Icefields Parkway & Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience – Canadian Rockies Vacations Guide – Banff National Park Email this Page 0.00 avg. rating (0% score) - 0 votes BANFF NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA— Banff and Jasper National Park are two of the worlds most beautiful towns and they are connected by what has often been described as the most scenic highway in the world. The Icefields Parkway is nothing like a highway. Particularly on a clear sunny day, the views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies are to die for. The drive takes about 3 and a half hours most of which is sweeping roads that take you from one stunning sight to another. About 40 minutes short of Jasper , you will come across one of the world’s natural phenomenons – The Columbia Icefield Glacier . The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. It is a glacier that is as deep as the Eiffel Tower is high. It is slowly creeping down the mountain thanks to our old friend global warming but is still nothing short of spectacular. Again a lot depends on what kind of weather you get but if it is clear, it really is a wonderful experience.

You can drive yourself to the base where you will then have to pay to get into specially made buses to take you onto the actual glacier. If you would prefer to go on an organised trip from Banff , Lake Louise or Jasper , Explore Rockies do set trips for $149 for an adult that covers transport and admission to the glacier. Jasper National Park Alberta – Jasper travel, tours and hotels. Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window) Welcome to Jasper National Park! JASPER NATIONAL PARK, established in 1907, is the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies with 10,878 square kilometres of mountain wilderness. Jasper is the wildest of the mountain parks, and contains a superb backcountry trail system as well as the world famous Columbia Icefields, one of the only Icefields in the world accessible by road. It is internationally-renowned for hiking in the park, skiing at Marmot Basin and wildlife viewing, and is home to some of North America's rarest animals, including healthy populations of grizzly bears, moose, caribou and wolves. Featured Cabin Enjoy the Jasper and Banff areas best cabins at Johnston Canyon Resort.

Johnston Canyon Resort is situated just off the scenic Bow Valley Parkway at the base of one of the top attractions in Banff National Park. It is only a short 25-minute scenic drive from the towns of Banff or Lake Louise, Alberta. When you walk outside your private cabin you will feel invigorated by the fresh air and soothing sounds of nature. Accommodations in Waterton Lakes National Park For your next Waterton Lakes National Parks stay, consider resting at the Bayshore Inn or the Waterton Glacier Suites. Conveniently located not too far from the U.S. border, Waterton has a lot of potential for any Canadian Rockies visitor. Check out our selection of Waterton accommodations . Go Horseback Riding in Lake Louise! Blaze the summer trails in Banff National Park or try a winter sleigh ride during the holiday season. See the Canadian Rockies in a whole new light when you embark on a backcountry horseback ride. Book your Canadian Rockies horseback riding trip now! Dogsledding in the Canadian Rockies Allow the adrenaline to take over as you race through the snowy planes in Kananaskis Country. The trained, happy dogs will take you on a personal tour of the Canadian Rockies backcountry.

Book now for the winter dog sledding tours so you don't miss out on the fun! An Adventure in the Canadian Rockies | Keep Exploring Accessibility An Adventure in the Canadian Rockies The Canadian Rockies are, quite simply, spectacular. No photos can truly capture the experience of looking up at a massive rock face, down at a wide canyon, into a turquoise blue lake, or across an ancient glacier. Banff - Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka Places to go The natural wonders of the Canadian Rocky Mountains are protected in a series of incredible parks along Alberta’s western border, including Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Kananaskis Country, and Waterton Lakes National Park. Banff National Park , part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was Canada’s first national park, established in 1885. It continues to draw visitors from around the world. Discover the natural beauty of this mountain paradise on more than 1,000 miles of maintained trails for hiking, cycling and horseback riding. Come back in winter and ski some of the best powder in the world. Here are some top spots. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake The Canadian Rockies are home to some of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

What sets these alpine gems apart is their stunning aquamarine color, a result of the “rock flour” – fine-grained silt – suspended in their glacier-fed waters. Set against a backdrop of magnificent snow-capped peaks, it’s a combination that’s hard to beat. A classic example in Banff National Park is Lake Louise , anchored at one end by the Victoria Glacier and the other by the stately Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Moraine Lake is another beauty, nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Rent canoes or walk the shorelines and be sure to bring your camera. The views are simply stunning. Lake Louise is less than a two-hour drive west of Calgary. From Lake Louise, it’s about an hour and 20 minute drive to Moraine Lake. Makes for a perfect day trip into the park. But we’ll bet you’ll want to stay longer – there’s so much to see and do along the way. Lake Minnewanka Minutes from the town of Banff, Lake Minnewanka is the longest lake in the Canadian Rockies at 13 miles.

