Our detailed guide to the Canadian Rockies will help you plan your trip. Look out for wildlife, which can include bears, moose, eagles, ospreys, and mountain sheep. Do a Glacier Walk Take an Athabasca Glacier Tour where you can walk on and drink from the 10,000 year old sheet of ice. for a slight discount. If youre not in a rush to return to Vancouver, pick up freshly baked cinnamon buns at The Lake Village Bakery in Osoyoos, then stop at the NkMip Desert Cultural Centre or take a morning stroll along Lake Osoyoos. Wapiti is located next to the Athabasca river and offers gorgeous views of the mountains. In this part of the itinerary, weve laid out all of your options for places to stop and things to do along the Icefields Parkway. 99), a scenic route between the mountains and the ocean that leads to the resort town of Whistler. Luckily, theyre not too expensive and once you buy one, you can just replace the batteries forever and ever (until the bulbs physically burn out). Waterfalls, wildlife and wilderness draw people to Wells Gray Park. Victoria, Vancouver & the Canadian Rockies. Youll drive the short distance to Banff National Park, explore the Banff Town area, eat a delightful dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Banff, and end the night with some stargazing if its clear outside! Trans Canada Highway (Hwy #1),east of Golden, will have extended, 24-hour closures starting June 1, 2022. Whether youre hiking, rafting, or driving, youll definitely want some snacks to carry with you. 11 Days Private Golden Triangle with Spiritual tour. Today is free to explore the charming city of Victoria. To keep my feet warm and dry during day hikes, I have a cozy pair of Ahnu waterproof hiking boots that always do the trick! Stop at the Mount Robson Visitor Centre the large viewing deck provides great photo opportunities. After youve wrapped up at Lake Louise, you can head towards Johnston Canyon, which is a nearby trail system that travels through a beautiful, stark canyon with teal rivers and waterfalls running through it. Leave Whistler on Highway 99 north to Highway 1 east; if you start early, you can reach Kamloops for lunch. Select your departure year 2023 2024 2025 10 days From $3,560 per person While many people opt to go directly from Calgary to Banff, I chose to include Canmore because its often overlooked by tourists, but it actually is home to some of my favorite hikes and viewpoints in all of the Canadian Rockies. By clicking Sign Up, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Hachette Book Groups Privacy Policy A short 5 minute trail will take you to a brilliant, scenic view of a tranquil, mirrored lake. This way, youll avoid the treacherous crowds at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, and you can spend the afternoon strolling through Johnston Canyon (Or, like, napping in a tree from waking up so early. Park in the parking lot at Vermilion Lakes and walk into the shore area, where you can sit and enjoy a warm drink or just listen to the sounds of the morning. You might have occasional damp days on the coast, but the Rockies can be hit with a June monsoon when the rain turns heavy. Id recommend heading over there and seeing where the day takes youbut beware: you might end up spending your ENTIRE day here! By clicking Accept All Cookies you agree with the use of analytical and tracking cookies. Take another day to get outdoors in the mountains at Whistler. High season in Vancouver and the Canadian Rockies runs from May through October, when most attractions and roads are open and the weather is generally warm and sunny. The access road is only open from June through early fall, so unfortunately if you are headed to the Canadian Rockies in the spring, you wont be able to see the fall at that time. PDF TORONTO PRE-TOUR and VICTORIA POST-TOUR Toronto to Vancouver by Rail Try the elk burger with a side of Canadian craft beer, and dont forget to try their famous hot sticky toffee pudding cake. featuring one night on VIA Rail. My boots have been with me to Patagonia, Peru, Slovenia, and more, and theyre still kicking (, Youll want to bring some warm wool socks to pair with your hiking boots. Their The Cure sandwich is amazing to start (continue?) 