The Rocky Mountains stretches between the heart of Canada and carries on south into the U.S. through Montana, into Idaho and through Utah into New Mexico.
Nature has carved the most spectacular of rugged mountainous serenity and set it aside for the world to see.
Travellers and tourists can see the wonderous spectacle at many points and hubs, but none more so breath taking as to see them near Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, and road tripping along The Icefield Parkway.
The Icefield Parkway is one of my favourite roads to have ever driven on. It’s definitely in my top three of all time, the other two I will share later in this article.
Exploring Canada between Calgary to Jasper and beyond and trying to explain the experience is incredibly difficult. It is a serene as it is majestic, and as tranquil as it is beautiful.
I could go on with words articulated by the quintessential Stephen Fry, but instead I will help guide you through the sights, sound, experience, and everything someone would need to know when visiting the Rocky Mountains in Canada.
There are also some things to be cautious about, and prepare for on your journey, these I will cover too.
From the bustling high rise tower blocks of Calgary to the small suburban mountain view town of Banff, to what it is really like to drive The Icefields Parkway – there is a lot covered in this editorial piece!
Calgary
For the majority of British tourists heading out to the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is usually the international airport of choice from the UK.
As well as being an international entry and exit point to Canada, it’s an amazing place to explore.
We first gazed on the Rocky Mountains whilst landing into Calgary airport.
Calgary Airport is a little outside the metropolis, as most international airports are, and standing beyond the impressive skyline of Calgary stood the majestic Rocky Mountains.
The night we arrived in Calgary we set out intentions to find a good country bar. Jetlagged after a long flight we pushed through the tiredness, checked in to a Holiday Inn near the airport and made the decision to head to town.
Uber is available in and around Calgary, as well as the more U.S. known Lyft taxi service, which operates a similar model and service as Uber.
We found a great bar with friendly locals and warm hospitality, but we ended up ordering an Uber back to the hotel. Staying outside the town is helpful away from the hustle and bustle, but return taxis are approx. $40.
The second day we headed back into Calgary to see the town during the daytime, this time choosing to travel by train.
Although we had some issues with a broken down train, and poor directions from the station as to exactly where passengers should go (similar to our own UK train system!) we, with helpful locals, managed to find the right route.
Calgary has an array of good shops, great restaurants and the usual bar and city centre vibe. It is well worth exploring if you have some time.
After heading back to the hotel after a day of the city we woke the next morning and headed out in our hire car towards Route 1 and the start of the Rocky Mountain road-trip!
The drive east between Calgary and Banff is the first up close encounter of the mountains as you steadily drive into the Rocky Mountain range.
The Rocky Mountain Range in Canada
The moment eyes are laid upon the Rocky Mountains, the sight is unforgettable.
The Rocky Mountain range stretches some 3,000 miles (or 4,800 kilometres) and in some places the range can get as wide as 300 miles.
To say it’s big is an incredible understatement.
Despite its incredible size and ability to witness its grandeur from so many places, seeing it in all its glory in the heart of Canada, towards Banff and Jasper is a real treat.
The mountains appear so far away when you first head towards them but doesn’t take long for grandeur to hit and the range to positively loom over you.
Ice peaks, more fir tress than could be count in a year as well as great vistas, and lots of wildlife.
Don’t be surprised to be caught in what’s locally known as a ‘bear jam’, which occurs when a bear is sighted, and everyone drives slowly or pulls over to the side of the road to see if they can spot too.
Although this adds an air of excitement as many people rush from their cars with cameras and mobile phones in hand, this is strongly discouraged by the Park Ranger and National Park Staff.
Not only are those people causing delays and traffic on the road, but they are also out of the vehicles whilst a bear could be roaming very close.
Bears have known to attack people; especially grizzly bears and a black bear mother can be particularly feisty and protective if she has cubs with her!
Bears are not the only sight. Its possible to see moose in their natural habitat as well, which is an incredible sight to see.
During our trip we managed to catch sight of a black bear with her cubs, a grizzly bear, and moose.
Fortunately, all three encounters were at a safe distance but make note and follow the National Park’s advice when hiking and trekking and what to do if encountering a bear.
Bear spray can be quite essential, as well as mosquito spray with high Deet!
Banff
Banff is traditionally the first stop after leaving Calgary on a Rocky Mountain road-trip.
It’s a traditional and authentic mountain range backdrop town full of locals and tourists, full of skiers in the winter months and walkers, hikers, backpackers. campers and explorers in the spring and summer months.
It has an indescribable charm and a place which genuinely puts a smile on your face to be there and part of. Plenty of shops catering for all types of local food, clothes, and merchandise – as well as a few gifts to take home.
Our visit to Jasper was during the football World Cup. England had reached the semi-finals against Croatia and the game started approx. 8am local time.
We had decided to camp in Jasper, so a TV in the hotel wasn’t an option here.
Heading out to Jasper town centre at 8am on a Wednesday morning and the town was absolutely deserted. It felt like walking through a wild west ghost town.
Heading further into a shopping centre we heard a distant roar which grew stronger and stronger the closer we got until we reached, what can only be described as the most packed bar I have ever seen with what seemed to be every single English person within a 30 mile radius!
We couldn’t even get inside the bar and had to watch from the outside window. A very surreal experience.
Although England lost the game, it didn’t tarnish our thoughts of this delightful town which is an absolute must to stop and explore.
Nearby to Banff town is the Banff National Park which is also a must stop on any trip along the Rocky Mountains.
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is where decided to camp for a couple of nights.
Booking ahead is essential, as places and spaces are reserved months ahead of schedule.
The park is nothing but majestical.