Hike or bike the trails along the northern shoreline or take the hour-long interpretive boat cruise to see the lake’s breathtaking beauty from every angle and learn about its fascinating history. For instance, the summer village of Minnewanka Landing, built in 1912, can only be visited by scuba divers as it is now completely submerged. The Aboriginal people that hunted and lived along its shores for as many as 10,000 years named it minn-waki – Lake of the Spirits. Descendants of the elk, mule deer, bighorn sheep, grizzly and black bears that sustained them populate the area today. Cave and Basin National Historic Site Commemorating the 1883 discovery by railway workers of a natural hot spring that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site traces the history of thermal springs used by First Nations for thousands of years before being accidentally discovered by three railway workers in 1883. Take an evening lantern tour through the rock tunnel that leads to the original pool. Spirit Island, Maligne Lake - Credit: Jasper Tourism Jasper National Park shares its southern border with Banff National Park, connected by the famous Icefields Parkway .

Home to the tallest mountains in the Canadian Rockies, sparkling emerald lakes and powerful waterfalls, it is best known for its remnants of the last ice age, with hundreds of ancient glaciers. Here are some park highlights. Columbia Icefield and Glacier Skywalk The Columbia Icefield is the largest remaining icefield in the Rockies covering almost 90 square miles. To experience it first hand, stop in at the Glacier Discovery Centre on the Icefields Parkway and sign up for the Columbia Icefield Glacier Adventure . You’ll board an Ice Explorer – an oversized all-terrain vehicle with huge rubber tires specifically designed to take you right up onto the Athabasca Glacier, the most accessible glacier in North America. Walk out onto ice up to 985 feet thick and drink fresh glacial water. Afterward, your tour will take you to the Glacier Skywalk , a cliff-edge glass-floored observation platform cantilevered 918 feet over the Sunwapta valley. Simply, breathtaking. Athabasca Falls At 75 feet in height, Athabasca Falls isn’t the tallest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies but it is extremely powerful because of the glacial water of the Athabasca River forced though the narrow gorge.

Platforms and walkways where you can safely view and photograph the falls can get slick with the spray so watch your footing and by no means venture beyond the barriers. Located 19 miles south of the town of Jasper, it is accessed from the Icefields Parkway using Highway 93A. There’s plenty of free parking and it’s an easy stroll to the falls. Maligne Canyon More than 160 feet at its deepest, Maligne Canyon is a sight to behold in the summer. It plays home to fossils, waterfalls, unexpected animals and lush plant life. Walk the self-guided interpretive trail crossing the gorge on four different bridges, each with its own unique views. Come back in winter when the temperature drops below freezing and the waterfalls turn to towering walls of iridescent blue ice. Go with a guide, who will supply you with ice cleats and the fascinating geology of this place as you walk the canyon floor. Maligne Lake Take a boat cruise on this gorgeous aquamarine lake and be sure to bring your camera as you’ll visit Spirit Island, one of the most photographed scenes in the world. Hiking and mountain biking trails abound.

Half the fun is getting here – it’s an incredibly scenic 28.5 mile drive from the town of Jasper with lots of opportunities to spot wildlife. Waterton Lakes National Park - Credit: Asymetric/Dustin Parr Waterton Lakes National Park lies just north of the Montana border. Nowhere else in the world will you find a combination of international peace park, biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mountains here rise straight up out of the prairies and are home to an unusual variety of plants and animals. Chances of sighting black bears are more than good, along with bighorn sheep, elk, deer, golden eagles and ground squirrels – and countless species of orchids. You’ll find some of the best hikes here or choose from a number of beautiful scenic drives. Here are some highlights. Upper Waterton Lake Upper Waterton Lake is the deepest lake in the Canadian Rockies. Take the Waterton Shoreline Cruise . Learn about the history and geology of the area and cross the international border to Montana. Red Rock Canyon Red Rock Canyon is a short drive from the village of Waterton through the Blakiston Valley. Drive slowly while you watch for wildlife.

Once you get to the canyon, take the trail around the edges and across the top for perfect views of the unusually colored rock that gives the canyon its name. Once you’ve done the loop you can climb down into the stream bed at the bottom. Bring a picnic lunch – it’s the perfect spot. Cameron Falls Cameron Falls is located right in Waterton, making it one of the most accessible natural attractions in the park. Take the short trail to the top for a better view. Akamina Parkway and Cameron Lake Take another short drive from Waterton, on a winding mountain road along the Cameron Valley to placid Cameron Lake . Perfect place for a picnic and a paddle and a stroll around the lake. Kananaskis Country - Credit: Heli Canada Kananaskis Country is located in the front ranges of the Canadian Rockies, less than an hour west of Calgary. Get ready for 1,643 square miles of provincial parks, recreation areas and wildlands and plenty of outdoor adventures. At the heart of it is the alpine town of Canmore with all the amenities, a flourishing dining scene, shopping, accommodation and a host of seasonal festivals. A network of trails radiate out from the town into what the locals call K-Country.

