The Canadian Rockies are a trip of a lifetime – everywhere you look you will be captivated by beautiful mountains, lakes and scenery. I grew up living 4 hours from the Rockies, and so I’ve put together my best Canadian Rockies travel tips to help you plan your trip to this stunning region.
Canadian Rockies Travel Guide
Places to go in the Canadian Rockies
The Canadian Rockies are HUGE and are made up of a few Canadian National Parks and Provincial Parks.
National Parks of the Canadian Rockies:
- Banff National Park (Alberta)
- Jasper National Park (Alberta)
- Yoho National Park (British Columbia)
- Kootenay National Park (British Columbia)
- Mount Revelstoke National Park (British Columbia)
- Glacier National Park of Canada (British Columbia)
Provincial Parks of the Canadian Rockies:
- Bow Valley Provincial Park – Kananaskis Country (Alberta)
- Mount Robson Provincial Park (British Columbia)
- Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park (British Columbia)
Alberta’s Rocky Mountains have two national parks that are popular to visit: Banff National Park and Jasper National Park.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is home to the Town of Banff and is also the place to go if you want to see the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Banff is definitely the most popular place to visit in the Rockies, but rightfully so!
Read more: Banff National Park Bucket list: Everything to see & do there
Read more: 4 Day Banff Itinerary
Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is home to the Town of Jasper, and is slightly less popular than Banff, but is still quite touristy! Jasper has some awesome hikes to do and is also home to some iconic spots, like Pyramid Lake and Maligne Canyon.
Read more: Jasper National Park Bucket list: Everything to see & do there
Icefields Parkway
The Town of Banff and the Town of Jasper are actually connected by one of the most scenic drives in the world: The Icefields Parkway. It is possible to do this drive in one day, but to make the most out of all of the stops along the way and have time for a hike or two, I would recommend spending at least 2 days if possible! The Icefields Parkway is also the place I have seen the most wildlife during my time in the mountains.
Read more: Best Places to Stop Along the Icefields Parkway
How to Get to the Canadian Rockies
If you’re flying into Canada, the two closest cities to the mountains are Calgary and Edmonton. Vancouver is a bit of a drive, but with enough time it’s doable.
If you fly into Edmonton, Jasper is the closest mountain town. If you’re flying into Calgary, Banff is the closest mountain town. From there, you can visit the other National and Provincial Parks in British Columbia’s Rockies.
Rent a Car
The most popular option (and the best option!) is to rent some sort of vehicle. You can rent a car, SUV, travel van, or motor home to give you the freedom to drive at your own pace through the mountains – something that is so worth it!!
If you have your own vehicle you can stop when you want to (if you see an animal or roadside turnout/viewpoint that looks nice), and you can go where you want to when you want to. If you choose to rent a van or motorhome, this also gives you the option to sleep in your car.
Rental companies:
- Canadream – (allows rentals from Calgary &/or Edmonton) campervan & RV rental company
- Wicked Campers (Based in Calgary) – campervan rental company
- Karma Campervans (Based in Calgary & Vancouver) – campervan rental company
- Rental car info/options at Edmonton International Airport
- Rental car info/options at Calgary International Airport
Take the Bus
There are different shuttle bus options that will take you from the major cities (Edmonton or Calgary) and drop you off in either Jasper or Banff. Once you get to your destination it’ll be up to you to get yourself around, but this is a great option if renting a car is too expensive, but you still want to do your own thing! Public transportation and different shuttles are available once you get to Banff. Public transportation does not exist in Jasper.
*Greyhound bus used to be an option, but unfortunately Greyhound buses are no longer running on this route!
EDMONTON AIRPORT – JASPER
- Sundog Transportation & Tours: $99 CAD one way trip
CALGARY AIRPORT – BANFF
- Brewster Express: $72 CAD one way, $123 CAD roundtrip. Brewster Express also has the options of stopping in Kananaskis, Canmore, Lake Louise, or Jasper, and has transportation options between all of these destinations.
- Discover Banff Tours Shuttle Bus: $72 CAD one way
CALGARY AIRPORT – JASPER
- Brewster Express: $167 CAD one way, $284 CAD round trip (offered in the summertime only)
Join a Tour
If you don’t want to worry about planning your own trip, renting vehicles, finding transportation, etc., you can book an organized tour – they will take you everywhere and plan everything for you!
