The Rockies

Banff

Banff is one of the most stunning villages and national parks in Canada. It boasts mesmerising mountain scenery, epic hiking trails, and picturesque camping grounds and accommodation. Its most notable attractions are for sure its mountain lakes, which can be found throughout Banff National park. Most notably is its Lake Louise, which boasts the most impressive coloured water, and is best viewed while taking a hike around its Louise Lakeshore Trail.

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Banff is also one of the most popular holiday destinations due to its solid skiing options.  From views, diversity of runs and size of crowds. Banff is often considered one of the best places to SKi in North America.

 

Despite most of the rockies dienfelty not being the most regarded destination in terms of nightlife, Banff is definitely the best option out of the other resorts. Especially around winter and summer when large crowds of tourists pour into the village. 

Jasper

Jasper, Canada is one of the biggest reasons to visit Canada in winter! This already spectacular park, and home to the Canadian Rockies totally transforms in winter to some almost fairytale-like winter wonderland.The lakes freeze over, waterfalls turn into magnificent ice sculptures and mountain roads turn into ski slopes! 

 

Jasper possesses many similar amenities to Banff but on a smaller scale. And given that it is a bit farther from everything – the distance from Edmonton to Jasper, and the closest international airport, is 365kms – it attracts those that are looking to get a little further off the beaten path and away from the crowds. It gets full in summer – don’t get us wrong – but it still feels like you can get a piece of it all to yourself.

Getting to the Rockies​

When travelling from the U.K. to Canada fly into either Calgary or Edmonton International airport, based in the province of Alberta. In terms of getting to the mountains. Calgary is the closest, with the town of Banff less than a 2 hour drive away. From the Edmonton airport, it's a 4 hour drive to Jasper or 4.5 hours to Banff. Both Car rental and Bus services are available. 

Getting around the Rockies 

In terms of getting around the Rocky Mountains there are actually numerous options. 

 

Driving is definitely always an option, providing the most freedom as well whilst you're there. Especially in summer when road conditions are a lot better. Allowing you to see all the rocky mountains has to offer. However, it can definitely be difficult to take in the beautiful views whilst driving, Making the next option very appealing.

 

Possibly, the most interesting way to get around for users is on the Rocky Mountaineer. A luxury train that offers some of the best views of the Rocky Mountains, due to its impressive glass viewing platform. However, this definitely the most expensive option, WIth seats ranging from around $150 - $1000. 

 

The Canadian Rockies is also home to the very cool and unique Ice explorer. Which is basically a bus adapted for glacier expeditions, Imagine a blue school bus with tank tracks, very cool. If you want to experience this unique experience, you will get to ride in one if you visit the Athabasca Glacier, one of the most famous glaciers in north america.