Beaut-eh things to do in the Canadian Rockies

Towering peaks, glacier-fed lakes, moody pine forests, and crisp alpine air: the Canadian Rockies pack a visual punch. But beyond the many picture-perfect angles, this dramatic mountain range is a gripping playground of wilderness and wildlife. Whether you're into hiking the Canadian Rockies in summer or chasing the Northern Lights in winter, there are endless opportunities for forging deep into the wild. Add in some canoeing, craft beer, and stargazing, and you've got a tailor-made map for a multifaceted mountain experience.

Now you might be inclined to grab this list and head out on your own. It's Canada! How hard could it be to explore? Well, the country is vast and our small group tours add that magic touch of maple syrup to make the journey more meaningful. With us, you're not checking off sights and getting out just long enough to snap a selfie. You're swapping stories around campfires, connecting with local culture, and seeing these inspiring places through the lens of sustainability and community. So lace up your boots or settle into an iconic red canoe with some of the best things to do in the Canadian Rockies.

Soak up Icefields Parkway views

If you're looking for the most scenic drives in the world, the Icefields Parkway is certainly a top contender. Spanning 232km (144 mi) between Jasper and Lake Louise, this legendary route delivers dramatic panoramas at every turn: glacial valleys, turquoise lakes, and the occasional roadside bear sighting. Be sure to have your camera within arm's reach at all times.

Highlights include Peyto Lake (shaped like a wolf's head and one of our planet's most jaw-dropping landscapes), the surreal Weeping Wall, and the toe of the Athabasca Glacier. Keep your eyes peeled for bighorn sheep and mountain goats — a hallmark of Canadian Rockies wildlife. The drive itself is spectacular, but the encounters along the way make this truly unforgettable.

Take the most scenic route on: Canadian Rockies Encompassed

Paddle out into Lake Louise

Recognized around the world, you've surely seen images of the iconic dreamy glacial blue framed by towering peaks and the stately Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Whether you're visiting in the height of summer or under a blanket of winter snow, Lake Louise is endlessly enchanting.

In warmer months, canoeing Canada-style is the thing to do. Paddle out into the aquamarine expanse and feel completely immersed in nature, with only the sound of your paddle breaking the surface. If you prefer to stay on dry land, hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House of the Plain of Six Glaciers for panoramic views and a rewarding cup of tea. In winter, the lake transforms into a magical skating rink surrounded by ice sculptures and snow-dusted mountains.

Fall in love with Lake Louise on: Best of Northern Rockies & the Pacific Northwest

Explore Banff National Park — Canada’s first

At the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park was the first of its kind in the country and remains a top favourite. Every bend opens up a different angle of rugged backcountry, bustling town life, and opportunity for adventure. And, thanks to its many lakes, Banff happens to be one of the bluest places on earth. The contrast of lively Banff town and the vast wilderness just outside its limits is part of what makes it so special.

Hiking the Canadian Rockies doesn't get much better than the trails around Banff. Try Tunnel Mountain for a quick leg-stretcher, or take on the more challenging Sulphur Mountain for swoon-worthy views. Sunshine Meadows, Johnston Canyon, and the Icefields Parkway trailheads are all within easy reach. Afterward, unwind in the Banff Upper Hot Springs or sample some local craft beer in Canada's highest town.

On a G Adventures tour, expect your guide to share insider knowledge about Indigenous history, geology, and wildlife, to add deeper layers of meaning to each hike or viewpoint. Guides often share personal anecdotes or traditional stories, enriching the whole experience with a local perspective.

Have the best time in Banff on: Canadian Rockies: National Parks Westbound

Walk across the mighty Columbia Icefield

Few places make you feel smaller than the Columbia Icefield. Straddling the Continental Divide, this massive expanse of ancient ice is a humbling reminder of the earth's glacial history. It covers an area of roughly 230 square km (143 sq mi) and feeds into multiple major river systems.

Opting for a guided glacier walk gives you the chance to strap on crampons and explore crevasses and ice caves. If you're craving even more adrenaline, step onto the nearby Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation deck that juts out over a 280-metre drop. It's not for the faint of heart, but the views are unbeatable, especially at golden hour.

Marvel at the Athabasca Glacier on: Vancouver Island & Northern Rockies

Bundle up for winter aurora chasing

Winter in the Canadian Rockies is all the more mesmerizing when you’re pulling on a warm parka each night for the chance to see nature’s most magical display. Whether you’re out for a guided stroll, skating on an iced over lake, or enjoying a sleigh ride in places like Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, each clear night brings the possibility of a Northern Lights encounter. When you’re that far north in winter and surrounded by dark wild sky, your chances improve significantly so it’s worth being a focal point of your trip.

To kick it up a notch, we suggest spending time in Smoky Lake learning from the Indigenous Métis community and then settling in for a tea ceremony at night. After the legends and folklore are told, with a bit of luck you could look up to see the Northern Lights in all their shimmering glory. And it’ll mean even more with the background of how the skies and constellations served their people as guiding lights for survival, planting, hunting, and when to work the land.

