Canadian Rockies Holidays

Best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies

• Banff National Park and town – You can visit Canada’s first and most-visited national park on holidays to the Canadian Rockies. It is world-renowned for its dramatic mountain peaks, vibrant glacial lakes, abundant wildlife and world-class ski resorts.
• Jasper National Park and town – The largest national park in the Canadian Rockies and the world’s second-largest dark sky preserve. Home to the iconic Spirit Island on Maligne Lake.
• Yoho National Park – just as picturesque as neighbouring Banff, but with significantly fewer crowds. Featuring the famous Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls (Canada’s second-tallest waterfall), and the Burgess Shale (an over 500-million-year-old fossil deposit of an ancient ocean world).
• Lake Louise – Nicknamed “The Jewel of the Rockies”, this bright blue-green lake is a world-famous attraction in the Canadian Rockies offering hiking and canoeing in summer and ice-skating in winter.
• Moraine Lake – Widely regarded as the most-photographed lake in Canada and once featured on the Canadian $20 bills, this marvel of nature is a must-visit on Rocky Mountain holidays in Canada.
• Johnston Canyon – A spectacular, naturally carved limestone gorge with cascading waterfalls and suspended steel catwalks suitable for all ages and abilities.
• Columbia Icefield – The largest icefield in the Canadian Rockies feeding meltwater to three oceans. Take a guided tour and walk on the over 10,000-year-old Athabasca Glacier.
• Icefields Parkway - A 232-kilometre (144-mile) highway winding through the heart of the Canadian Rockies, renowned as one of the most scenic drives in the world.

Best ways to explore the Rockies

All travellers booking holidays to the Canadian Rockies come to witness the staggering mountain scenery, the crystal-clear turquoise lakes, and the abundant wildlife calling this place home, and there are many ways to experience this unique region of Canada.

At Canadian Affair, we offer a great variety of tailor-made Rocky Mountain holidays:

• Train holidays - Canadian Rockies holidays onboard the iconic Rocky Mountaineer train are world-class luxury rail journeys traversing the varied landscapes of the Rockies. The train operates a variety of routes in Canada connecting Vancouver with Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. Customers can choose between two excellent levels of service, with food provided onboard the train each day and overnight hotel accommodation included in the package.
• Self-drive holidays – If you are looking for active holidays to Canada’s Rockies, then you should book a road trip. You can rent a car or hire a motorhome in Canada. Whichever mode of transport you choose, we will take care of all the details for you. Canadian motorhome holidays booked with us typically include flights, first-night hotel accommodation, RV hire, and a mileage package. If you like the open road but prefer the comfort of a hotel bed, then a Canadian fly-drive holiday is your best option, with a car hire, hotels and flights all included in our Canadian Rockies holiday packages.
• Escorted tours – Small group tours are an excellent way to share your holiday experience with like-minded people in a small, intimate setting. You will be travelling with about 18 to 30 people on average, with a modern coach and experienced Travel Director throughout.

Best time to visit the Canadian Rockies

July to August is widely regarded as the best time to go on a Canada Rocky Mountains holiday, as this time of the year enjoys the warmest weather and is best for hiking and canoeing. Those looking for dry powder snow and peak ski conditions should consider visiting in January or February.

Each season has its own charm and offers a unique set of experiences. Here are some top tips to help you decide when to book your holidays to Canada’s Rockies based on what is high on your bucket list:

• Hiking – The prime hiking season is between July and September, with most high-elevation trails being accessible by mid-July. If you are visiting in mid- to late-June, you can still enjoy hiking in the great outdoors but on lower-elevation trails. High-alpine trails are often covered in significant snow, and there is a high risk of avalanches. Late September to October is the best time to experience the golden larch season in the Rockies.
• Canoeing – Canoeing on high-alpine lakes, including the iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, peaks in July and August. You can expect the warmest weather, and, an insider tip, the most vivid, electric blue-green hues as the glacial melt is at its highest.
• Wildlife encounters – In spring (April – May), black and grizzly bears emerge from hibernation and can be spotted at lower elevations searching for food. Mother bears and cubs are often sighted in May. In summer (June-August), moose, deer and elk are very active and can be seen in valleys and along rivers. The elk “rut” (breeding season) takes place in autumn (September – October).
• Winter activities – January to February offer the fluffiest, driest and most consistent snow for skiing, but this is also when you will see the largest crowds.

How to get to the Canadian Rockies from the UK?

Those planning Canadian Rockies holidays can choose to fly to one of the following major airports in Canada:

• Calgary International Airport (YYC) in Alberta - This is the closest and most convenient airport to fly to from the UK. Direct flights to Calgary from London take about 9 hours. The iconic Banff National Park is just a 90-minute drive from the airport. For your onward journey, you can hire a car at Calgary Airport, take a taxi, use a pre-booked private transfer or catch a shuttle service.
• Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in British Columbia – Flying to Vancouver is a popular option for those looking to combine their holidays to Canada’s Rocky Mountains with a cruise to Alaska, a cross-province trip in Western Canada or doing both. Most Alaska cruises depart from the cruise terminal in Vancouver, so adding a journey to the Last Frontier is easy. After your cruise, you can rent a car in Vancouver and make your way to the iconic mountains, stopping at famous places in British Columbia along the way. You can also board the legendary Rocky Mountaineer train in Vancouver. This is a once-in-a-lifetime, luxury 2-day rail journey through the Rockies ending in Banff, Lake Louise or Jasper.

All Canadian Rockies holiday packages booked with Canadian Affair include international flights, and we can arrange a seamless travel experience between each leg of your journey in Canada. Call our Travel Experts and let them know which places you would like to visit, and they will offer you an itinerary perfectly crafted to your individual needs.

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