And there’s lots more hiking and cycling opportunities in the back country. Enjoy an easy float, stand-up paddle boarding or whitewater rafting on the Kananaskis River. Come back in winter for alpine and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and dog sledding. Hiking in the Rockies - Credit: Travel Alberta/George Simhoni Things to do With so many beautiful places to explore, the Canadian Rockies are overflowing with different adventures that will paint a smile on your face and get your adrenaline pumping, year round. Here are just a few ideas. Hiking There are literally thousands of miles of maintained hiking trails to choose from. Whether it’s an easy stroll around a turquoise lake or a multi-day trip through the backcountry, you’ll find trails for all skill levels. Sunshine Meadows in Banff National Park is among the best hiking destinations in Canada. Spot tiny pikas and enjoy the aroma of wildflowers as you make your way up to the beautiful Grizzly Lake. The Valley of Ten Peaks around Moraine Lake and the Stanley Glacier are also popular trails for moderate hikers.

If you’re up for more of a challenge, the Plain of Six Glaciers Trail will bring you through lush forests to gorgeous lakes, stunning glaciers and, believe it or not, to multiple tea houses, over the course of six or seven hours. In Jasper, the Skyline Trail is a multi-day hike across 27 miles of beautiful mountain ranges. For a less strenuous experience, try any of the trails radiating out from Jasper townsite into the Athabasca Valley. For a bucket list experience, take a scenic flight by helicopter. Get a bird’s eye view of the mountain peaks and alight in a pristine valley for a hike through the wildflowers. In winter, give heli-snowshoeing or heli-skiing a try. Mountain Biking in the Rockies - Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka Cycling and mountain biking Many of our alpine trails are tailor made for cycling and mountain biking . Canmore Nordic Centre Provincial Park has over 62 miles of trails you can enjoy at your leisure. Or, for a more lengthy challenge, set off on a four-day bike tour along the Icefields Parkway .

Whitewater rafting The rushing rivers in the Canadian Rockies make for excellent whitewater rafting adventures, from an easy float all the way to Class Five rapids. Favorites include the Kananaskis, Athabasca and Kicking Horse rivers. There are professional outfitters in the towns of Jasper, Banff and Canmore who can tailor an experience to suit your needs, skills, and adrenaline levels. Skiing in the Rockies - Credit: Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka Skiing and snowboarding When the weather gets colder and snow begins to falls, hikers and bikers are replaced by skiers and snowboarders who flock to our mountain park ski resorts for the feather-light powder the Canadian Rocky Mountains are famous for. In Banff National Park you can ski the Big Three: Mt. Norquay (28 runs, 1,650 feet of vertical), Sunshine Village (145+ runs, 3,514 feet vertical) and nearby Lake Louise Ski Resort (145+ runs, 3,250 feet vertical).

In Jasper National Park, Marmot Basin has the highest base elevation in Canada (5,570 feet), and offers 86 runs on 3,000 vertical feet. In Kananaskis Country, you’ll find Nakiska , venue for the 1988 Winter Olympics and home to 71 runs on 2,412 vertical feet. Or try cat skiing virgin runs at Fortress Mountain – no lift lines! Farther south, Castle Mountain Resort is one of our best kept secrets. Of course, the resorts are only one way to tackle the mountains on skis or a board. The Rockies are also home to some of the best backcountry skiing anywhere. Hike in, helicopter in, or stay at a remote lodge, and spend your days knee deep in untouched powder. Ice climbing in the Rockies Ice climbing and ice walks In winter, the gorges of the Canadian Rockies turn into ethereal ice palaces as waterfalls freeze top to bottom in hues of turquoise and blue. Strap on some ice cleats and take a guided tour of a canyon floor on an ice walk or learn to ice climb with a professional guide.

