The Rockies

Fish at one of Banff’s many beautiful lakes

Fishing enthusiasts will feel right at home in the Rockies. Surrounded by beautiful lakes, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking your next fishing spot. Start out at the Rockies’ most famous lake, Lake Louise. You’ve probably already seen photos on Instagram of the world-famous Lake Louise, but nothing comes close to seeing this beautiful turquoise lake in person. Thanks to nearby Victoria Glacier, its bright, emerald-green waters are truly breath-taking. For a spot that’s a little quieter, cast your line out in Moraine Lake. Surrounded by pine trees and snow-capped mountains, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped straight into a postcard.

Dive into Banff’s Upper Hot Springs

Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, stay warm in the cool climate at the Banff Upper Hot Springs. Even though they’re man-made, the Banff Upper Hot Springs still pull in thousands of tourists every year. Located at the foot of Sulphur Mountain close to Banff town, these hot springs are housed in historic spa and bath house. Relax into the steamy hot mineral water after a hard day of hiking in the alpine meadows. There are also other hot springs in the Rockies to explore, including the Radium Hot Springs, which is surrounded by canyons in British Columbia’s Kootenay National Park. The Miette Hot Springs can be found in Jasper National Park, which boast the hottest mineral water in the Rockies. Enjoy the luxurious side of the Rockies at their amazing hot springs.

Go skiing or snowboarding down the majestic mountains

If the Rockies are famous for one thing, it’s their amazing ski season. Enjoy some of the best powder in the world at the Canadian Rockies. Its most famous peak? None other than Aspen in Colorado. In White River National Forest, you’ll find Aspen’s most popular ski areas, ranging from the gentle slopes of Buttermilk to expert terrain at Aspen Highlands. If you find yourself in Jasper National Park, shred it up at Marmot Basin. With the highest base elevation of any major ski area in Canada, Marmot Basin enjoys abundant dry, natural snow all season. No matter where you choose to go in the Rockies, you’ll be met with some of the best ski and snowboarding conditions in the world.

Visit the Columbia Icefield

Located along the border of British Columbia and Alberta, you’ll find the Columbia Icefield, the largest icefield in Canada. This massive expanse of ice is home to eight major glaciers; the most renowned of which is the Athabasca Glacier. Drive across the icefield in a special truck to get to this ancient glacier. Spend some time marvelling at its beauty while watching your breath turn to smoke in front of your face. Pause for a while at the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre, where you’ll check out the stunning views from the Glacier Skywalk, as well as learn about the history of the site at its interactive displays. Enjoy the best of this frozen landscape at the Columbia Icefield.

Hike at Lake O’Hara

Even though they’re famous for their ski season, you can enjoy the Rockies year-round. The best way to make the most of the warmer weather? By trekking to Lake O’Hara. Home to incredible hanging valleys, turquoise-blue lakes and breathtaking vistas, the natural beauty of this place is second-to-none. Located in the Yoho National Park, ensure you plan your Lake O’Hara hike ahead of time. For seasoned outdoor adventurers, this is a great spot for a multi-day hiking and camping trip. If you just want to enjoy the Lake for a few hours, you can organise bus trips to and from the Lake O’Hara Lodge. Savour the best of the Rockies during summertime with a trip to Lake O’Hara.

Canadian Rockies Cowboy Festival

Culture

The spirit of the west comes to life at the Canadian Rockies Cowboy Festival. Held over four days at the end of May, this annual festival celebrates the best of rural Canadian life. Head over to the David Thompson Resort in Nordegg for country music, cowboy poetry and an amazing Canadian cook-up.

Canada Day

Culture

The National Day of Canadian pride, celebrate the best of this amazing country in the Rockies. Our suggestion? Head straight to Banff to join in on the fun. On July 1 each year, celebrate the signing of the Canadian Constitution with free musical concerts, delicious cook-ups and a huge parade down Banff Avenue.

Canadian Rocky Mountain Festival

Music

Held over four days in April, the Canadian Rocky Mountain Festival is a musical showcase of the best performers from the mountains. With programming featuring music competitions, seminars, masterclasses and concerts, come along to experience a variety of different musical genres and styles.

Banff Festival of Mountain Films

Film

With the aim to bring filmmakers and writers together to exchange ideas, the Banff Festival of Mountain Films happens every year in late October and early November. Its programming includes a competitive film festival, which showcases the best films and literary works of the mountains, as well as seminars, screenings and other social gatherings.

Santa Claus Parade

Culture

What better way to kick off the Christmas season than with a Santa Claus Parade? The town of Banff throws this magical event every year to usher in the start of the festive season. On one night in November, floats, performers, and Santa himself traverse down brightly-lit Banff Avenue. Get down to this charming event to feel the warmth of the Christmas spirit.

Whyte Museum

Located in the town of Banff, the Whyte Museum is a history museum in the Canadian Rockies. Aiming to promote the cultural heritage of this unique party of the world, check out the collection of art, artefacts and historic homes on this four-acre site.

Banff Park Museum

Get face-to-face with Rocky Mountain wildlife inside this western Canadian natural history museum! Located in the heart of Banff, the Banff Park Museum houses a collection of more than 5,000 historic botanical and zoological specimens. Make sure you check out its quirky collection of stuffed vintage bears.

Buffalo Nations Museum

Uncover the history of Canada’s native peoples at the Buffalo Nations Museum. Showcasing a collection of intricate costumes, decorated tipi, exquisite quillwork and unique hunting equipment, learn about some of Canada’s oldest living cultures at this incredible museum.

Northern Rockies Museum

Housed in the town of Hinton's former Grand Trunk Pacific Railway station, the Northern Rockies Museum showcases the history of its railway and telecommunications. Walk back into yesteryear as you engage with interactive exhibits to understand what life was like here in the early 20th century.

Canmore Museum

With its extensive rock and mineral collection, lovers of science will geek out at the Canmore Museum. This science museum aims to tell the story of the natural and geological development of the Canadian Rockies. Learn about the important role the Rockies have played in the industrial development of Canada at this interesting museum.

Poutine

Bannock

Wild Salmon

Tourtière

Smores