Canadian Rockies | Canada's Alberta

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.

At a glance

West Alberta
Key City: Banff & Lake Louise
137 km (83 mi) from Calgary International Airport
Canadian Rockies Webcam
Banff & Lake Louise Tourism
Tourism Jasper
Tourism Canmore Kananaskis

Jewel-coloured lakes

The Canadian Rockies are famous for their vibrant blue and green lakes, caused by glacial silt particles that reflect the sunlight. Come here, and you’ll see why so many people still believe the playful rumour that the lakes are drained and painted annually.

Glacier country

The Canadian Rockies are home to more than 2,000 glaciers, including the much-loved Athabasca Glacier in the Columbia Icefield. These ancient formations are geological wonders and poignant reminders of past eras.

Legendary stays

Sometimes called a castle, the famous Banff Springs Hotel is a destination in its own right, offering a luxurious oasis in wild and spectacular surroundings. Its sister Fairmont hotels in Lake Louise and Jasper are similarly historic—but entirely unique.

Canada’s original national park

In 1887, Banff National Park was the first area of the country to be named a national park. The goal was to protect and preserve its spectacular natural features and wildlife. Nearly 100 years later in 1984, the park became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

There’s no right or wrong way to experience the Canadian Rockies. Just fill your lungs with mountain air and engage all your senses.

Hike in forests, through meadows and along ridges. Every season is the right season to visit.

Couple looking out onto Spirit Island at a viewpoint — Embrace silence at Spirit Island.

Sled Dogs on Spray Lakes — Mush through the mountains.

Skier in fresh powder at a steep angle, mountains in the background, skiing at Lake Louise Ski Resort in Banff National Park

Carve champagne powder at world-class ski resorts.

Featured attractions

Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tours

Canmore's Snowy Owl Tours offers exceptional dog sledding experiences in the front ranges of the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. Try the two-hour Powder Hound Express, which teaches you how to mush your own team of huskies before setting off on a high-flying adventure in Kananaskis Country.

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Group of people at the viewing platform with views of the mountains at Lake Louise Resort in Banff National Park

Lake Louise Gondola

Ascend to one of Banff National Park’s most incredible views where grizzly bears and other local wildlife are seen almost daily. From the top, at 2,088m (6,850ft) the gondola ride is only the start of your adventure. Make your way to the viewing platform for a panoramic view that will take your breath away.

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A skier skiing down intermediate runs under the chairlift, at Sunshine Village in Banff National Park

Sunshine Village Ski & 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 B.C. at the same time.

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Kananaskis Nordic Spa

Set within the elements, this alpine sanctuary spans 50,000 sq. ft. of contemporary indoor-outdoor space. Kananaskis Nordic Spa features three outdoor pools, four steam and sauna cabins, and an exfoliation room.

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