Top spots include Maligne Canyon in Jasper, Johnson Canyon in Banff, and Grotto Canyon in Kananaskis Country. Rocky Mountaineer Train adventures Take off on a train adventure to see the absolute best of the Canadian Rockies. Ride in style on the Rocky Mountaineer and see the mountains from the comfort of a train car. Go places you can't get to by car, like the legendary Spiral Tunnels, blasted through two mountains at the Kicking Horse Pass, and alongside the mighty Fraser River as it thunders through Hell's Gate. Roll over high bridges and past brilliant blue mountain lakes. Listen to the powerful rush of water falling from granite cliffs and through narrow canyons. Spy grizzlies foraging on open slopes or golden eagles catching the updrafts. Stay overnight in iconic mountain lodges and hotels. With the Rocky Mountaineer, the journey is the adventure. Parks Canada - Banff National Park - Banff National Park Banff National Park In the fall of 1883, three Canadian Pacific Railway construction workers stumbled across a cave containing hot springs on the eastern slopes of Alberta's Rocky Mountains.

From that humble beginning was born Banff National Park, Canada's first national park and the world's third. Spanning 6,641 square kilometres (2,564 square miles) of valleys, mountains, glaciers, forests, meadows and rivers, Banff National Park is one of the world's premier destination spots. Banff's National Historic Sites Guided Tours and Activities | Canadian Rockies Vacations Guide - Banff National Park | Page 5 Guided Tours and Activities 1 Comment Yamnuska Mountain Adventures Rock Climbing Yamnuska Mountain Adventures’ rock climbing programs provide a selection of climbs from progressive training for beginners level to advanced. The friendly and experienced instructors are certified guides and leading edge climbers. Individuals, families and groups welcome. 1 Comment Banff Travel Zip Line Tours Take a zip line tour with Banff Travel, and get an incredible rush while taking in some of the best scenery the Canadian Rockies have to offer. Tours take you down 3 dual zip lines bring you down mountain side and across the Kicking Horse River at speeds more than 50 km per hour.

There are also short, guided walks between the lines, allowing you to learn the Canadian Rockies up close, giving you a sense of the local history and ecology. Tours include all necessary safety equipment and qualified guides. Website: Click Here! Leave a comment Banff and Japser National Parks You will be visiting two of Canada’s National Parks that are located within the province of Alberta. The larger map shows the area of Banff National Park and Jasper National Park . Canadian Rockies sightseeing tours travel within these parks to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and into the city of Calgary. Connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks is the most spectacular journey in the world – the Icefields Parkway. Visit the parkway through a virtual tour at or explore the Icefields Parkway on Vacations Canada TV. Experience Canada Sightseeing Tours Choose from multiple departure locations: Banff Tours – Driver and guides in Banff know its surroundings by heart. Take a Banff Tour for thrilling stories about Banff’s early days and views of weathered Hoodoos. Or take a cruise on Lake Minnewanka and hear about Banff National Park’s sunken town. Spend a whole day of exploring the Canadian Rockies on a Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls tour and lunch is included.

This is a great way to see it all in Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake , Emerald Lake, the Natural Rock Bridge, Takakkaw Falls and the Spiral Tunnels. Don’t want to spend the whole day sightseeing? No need to miss Lake Louise and Moraine Lake! Take an afternoon and visit the jewel of the Canadian Rockies; Lake Louise , and the stunning views of Moraine Lake. You don’t want you to miss anything along the way, so look for tours that take the scenic Bow Valley Parkway for best chances to see wildlife. A stop at Johnston Canyon will provide the chance to walk behind a waterfall, and is a good way to cap a fun day. Lake Louise Tours – Are you in Lake Louise, in the midst of Banff National Park and you are enjoying the natural beauty and you wonder whether there is more to see? Well, the answer is yes, and we recommend going into Yoho National Park to walk on a Natural Rock Bridge, see more lakes such as Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake and one of the world’s highest waterfalls: Takakkaw Falls meaning ‘it is wonderful’ in Cree.

Jasper Tours – A visit to Jasper National Park is not complete without a Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island. On your way see Medicine Lake, which disappears in the fall and returns each spring. Discover Maligne Canyon, the deepest and most spectacular of the limestone Gorges in the Canadian Rockies. If you are looking for something a little more exhilarating, take a helicopter tour and see Jasper’s glaciers from high above. There is little doubt this trip will remain a highlight of your Jasper Vacation. If you are afraid of heights, you can still experience a real glacier by taking the Columbia Icefield Tour where you explore the remnants of the last Ice Age. This tour allows you enough time for a hike around the Icefield Centre in Jasper National Park. Looking to explore Banff and Banff National Park? Take a tour to Banff or Lake Louise and admire more than 100 glaciers along the way or see a lake shaped like a fox! Calgary City Tours – Staying in Calgary but want to see the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park? You’ll find there are several tours to Canada’s natural treasures starting in Calgary, Alberta . Daily Beautiful Banff sightseeing tours take you to the places where the story of Banff National Park began.