10 Best Canadian Rockies Tours (from Vancouver, and other cities) - TourRadar You can visit Canadian Rockies from mid-June to mid-September. The Perfect 7-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip: How to Drive from Calgary By the evening, youll probably be REALLY hungry and ready for a hearty, delicious meal in a relaxed place. For some of the most delicious steaks in the city, Vintage Chophouse is a fantastic place to try. This summit hike is one of the best hikes you can do in the park, and we highly recommend it if youre up for the challenge. From Vancouver, drive south on Highway 99 to catch an early-morning B.C. Gotta make up for the sleep you lost last night! By the time you finish up with Chephren Lake, it should be early afternoon and youll be ready to continue on to the rest of the Icefields Parkway. If youre looking for luxury and history all in one place, the Banff Springs Hotel is a fantastic landing spot for you. Well then youll just have to plan another trip up here! In the evening, see a play, concert, or other event at the Banff Centre. Explore the Canadian Rockies by train onboard Rocky Mountaineer, enjoying breathtaking scenery from a glass-dome coach, plus visit stunning Vancouver Just across the provincial border in Alberta are the marquee destinations of any western Canada road trip: Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. We love our. The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Travel Guide LAIDBACK TRIP Climb the Mount Norquay Via Ferrata, take a cruise on Lake Minnewanka, or ride the Banff Gondola and take a short hike at the top. Seeing the mountains and knowing that youll be spending the next 10 days there? But dont let Ha Ling Peaks short trail distance fool you: the hike is actually quite difficult, as youll ascend well over 800 meters in less than 3 kilometers. Visit beautiful destinations such as Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, and Waterton in this serene area. Its just 20 minutes east on Highway 1 from Field in Yoho National Park to Lake Louise, where you can hike or paddle along its famous namesake lake. Its a cute, cozy coffee shop that serves warm drinks and food all morning and afternoon. You can also grab a Canadian craft beer or a signature cocktail with your dinner. A Canadian Travel Blogger Outlines a Perfect 14-Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary and Vancouver to Calgary Road Trip. Once youre finished at Moraine Lake, you can either head straight to Lake Louise or stop at Trailhead Cafe for a coffee and a bite to eat. They also have homemade ice cream flavors and signature drinks/cocktails in case you want to end your day 1 with a sweet treat! Bill Peytos Cafe is an affordable and popular choice in the Lake Louise area for exactly that. So, although the Canadian Rockies are nearly 800 km (500 miles) from Vancouver, it seems appropriate to provide an information page on getting to the Rockies here in the Vancouver section of TripAdvisor's Inside Pages. North Americas largest winter sports mecca, Whistler is nearly as busy in spring, summer, and fall, with hikers, cyclists, and other adventurers exploring the peaks and lakes. Try the mac and cheese! Its not far from the rest of the places on this Canadian Rockies itinerary and would be the perfect addition if you have a few extra days to spend in the region. Doing more research on the area enables you to make your Canadian Rockies itinerary the perfect one for YOU! Read More FYI: Yoho doesnt actually fully open all of its roads until late June, so you may need to modify your Canadian Rockies road trip plans if you come earlier in the season. A visit to British Columbia is not complete without a trip to the Rocky Mountains, one of Canada's most iconic and inspirational destinations. If you dont get a bus reservation, you will have to hike back down the 11 kilometers you came (which means this will easily turn into a full-day excursion!). From my own personal experience, heres everything you need to know as you plan your Canadian Rockies road trip: Weather conditions can be very unpredictable. Stop at Marble Canyon and the Paint Pots, and keep your bathing suit handy for a dip in the Radium Hot Springs. The drive between Vancouver and Calgary is one for your bucket list. Then follow the Bow Valley Parkway south toward Banff, stopping to walk along Johnston Canyon. Panoramic Canadian Rockies - Costsaver Winter is mild in Vancouver and Victoria; rain is common from November through March, but snow is unusual. The first time I ever visited the Canadian Rockies, we went in mid-May and, while not all of the hiking trails were open yet, we experienced