Ultimate Planning Guide to a Canadian Rockies Trip (2023)

Have you always dreamed of visiting the Canadian Rockies?

Are you unsure where to start with planning such an unforgettable adventure? Then look no further, as this ultimate planning guide for a Canadian Rockies Trip will have you feeling confident to start planning your perfect trip in no time.

Packed full of answers to all your questions, you will be armed with all the information you need to stop dreaming and start planning!

COMPLETE PLANNING GUIDE FOR A CANADIAN ROCKIES TRIP

 

Do you want to combine sublime scenery, an array of wildlife spotting and wonderful hikes, with modern city sights on a Canadian Rockies trip, but don’t know where to start?

This post will tell you how to plan your first Canadian Rockies trip, including the best attractions to see, when to visit, which cities to visit and much more.

Canada is a vast country and planning a trip can be daunting and difficult, trying to fit in all the sights you want to see within your timescale and budget.

The guide to a Canadian Rockies trip, will answer many of the questions you have about planning your own trip so that you are fully equipped with all the knowledge you need before you start the planning stage and putting your itinerary together.

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CANADIAN ROCKIES MAP

 

To get a better understanding of the location of parks within the Canadian Rockies, information and maps can be found using the following links:

• Banff National Park
• Jasper National Park
• Mount Revelstoke Park

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GETTING TO THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

Most International visitors arrive into either Calgary or Vancouver International Airports.

The easiest option if you have limited time, is to arrive and depart from Calgary. However, if you have more time to spend on your trip, I would recommend arriving into one airport and departing from the other.

This will give you the opportunity to experience more of this stunning area.

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BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

The Canadian Rockies are a wonderful place to visit year round, however the best time to visit depends on what you want to see and do.

Seasons are quite short, accommodation in July, August and the skiing season can be very expensive. However, winter can be a great time to visit for skiing, snow walking, seasonal activities and the Ice Magic Festival.

   

Overall, the best months to visit on a road trip in our opinion, are June, July, August and September.

Bear in mind though, that the months of July and August will be the busiest but will also offer stable weather, longer daylight hours and open hiking trails.

By late June, most trails are open and September will provide an autumn display of beautifully coloured trees.

We have visited the Rockies in both June/July and September/October and can recommend either options.

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THE CANADIAN ROCKIES WEATHER

 

For a road trip around the Rockies, the best months to visit are June to October.

The Canadian Rockies in June, July and August, see summer temperatures, however, weather patterns can be difficult to predict, so be prepared for all eventualities.

June can see warmer weather with daytime temperatures up to around 18 degrees Celsius with a few showers.

Weather in the Rockies in July and August sees daytime temperatures in the 20’s, while September is starting to show temperatures around 15C and autumn foliage colours.

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HOW TO TRAVEL AROUND THE ROCKIES

 

The most popular option, providing the best flexibility, is to self-drive around the Rockies in either a car or motorhome (RV).

Roads in Canada are easy to navigate outside of winter, and rental companies are usually based either at the airport or close by.

On arrival into Calgary or Vancouver, it is easy to pick up your vehicle or RV from the rental depot and then you are ready to start your trip.

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DRIVING IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

Canada’s roads are in good condition, usually wide with good signposts and a pleasure to navigate.

It is essential to have full vehicle insurance cover, preferably including unlimited mileage and zero collision waiver.

Make sure that you have read and understood all the conditions of the policy, as many rental companies have restrictions on where you can or cannot drive the vehicle (such as unpaved roads).

Rental policies can impose having a full tank of fuel, and in the case of motorhome hire, emptying waste water, waste cassettes and cleaning the van.

Another cost to factor into your budget, is a one-way drop off fee, if you collect your vehicle in one city and return it in another.

