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Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours

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Ben Gadd

Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours Paperback – Jan. 16 2008

  • Language English
  • Publication date Jan. 16 2008
  • ISBN-10 0969263120
  • ISBN-13 978-0969263128
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  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0969263120
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0969263128
  • Item weight ‏ : ‎ 771 g
  • Best Sellers Rank: #216,897 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books )

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  Product Description

Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours is the complete roadside guide to: Fossils, formations, folds and faults presented in plain English! - Covers all major Canadian Rockies Highways - 268 places to stop, complete with GPS locations - Over 500 illustrations, many annoted photos

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Alberta’s Rockies and Badlands: Landscapes and Dinosaurs

This vacation package delves into the wildly contrasting landscapes of southern Alberta, from the Rocky Mountains in the west to the Badlands in the east

  • New Scientist Discovery Tour in partnership with GeoCultura.
  • Traverse the spectacular scenery of the Canadian Rockies and marvel at the colossal forces that generated and shaped them
  • Begin with a panoramic overview of the Rockies and the Badlands from the 191m (626 foot) Calgary Tower
  • Visit two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the rugged peaks and glacial features of the Banff portion of Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks and the bone-riddled badlands of Dinosaur Provincial Park
  • Examine world-class dinosaur fossils and take a backroom tour at the Royal Tyrell Museum of Palaeontology in Drumheller
  • Explore the geology and landforms of the extraordinary landscapes of the Badlands
  • See dinosaur excavation sites normally off-limits to the public while at Dinosaur Provincial Park
  • An optional addition is a half hour helicopter flight over the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies
  • The tour begins and ends in Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Reviews from Recent Runs

“The leader’s enthusiasm and wonderful drawings make rocks and bones the most exciting things in the world! I’m so glad I discovered this trip!” P.H.

“I knew the Rockies would be beautiful, but the Badlands were a revelation! Highly recommended!” J.D.

“This is a tour ... about something we never think about: deep time. You see landscapes in four dimensions and interpret how mountains rise, rivers shape their environment and sea levels rise and fall. The joy is that once pointed out, it is completely obvious and difficult to unsee.” M.E.

“Best bit: Dinosaur provincial Park. Visiting with such a knowledgeable and experienced Paleontologist as a guide was a unique experience”. A.C.

This tour of the majestic Rocky Mountains west of Calgary and the otherworldly Badlands to the east explores the stunning scenery and geology of southern Alberta and brings to life these remote but beautiful lands. Participants will join a working palaeontologist to visit two World Heritage Sites with world-class rock outcrops and outstanding dinosaur fossils. The expert will develop the story of rocks and life from the Cambrian (~541-million-years-ago) to the present, a tale that includes massive reefs, dinosaur playgrounds, evidence of the geological process that formed the Rocky Mountains and, more recently, ice sheets that covered Alberta and carved out spectacular landscapes. The human story began about 10,000 years ago as the ice sheets were melting away and people arrived to start a history of settlement.

After an introduction in Calgary, the tour explores the structural geology (the landscape, formed by the shortening and telescoping of land as the Rockies grew in pulses from 160–50 million years ago) and the stratigraphy (the layers of rocks) of the stunning Kananaskis Valley. The tour will visit the magnificent Banff and Lake Louise area, surrounded by mountains composed of uplifted limestones which originally formed in ancient warm seas.

We then head east to explore the multi-hued canyons and wind-sculpted hoodoos of the Alberta Badlands, named by early French explorers as “bad lands to cross”. The Badlands include amazing finds from the age of the dinosaurs. The first discoveries were by Joseph Tyrell in 1884 and have continued since then to make Alberta one of the most renowned locations for their study in the world. The group will tour one of the world’s best and most-celebrated dinosaur museums, the Royal Tyrrell Museum at Drumheller, and have a talk from a fossil preparation expert. Our last full day will be spent walking the bonebeds of Dinosaur Provincial Park, visiting areas normally off-limits to the general public.

Activity Level: Moderate, with walks of up to 3km (2 miles) on most days and a longer walk of 6km (4 miles) in Dinosaur Provincial Park (see our definitions here ). 

Transport: We will use a comfortable coach suited to the number of attendees.

Accommodation: We will be in very comfortable hotels in Calgary, Banff, Drumheller and Brooks. The hotels in Calgary and Banff are well positioned to offer views of the city and/or surrounding mountains. See our list of hotels in the Need to Know tab.

Weather: Generally good in the summer with mild days and cool evenings. Rain is always possible.