Included is a ride up the Banff Sightseeing Gondola for an unforgettable 360 degree view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Take a day to explore Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park on the Banff/Lake Louise Tour. See the spectacular Moraine Lake surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. In Banff and Lake Louise, you can see it all on one day! The lake and waterfalls tours not only bring you into Banff but also into Yoho National Park. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Takakkaw Falls, the Natural Rock Bridge and Emerald Lake are just some of the natural beauty you will experience. A Calgary City tour will let you explore Canada’s fastest growing city. You can ride to the top of a 90 meter ski jump at Canada Olympic Park, visit Calgary’s history in Fort Calgary and see it all from the top of the Calgary Tower. Columbia Icefield Tours – Travel back in time on the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience for a true Ice-Age adventure. Walk on a real glacier, taste its fresh water and touch ancient ice. Along the way, you’ll travel along the world-renowned Icefields Parkway.

These tours offers tons of picture stops along the way at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and allows time to board one of the famous Ice Explorers at the one and only Athabasca Glacier. Local tour guides offer sightseeing tours to the Columbia Icefields from Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. To get more information on the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience, please see tours in selected departure locations. 1 Comment Calagary Stampede, Alberta Canadian Rockies Sightseeing Tours now offers day trips and tours from the Canadian Rockies to the world-famous Calgary Stampede and Exhibition. Browse several tours ideas below and you’ll have to plan for events like Chuckwagon races, the Rodeo, the midway (amusement park), concerts, the Grandstand Show and more. This year’s Stampede runs from July 3-12, 2009 – so book early to ensure availability. Calgary Stampede Day Trips For 10 days every July, Calgary is the the place to be for a taste of the Canadian West!

At the Greatest Show on Earth you’ll take in the Stampede Grounds (midway, live entertainment, agriculture & livestock exhibit, and food booths), the Chuckwagon Races, the Grandstand Show and the world-famous Rodeo. These tours include a round-trip transfer between Calgary and Banff / Canmore . Leave a comment Canadian Rockies Sightseeing Tours Established in 1907, Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies and the Athabasca River valley makes a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The town of Jasper is the national park’s commercial center; it is 362 kilometers and approximately 3 1/2 hours west of Edmonton and 290 kilometers north of Banff , Alberta. Jasper National Park is a World Heritage Site and is considered to be one of Canada’s largest and northerly national parks. Mountain sheep, bears, wolves, elk, mountain goats and many other beautiful creatures have called this place home, and many can even be seen while driving through the park. One of the main animal attractions is the mountain goats being attracted to a main silt deposit near the Icefields Parkway.

The goats may provide a great photo opportunity but remember these are wild animals and should never be approached. 1 Comment Columbia Icefield, Banff The Columbia Icefield is located on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks. One of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle, it covers an area of nearly 325 square kilometres. The continuous accumulation of snow feeds eight major glaciers including the Athabasca, Dome, and Stutfield Glaciers, all visible from the Icefields Parkway. This is truly one of the can’t miss parts sights of the Canadian Rockies. See it best with Canadian Rockies tour guides who offer the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience, which includes deluxe motorcoach transportation and sightseeing from various locations including hotels in Banff, Lake Louise, Calgary and Jasper. Columbia Icefield Tour Voyage through the remnants of the last Ice Age and look upon the monuments of rock and ice that remain today. When at the Columbia Icefield, have the experience of a lifetime on the surface of the Athabasca Glacier on specially designed, all-terrain Ice Explorers. The Ice Age meets the Space Age as you learn the natural and human history of this remarkable area.

Columbia Icefield from Calgary Travel into the Rocky Mountains and along one of the world’s most spectacular journeys to the Columbia Icefield. At the Athabasca Glacier, touring companies can take you on a wild ride over the top of the glacier. Columbia Icefield from Jasper Built during the late 1930’s, and then known as the ‘Banff-Jasper Highway’, this road was designed as a tourist route. Construction crews followed an old trail that the Brewster brothers had been using to carry adventureous tourists on horseback along a six-day journey between Lake Louise and Jasper. The Brewster brothers called this route “The Great Glacier Trail”. Columbia Icefield from Jasper Built during the late 1930’s, and then known as the ‘Banff-Jasper Highway’, this road was designed as a tourist route. Construction crews followed an old trail that the Brewster brothers had been using to carry adventureous tourists on horseback along a six-day journey between Lake Louise and Jasper. The Brewster brothers called this route “The Great Glacier Trail”.

