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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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Couple riding fat bikes out at Baker Creek Cabins.
A man snowboards at Marmot Basin.

Highlighted attractions

Two people standing around an outdoor fire while one smiles and pets a Husky after a dog sled adventure in the winter mountains.

Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

Nothing compares to the rush of speeding down a snowy trail behind a team of eager sled dogs. Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours has given visitors to Canmore this incredible feeling since 1981.

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Couple on a gondola with Lake Louise in the background

Lake Louise Gondola

Get a bird’s-eye view of the Rocky Mountains without all the effort of flapping your wings. The Lake Louise Gondola offers sightseers some sights they won’t soon forget.

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Skiers in bright jackets go spring Skiing at Sunshine Village

Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort

Home to Canada’s Best Snow and three sprawling mountains that provide distinct, uninterrupted views, Banff Sunshine Village sits on the continental divide allowing you to ski and snowboard in both Alberta and BC at the same time.

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Suggested itineraries

A skier carving and skiing down an intermediate run, under the chairlift, at Banff Sunshine Village.
9 days
Alberta Ski Itinerary

Get ready for an unforgettable Alberta ski itinerary that takes you to the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Choose your adventure: Carve fresh tracks at Mt. Norquay, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort or Marmot Basin in Jasper National Park. Along the way, explore charming mountain towns, soak in natural hot springs, and experience winter adventures like dog sledding and ice walks.

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

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Jasper on this four-day road trip. Experience breath-taking views on foot, on raft, by car and by motorcycle.

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Nearby cities to explore

An idyllic winter moment on Banff Avenue at dusk, with shops lining either side of a street that seems to lead toward a mountain.

Banff & Lake Louise

Banff & Lake Louise
An indigenous An ice fishing guide leads a young family while they trek across the frozen lake looking for an ice fishing spot near Canmore in Kananaskis Country on snowshoes.

Canmore & Kananaskis

Canmore & Kananaskis

Jasper

Jasper