- Gadventures have a few tours going through Banff, most of them continue on into BC as well.
- Intrepid travel is another popular tour company that offers tours in Canada’s Rockies and a few that continue on into BC.
- Topdeck has a tour that starts and ends in Vancouver, taking you through BC and into the rockies on a 10 day tour, with some day tours included in the price. (~$3,099.00 CAD at the time of writing)
* I have never rented from or used any of these companies, but these are the companies I see around most often when I’m in Banff and Jasper and have heard good things! *
Fees to Enter Banff and Jasper National Park
Canada has fees to enter their National Parks. If you are on a tour, your company should handle the fees for the park, but if you are driving a vehicle into the National Park and parking, you must display your park pass in the windshield at all times. If you don’t, you are putting yourself at risk for a fine!
Daily fees are charged per person/group, per day.
A Parks Canada Discovery Pass allows you to visit any Canadian National Park and is valid for 1 year.
Where do I buy a National Park Pass?
When you arrive at the entrance to any National Park, there will be a toll booth that you have to pass through. These booths will have a Parks Canada member and they will help you figure out what pass to buy for your stay in the park.
You can also pay your admission fees at the visitor center in the Town of either Banff or Jasper.
You can order a discovery pass online in advance, at the toll booths, at the visitor center in the Town of Banff or Jasper, or at any MEC store location (only in bigger cities – Edmonton and Calgary)!
Popular Routes Around Alberta’s Mountains
Most routes tend to go in a circular direction, starting and ending in the same city:
Calgary – Canmore – Banff – Lake Louise – Icefields Parkway – Jasper – Edmonton (or drive back to Calgary the way you came) – Calgary
Edmonton – Jasper – Icefields Parkway – Lake Louise – Banff – Canmore – Calgary – Edmonton
You could work a day trip to Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake while in Banff as well!
Where to Stay in Banff and Jasper
Camping
Camping is a popular accommodation option when staying in Banff and Jasper National Park during the summer months. There are a few different options: backcountry camping and frontcountry camping, and there are reservable sites, or first-come first-serve sites.
Reservable sites for the camping season are usually available to book in January, and they are usually all reserved by February/March. So you do have to book early! Otherwise, you can keep checking back and hope for a cancellation.
First come first serve sites are non-reservable, and you can try to get a spot on the morning of your stay.
Camping in Banff National Park
My favourite campground in Banff is Two Jack Lakeside Campground – but it fills up super fast! Like within minutes of becoming available to book – so act fast!
Find more information on all of the campgrounds in Banff National Park here.
Camping in Jasper National Park
My favourite campground in Jasper is Wapiti Campground, but a lot of the campgrounds in Jasper are pretty similar (in my opinion). Snaring is typically the most popular, but it fills up super fast (I’ve never had the chance to stay here – yet!).
Find more information on all of the campgrounds in Jasper National park here.
Camping on the Icefields Parkway
The campgrounds along the Icefields Parkway are technically located in either Jasper National Park or Banff National Park, so you’ll find information on each campground in the two links above, and most (if not all) are first-come first-serve sites.
My favourite campground along the Parkway is Wilcox Creek Campground (the only downfall being there are no services at this campground!).
Hotel
Staying in a hotel is a more comfortable, but also more expensive choice. When booking hotels, I like to use booking.com because most of their options offer free cancellation up to a certain date before your trip.
Hotels in Banff National Park
It can be pretty expensive to stay within the town of Banff, therefore a popular choice would be to stay in the mountain town just outside of Banff: Canmore. Canmore is a 20 minute drive from the town of Banff, and so it tends to be a little bit cheaper, and still beautiful!
I have only ever stayed at Canalta Lodge in Banff, and highly recommend it! It’s absolutely beautiful, but can be a bit pricey.
For a luxury experience, check out the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Check out booking.com for more hotels in Banff.
Hotels in Canmore:
- The Windtower Lodge & Suites (can get pricey depending on the season, but I’ve seen good prices as well).
- The Rundle Chalets for a more rustic experience.
Check out booking.com for more hotels in Canmore – I usually sort the price low – high when on a budget 🙂
Hotels in Jasper National Park
The only hotel I’ve stayed at while in Jasper is the Astoria Hotel. It was a great price and not bad!