Tips For Easier Driving:

• Most rental vehicles are automatic and Canadians drive on the right.
• You can turn right on a red light after coming to a complete stop, unless a sign indicates otherwise.
• At a 4-way junction or intersection, the driver that arrives first has the right of way, followed by the second driver etc.
• Be extremely careful driving after dusk, as you don’t want to collide with or hit any wildlife.

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HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN THE ROCKIES?

 

This really depends on your budget and the amount of time you have to spend on your trip.

It is important to take into account travelling to and from the airport for your flights and travelling distances between places you are staying and visiting.

In 10-14 days, you could comfortably travel from Calgary in a loop, encompassing Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

If time and budget allow, in 3 weeks you could travel from Calgary, across to Vancouver (or reverse), and incorporate Yoho, and Kootenay National Parks, Vancouver Island, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper.

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SPOTTING WILDLIFE IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

Spotting wildlife in the Rockies often comes down to luck, as wildlife wander freely. Being in the right place at the right time makes seeing animals magical and on their terms.

Animals are known to frequent particular areas at certain times of the year such as mating, foraging and rutting season.

You will often spot wildlife in town centers, on drives and whilst hiking so be sure to keep alert and always keep a safe distance. NEVER feed or approach wildlife – they are indeed WILD animals.

We have seen kids feeding chipmunks while their parents videoed them and people getting out of their vehicles and approaching black bears to get a close up!!!!

Some of the wildlife you can hope to spot include the following:

You will often be rewarded for an early start to the day when traffic is light and also late afternoon which is feeding time for many animals.

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DO YOU NEED A NATIONAL PARKS PASS?

 

If you enter a Canada National Park, you are required to display a Parks Pass. This applies to Parks in Banff, Yoho, Jasper, Kootenay, Waterton Lakes, Mount Revelstoke, Glacier and Elk Island.

Basically, a Park Pass is a permit to visit a national park and you pay for the number of days that you will be in the Parks.

Therefore, you do not need a separate pass for each Park. If you have paid for 7 days, then you can come and go between all the Parks, within that timescale.

The Park Pass cost goes towards the maintenance and infrastructure within the Park.

Situations When You Require a Parks Pass

• Stopping for any amount of time, for example at a viewpoint, buying food, camping, hiking, driving along the Icefields Parkway or Bow Valley Parkway.
• When you are a driver OR passenger entering the Park in either your own vehicle, or a rented vehicle.

Situations When You Do Not Require a Parks Pass

• When you pass through a National Park en-route to another destination without stopping. For example, Highway 1 through Banff and Yoho National Parks.

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WHAT TYPES OF PARKS PASS CAN YOU BUY?

 

Parks Canada Daily Pass

Parks Canada Annual Discovery Pass

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WHICH PARK PASS IS MORE ECONOMICAL?

 

If you have 3 or more adults entering the Park in the same vehicle, for a few days or more, it will be cheaper to buy a Family/Group Pass. For example, 3 adults for 1 day is $30.00, compared to the cheaper option of $20.00 for a Family/Group Pass.

If you plan on visiting a Park for 7 days or more, or will visit a Park again within the same year, you will save money by buying an Annual Discovery Pass.

Where To Purchase a Parks Pass

You can purchase your Park Pass at National Park entry gate manned kiosks at the following locations:

• Banff East Gate entering from Canmore or Calgary on Trans-Canada Hwy 1.
• Jasper East Gate entering from Hinton or Edmonton on Yellowhead Hwy 16.
• Jasper West Gate entering from Kamloops or Prince George on Yellowhead Hwy 16.
• Kootenay West Gate entering from Cranbrook or Radium Hotsprings on Banff-Windermere Hwy 93.
• Icefields Parkway at Lake Louise and Jasper.

You can also purchase Park Passes at National Park Visitor Centres:

• Banff – 224 Banff Avenue.
• Lake Louise – Next to Samson Mill in the village.
• Jasper – 500 Connaught Drive.
• Kootenay – Radium Main Street (May to September)
• Yoho – Field Visitor Centre (May to early October)

You can also purchase an Annual Pass online or by phone.

