Canadian Rockies Attractions

The main call of the Canadian Rockies, naturally, are the area's spectacular natural landscape. Thousands of miles of ski, hiking, and biking trails traverse the mountainsides and their surroundings, and lakes and rivers offer even more activity choices.

A fun way to start out any trip and get a lay of the land is to take the Banff Gondola up to the top of the mountain - there's a birds-eye-view of the entire area from the peak, and a boardwalk at the top in the summer months.

Banff and skiing are probably the first thing that come to mind when you consider a trip to the Rockies. Around Banff there are 4 ski hills, Lake Louise, Sunshine Village, Mt. Norquay, and Nakiska. There's also Marmot Basin, in Jasper, and Castle Mountain in Waterton. All are top-class, with large numbers of runs with varying length and intensity.

To explore the same terrain on foot, there are hiking trails to follow in the warmer months and snowshoeing trails in winter. Tour groups are around that provide guided trail hikes, including information about the Rockies ecosystem. Or get on a trail bike for some rugged exploration and a great workout.

In the national parks there are also a number of different lakes and rives. Fishing is allowed in some, as is boating. A number of kayak and canoe rental places offer opportunities to get out on the water.

The area is also known as one of the premiere global destinations for ice climbing. If you're a beginner and are looking to get out and climb, there are plenty of outfitters that offer training and equipment rental. Or take a tamer route and just hike along one of the pre-determined trails that wind along part of the Icefields -- you still get to experience a glacier up close and personal.

More Top Lists