I have also heard good things about:
- The Pocahontas Cabins (they are around 30 minutes out of town)
- The Pyramid Lake Resort.
- Jasper Inn & Suites.
- Check out the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge for a more luxury experience.
Check out booking.com for more hotels in Jasper.
Hotels on the Icefields Parkway
On the Icefields Parkway, there are a few hotels to stay at. Because the Parkway is a famous drive, the hotels along this road can be a bit more expensive! You can stay along the drive, or base yourself in Jasper or Banff/Canmore to explore the parkway. I’ve never stayed at any of these hotels, but a few options are:
- Sunwapta Falls Rocky Mountain Lodge
- The Crossing Resort
- Glacier View Lodge
Hostel
There are hostels in the Rocky Mountains as well! They are most likely cheaper than hotels, but do your research! I have never stayed at a hostel in the national parks, but these are your options!
Hostels in Banff National Park
- Banff International Hostel
- Samesun Banff
- HI-Banff Alpine Centre
- The Canmore Hotel Hostel
Jasper National Park Hostels
- HI-Athabasca Falls
- HI-Maligne Canyon
- HI Jasper
- Jasper Downtown Hostel
- Mt Edith Cavell Wilderness Hostel
Icefields Parkway Hostels
- HI Rampart Creek Wilderness Hostel
- HI Beauty Creek Wilderness Hostel
Getting Around The Rockies
It’s possible to get around without a car, but if you can I would highly recommend traveling by car. It gives you the freedom to go where you want to, when you want to, and spend the amount of time you want to at each place. A lot of public transportation/shuttles don’t go to the hike trailheads, and it can be hard to find a tour that will take you to all of the highlights. Nonetheless, you can still enjoy your trip without a vehicle!
Local bus
The local bus is a great and cost efficient way to get around if you don’t have access to a car.
Banff National Park
In the Banff area, you can use the local bus to get between & around the Towns of Banff and Canmore. You can also get to some of the popular attractions using the regional routes these buses offer (Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon). The local bus is called Roam!
Find more information on the Banff Local bus here – routes & fares.
Jasper National Park
There is no true local bus in Jasper!
Icefields Parkway
There is no local bus along the icefields parkway.
Tour/shuttle
A tour or shuttle bus can get you around as well, and you’ll have the pro of not having to worry about finding a seat or where to get on/off of the bus. However, some shuttles may not stop at all highlights/viewpoints or where you want them to.
Banff National Park Shuttles and Tours
Banff has a new hop on-hop off bus service that takes you to a few highlights in the area, with onboard hosts you can ask any questions you may have. It only runs in the spring/summer/fall months, so, unfortunately, it’s not an option for winter travel. This bus also gives you the freedom to spend as much time as you want at each location.
There are other shuttles available check out Sundog Tours and look at either summer or winter (depending on the season you’re planning to visit). Also, check out Brewster Express to get between hotspots.
Jasper National Park Shuttles and Tours
Sundog Tours and Brewster Express as mentioned above has a few options in the Jasper area.
Maligne Adventures has a shuttle between Jasper and Maligne Lake.
If you’re skiing/snowboarding, there is a shuttle bus between Jasper and Marmot Basin.
Icefields Parkway Shuttles and Tours
Sundog Tours and Brewster Express has a few shuttle/tour options to get between Banff and Jasper along the Parkway.
Tour operators such as Gadventures have the Icefields Parkway worked into larger trips within Canada’s Rockies.
Drive yourself if you have access to a vehicle!
Most areas of the National Parks are only accessible by car. It’s unfortunate, but if you can afford a rental or have your own vehicle, you will definitely have the most freedom! I highly highly recommend renting your own car.
Note – if driving the Icefields Parkway, make sure to gas up at either Jasper or Banff Town, because there is only one gas station on the entire Parkway and it tends to be crazy expensive!
The Canadian Rockies are a trip of a lifetime – everywhere you look you will be captivated by beautiful mountains, lakes and scenery. I grew up living 4 hours from the Rockies, and so I’ve put together my best Canadian Rockies travel tips to help you plan your trip to this stunning region.
The Canadian Rockies are HUGE and are made up of a few Canadian National Parks and Provincial Parks.