For full details and current prices, visit Parks Canada Pass.

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IS A VISA REQUIRED TO VISIT THE ROCKIES?

 

For up to date information on visitor visas, check here.

Visitors from visa-exempt countries will need to purchase an eTA, electronic travel authorization before departure. (US are the exception)

Visitors from non-visa-waiver countries, require an appropriate visa.

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ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS IN CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

Accommodation choices although wide-ranging will be dependent on your budget, the things you want to see and the National Parks you plan on visiting.

Accommodation ranges from Camping Sites if you choose to rent an RV, to various hotel/lodge/bnb/rental options if driving around by car.

As a rule of thumb, book well in advance during peak times (June-early October) as choices in Lake Louise and Jasper are limited while prices in Banff Town can be high.

Tips For Choosing accommodation :

• If visiting Banff National Park for a few days, you can base yourself in Banff, or a cheaper option would be Canmore, just outside the Park but an easy 20 minute drive away.
• Lake Louise can easily be visited from Banff or Canmore, unless you fancy a bit of luxury staying at Chateau Lake Louise.
• If visiting Jasper National Park, book accommodation in Jasper as the drive from Banff will mean a very early start, rushing through all the sights and a long day driving.

Where To Stay In Banff

 

• BUDGET – Banff International Hostel
• MIDRANGE – The Moose Hotel or Mount Royal Hotel
• SPLURGE – Rimrock Resort or Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

 

Where To Stay In Canmore

 

• BUDGET – Lamphouse Hotel
• MIDRANGE – Falcon Crest
• SPLURGE – Malcolm Hotel or Solara Resort

 

Where To Stay In Lake Louise

 

• BUDGET – Lake Louise Inn
• MIDRANGE – Baker Creek Mountain Resort
• SPLURGE – Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or The Post Hotel

 

Where To Stay In Jasper

 

• BUDGET – Downtown Hostel
• MIDRANGE – The Crimson or Chateau Jasper
• SPLURGE – Jasper Park Lodge or Sawridge Inn

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TRAVELLING BY MOTORHOME (RV)

 

If you choose to drive around the Rockies in an RV, then the only legal places for you to park overnight, are in campgrounds, of which there are plenty to choose from.

Note that you will require a valid national park camping permit and a national park entry pass.

If you are visiting between June and August, I suggest that you prebook your chosen campsites, to avoid disappointment.

Useful Tips For Canadian Rockies RV Rental:

• Motorhome Republic is a great search engine which helps find the ideal vehicle for you, at the lowest price.
• Use the free Navmii Offline GPS Canada app, to provide accurate driving times/distances.
• Use WikiCamps Canada app to locate parking spaces reserved for RV’s only.
• All campsite bookings can be made on the Parks Canada Reservation website. Reservations for the forthcoming summer season launch in January of that year.
• Most towns are geared up for welcoming campervans and have designated parking spaces for them. In Banff, you can park at various lots, and use the ROAM bus to get around all the main tourist sights. In Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, you also have large parking lots just outside of the Lakes where you again, take a transit bus.

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THINGS TO DO IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

The Canadian Rockies are jam packed with things to do, and places to visit. Stunning natural landscapes, mountainous hikes, glacial lakes, scenic roads and wildlife to spot are just the tip of the iceberg.

So just how do you whittle it down to the best things to do when planning your own itinerary?

The following is a list of the must-do activities in the Rockies, starting with those for a first time visitor. These are the sights that you do NOT want to miss – trust me!

MUST SEE SIGHTS FOR FIRST TIME VISITORS

Banff National Park:

• Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain – For fantastic 360 degree views of incredible mountain ranges and Banff Town.
• Upper Hot Springs – for ultimate relaxation in sublime setting.
• Bow Valley Parkway
• Johnston Canyon – easy hike to upper and lower falls.