Scan the wintry alpine skies on: Canadian Rockies: Northern Lights Winter Explorer

Catch the sunrise at Moraine Lake

It's hard to believe a lake like Moraine exists outside of a screensaver, but trust us, it's real. Set in the Valley of the Ten Peaks, this glacier-fed stunner shifts hues throughout the day, from deep sapphire to bright teal. The lake is often shrouded in mist in the morning, adding a dreamy, ethereal quality to the already fairytale scene.

Early mornings are best to beat the crowds and catch the soft glow of sunrise lighting up the peaks. Hike the Rockville Trail for the iconic view, or go further afield into Larch Valley if you're chasing golden fall foliage. The larches turn brilliant shades of yellow-orange in September, making this one of the best places for autumn hikes.

Spot bears in Jasper National Park

More laid-back than Banff but no less stunning, Jasper National Park is beloved for its vast wilderness and hushed sense of solitude. It's also a Dark Sky Preserve, which makes stargazing in Jasper a bucket list experience. You can see the Milky Way stretch across the sky, framed by silhouetted mountain peaks.

Hop on a Maligne Lake cruise, explore the magical Maligne Canyon, or hike the Edith Cavell Meadows trail to spot glaciers clinging to cliffs. Spirit Island on Maligne Lake is one of the most photographed spots in Canada. Once you see it, you'll understand why.

Wildlife lovers will also be in their element. Imagine elk wandering through town, or catching a glimpse of bears, moose, or even wolves if you’re lucky. On a G Adventures tour, your Chief Experience Officer (CEO) helps interpret animal behavior and explain local conservation efforts, deepening your understanding of the region. Learning about coexistence and preservation makes each wildlife sighting feel even more special.

Step out into Canadian backcountry on: Canadian Rockies: National Parks Eastbound

Visit Calgary — gateway to the Rockies

The gateway city to the Rockies, Calgary blends city culture with rugged frontier spirit. Most G Adventures Canadian Rockies tours start or end here, and it's worth spending a day exploring before hitting the road or heading home.

Check out the Calgary Tower for a panoramic intro to the city, or stroll through the East Village for craft breweries, live music, and public art. The Glenbow Museum offers deep dives into Western Canadian history and Indigenous culture, while Prince's Island Park offers peaceful riverside paths steps from downtown.

If you're here in July, the Calgary Stampede brings the cowboy energy full force with rodeos, concerts, and a full-blown carnival atmosphere. It's a spectacle of Western culture that's worth experiencing at least once.

Stampede your way to Calgary on: Canadian Rockies & Pacific Northwest Adventure

Strap on snowshoes in Sunshine Meadows

Winter really puts a hush upon the land so there’s no better time to try walking on fresh fallen snow in the most Canadian way possible. (Let’s be honest, most Canadians haven’t done this either but rest assured it’s very fun.)

Join a local guide, shoot upward in a gondola, and then set out across the Continental Divide looking for iconic wildlife with giant nets strapped to your feet. With nothing but powdery wilderness in front of you, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of Banff National Park and Mount Assiniboine, the highest peak in the region. The crisp, clean winter air will do wonders for your sense of well-being and the laughs of navigating the snowshoes are yours forever.

Make snowy tracks on: Canadian Rockies Winter Adventure

Take a selfie at Athabasca Falls

Don't let its modest height fool you. Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful and photogenic waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. Located just off the Icefields Parkway, it's a frequent stop on G Adventures tours, and essential for road trippers looking to break up the drive.

The churning water has carved out dramatic limestone canyons over centuries. Explore the viewing platforms and short trails to see the falls from every angle. The roar of the water, the mist on your face, and the rainbow that sometimes appears in the spray all add up to an immersive sensory experience. Tip: Go early in the morning when the mist catches the light just right and the tour buses haven't arrived.

Wind up getting active in Whistler

Technically outside the main Canadian Rockies range but often included in extended itineraries, Whistler is a must for thrill-seekers. Home to North America's largest ski resort, it's an adrenaline-fueled base for skiing the Canadian Rockies, mountain biking, zip-lining, and snowshoeing. The slopes here are world-renowned, and even beginners will find terrain to love.

But Whistler isn't all speed and slopes. The walkable village itself is straight out of a storybook, and packed with great eateries and shops. Grab a locally roasted coffee and stroll through the Indigenous art galleries, or hop on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for panoramic mountain views. Whistler also hosts numerous festivals year-round, adding music, film, and food into the mix.

Try a tipple or two at Kelowna breweries

While not in the Rockies proper, Kelowna is often a detour or finale on a Canadian Rockies road trip, especially for those with a taste for good wine or cold craft beer. This sunny Okanagan Valley city is known for its vineyards, orchards, and laid-back lake life. It's the perfect place to drink it all in after your alpine adventure.

Take a wine tour along the lakeshore, sample farm-to-table cuisine, or rent a kayak and explore Okanagan Lake. The waterfront boardwalk is ideal for sunset strolls, while Knox Mountain Park offers great hiking trails with city views. If you're more into hops than grapes, the craft beer Canada scene is thriving here, with new microbreweries popping up regularly. Try a flight at BNA Brewing or Kettle River Brewing Co., for starters.

G Adventures travellers love ending a high-energy Rockies tour with a few days of relaxation and soaking up Kelowna's sunshine. Relive your alpine memories of a glass of local pinot or pale ale, swapping stories with friends before heading home.

Get crafty in Kelowna on: Best of Northern Rockies & the Pacific Northwest