Columbia Icefield from Lake Louise Follow the mystical rivers of the mountains: the Mistaya, and the mighty North Saskatchewan to the Columbia Icefield where its meltwater feeds streams and rivers that pour into the Arctic, Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Experience the Ice Explorer ride where you will travel on a moving glacier, touch ancient ice and drink the fresh waters of the glacier. Columbia Icefield from Lake Louise to Banff Follow the mystical rivers of the mountains: the Mistaya, and the mighty North Saskatchewan to the Columbia Icefield where its meltwater feeds streams and rivers that pour into the Arctic, Atlantic and the Pacific oceans. Experience the Ice Explorer ride where you will travel on a moving glacier, touch ancient ice and drink the fresh waters of the glacier. Icefield Glacier Experience The Columbia Icefield is located on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks. One of the largest accumulations of ice and snow south of the Arctic Circle, it covers an area of nearly 325 square kilometres. Facing the Columbia Icefield Visitors’ Centre lies the Athabasca Glacier – a tongue of ice 6 kilometres long and one kilometre wide. Take time for a tour onto the icy slopes of the Athabasca Glacier.

You can travel in a specially 4×4 vehicles to the middle of the glacier, on a 5 kilometre round trip journey. Your driver/guide will explain how glaciers are formed and point out interesting geological features as you travel in safety and comfort. At the mid-point, you will have the option of stepping out onto ice formed from snow falling as long as 400 years ago. After this unique adventure, you can retire to the Columbia Icefield Centre to relax over lunch or dinner and watch the light change over the ancient rock and ice. Leave a comment Banff National Park, Alberta Banff National Park, in the majestic Canadian Rockies, is Canada’s oldest national park, spanning 6,641 square km (2,564 square miles) of protected terrain and encompassing picturesque mountains, glaciers, meadows, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs and a wide array of stunning wild life. Today, the town of Banff is less than 4 sq kilometres and located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a protected area that embodies a natural, serene yet dynamic way of life. Development is carefully managed within the existing footprint of the townsite. The summmer season sees approx 4 million visitors to the area.

However, winter is low season and ski vacations in Banff are very popular with three ski resorts nearby; Ski Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski resort just a short drive from hotels. Nearby Tunnel Mountain is very popular for quick hikes; named Tunnel Mountain because surveyors initially wanted to make a tunnel for the Trans-Canada (Canadian Pacific) Railroad right through the mountain. To get the best out of your time at such an enormous park, you may want to invest in guided tours. It’s way to get out and into the best of the park quickly, without any time wasted wondering where to go or what to do. With Banff tour guides , you get the best guiding from the most knowledgeable people on Banff. Here are some of the tours they offer: Banff Lake Louise Tours For many decades the interest of visitors was based around finding a route to the Pacific Ocean. It was not until the Canadian Pacific Railway pushed through these peaks that people came to stay. Enjoy our stories of the people, geology, and creation of these mountain towns. Banff Sightseeing Gondola Marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff and the Bow Valley in a breathtaking journey to the top of Sulphur Mountain.

You will feel like you’re on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck. Be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as the wind can become quite cool at 2,285 metres above sea level. Calgary Stampede Day Trips For 10 days every July, Calgary is the the place to be for a taste of the Canadian West! At the Greatest Show on Earth you’ll take in the Stampede Grounds (midway, live entertainment, agriculture & livestock exhibit, and food booths), the Chuckwagon Races, the Grandstand Show and the world-famous Rodeo. These tours include a round-trip transfer between Calgary and Banff/Canmore. Columbia Icefield Tours Experience the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roadways in Canada, and one of the most spectacular mountain highways in the world. The Columbia Icefield is the Parkway’s crown jewel, where you venture out onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier in a 4×4 vehicle built for exploring the ice.

Click here for options Helicopter Tours What better way to experience the towering peaks and unrivalled beauty of Western Canada than by experiencing the wonders of the Canadian Rockies, while flying atop glaciers and valleys on a helicopter tour. Whether you fancy heli-hiking, ice-walking or simply an exhilarating ride amidst the majestic mountains, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Don’t forget your camera! Lake Louise and Yoho National Park Tours Begin your journey from beautiful Banff and learn about the natural forces that have shaped the appearance of the lakes and streams found in this area of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy a stop at Moraine Lake before crossing the Great Divide to experience Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge and Takakkaw Falls. Minnewanka Lake Cruise Spend a few hours outside the town of Banff on Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. Enjoy a cruise and experience some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies. Museums and Activities Experience Banff’s culture through the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff Park Museum, the Cave and Basin, Banff Gondola and Lake Minnewanka.