Lake Louise:

• Lake Louise – Imposing Victoria Glacier reflecting it’s image on the emerald green water of this beautiful Lake.
• Moraine Lake – Rent a canoe or hike around the perimeter for great views.
• Lake Agnes – Hike up to the tea house.
• All Parks Canada shuttle fares must now be booked in advance. Reservations are required for entrance on a Parks Canada shuttle – walk-up seat sales are not permitted. Shuttles for Lake Louise and Moraine Lake originate at the Park and Ride.

Icefields Parkway:

Numerous stopping places along this magnificent 232 km stretch of road, named by National Geographic as the drive of a lifetime. Simply stunning!!

Walk on the Columbia Icefield to view Athabasca Glacier.

Jasper:

• Maligne Lake – Take a boat cruise to Spirit Island.
• Maligne Canyon – easy hike.

I would start with these unmissable sights and then, depending how much time you have, and how far you plan on travelling, incorporate some of the following into your itinerary.

• Revelstoke National Park – Drive across Roger’s Pass or follow Meadow in the Sky Parkway for stunning summit views.
• Visit Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary in Cochrane, to meet rehabilitated wolfdogs on a tour.
• Take the ferry from Vancouver across to Vancouver Island for bear watching and hikes in Pacific Rim National Park.

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HOW EXPENSIVE IS A TRIP TO THE CANADIAN ROCKIES?

 

When you are deciding on your budget for a trip to the Rockies, remember that you will be paying western prices. How much you spend will largely depend on how you like to travel, the length of your trip, and where you are flying from.

If you plan to camp, rent a small car, cook your own meals and mostly stick to experiencing “free” activities, then you will have a considerably smaller budget than someone who rents a large car, stays in 4 star hotels, eats out in restaurants and participates in most activities.

Below are some guide prices for planning your trip budget.

Budget Costs:

Average Daily Costs Per Person = $120+ CAD based on 2 people sharing. This includes a small rental car, staying in campsites, cooking your own meals and going on a few excursions.

Upper Mid-Range Budget Costs:

Average Daily Costs Per Person = $225 – $275 CAD based on hiring a motorhome(RV) and staying in both campsites and 3/4 star hotels, cooking some meals/eating out for others and going on some paid excursions.

Average Daily Costs Per Person = $375+ CAD based on accommodation in 4 star hotels, hiring a large rental car, eating out for all meals and going on paid excursions.

Note: all of these prices are estimates and do not include airfares. There are many variables to take into account, such as the time of year you visit, size of car/motorhome you rent, style of hotel you stay in, number of kilometers you travel, how many meals you eat in restaurants, the amount of alcohol you drink and the variety of activities/excursions you partake in.

Be sure to use these prices as a rough guide only, factor in your own travel style and do your research before you go.

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BEST HIKES IN CANADIAN ROCKIES

 

There are some spectacular hikes in all Canadian Rocky National Parks, ranging from a couple of hours to full day hikes, so if hiking is a top priority for your trip, check out trail descriptions below:

• Easy, Moderate and Difficult Day Hikes in the Banff Area.
• Easy, Moderate and Difficult Day Hikes in the Lake Louise Area.
• Easy, Moderate and Difficult Day Hikes on the Icefields Parkway
• Day Hiking in Jasper National Park.

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WHAT IS CANADIAN FOOD LIKE?

 

Canada has a wide variety of foods to sample, being a multi-cultural country, so you will have no problem finding foods to suit your taste. However, you may like to try some Canadian favorites on your trip such as the following:

• Maple Syrup – try drizzled over pancakes.
• Canadian Cheese – such as Cheddar.
• Back Bacon – crispy from pork loins and scrummy.
• Alberta Beef – great steaks.
• Game Meats – try bison or elk burgers.
• Seafood – prawn, halibut, salmon & oysters.
• Nanaimo Bars – anything combining chocolate butter icing, coconut, nuts and a crumb base is worth trying!
• Ice Cream – got to be Mackays.
• Tim Hortons – coffee and doughnuts.

