A Romantic Canadian Rockies Vacation - Banff , Lake Louise & Jasper
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A Canadian Rockies vacation is a spectacular wilderness adventure! Grizzly bears, waterfalls, scenic drives...(and that's on a slow day!)
For "seclusion lovers", the Rockies are one of the most accessible remote areas in the world.
Much of this area is still relatively untouched by man, and you can stand alone in places where there is no one else for miles! A Canadian Rockies Vacation offers an unbeatable mix of outdoors, adventure, serenity and beauty. And it's still an affordable wilderness vacations.
Let's look at the two main towns you should see on a Canadian Rockies tour, Banff and Lake Louise, plus the most scenic highway journey past the Columbia Icefields to Jasper, Alberta.
Canadian Rockies - Cheap Airfare & FlightsYou’ll need to get to Calgary or Vancouver, and most likely by air. Calgary has service from many major airlines in Canada and the USA. Vancouver also has direct flights from not only cities in North America but many overseas as well.
Air Canada and WestJet are the two airlines with the most flights to these cities near the Canadian Rockies. Canadian Rockies Cheap Flights & Airfare Discounts Here Canadian Rockies Vacation by Car & TrainBy car, the distance from Calgary to Banff is 78 miles (125 km), and the distance from Vancouver to Banff is 520 miles (840 km). Both are very scenic journeys.
You can rent a car at either Calgary or Vancouver airports. You could do a one-way rental between the two, which would save time driving back. There would most likely be a one-way rental charge added on however.
Banff, Alberta - Canadian Rockies Vacation CenterThis is where most travellers begin their Canadian Rockies vacation. Banff is considered the gateway to the Canadian Rockies because it is only a 1 hour drive west from Calgary, the closest major city.
Since there is no major airport in the Rockies, flying into Calgary International Airport and then driving (or taking a tour or shuttle) to Banff is the best choice. You’ll enjoy the scenic journey on the Trans-Canada Highway. A rental car is the best way to really see the area.
The other option is flying into Vancouver, and then driving (8 hours) or joining a tour.
When most people say Banff, they mean both the town of Banff itself, and the 6500 square km Banff National Park.
Banff is a pretty town in a terrific alpine setting, and it’s still common to find wildlife occasionally walking down the streets!
It can get a bit crowded with people in July and August, but you can find lots of open space and beauty just a few minutes away in the National Park. It's been designated a World Heritage Site.
For the traveler, Banff has lots of facilities, including accommodation, shopping and Canadian Rockies vacation tours. There is a wide range of resorts, hotels, motels, inns and B&B’s for all budgets.
When it comes to eating, this is no mountain outpost - there's American, Italian, Japanese and French cuisine offered. You can even find Canadian specialties like caribou, arctic char or buffalo on the menu at certain establishments!
Don’t miss the chance to get out on the water while you’re here. A great excursion for a couple is renting a canoe and enjoying the crystal clear waters and wildlife of the Vermillion Lakes! Check the brochure stands for rental location details. Or, the Boat Tours on Lake Minnewanka, where you might spot a bighorn sheep.
How about a dip for two in a hot springs? The Upper Hot Springs are only a 4km scenic drive out. Great place for a hot soak, even a massage! After, you could take the nearby gondola up Sulphur Mountain for great views, hiking, and a romantic picnic high up in the Canadian Rockies.
In order to really get a taste of the National Park and the surroundings, plan at least 4 days here. And if you’re coming in the summer, book well in advance.
Lake Louise
Here’s where the scenery goes from excellent to breathtaking! Lake Louise is called the jewell of the Canadian Rockies. It’s easy to see why – a gorgeous lake surrounded by snow-capped Mountains with glaciers. The many hiking opportunities wind thru forests, streams, canyons and waterfalls.
Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks will captivate you – this is one of the most photographed lakes in Canada. Take a quiet stroll alongside the waters edge, and you’ll find the calm, the beauty and the air simply wonderful.
Romantic Canadian Dog Sled Ride - if you plan on taking your Canadian Rockies vacation in the winter, what could be better than a romantic dogsled ride for two?! Howling Dog Tours (403-678-9588) or Snowy Owl Tours (1-888-311-6874) operate them from the nearby town of Canmore.
For a panoramic romantic view of it all, you can ride a cable car up Mt.Whitehorn.
Banff/Lake Louise also has 3 world-class ski resorts, with top-notch facilities and of course, spectacular views.
Banff to Jasper on the Icefields Parkway
Heading north from Banff towards Jasper brings you to the Icefields Parkway. Keep in mind that the elevation is over 6000 ft in places, so it can be chilly even in mid-summer. Bring some warm, comfortable outdoor clothing. Also make sure you fill up with gas in Banff before starting out.
If you have the time to do any highway travel on your tour of the Canadian Rockies, this should be it. The Icefields Parkway has to be one of the most spectacular mountain highways anywhere.
You’ll find the best scenery in the area around Sunwapta Pass. This is where Banff and Jasper National Parks meet. Lots of wildlife can be found here, but be careful as you drive through this windy section of highway. Athabasca Glacier is an immense slab of ice flowing out of the Columbia Icefields. This area is accessible for hiking, and there are guided walks offered by trained tour guides. Or you can hop on the specialized snowcoaches for a slightly more comfortable tour.
After, you can warm up in the Icefield Center, which includes exhibits, a gift shop and a couple cafes.
Some of the sights to see on this Canadian Rockies adventure include:
If you’re lucky enough to spot a bear though, keep a safe distance!
Next stop on our tour of the Canadian Rockies: Jasper!
Jasper & The Romantic Jasper Park LodgeThe town of Jasper lies 230km (143 miles) north of Lake Louise.
Whats the difference between Jasper and Banff? Banff gets more visitors, is a bit bigger, more developed and “touristy”. The average organized motorcoach tour of the Canadian Rockies stops in Banff, but leaves out Jasper. Many areas of Jasper National Park feel a little more secluded.
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge, Jasper, AB
Here’s some sights and activities for the Jasper National Park area:
Map of Banff & Jasper, Alberta CanadaView Larger Map
Related Pages on ERV
What's YOUR Favorite Canadian Rockies Hotel, Lodge or B&B?
Do you know of a romantic lodge, hotel or resort in the Canadian Rockies that others should know about? A small B&B or cabin that would make an ideal honeymoon or weekend getaway? Please share it with us, because we (and our readers) would love to know!
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