National Parks of the Canadian Rockies:
- Banff National Park (Alberta)
- Jasper National Park (Alberta)
- Yoho National Park (British Columbia)
- Kootenay National Park (British Columbia)
- Mount Revelstoke National Park (British Columbia)
- Glacier National Park of Canada (British Columbia)
Another Canadian Rockies National Park is Waterton National Park in Southern Alberta. Waterton is quite separate from all of the other National and Provincial Parks listed!
Provincial Parks of the Canadian Rockies:
- Bow Valley Provincial Park – Kananaskis Country (Alberta)
- Mount Robson Provincial Park (British Columbia)
- Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park (British Columbia)
Canadian Rockies Travel Tips
1. There are Park Fees for All Canadian National Parks
There are park fees for all Canadian National Parks and some Provincial Parks in the Rockies. Rates vary depending on how long you are staying in the park.
You can purchase your park pass at the toll booths when first arriving to any National Park via car. If you’re arriving via tour bus, check with your tour provider as they may include the cost in your tour.
The Kananaskis Area also requires a pass, the Kananaskis Conservation Pass, for any vehicles stopping in the area. This is separate from the National Park Pass and therefore must be purchased separately. Make sure to do this beforehand (it can be done online, in advance), as there is limited cell service/data in the Kananaskis region.
2. Camping Fills Up Fast
If you’re planning to camp in the Canadian Rockies, it’s best to book in advance, and when camping reservations first open. Reservations open sometime in January – March, it changes each year!
If you’re not able to secure a site for the dates you want, there are a lot of “first come first serve” campsites/campgrounds that are not available for reservation. They do fill up though, so make sure you get there early the day that you want the site.
3. Go Early to Try to Avoid the Crowds
Popular places, such as Lake Louise and Johnston Canyon, become incredibly busy during the day and are popular year round. If you want to try to avoid the crowds, the only thing you can really do is to get up early and try to get to these popular places first.
It can even be hard to find parking in some of these locations if you arrive in the middle of the day. So plan to do the more popular places earlier in the day, or try in the evening as well.
This is especially true if you are looking to get photos with as few people as possible in them, or if you are planning to do some of the more popular hikes. Hiking with less of a crowd is typically more enjoyable!
Some popular places in the Canadian Rockies that are very busy include the Lake Louise Lake Agnes Teahouse hike, Johnston Canyon hike, Valley of the 5 Lakes, and iconic lookout points such as Peyto Lake or Lake Louise.
4. If You Want Beautiful Lakes and Green Trees, Plan Your Trip for Summer (the later in the season, the bluer the lake)
A lot of people actually don’t consider this when planning their trip – but the seasons in the mountains do vary! If you want the sunny days and blue lakes, you have to plan your trip between mid-late June – early September.
The reason some lakes are so blue is due to run-off from glaciers. The later in the summer it is, the more time the sediment from run off has had to get into the lakes, and the bluer they are (although the lakes are beautiful all summer long).
The Rockies by season:
- Spring can still be cold and snowy in the mountains (April – early June).
- September – October the leaves change for fall, and near the middle to end of September you are at risk for snowfall!
- Winter is usually middle/late September to around early April in the Rockies.
- Summer is for blue likes and incredible hiking, which runs mid-late June to early September.
The weather can be pretty unpredictable in the mountains, so be prepared for at least one cold day during your trip because it is possible!
5. You Need a Fire Permit if Camping
Usually, when booking a front country campsite online you have to pay for a fire permit if your site has a fire pit, even if you don’t want to have a fire (but it can vary between region). Be sure to factor this into your budget when planning a camping trip to the Canadian Rockies.
In the summer there is a risk of forest fires, which means campfires may be banned and the air can be potentially super smoky. If there is a fire ban, permit costs are typically reimbursed by Parks Canada.
Read more: Banff Bucket List | Jasper Bucket List
6. Don’t Bring Your Own Firewood
The price you pay for your fire permit includes the cost of firewood in most Canadian National Parks. Banff and Jasper National Park don’t want you to bring your own wood into the park, because of the risk of pests such as the Mountain Pine Beetle. In order to keep the parks healthy, you have access to unlimited firewood, which is usually at the entrance of your campsite!
Provincial Parks (such as Kananaskis) typically don’t provide firewood.
7. There’s a Chance for a Fire Ban or Smoke During the Summer
I swear half the time I go camping there is a fire ban happening, which means no fires are allowed within the National Parks. Signs will be posted throughout the National Parks, and campground rangers should let you know upon arrival as well.
