people
Our guests mention how nice the Canadians are and according to Tina, “Canadians are friendly, polite, courteous and give excellent service”.
It is therefore little wonder that Canada has been named one of the world’s friendliest countries (2018 InterNations survey).
Meet local Canadians throughout your Scenic tour, including a retired member of the Mounties in Lake Louise for an insight into their role in Canadian history and the country today.
It is therefore little wonder that Canada has been named one of the world’s friendliest countries (2018 InterNations survey).
Meet local Canadians throughout your Scenic tour, including a retired member of the Mounties in Lake Louise for an insight into their role in Canadian history and the country today.
12. The drag mountain air
Breathe deeply. The forests in British Columbia are so peaceful and zen like, with refreshing clean air that smells like pine.
Absorb the peace and tranquillity of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver as it opens early, especially for Scenic guests before the general public.
Absorb the peace and tranquillity of the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in Vancouver as it opens early, especially for Scenic guests before the general public.
