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Canadian Rockies holidays
Magnificent mountains and charming resort towns
The Canadian Rockies mountain range is vast, stretching along the Alberta and British Columbia border for 1,600 kilometres. The landscapes here morph from turquoise lakes and snow-topped mountains to pine forests and dramatic river canyons. Its national parks of Banff and Jasper are a haven for outdoor lovers with Lake Louise and the towering Mount Robson just a couple of the must-sees.
You can also travel between the parks via the 230-kilometre Icefields Parkway, which is lined with jagged peaks, glistening glaciers, and soaring heights of snow and ice.
There are several ways to take a Canadian Rockies holiday with Saga. You could explore under your own steam on an independent self-drive road trip or enjoy a sociable escorted group tour. The iconic Rocky Mountaineer train draws many visitors, offering a luxurious ride through the Rockies to Vancouver. From here you’ve got options to take the ferry to Victoria on Vancouver Island or explore Alaska on a cruise along the super scenic Inside Passage.
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Highlights of Canadian Rockies holidays
Nothing beats a holiday in the Canadian Rockies for sensational scenery and unforgettable travel experiences. Here’s our pick of the highlights.
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Tucked away on the Alberta side of the Canadian Rockies, the mountain resort of Banff is considered one of the most charming small towns in North America. It’s the perfect place to ski in winter and explore outdoors in summer with numerous hiking trails, hot springs, and cosy cafés. Surrounded by the peaks of Banff National Park – Mount Rundle and Mount Cascade – this is where you can browse in boutiques and craft stores or enjoy day trips to nearby Lake Louise or scenic gondola rides to the 7,500ft summit of Sulphur Mountain.
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The flight time from the UK to Calgary is just over nine hours. Most tours start from Calgary before travelling through the Canadian Rockies en route to Vancouver.
Calgary International Airport is just 90 minutes’ drive from Banff. Lots of tours start from Calgary before making their way through the Rockies and departing from Vancouver. It’s also possible to do the trip in the other direction.
Summer – June to October – is the best time of year to visit the Canadian Rockies. The weather is warm and dry, and all the small towns and large mountain resorts will be open and ready for business. Either side of summer is also a good time to visit. The fiery autumnal foliage is a sight to see in autumn.
The Canadian Rocky Mountains straddle the western provinces of Alberta and British Columbia. The Rockies are roughly 600 kilometres northeast of Vancouver and about an hour’s drive east of Calgary.
The Canadian Rockies are more compact and accessible for travellers. They’re easier to explore by road and by rail and offer overnight accommodation in mountain resorts like Banff and Jasper. The Canadian Rockies are also sharper in shape and more dramatic than the American Rockies. This is because the peaks and canyons have been forged by glaciers which has resulted in a less rounded appearance when compared to the American equivalent.
Yes, you can combine a tour of the Canadian Rockies with a trip to the USA. For instance, you can experience the amazing Alaskan coastline on a cruise after travelling from Calgary to Vancouver. This presents an opportunity to voyage along northwest America’s scenic Inside Passage where fjords, forests and snow-capped mountains line the route to Juneau, Skagway, and Glacier National Park.
The tallest point in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is Mount Robson that stands at 3,950 metres (12,970 feet). There are also around 50 Canadian Rocky Mountains that are higher than 3,350 metres (11,000 feet). Colorado’s Mount Elbert – 4,400 metres (14,400 feet) – is the tallest peak in the entire Rocky Mountain range.
The section of the Rocky Mountains that runs through Canada is approximately 1,600 kilometres (1,000 miles) in length. This is about a third of the overall length of the Rockies.
You can hope to see plenty of wildlife in the Canadian Rockies including moose, elk, mountain sheep, and caribou. Grizzly and black bears can also be seen in the region as well as golden eagles, black swifts, ospreys, owls, and hawks.
Yes, you can drive through the Canadian Rockies. The section of roadway – the Icefields Parkway –between Banff and Jasper is considered one of the world’s most scenic drives. Roads are open all-year-round however, during the winter, many will be closed due to avalanches and excessive snow.
Depending on how much time you have on a Canadian Rockies tour the best itinerary will take you from Calgary to Vancouver or vice versa. This gives you a chance to spend at least a couple of nights in Banff and Jasper as well as undertaking the Rocky Mountaineer train ride for two or three days. Highlights will include a drive on the Icefields Parkway and a trip to Lake Louise which is located just outside of Banff.
10 to 14 days is the right amount of time to experience a Canadian Rockies tour at a leisurely pace.
Saga’s Canadian Rockies tour packages include accommodation, selected meals, excursions, and visits.
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