Mountain range after mountain range, and peak after peak. I don’t think I have ever seen water so blue, and it contrasted beautifully with the blue sky and snow covered mountain tops.
It felt like walking through a Bob Ross painting!
There are many beautiful hikes for those who enjoy easy trails as well as seasoned hikers with hikes spanning many miles and the potential for wild camping.
The beauty of the outdoors and National Parks such as this is that it caters to everyone. Nature is to be enjoyed by us all in whichever way you choose.
Taking anything out of the park is also not permitted – as the National Park saying goes, take nothing away but memories!
Another beautiful place to check out in Banff National Park is Lake Louise.
Lake Louise
If any place in Canada optimises any traditional thought of the Rocky Mountains with fir trees, mountain ranges and clear blue lakes it would have to be Lake Louise.
One of the best viewpoints is from the famous Fairmont Chateau hotel, a glamorous and expensive five star hotel set next to Lake Louise.
It is a magical place to stay, especially with a Lake Louise view room, which come at a premium.
Lake Louise is also a ski resort, so caters to tourists throughout the year.
There are many walking trails around Lake Louise.
One word of caution, some hikes have cafes on route or at the top of the trail – remember you are out in the wilderness and so WiFi isn’t so readily available, which is required to run card machines and chip and pin devices!
Therefore, many of these stores and cafes are only able to take cash.
We unfortunately didn’t carry cash on us that particular day and was very disappointed when reaching the top!
The Icefields Parkway Road
Not long after leaving the Banff National Park heading north you can turn off Route 1 and on to Route 93 which is also called the Icefields Parkway Road.
It is said that the Icefields Parkway Road is one of the most scenic and most beautiful roads to drive on in the world.
Whoever said that summed it up perfectly!
The Icefields Parkway Road and the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, Montana, are two of the most beautiful roads we have ever driven on.
The delightful north bound 3 hour and 350km drive will give you many memories, and plenty of lay-bys to stop and take photos as you head north to Jasper.
Jasper
The town of Jasper, situated next to Jasper National Park, is small and welcoming as well as being incredibly spread out.
With a number of hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and ski stores, it is a good place to explore and stock up on essentials for the park.
The Jasper town with its many hotels and inns, or the nearby campground are great bases to explore the Jasper National Park and all it has to offer.
A minimum of two full days is suggested to be able to cover even just the very best sights and walks the area has to offer all visitors.
We stayed in the very popular Whistler’s campground just outside Jasper and the National Park which we highly recommend, but if this is already full you may find space at the Wapiti Campground nearby.
A stop in the visitor centre is well worth it to find out more about the town and how it came to be, as well as helpful guides and maps for your adventures.
Road Tripping across the Rocky Mountains
Of course, in Canada, like America, they drive on the right and the steering wheel is on the left.
Many people from the UK are naturally cautious about driving on the opposite side of the car, and opposite side of the road. It is easier than it sounds.
The trick is to almost do everything in reverse. The fast lane on a dual (or more) carriage highway is on the left, and the slow lane on the right etc…
If you are planning to drive for the first time in Canada, and are heading to Calgary, it is best to hire a car at the airport. Not only is this more convenient – especially when travelling home – but the roads around the airport are less busy than the town centre.
It will be easier to get started, practise a little and become accustomed to the roads out near the airport than city centre.
Also, if you are heading into Calgary airport and then heading straight out to the Rocky Mountain range, it is far easier to hire a car and stay near the airport, than head by bus into the town centre and stay or hire a car there.
FAQ:
Here is the answer to some other frequently asked questions of those looking to travel to and enjoy the Rocky Mountains along with Banff and Jasper.
What is it like driving the Icefield Parkway
Driving the Icefield Parkway Road is an incredibly immersive experience. Nothing but mountain terrain, clear open roads, and fir trees, along with the abundant wildlife the area has to offer. Icefield Parkway Road is considered to be one of the most beautiful scenic drives in the world.
Are you likely to see Black Bears in the Rocky Mountains?
Yes, a high percentage of tourist’s report seeing at least one black bear during trip to the Rocky Mountains. It is rare to black bears walking along the highway but can be seen in denser areas and along many of the walks and trails. Never approach a black bear and observe from a very safe distance.
During our time in the National Parks and around the Rocky Mountains we saw one black bear and two black bear cubs.
Are you likely to see Grizzly Bears in the Rocky Mountains?
Many tourists and visitors report seeing grizzly bears in the Rocky Mountains. These are though often harder to spot than black bears in and around the National Parks.
During our time in the National Parks and around the Rocky Mountains we saw one grizzly bear, fortunately at a very safe distance away.
No-one would want to be up close and personal with a grizzly!
Is the Rocky Mountains good for Families?
The Rocky Mountains, along with the National Parks along its trail, are great places for families. Nature, fresh air and so much to see, explore and do. The National Parks are incredible learning centres for children on wildlife and geology.
The parks also have wonderful campsites which can be a wonderful experience and fun for children and adults alike!
Is the Rocky Mountains good for small children?
Many children simply love exploring in the Rocky Mountain ranges through National Parks. The ranger stations and visitor centres can really help give children educational information about the nature around them. There is often a lot of walking involved, so this needs to be a consideration with very small children.
Is Uber available in the Rocky Mountains?
No, Uber is not available in the Rocky Mountains. Uber is available in large cities such as Calgary but not within the mountain range or smaller towns such as Banff or Jasper. Local taxi services are often available as well as public transport, trains and coach tours operate too.
Is visiting the Rocky Mountains good for a holiday?
Visiting the Rocky Mountains is very good for a holiday and well worth the experience!
After visiting a number of North America states, cities, towns, and National Parks we have felt the Rocky Mountains is most definitely one of the best destinations we have ever visited.