very few crowds and even had Lake Louise completely to ourselves. After your big day of hiking yesterday, youll take it a little bit easier on Day 8. There are tons of amazing places to stop as you leave the Banff National Park area and turn into the Columbia Icefield. From the gardens, take Keating Cross Road east to Highway 17 toward downtown Victoria. Youll have the option of following the trail around the perimeter of the lake if you choose, or simply enjoy the serenity and tranquility of this secluded area. Spend the morning in Banff, then drive to Calgary for a day at leisure. Arrive in the small community of Blue River. (Do you like how Ive left a whole day in every destination on this itinerary for hiking? This dramatic lake is home to a towering mountain peak, a beautiful blue lake, evergreen forests, and a large wooden lodge. You can even rent a car in Banff town. You are viewing the 2023 itinerary. With eclectic decor and delicious, large dishes, its a really awesome choice for a post-road trip dinner in Jasper. 3. Rockies dugout filled with 'almost two feet' of hail before game Quarry Lake (3 kilometers, < 1 hour) This family-friendly loop trail winds around the banks of Quarry Lake, offering beautiful views across the water toward the mountains. Calgary is approximately ninety minutes drive from Banff, and Edmonton is about four hours drive from Jasper. Have a drink in one of the citys craft breweries and dinner in a contemporary bistro in or around Chinatown, before returning to Swartz Bay for the ferry back to Vancouver. In fact, the word yoho in Cree, a local indigenous language, means something like WOW!!! Clichs? Take a boat tour There are a handful of motorized boat tours that travel through the Maligne Lake area, and you can book one very easily. Marquez recently underwent season-ending . Outside of the town center, you can see a lot of stars and constellations in areas with little tree cover. The Canadian Rockies are a year-round travel destination. Have an early supper in town, then head for Miette Hot Springs to wrap up your day with a relaxing visit to these natural mineral pools. Diaz, who leads the team in RBI (45), went 1-for-2 with a sacrifice fly during the Rockies' 14-3 loss to the Dodgers and drove in all three Colorado runs. Explore historic Banff and Whistler, marvel at the astonishing natural beauty of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier, take the ferry to Vancouver Island, and breathe in fresh mountain air while soaking in hot mineral springs and hiking in Jasper National Park. Canadian Rockies Tours - Escorted Tours, Small Ship and River Cruises Looking for a great summer road trip? Take a stroll through the grasslands of Lac du Bois Provincial Park, an area noted for its unique ecosystems. For this reason, I always make sure to pack my thermal puffer, all rolled up into a tiny ball that I can shove into my day pack or clip onto the outside of my bag with a carabiner. This is normal life in the Canadian Rockies, and its something youll have to get used to if youre traveling in from a more temperate climate. Vancouver Victoria l ur Yoho National Park Moraine Lake Your 7-Day Itinerary (subject to change) Day 1: En Route from U.S. / Arrive in Vancouver, British Columbia, . Filled with soaring mountains, dense forests, and sparkling rivers, the drive from Calgary to Vancouver provides some of the best views in all of Canada. Next, head to Emerald Lake, a stunning alpine lake in Yoho not far from Field. Its definitely worth the long journey it takes to get there. Choose your own adventure among an array of optional activities: Hike to Maligne Canyon, cruise glacially fed Maligne Lake, or rent a bike or canoe to explore on your own. Accommodation books up very, very quickly. To learn more about Waterton Lakes and the hiking trails there, visit our complete guide: Kootenay National Park, located in British Columbia, is another lesser-known Canadian Rockies national park. There are plenty of bike trails in and around Jaspers town center where you can explore on wheels. However, there are several convenient options for getting between Calgary and the Canadian Rockies: Shuttles, tours and rental cars. Canadian Rockies: Vancouver, Banff, Calgary Self Drive Vacation - Keytours The official information source for BC's provincial parks and campgrounds. For a less strenuous outing, walk the 5-km/3mi trail along the Robson River to Kinney Lake. Book now! The