The Rockies in Banff & Jasper
Everyone knows about the Rocky Mountains on the border of Alberta and British Columbia, and if you’re heading through the mountains there are some absolutely stunning places you need to stop off at. There are plenty of day trips you can do and most of the information about these can be found online or in pamphlets at hotels and campgrounds, but there are also so many things you can head out to see by yourself without the need of a guided tour. Below, we’re going to list a little bit of everything if you’re travelling through the Banff and Jasper National Parks so you can make your stop-off one to remember instead of just another necessary driving break.
Athabasca Glacier
The Athabasca Glacier is probably one of the most well-known stop off points for anyone heading through the Rockies, and is an absolute must-see. Make sure you’re wearing shoes with some grippy soles and take a jacket and hat with you, as walking on a glacier is chilly no matter what time of the year you go. With no technical skills needed other than being able to walk on uneven ground, you can take Grandma and the kiddos too!
Open Top Tours in Banff
Ready for a tour that’s a little different? How about an open top tour in a custom made vehicle, where you can travel and see the beauty that is Banff. The vehicles have the look and feel of the 1930s, but with all the modern comforts, like USB charging points, so you don’t have to miss out on photo opportunities due to low batteries.
Banff Gondola & Sky Bistro
If you don’t fancy cooking in the RV or camping stove, why not head up the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain and try the Sky Bistro. Looking down over Banff, you can try some of the most wonderful food from some of the freshest ingredients around, including fresh seafood from B.C and naturally raised meats from Central Alberta.
Athabasca Falls
One stop not to miss, especially if you plan on heading to the Athabasca Glacier, is Athabasca Falls. Whilst it’s not the tallest of the falls in the Rockies, it’s a force to be reckoned with, with the massive size of the Athabasca river being fuelled by the Glacier itself. Be sure to take care when walking down the falls and across the canyon, as the mist from the falls covers the rocks and can make them extremely slippery.
Mount Edith Cavell
If you’re looking to get up close and personal with the north face of a mountain, awesome moraines, views of Angel Glacier AND be surrounded by alpine flowers in the Cavell Meadows, Mount Edith Cavell is the mountain you need to visit. There are numerous limitations on the narrow and winding 14km road up to the mountain, so make sure you follow the regulations and signage. It does get busy, so ensure you plan ahead and take your hiking boots with you. To find out more, click here: Mount Edith Cavell
Things to remember:
Always pay attention to road closure signs. They’re closed for a reason, especially during the winter season. Roads do become impassable and dangerous, so make sure you pay attention to signs.
Do not feed the wildlife. It’s wild for a reason. And even though it may be friend shaped, it certainly isn’t friend. Not only is it dangerous to you, but it also puts them at risk of being harmed if they learn humans = free, effortless food. You may get a lot of TikTok views, but it’s not clever and it’s not cute.
Don’t underestimate the weather. It might be a beautiful, 25C May day when you arrive, but in the mountains, that means nothing. The weather can change in a snap, especially when the seasons are turning, so watch the forecasts and don’t ignore incoming weather warnings or local knowledge.
Winter closures. If you’re heading through in winter, you’ll find most places are closed unless they offer winter attractions, like the walk through Maligne Canyon. Double check before you head out, otherwise you could be disappointed.