Be prepared that this could happen during your trip, and could cause the air to look and smell smoky!
If you did pay for a fire permit before arriving, you should get the payment back if there is a fire ban.
There is a huge fine if you have a fire during a fire ban, so just don’t do it. If you have access to a propane gas fire pit then this is usually aloud, but double check with the rangers before lighting it!
8. The Best Hiking is July – September
It is very possible for snow to linger into the month of June in the mountains, and for this reason, some hiking trails can still be closed or knee-deep in snow until it melts in July! By the time July rolls around, most (if not all) of the snow will be melted, trails less muddy, beautiful green leaves will be on the trees and the weather will be mostly warm. Wildflowers will also start to bloom in July.
In mid-September the larch trees will start to turn yellow, which makes for incredible fall hiking as well!
9. Winter Can Get Cold!
You need to pack at least a toque, gloves, warm socks, a warm jacket, and multiple layers if you want to stay warm in the Canadian Rockies during the winter.
It snows in the winter (and sometimes in the fall and spring) with the weather possibly dropping to -30 C or colder!
10. The Roads Can be Very Icy in the Winter
If you rent a car please be careful when driving! The mountain roads can be twisty and icy. Take your time and be aware when driving. Please know some roads require winter tires and/or chains on your car (like the Icefields Parkway – the road between Banff and Jasper).
It’s also normal for roads to sometimes close due to risk of avalanche, so always have a back-up plan and emergency supplies in your vehicle.
11. Moraine Lake Closes in the Winter
The road to Moraine Lake closes usually mid-October until the middle of May, because of the risk of avalanches. So if you’re planning your trip around this time, you may not be able to see this stunning lake.
New in 2023, personal vehicles are not allowed on the road to Moraine Lake. If you want to visit, make sure to book your ride in advance.
12. Be Bear Safe
You will see garbage cans everywhere in the Canadian Rockies that are bear proof – please use these! If you don’t find one right away, carry your garbage with you until you can dispose of it properly.
Keep your campsite and picnic areas clean. Keep your garbage cleaned up and food locked up in your car or in the food lockers that are provided at the campsite (or sometimes suspended in the trees).
Make sure to keep anything scented locked away as well. Park rangers monitor this closely, and will not tolerate it if you are not following the rules!
It is also important to be aware of bears when you are hiking in the Rockies. Always hike in a group, and carry bear spray (you can usually buy or rent bear spray in towns upon arrival).
Here is more information for being bear aware in the Canadian Rockies:
13. Respect the Wildlife
There is a ton of wildlife within the Canadian Rockies, including grizzly bears, cougars, black bears, elk, moose, billygoats, bighorn sheep, and more! If you do see animals while driving, remember to keep your distance. They are wild animals and are unpredictable. Do not approach them just to get a photo! Take your pictures from a distance and respect their space. If you see a bear, stay in your car!
I typically see most wildlife along the Icefields Parkway, between the towns of Banff and Jasper. Elk do frequently go into the towns as well!
Keep Reading: How to be a Responsible Traveler in the Rockies and Leave No Trace
14. Gas Stations Can Be Limited
Pay attention to your gas tank if you are driving in the Rockies, especially if you are driving along the Icefields Parkway (there is one gas station on the Parkway).
Gas stations can be few and far between. There are some gas stations in the mountain towns (Banff, Canmore, Revelstoke, Golden, Jasper), but not a lot elsewhere.
The gas in Lake Louise and at The Crossing on the Icefields Parkway is usually a lot more expensive because if you need gas you don’t really have any other option but to fill up there!
Additional Resources for the Canadian Rockies:
Banff Now – For real time information on parking/traffic in specific areas
Trail Conditions – Information about the difficulty level of hiking trails, and the conditions each trail is in
The Rocky Mountains are incredible. Hopefully, this guide for planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies helps you plan your trip or inspires you to visit!
Find me on: Instagram | Pinterest
Keep Reading About the Rockies:
- Tips to Visit Banff National Park on a Budget
- Cycling the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff
- How to Get to Spirit Island in Jasper National Park
- 16 Easy Hikes Near Banff
Hey! I’m Kat. Based in Alberta, Canada I love to travel to the Rockies and explore new places around the world. Follow along on my adventures and find inspiration and tips for your own travels.
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