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Region known for:
  • Towering mountains
  • Jewel-toned lakes
  • Evergreen forests

Whether it’s a massive peak, a groomed run or a delicate wildflower, the Canadian Rockies will take your breath away again and again. Formed when continents collided, this is a place for adventure, discovery and serenity—sometimes all at once.

  • Key City: Banff & Lake Louise
  • Don't miss: Spirit Island, Jasper National Park
  • Claim to fame: Banff, Canada’s oldest national park

Canadian Rockies Highlights

Person sitting on rocks overlooking the mountain view at Moraine Lake

Jewel-coloured lakes

The Canadian Rockies are dotted with vibrant blue and green lakes. The shocking hues come from sunlight reflecting off particles of glacial silt (AKA "rock flour"). Come see why so many people believe the playful rumour the lakes are drained and painted annually.

Family getting of a bus on the Columbia Icefield Glacier tour

Glacier country

More than 2,000 glaciers move at a truly glacial pace through here. This includes the Athabasca Glacier, which you can explore in your own snow boots via a guide. These geological wonders are poignant reminders of the importance of sustainable travel.

Woman looking out at the vantage point of the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff National Park.

Legendary stays

Three historic, castle-like hotels in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper offer luxury in wild and spectacular surroundings. If you prefer to get closer to nature, book a cozy alpine cabin, lodge or a glamping dome with an open view to the skies.

A couple bathe in a nordic pool at Everwild Canmore - Nordic Spa & Hotel.
The bridge at Cascade Ponds in Banff National Park with mountains in the background.
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Couple at Fairview lookout looking over Lake Louise and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Northern Lights over Patricia Lake
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A single rider with guide mountain biking through trails with Outbound Elements.
A man snowboards at Marmot Basin.

Things to do in the Canadian Rockies

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Suggested itineraries

A couple paddles across the turquoise waters of Lake Louise.
8 days
Canadian Rockies & Urban Highlights

A scenic road trip pairing the Canadian Rockies with the best of Alberta's big cities, from vibrant downtowns to mountain peaks and glacial lakes.

Scenic exterior shot of Brewsters Glacier Skywalk in the Icefields Parkway
4 days
Jewels of Jasper

Soak up the jewels of Canada's Jasper National Park—soaring tram views, thundering waterfalls, a vast icefield and steaming mineral hot springs.

View all road trips & itineraries

Nearby cities to explore

A pano shot of two hikers overlooking the view of Banff from Tunnel Mountian.

Banff & Lake Louise

Banff & Lake Louise
Two people in a red canoe on Spray Lakes, surrounded by the Rocky Mountains at sunset.

Canmore & Kananaskis

Canmore & Kananaskis
A woman dives off a dock into Fisherman's Bay at Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park.

Jasper

Jasper