It’s a convenient and economical way to learn about the people, history, wildlife and geology of Banff’s past. Rafting and Float Trips Enjoy a relaxing few hours floating along the Bow River The scenery is fantastic and wildlife, waterfowl, and wildflowers are abundant in the area. Please dress for the weather and remember that warm casual clothing is appropriate for our tours. The temperature can be cool, so we advise you to bring an extra layer – a jacket if it looks breezy and a hat if you are sun-sensitive. Leave a comment Canadian Rockies Sightseeing Tours from Calgary At the foot of the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains glitter the impressive skyscrapers of downtown Calgary. A city where visitors and locals alike enjoy a vibrantly diverse life of dance, theatre, art, musical and sporting entertainment as well as culinary delights to compliment the most discriminating palate. Calgary, considered the ‘Heart of the New West’, is located in south western Alberta, in a region of foothills and high plains. It is the third largest city in Canada and shines with optimism and possibilities for the future. It has many things to offer those who love the city life, as well as the great outdoors, with the Canadian Rockies only an hour away.

Calgary is a cosmopolitan financial centre with first class shopping, theatre, galleries, restaurants, ballet, concerts, dazzling nightlife, jazz festivals and professional hockey. Calgary has been called the showcase city for Canada. The shopping in Calgary is a shopper’s wonderland, as Alberta is the only province in Canada without a provincial sales tax. Here you can find numerous local arts and crafts, handmade by Calgary locals. Calgary City Tours Calgary’s legendary western roots and pioneering spirit are still evident in today’s dynamic city. Highlights include the major historic and modern attractions that Calgary has to offer. 1 Comment Lake Louise, Banff National Park Located 57 kilometres northwest of Banff is Lake Louise , known as the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies.” Lake Louise is set in a small glacial valley, surrounded by some of the most impressive ice-capped mountains Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies have to offer. One of the Canadian Rockies’ best known heritage hotels, the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, is situated grandly at one end of the lake. The small but well-appointed village of Lake Louise offers a range of travel amenities, fabulous dining experiences, local shops and unique accommodations.

This quaint village is the ideal destination to escape the crowds this summer with plenty of recreational activities and sightseeing opportunities to enjoy. Canadian Rockies Map | Canadian Rockies Vacations Guide - Banff National Park Leave a comment Banff and Japser National Parks You will be visiting two of Canada’s National Parks that are located within the province of Alberta. The larger map shows the area of Banff National Park and Jasper National Park . Canadian Rockies sightseeing tours travel within these parks to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper and into the city of Calgary. Connecting Banff and Jasper National Parks is the most spectacular journey in the world – the Icefields Parkway. Visit the parkway through a virtual tour at or explore the Icefields Parkway on Vacations Canada TV. Experience Canada Sightseeing Tours Choose from multiple departure locations: Banff Tours – Driver and guides in Banff know its surroundings by heart. Take a Banff Tour for thrilling stories about Banff’s early days and views of weathered Hoodoos. Or take a cruise on Lake Minnewanka and hear about Banff National Park’s sunken town. Spend a whole day of exploring the Canadian Rockies on a Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls tour and lunch is included.

This is a great way to see it all in Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake , Emerald Lake, the Natural Rock Bridge, Takakkaw Falls and the Spiral Tunnels. Don’t want to spend the whole day sightseeing? No need to miss Lake Louise and Moraine Lake! Take an afternoon and visit the jewel of the Canadian Rockies; Lake Louise , and the stunning views of Moraine Lake. You don’t want you to miss anything along the way, so look for tours that take the scenic Bow Valley Parkway for best chances to see wildlife. A stop at Johnston Canyon will provide the chance to walk behind a waterfall, and is a good way to cap a fun day. Lake Louise Tours – Are you in Lake Louise, in the midst of Banff National Park and you are enjoying the natural beauty and you wonder whether there is more to see? Well, the answer is yes, and we recommend going into Yoho National Park to walk on a Natural Rock Bridge, see more lakes such as Moraine Lake and Emerald Lake and one of the world’s highest waterfalls: Takakkaw Falls meaning ‘it is wonderful’ in Cree.

Jasper Tours – A visit to Jasper National Park is not complete without a Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island. On your way see Medicine Lake, which disappears in the fall and returns each spring. Discover Maligne Canyon, the deepest and most spectacular of the limestone Gorges in the Canadian Rockies. If you are looking for something a little more exhilarating, take a helicopter tour and see Jasper’s glaciers from high above. There is little doubt this trip will remain a highlight of your Jasper Vacation. If you are afraid of heights, you can still experience a real glacier by taking the Columbia Icefield Tour where you explore the remnants of the last Ice Age. This tour allows you enough time for a hike around the Icefield Centre in Jasper National Park. Looking to explore Banff and Banff National Park? Take a tour to Banff or Lake Louise and admire more than 100 glaciers along the way or see a lake shaped like a fox! Calgary City Tours – Staying in Calgary but want to see the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park? You’ll find there are several tours to Canada’s natural treasures starting in Calgary, Alberta . Daily Beautiful Banff sightseeing tours take you to the places where the story of Banff National Park began.

