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.
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THE ROCKIES
TRAVEL IN THE ROCKIES
If you love adventure, the great outdoors and a little bit of luxury, the Rocky Mountains of Canada are calling your name. From its amazing lodges, restaurants and national parks, enjoy the best of the Rockies with Contiki.
The Canadian Rockies are a mountain range spans across the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. This stunning region is jam-packed with alpine lakes, diverse wildlife and outdoor recreation sites. Dive straight into the adventure of a lifetime by exploring the breadth of this beautiful place.
Enjoy working your way through all the National Parks of the Rockies. Start with the Yoho National Park, home to the massive Takakkaw Falls and the beautiful Lake O’Hara. The perfect place to explore during the summer, make the most of the warm weather by hiking and camping around this turquoise lake. If you’re planning a trip to the Jasper National Park, do it in wintertime. This amazing spot is home to the Columbia Icefield; a massive ice expanse that can only be crossed using special ice buses. Voyage over this frozen lake to get to the famous Athabasca Glacier, which is thousands of years old.
Of course, you’ll want to head to Banff to check out Lake Louise. One of the hot-spots of the Rockies, its snow-capped mountains, pine forests and glacier-fed waters are the stuff dreams are made of. But don’t be in a hurry to leave too quickly – Banff is actually one of the biggest cultural hubs of the Rockies. This charming town is full of spirit and life, playing host to some of the biggest events on the Rockies calendar. From the Canadian Rockies Cowboy Festival to the Banff Festival of Mountain Films and the annual Santa Claus Parade, this little town brings the good vibes.
Full of nature, food and good times, you’ll enjoy every second of your trip to the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
FAST FACTS
Language: English
Currency: CA Dollar
Electricity: 110V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Canada.
Dialing Code: +1
Time Zone: (GMT -06:00)ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about ContikiTHINGS TO DO IN THE ROCKIES
Fish at one of the Banff’s many beautiful lakes
Dive into the Banff’s Upper Hot Springs
Nestled in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, stay warm in the cool climate at the Banff Upper 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 well-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 breath-taking 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.
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN THE ROCKIES
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 breath-taking 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.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS AND GALLERIES IN THE ROCKIES
What might seem like just an outdoor adventure park, the Canadian Rockies have so much more to offer than hiking trials and beautiful views. Learn about the history of this part of the world, including the stories of the local indigenous populations, at some of the Rockies’ best museums.
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.
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FOOD IN THE ROCKIES
Poutine
A combination of hand-cut French fries, fresh cheese curds and well-seasoned gravy, poutine is a delicious, gooey mess. A staple of Quebec, poutine has become one of the most iconic Canadian dishes. Grab a serve from Elk & Oarsman Kitchen & Bar in the Rockies.
Best eaten at - Elk & Oarsman Kitchen & Bar, 119 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1B6
Bannock
Having been a staple for the Indigenous peoples of Canada for thousands of years, bannock is now enjoyed by all. This flat bread was once made on fire pits but is now oven-baked or pan-fried. Made using flour, sugar, salt, yeast and water, bannock is the perfect accompaniment to bity Canadian cheeses.
Best eaten at - Syrahs of Jasper, 606 Patricia St, Jasper, AB T0E 1E0
Wild Salmon
Found all over British Columbia, wild salmon is a staple of the Canadian Rockies. You best bet the locals have a million-and-one different ways of cooking it, too. Grilled, poached, hot and cold smoked, each way is as delicious as the next. Try the Maple Leaf’s Asian-inspired rendition of grilled salmon served with pickled ginger and wasabi hoisin sauce.
Best eaten at - The Maple Leaf, 137 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T1L 1C8
Tourtière
Another great Quebecoise contribution to the Canadian culinary scene, tourtière is a winter favourite. Minced pork and wild game are flavoured with clove, cinnamon and allspice before being wrapped in golden, crusty pastry, this hearty pie is the ultimate comfort food.
Best eaten at - The Bison Restaurant, 211 Bear Street, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1E4
Smores
Can you have a bonfire in the mountains without smores? This indulgent Canadian treat is made by roasting a marshmallow over a fire and sandwiching it between two Graham crackers with a piece of chocolate. The heat of the marshmallow melts the chocolate and turns it into a gooey cookie sandwich.
Best eaten at - Fairmont Banff Springs, 405 Spray Avenue, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta T1L 1J4
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