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BE AWARE OF TAXES THAT TOURISTS PAY

 

Accommodation, goods purchased, and services used, are all taxed in Canada. The price marked on an item will be exclusive of the taxes, these being added onto the bill at the till.

Here is a general guide:

Federal Tax

Most items will have a 5% goods and services tax applied (GST)

Provincial Tax

British Columbia has a 7% provincial sales tax (includes Parks located within British Columbia, such as Yoho and Kootenay). This is in addition to the GST. Alberta (Banff, Canmore, Jasper, Calgary & Edmonton) has NO provincial sales tax.

Accommodation Tax

Depending on the municipality the accommodation is located in, the taxes could be 10 or 15%. Most accommodation will have 5% GST added. Alberta has NO provincial room tax but British Columbia has an 8% provincial room tax.

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IS TIPPING EXPECTED?

 

Yes, it is expected to tip as common practice as service workers are paid a low wage and make up the bulk of their salary through tips.

As a general rule of thumb, apply the following:

• Taxi Drivers – round up the bill.
• Hotel Porters – $1 per bag.
• Waiters/Waitresses – 15-20%
• Bartenders – 10-20%

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WHAT DO YOU NEED TO PACK FOR THE ROCKIES?

 

This is really dependent on several factors: the time of year you are travelling, the activities you have planned, and the length of your stay.

However, even during the months of June, July, August and September, the weather can be fickle and unpredictable. A piece of advice is to wear clothes in layers, which can be taken off if the temperatures increase.

The following are a list of suggestions:

Clothing and Footwear

• Water and Wind resistant jacket with hood
• Fleece Jacket (Body warmer)
• Lightweight short sleeve top/shirts
• Long sleeved top/shirts
• Long trousers or leggings
• Sturdy walking shoes
• Closed sandals

Miscellaneous

• Back pack
• Sunglasses, sunblock, hat, insect repellent
• Water bottle
• Small first aid kit
• Bear whistle and spray

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OTHER MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION

 

• Currency is the Canadian Dollar.
• Electricity is 120v/60hZ
• Wi-Fi is available in accommodations, restaurants, cafes and bars.
• Internet access is available in libraries.

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DON’T FORGET DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME

 

The province of Alberta (Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks) is on Mountain Time Zone. West of the Canadian Rockies is on Pacific Time Zone. That is, one hour behind Mountain Time.

If you travel between the two time zones e.g, Vancouver to Canada, don’t forget to take this into account. Daylight saving is from late Autumn to early Spring, and vice versa.

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ALWAYS TRAVEL WITH ADEQUATE INSURANCE

 

Be sure to travel with cancellation and medical insurance, as emergency medical treatment costs will be huge.

Related Post to read : The Importance of Travel Insurance

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LET’S GET YOU TRAVELLING TO THE CANADIAN ROCKIES!

HOW TO BOOK YOUR OWN CANADIAN ROCKIES TRIP

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Hopefully you have been inspired to go ahead and plan your own trip to the Canadian Rockies. While we like to leave room for spontaneity, we believe that the success of an Independent Trip comes down to planning.

Knowing why you want to visit and what you want to see, researching and pre-planning before you travel, leads to a more memorable travel experience. Here is all the information that we think you will need to plan your trip.

GETTING AROUND THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

• Motorhome Republic – a great search engine to find cheap deals on motorhome rentals.
• RentalCars – offering a comparison of all the major brands to find great prices on all car types.

FINDING ACCOMMODATION IN THE CANADIAN ROCKIES

• Booking.com is our first choice when booking accommodation. The site is easy to navigate and offers free cancellation on most rooms.

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Hopefully this post has answered any questions you may have had about the Canadian Rockies, and ignited some wanderlust to start planning your own Canadian Rockies Trip!

If you have any thoughts you would like to share, or any further questions, please leave a comment below.

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