Included is a ride up the Banff Sightseeing Gondola for an unforgettable 360 degree view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Take a day to explore Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in Banff National Park on the Banff/Lake Louise Tour. See the spectacular Moraine Lake surrounded by the Valley of the Ten Peaks. In Banff and Lake Louise, you can see it all on one day! The lake and waterfalls tours not only bring you into Banff but also into Yoho National Park. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Takakkaw Falls, the Natural Rock Bridge and Emerald Lake are just some of the natural beauty you will experience. A Calgary City tour will let you explore Canada’s fastest growing city. You can ride to the top of a 90 meter ski jump at Canada Olympic Park, visit Calgary’s history in Fort Calgary and see it all from the top of the Calgary Tower. Columbia Icefield Tours – Travel back in time on the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience for a true Ice-Age adventure. Walk on a real glacier, taste its fresh water and touch ancient ice. Along the way, you’ll travel along the world-renowned Icefields Parkway.

These tours offers tons of picture stops along the way at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and allows time to board one of the famous Ice Explorers at the one and only Athabasca Glacier. Local tour guides offer sightseeing tours to the Columbia Icefields from Calgary, Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. To get more information on the Columbia Icefield Glacier Experience, please see tours in selected departure locations. Hike, Mountaineer, Discover Banff Sightseeing | Jasper National Park Alberta – Jasper travel, tours and hotels. Tweet Sightseeing: View Banff, Alberta, and the Canadian Rockies From Your Car The sightseeing opportunities around Banff National Park and elsewhere in Alberta Province’s Canadian Rockies never end – even if you prefer high-heels to hiking boots. The town of Banff, for example, is surrounded by the mountains of Banff National Park. To enjoy breathtaking scenery of snow-capped peaks and forested valleys, all you have to do is open the curtains of your hotel room to see incredible views every day of the year.

Bow Valley Parkway, Banff National Park If you take to the road, then those snow-covered peaks of the Canadian Rockies, with their glaciers, lakes, forests and wildlife, are yours for the viewing. That’s what makes Western Canada so special; this natural beauty is accessible to everyone; all you have to do is go look. So don’t forget your camera; picturesque postcard views are around every bend. Lookouts and parking areas are located along park roads, and they provide excellent opportunities for your vacation sightseeing or holiday getaway. Starting from here in the Village of Lake Louise, you could take the Trans Canada Highway south toward Banff town for 60 kilometers, and it is a lovely drive. But an even better option is to take the Bow Valley Parkway, which lies east of the Bow River (the highway lies to the west of it) – this will provide you with a scenic alternative. Or you could head north from Lake Louise, taking the Icefields Parkway, so named because it offers access to the ancient glaciers found in the northern part of the park.

In fact the Icefields Parkway takes you past scenic lakes and rivers all the way until it reaches Jasper, at the center of Jasper National Park Despite the remote wilderness locations and rugged natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies, there are actually several commercial operations in Banff National Park that make sightseeing that much easier for visitors. • Lake Minnewanka: commercial tour boats provide access to Devil’s Gap, where vertical stone walls rise out of this still, 142-meter deep lake which lies northeast of Banff (the western end of the lake is just a few kilometers away from downtown Banff. • Banff Gondola transports visitors from downtown Banff to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where the 360-degree panorama includes all of Banff, the Bow River, and Mount Rundle. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can hike to the top and take the gondola down – or take the gondola up and hike down. • Lake Louise Gondola takes visitors up above the lake, where they can enjoy panoramic views of the nearby mountains and valleys, or walk through flower-filled meadows. Keep your camera handy – grizzly and black bear sightings are not uncommon!

Icefields Parkway, connecting Lake Louise and Jasper Speaking of bears, wildlife viewing is of course a major pastime for Banff National Park visitors and locals alike. We’ve seen deer wandering down the street, and even the occasional black bear. It’s more common to see bears in more remote locations, but sometimes you can spot them nibbling dandelions from your car as you drive the Bow Valley Parkway, for example. Another spot right in town to see wildlife is Sulphur Mountain; hike up to the top or take the gondola and you are likely to see bighorn sheep. Share this:

Question: Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, which are connected by the Icefields Parkway, are in which Canadian province?
Answer: Alberta