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There are places on Earth that render you speechless, where the scale of the landscape is so immense and its colors so vivid, they seem to belong to a dream. The twin jewels of the Canadian Rockies, Banff and Jasper, are chief among them. This is a world painted in impossible blues and glacial whites, a realm of towering peaks and serene valleys. To journey here is to reconnect with something primal and profound, to feel the humbling power of true wilderness. This is your guide to the essential experiences in these magnificent parks.
1. Gaze Upon Moraine Lake
This is the view that launched a million daydreams. Nestled in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake’s brilliant, turquoise-blue water is so vibrant it looks otherworldly, a result of light refracting off fine rock particles from glacial melt. Hike the short Rockpile Trail for the iconic postcard perspective. Access is now restricted to park shuttles and tour buses. This change was made to preserve the fragile beauty of this unforgettable place, so be sure to book your shuttle or tour well in advance, as spots fill up quickly.
2. Canoe on Lake Louise
While Moraine Lake is for gazing, Lake Louise is for gliding. Rent a classic red canoe and paddle out onto its placid, glacier-fed waters. From the center of the lake, you can turn and face the magnificent Victoria Glacier, feeling the immense silence of the mountains all around you as your paddle dips into the opaque, turquoise water. It is a moment of pure, quiet communion with one of the most famous and beautiful landscapes in the world. This is an experience that truly lives up to its legendary reputation.
3. Hike Through Johnston Canyon
Discover a different kind of mountain magic as you walk the catwalks of Johnston Canyon. This popular trail takes you deep into a limestone gorge carved by centuries of rushing, impossibly blue water. You will wind your way past turquoise pools and beneath misty waterfalls, with the sheer canyon walls rising dramatically on either side. The journey to the powerful Upper Falls is a beautiful, immersive experience that reveals the patient, artistic power of water at work.
4. Ride the Banff Gondola
For the most breathtaking panoramic view in Banff, take the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain. From the observation deck, you will see a stunning tapestry of six different mountain ranges unfurling before you, with the town of Banff nestled far below in the Bow Valley. A scenic boardwalk leads to a historic weather station, offering different perspectives on the epic, 360-degree vista. It is a humbling and unforgettable perspective on the sheer, staggering scale of the Rocky Mountains.
5. Discover the Cave and Basin
Step into the birthplace of Canada’s entire national park system. The Cave and Basin National Historic Site is where the discovery of natural thermal springs by railway workers in 1883 sparked the conservation movement that led to the creation of Banff. You can walk through the original rock tunnel to see the steaming, mineral-rich waters of the cave and learn the powerful story of how this one small, sacred place inspired the protection of millions of acres of Canadian wilderness.
6. Drive the Icefields Parkway
This is not merely a road; it is the destination itself. The Icefields Parkway is a 144-mile journey that connects Banff and Jasper, and it is consistently ranked as one of the most beautiful drives on the planet. Every turn reveals another breathtaking vista of ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, and impossibly blue lakes. You will feel dwarfed by the immense, jagged peaks that line the route. Plan to take the entire day for the drive, stopping frequently to soak in the monumental views.
7. Walk on the Athabasca Glacier
At the Columbia Icefield, you have the rare opportunity to walk on a living glacier. Board a massive Ice Explorer vehicle that is specifically designed to navigate the glacial terrain, and it will take you onto the surface of the ancient Athabasca Glacier. Stepping out onto the ice, you can feel the cold radiating from beneath your feet and even drink pure, clean water straight from the melt. It is a powerful, visceral connection to geologic time and the immense forces that shaped this incredible landscape.
8. Cruise to Spirit Island
The boat cruise on Maligne Lake is the signature experience of Jasper National Park, and its destination is the world-famous Spirit Island. This tiny, tree-covered isthmus, framed by soaring peaks and the lake’s deep blue-green water, is one of the most photographed spots in the Canadian Rockies for a reason. The serenity and almost spiritual quality of the location are palpable. It is a place of profound, quiet beauty that will stay with you long after you leave its shores.
9. Explore Maligne Canyon
Witness the relentless power of water at Maligne Canyon, the deepest canyon in Jasper National Park. A series of bridges crisscross the narrow, 50-meter-deep gorge, allowing you to peer down at the thunderous river below as it carves its way through the ancient limestone. In the summer, it’s a beautiful hike through a mossy, misty world. In the winter, you can join a guided tour to walk on the frozen canyon floor, a truly magical and otherworldly experience.
10. Spot Wildlife on Maligne Lake Road
The scenic drive to Maligne Lake is a wildlife safari in its own right. This road is one of the best places in the Canadian Rockies to spot large animals in their natural habitat. Keep your eyes peeled for grazing elk, sure-footed bighorn sheep, and even the occasional moose or black bear foraging along the roadside. It is a thrilling reminder that you are a visitor in their world. Always remember to admire them from the safety and respectful distance of your vehicle.
11. Ride the Jasper Skytram
For Jasper’s most stunning panoramic view, take the Skytram up Whistlers Mountain. As Canada’s highest and longest aerial tramway, it offers a breathtaking seven-minute ascent to the alpine tundra. From the top, you are rewarded with 360-degree views of six mountain ranges, the town of Jasper, and the winding Athabasca River. It is a wilder, more rugged perspective than you will find in Banff, a true top-of-the-world feeling that is well worth the journey.
12. Soak in Miette Hot Springs
After days of hiking and exploring, there is no better reward than a relaxing soak in the Miette Hot Springs. Tucked away in a beautiful, remote valley, these are the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies, cooled to a comfortable temperature for bathing. The warm, soothing waters are the perfect antidote for sore muscles. Soaking in the outdoor pool while breathing in the cool mountain air and gazing at the surrounding peaks is a moment of pure, blissful rejuvenation.
13. Paddle on Pyramid Lake
For a moment of quiet serenity away from the main crowds, head to Pyramid Lake. Nestled at the base of the distinctively shaped Pyramid Mountain, this calm lake is perfect for a peaceful morning of canoeing or kayaking. The reflection of the mountain on the still, clear water is a picture of perfect, undisturbed tranquility. It is a chance to experience the subtler, more intimate beauty of Jasper, away from the more famous and bustling landmarks.
14. Gaze at the Stars in a Dark Sky Preserve
The wonders of Jasper do not end when the sun goes down. The entire park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, one of the largest in the world, meaning there is minimal light pollution to obscure the night sky. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way arching across the heavens in breathtaking detail, with thousands of stars shining more brightly than you ever thought possible. It is a humbling and awe-inspiring end to a perfect day in the mountains.