The Sights & Attractions of the Canadian Rockies
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Canadian Rockies, Canada.
There is no question that the Canadian Rocky Mountains' biggest draw is their sublime natural beauty. Striking mountain peaks, crystal-blue lakes and monumental glaciers are plentiful throughout the region. The vast majority of the Canadian Rockies fall within the boundaries of provincial and national parks, allowing visitors access to many sights and attractions while protecting against human exploitation.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Whether travelling from afar or merely getting out of Calgary for the day, Banff National Park is an exciting escape for all nature enthusiasts. Hikers and climbers flock to the park to scale the peaks of Castle Mountain, Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain and numerous others. The stunning waters of the plentiful glacial lakes—including the world-famous Lake Louise—draw canoe and kayak aficionados from near and far. During winter top rate ski resorts open. Sunshine Village Ski Resort and Lake Louise Mountain Resort are two of the biggest that the area has to offer.
It isn't just the great outdoors that make this national park such a gem. The alpine towns of Banff and Lake Louise are just as big an attraction as the nature that surrounds them. Take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or rest tired legs after hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
The largest of the parks found in the Rocky Mountains is Jasper National Park. Like Banff—and the rest of the Rockies for that matter—stunning mountain scenery, turquoise lakes and flourishing wildlife are Jasper's biggest draws. Maligne and Peyto lakes remain favourites for hikers and boaters alike. Another worthwhile attraction is the Columbia Icefield. Accessible via the Icefields Parkway, this field feeds eight major glaciers and is bordered by some of the tallest peaks in the region.
No trip to this national park is complete without a stop in the charming town of Jasper, home to attractions like the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Jasper the Bear.
KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK
Though much smaller than the aforementioned park, Kootenay National Park offers visitors a plethora of attractions. Located just inside the park border is the largest hot springs facility in Canada, Radium Hot Springs—the perfect place to enjoy stunning views of Sinclair Canyon and the wildlife that calls it home.
There is plenty to do just outside the borders of the park as well. Lake Windermere is a haven for boating enthusiasts, offering an unbelievable setting for all water sports, while Panorama Mountain Village boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in British Columbia.
YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Yoho National Park may be relatively small in size but it has far from a small reputation. In fact, it is home to one of the most important fossil formations in the world, the Burgess Shale Fossil Bed. Visitors can take guided hikes to this site to see the world-famous fossils up close. Another attraction that greatly contributes to the park's renowned reputation is the breathtaking Emerald Lake. This gem is surrounded by mountains of the President Range, as well as Wapta Mountain and Mount Burgess, a frequently scaled peak.
Not far outside the park's boundaries, located roughly halfway between Yoho and Glacier national parks, is the town of Golden, a British Columbia favourite for its close proximity to hiking trails, white-water rafting and the Kicking Horse Resort. Golden is also home to Edelweiss Village and one of Canada's longest single-span, timber-frame pedestrian bridges.
WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Prairies and mountains meet in Waterton Lakes National Park, the southernmost park in the Rocky Mountains. Bordering Montana's Glacier National Park, the two combine to form the first International Peace Park. The Waterton townsite boasts easy access to all the natural attractions this park has to offer.
A trip to the Waterton area is never complete without a visit to the stunning Waterton Lakes Chain and the Prince of Wales Hotel that overlooks it. Built in 1927, the charming hotel is now recognized as a National Historic Site. The nearby Red Rock Canyon features magnificent hiking trails that continue to impress those of all skill levels.
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
Whether travelling from afar or merely getting out of Calgary for the day, Banff National Park is an exciting escape for all nature enthusiasts. Hikers and climbers flock to the park to scale the peaks of Castle Mountain, Mount Rundle, Cascade Mountain and numerous others. The stunning waters of the plentiful glacial lakes—including the world-famous Lake Louise—draw canoe and kayak aficionados from near and far. During winter top rate ski resorts open. Sunshine Village Ski Resort and Lake Louise Mountain Resort are two of the biggest that the area has to offer.
It isn't just the great outdoors that make this national park such a gem. The alpine towns of Banff and Lake Louise are just as big an attraction as the nature that surrounds them. Take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, or rest tired legs after hiking to the Lake Agnes Tea House.
JASPER NATIONAL PARK
The largest of the parks found in the Rocky Mountains is Jasper National Park. Like Banff—and the rest of the Rockies for that matter—stunning mountain scenery, turquoise lakes and flourishing wildlife are Jasper's biggest draws. Maligne and Peyto lakes remain favourites for hikers and boaters alike. Another worthwhile attraction is the Columbia Icefield. Accessible via the Icefields Parkway, this field feeds eight major glaciers and is bordered by some of the tallest peaks in the region.
No trip to this national park is complete without a stop in the charming town of Jasper, home to attractions like the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Jasper the Bear.
KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK
Though much smaller than the aforementioned park, Kootenay National Park offers visitors a plethora of attractions. Located just inside the park border is the largest hot springs facility in Canada, Radium Hot Springs—the perfect place to enjoy stunning views of Sinclair Canyon and the wildlife that calls it home.
There is plenty to do just outside the borders of the park as well. Lake Windermere is a haven for boating enthusiasts, offering an unbelievable setting for all water sports, while Panorama Mountain Village boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding in British Columbia.
YOHO NATIONAL PARK
Yoho National Park may be relatively small in size but it has far from a small reputation. In fact, it is home to one of the most important fossil formations in the world, the Burgess Shale Fossil Bed. Visitors can take guided hikes to this site to see the world-famous fossils up close. Another attraction that greatly contributes to the park's renowned reputation is the breathtaking Emerald Lake. This gem is surrounded by mountains of the President Range, as well as Wapta Mountain and Mount Burgess, a frequently scaled peak.
Not far outside the park's boundaries, located roughly halfway between Yoho and Glacier national parks, is the town of Golden, a British Columbia favourite for its close proximity to hiking trails, white-water rafting and the Kicking Horse Resort. Golden is also home to Edelweiss Village and one of Canada's longest single-span, timber-frame pedestrian bridges.
WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK
Prairies and mountains meet in Waterton Lakes National Park, the southernmost park in the Rocky Mountains. Bordering Montana's Glacier National Park, the two combine to form the first International Peace Park. The Waterton townsite boasts easy access to all the natural attractions this park has to offer.
A trip to the Waterton area is never complete without a visit to the stunning Waterton Lakes Chain and the Prince of Wales Hotel that overlooks it. Built in 1927, the charming hotel is now recognized as a National Historic Site. The nearby Red Rock Canyon features magnificent hiking trails that continue to impress those of all skill levels.
4.5 Star Hotel
Banff Shopping
Cascade Plaza - Downtown Banff
Over 50 shops and services, Banff's only food court and Canadian Ski Museum West!
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Hunting on Horseback
