5 Ways to Experience the Best of the Canadian Rockies
- Discover the natural history and diverse wildlife of Canada’s stunning national parks through expert-led exploration.
- Share an active learning adventure tailored to your pace, whether hiking alongside turquoise lakes or exploring with your grandchildren.
- Experience the breathtaking mountain landscapes in absolute comfort aboard an unforgettable scenic rail journey.
- Embrace the beauty of the Rockies in any season by celebrating the winter holidays or attending cultural festivals with a community of learners.
Have you ever been to a place where literally every view is one of the most beautiful places you’ve ever seen? The Canadian Rocky Mountains offer 75,000 square miles of some of the highest peaks, bluest lakes and wildlife habitat that you’ll ever experience — and they are a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you love to get outdoors and enjoy a good national park or two, here are five inspiring ways to explore the very best of the Canadian Rockies as a Road Scholar.
Explore a National Park
Banff. Jasper. Kootenay. Yoho. Whichever you choose, you really can’t go wrong — each park has its own charm and natural spectacles that you’ll want to check out.
As Canada’s first national park, Banff is the superstar of the region. Home to the brilliant turquoise waters of Lake Louise, Banff is Canada’s place to go to learn about glaciers, thermal springs and plate tectonics. You can ride a gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a 360 degree view of the Rockies, explore the town of Banff and learn about everything from the history of women in the region to the unique ecosystem supports the tiny, endangered Banff Springs Snail. Kootnay and Yoho national parks are just a few hours away on the Icefields Parkway — in itself the ultimate road trip — so you can cross the Continental Divide and enjoy a day trip learning about glacial activity or exploring Emerald Lake.
Of course, you can also mix it up and enjoy an adventure that offers another look at the parks, with a focus this time on Banff, Yoho and Jasper. Learn about the Indigenous Peoples of the region with a local expert, explore the charming town of Banff and search for grizzly bears along the wildlife corridor of Bow Valley during a ride on the Lake Louise Gondola. In Yoho, you’ll learn why Emerald Lake is considered a jewel of the Rockies and examine fossils of creatures who lived ages ago at the Burges Shale. Hit the road and journey along the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, searching for bighorn sheep and mountain goats in the cliffs along the way. In Jasper, you’ll marvel at the pristine waters of Pyramid Lake, take in sweeping views at the Maligne Canyon Overlook and Maligne Lake. You’ll also learn how the region has recovered from the wildfires of 2024 and how this event has shaped the natural environment.
And if you want a special adventure that includes a larger group of Road Scholars and offers a bit of the region’s cultural flavor, the Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival and time to check out the incredible nature around you, you may want to check out our Great American Get Together in Banff program.
Take a Hike
There are 1,600 kilometers of alpine hiking trails in Banff alone — and they are an incredible way to explore the park’s landscape up close. Tie up your laces and get out there to explore the pathways that lead along the turquoise waters of lakes like Louise and Moraine, and valleys like Bow and Ten Peaks. Each day, you can choose the hiking pace that’s right for you as seasoned experts lead the way, giving you insight into local history, geology, wildlife and much more. You’ll even spend some time in Yoho National Park — crossing the Continental Divide along the way and stopping to admire the remarkable Spiral Tunnels. In Yoho, you’ll hike along Yoho Pass, Takakkaw Falls and the Emerald Basin, home to Emerald Lake.
Ride the Rails
If you love traveling by train, you can’t beat the adventure of riding the trails through the Canadian Rockies. With two incredible trains to choose from, you can find the journey that’s right for you — and your budget.
A ride on the Rocky Mountaineer is an iconic experience in itself — and when you combine it with a stunning journey from Jasper to Kamloops and on to Vancouver, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Silverleaf coaches ensure you a comfortable journey through the iconic landscapes of the Rocky Mountains, while the Goldleaf service offers a luxurious experience complete with gourmet food and spectacular views from a double-decker glass-domed car.
For a more budget-friendly — yet equally amazing — train adventure, the Skeena Train will bring you from Prince Rupert, British Columbia (located along the Alaskan panhandle) to Jasper, with an overnight in Prince George. This is an opportunity to see more of the coast, countryside and potentially wildlife that claim this incredible region as their home.
Spend the Holidays
There will be an excellent chance of having a white Christmas if you spend the holidays in the Canadian Rockies. While you’ll enjoy opportunities to view wildlife, walk along trails and learn about women of the Rockies, you’ll be amazed at the winter landscapes and views from the top of Sulphur Mountain after you ride a gondola to the very top. An afternoon in the Banff Upper Hot Springs will be just what the doctor ordered to bring a little warmth to the heart of winter, while another afternoon walking the holiday-laden streets of the town of Banff offers opportunity to peruse its European-style Christmas market and enjoy the festive lights.
Christmas Day will be one for the memory books — after a free morning to attend a service or take part in local activities, you’ll enjoy afternoon tea at the Banff Springs Hotel, Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies.” This hotel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site offering breathtaking views and world-class hospitality. Bring your camera along to capture the memories of this special holiday spent with new friends!
Bring the Family Along
If you want to ensure your grandkids are getting outside to enjoy the fresh air, the air doesn’t get much fresher than in the Canadian Rockies. Your adventures together will be abundant — from exploring trails by horseback to riding a gondola in search of grizzly bears, rafting along Kicking Horse River or searching for fossils at the Burgess Shale fossil site.
Of course, if the rest of your family becomes jealous by how much fun you might be having, you can bring them along too.
Ready to Go?
Are you ready to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains? There’s something for everyone — and we promise you’ll be amazed by natural beauty around you! Find the educational adventure that’s right for you and explore the very best that our neighbor to the north has to offer.