last stop of day 3 of your Canadian Rockies road trip itinerary is Lake Minnewanka and the Lake Minnewanka scenic drive. When you get back to Lake Louise, detour to glacier-fed Moraine Lake for a short hike or canoe paddle. After a long day (which this one definitely was), its a great place to enjoy hearty, affordable Canadian food and drinks. ): When youre not hiking and need some food/refreshments, I recommend heading to Good Earth Coffeehouse in Banffs town center. Look for a small parking area about 5 km South from the Saskatchewan Crossing. Youll spend the night in the same Canmore accommodation you chose on Day 1. You can literally just buy a pack of 20 carabiners and throw them in your hiking bag when youre ready for an adventure. In the afternoon, drive to Maligne Lake for a leisurely 90-minute cruise. Parking is limited. Spend 19 days exploring the incredible Canadian west coast on the Vancouver Island and the Canadian Rockies self-drive tour. In Jasper National Park, set off along the historic path of fur traders on a guided float trip down the tranquil Athabasca River, watching for grizzly bears, moose, and eagles along the way. If you are looking for a short half hour break while driving up to Jasper, consider stopping at Mistaya Canyon. While the long days and fewer tourists make May and June a reasonable alternative for a Rockies trip, prepare for more rain than in the summer. They serve up a delicious, affordable, vegetarian-friendly menu and a sizeable variety of beers, ranging from chocolatey darks (my style) to light, sour IPAs (Rafs style). To be honest, Im not surprised at all that people see photos of the Canadian Rockies and immediately book a trip. To get to the end of the falls, youll need to take a trail, which is only ~1.5 kilometers. Tips on where to stop when driving on Highway 1 between Calgary and Vancouver. Take part in a traditional tea ceremony and hear First Nations legends at the Squamish Lilwat Cultural Centre. Not only will these help keep your feet cozy and dry, but they can also help prevent blisters from your boots. Why? The summer crowds begin to abate, the weather is still mild, and the trees take on their fall colors. In Summer, hotels and facilities can be crowded. But its equally, if not more, beautiful than its neighbors. Starting and ending in Vancouver, this trip will take you straight to the literal and metaphorical heart of the Canadian Rockies. Routes include Trans-Canada Highway, Highway 3, and Highway 99. Even on misty mornings, the sunrise here can be quite beautiful, so Id recommend going even if it looks cloudy outside. Plan Your Rocky Mountain Train Vacation | Starting $2,690 If youre hungry, at the entrance is a small gift shop and cafe where you can buy soups and sandwiches. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay in the Canmore area: Check Additional Accommodation in Canmore. Depending on how much time you have in Canmore before dinner, you can take a drive around the area and even hop on a short hiking trail (see the next section on Day 2 for some recommendations). But in Canadas most naturally spectacular region, these clichs are true. If you had an extra 3-4 days, where would you spend them? I want to travel in a maximum group size of up to: Copyright TourRadar. Youll take a short 10 minute hike that crosses a wooden bridge where you can see beautiful views of the mountains and waterfalls surrounding Mistaya Canyon. Parking is limited. ! When you see it, youll probably agree that Yoho National Park is definitely deserving of such a high honor. Or choose to hike one of the many beautiful trails in the area, go ziplining through the rain forest, or set out on an exhilarating whitewater rafting trip. 10 Best Canadian Rockies Tours (from Vancouver, and other cities At the Columbia Icefield, step foot on the lower Athabasca Glacier with an expert guide for a firsthand experience of this active glacial landscape. Consider stopping in Squamish for a ride up the Sea-to-Sky Gondola; either have lunch with a view from the gondola summit or continue on to Whistler. Sign up for free and earn commission on every booking by registering as an accredited TourRadar Agent. Ferry from Tsawwassen; it's a 90-minute trip to Swartz Bay. Day 3 Vancouver to Victoria (round-trip 95 mi/ 150 km, 6 hrs including ferries) Make a day trip to Vancouver Island today for a quick visit to Victoria.
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