Of the four national parks that comprise the Canadian Rockies, Banff and Jasper are the two most popular destinations for tourists during summer and winter every year. Few places in the world offer a myriad of exciting activities and picturesque scenery as much these parks do.
From hiking to skiing to sightseeing, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can engage yourself with in the Canadian Rockies. Most tourists enjoy the exhilarating experience with guided Rocky Mountain Train Tours as they soak up the alpine views.
This article highlights five of which you shouldn’t miss out on the next time you decide to visit this spectacular landscape:
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Explore Icefields Parkway
Icefields Parkway is a fully paved highway that stretches 232km and connects Lake Louise to the town of Jasper. It is arguably one of the most beautiful roads ever, and it is also one of the best places to experience the Canadian Rockies.
The highway takes about three hours to drive through, although it may take much longer if you make any pitstops along the way. It may also take longer than three hours during summer months when there is usually heavy traffic.
The best way to appreciate Icefields Parkway is to spend some time sightseeing and taking photos of its magnificent scenery which features brightly colored lakes, pristine glaciers, wildlife, and so much more.
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Hike the Rockies
There are several hiking trails to explore in the Canadian Rockies, most of which run throughout Banff, Jasper, Canmore, and other popularly visited areas. It is always advisable to know all that there is to know about a trail before embarking on a hike through it.
Just as each trail has its incredible attractions, each trail also has its dangers. For instance, the Northover Ridge trail and some areas around Lake Louise are known to harbor grizzly bears and other dangerous wildlife.
Therefore, you should be on high alert whenever you’re hiking through these areas.
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Cruise a Lake
The turquoise mountain lakes, surrounded by jagged peaks and snowcapped mountains are known to attract a crowd of tourists (and photographers!) to the Canadian Rockies every year.
These lakes are perfect for a serene afternoon stroll, a photoshoot or a hike since most of the trails in the Canadian Rockies wind around various lakes.
Some of the lakes which provide the most soothing experience for visitors include Lake Louise, Maligne Lake, and Moraine Lake. Make sure you carry along with you a bear spray, mosquito repellent, and other important supplies whenever you decide to visit any of these lakes.
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Visit a Hot Spring
The Canadian Rockies features several natural hot springs, some of which open as early as 10 a.m. and closes as late as 10 p.m. These hot springs can serve as a great way to relax after an exhausting day’s adventure.
They could also help you alleviate stress and relieve you of body aches. To achieve the best experience, simply immerse yourself in the hot pool and relax as pleasurable feelings immediately overwhelm you.
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Spot Wildlife
The mountains serve as home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deers, bears, bighorn sheep, and wolves. It is always an exciting experience to spot one or more of these animals during a tour.
However, while you may be tempted to draw closer to wildlife to have a closer look at them, take a photo of them, or feed them, doing this will only put you at great risk.
Many animals may seem tame at first glance, but some of them will quickly become violent the moment they feel threatened by you. For this reason, you are advised to keep your distance from all forms of wildlife.