Further Tour Information

Now go to the top of the page for Itinerary , Need to Know and Gallery .

canadian rockies geology road tours

Day 1 – Arrival in Calgary

canadian rockies geology road tours

The tour will begin with an afternoon meeting in central Calgary, where the tour expert will discuss the itinerary and introduce the geology of Alberta. This will be followed by a visit to the Calgary Tower where the spectacular views will serve to orient the tour and discuss more of the geology ahead. In the evening a group dinner will be accompanied by a talk on the history and culture of Alberta from an eminent local historian.

Overnight in Calgary. Group dinner.

Day 2 – Calgary to Banff – the formation of the Rockies and glaciation

canadian rockies geology road tours

An early departure will lead to the Kananaskis Valley to view a classic feature that is a standard illustration in numerous geology books: the Lewis Thrust Fault. This impressive feature at the top of Mount Kidd has moved a slab of rock miles thick for ~80km from the west and terminates in an extremely large fold in the rock layers of the mountain's south peak. The morning continues with examination of the Montney Formation, one of the best hydrocarbon resources in North America, exposed in a series of outcrops that include a Triassic (~240-million-year-old) bone bed.

Afternoon stops include views of the striking Yamnuska Mountain showing the 505-million-year-old Eldon Formation thrust over the 80-million-year-old Belly River Formation by the McConnell Thrust, as well as exposures of the 70-million-year-old Cardium Formation with unusual sedimentary features and excellent trace fossils (a trail or burrow of an animal). A short final leg takes the tour to the overnight stop in Banff, nestled in a stunning setting amid the mountains.

Overnight in Banff. Free evening.

Day 3 – In and around Banff

canadian rockies geology road tours

During the morning the tour will visit outcrops of the Pekisko Limestone, named after the Blackfoot native tribe word for “rolling hills”, and the Mazama Ash Beds, deposited around 7600 years ago by the ash fall from the volcanic eruption that created Crater Lake in Oregon, 1500km (900 miles) to the southwest. After lunch in Canmore the tour will move on to view the 400-million-year-old Devonian sediments rich in amazing stromatoporoids (reef-building sponges) and take in the stunning scenery on a comfortable 2km (1.5 mile) walk at Grassi Lakes.

After returning to Banff there will be a group meal in the evening and a chance to hear more about the story of Banff from a local historian. The town is famous not just for its astounding scenery but also for its hot springs, formed from hot water emerging from the Sulphur Mountain Thrust Fault.

Overnight in Banff. Group dinner.

Day 4 – Banff to Drumheller

canadian rockies geology road tours

Today the tour travels along one of the most scenic highways in the world, the Icefields Parkway, on a short journey to Lake Louise. Expect fantastic views of ancient glaciers, waterfalls, rock spires and reflective lakes all set in landscapes that owe their origin to powerful ice flow processes. There will be a viewing stop at the Banff Meadows to take in the spectacular vista, which clearly reveals the astounding crustal scale faults that formed the Rockies. Late morning the tour will arrive at the hotel at Lake Louise. There will be a chance to stroll around the edge of the lake before lunch.

In the afternoon, a longish drive (~3 hrs) takes us to the overnight hotel stop in Drumheller, north-east of Calgary. After settling into the hotel there is a group dinner at a renowned bar and restaurant in Wayne, an outlying part of the town and previously home to a number of coal mines. Drumheller itself has a fascinating history which, like much of western Canada, is dominated by the development of the railway network in the early 1900s. It is still the largest town by land area in Alberta, despite having a population of under 10,000 people – a result of its amalgamation with the Municipal District of Badlands No.7 in 1998.

Overnight in Drumheller. Group dinner.

Day 5 – Drumheller: dinosaurs, extinction and hoodoos

The Royal Tyrell Museum

The day will begin with an excursion to one of the world's premier dinosaur museums, the Royal Tyrell Museum. We will enjoy a talk on fossil preparation and visit a fossil preparation lab, followed by lunch at the museum. The afternoon begins with a visit to Horseshoe Canyon, where the stunning scenery has been used as backdrop for a variety of films and TV series. The exposed deposits lie just beneath the K/T (Cretaceous-Tertiary) boundary, which marks the end of the reign of the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Further stops may include Hoodoos, Willow Creek and East Coulee to see impressive spires of rock, world-class sedimentary structures formed by the sideways migration of ancient channels (known as lateral accretion surfaces), evidence of ancient shorelines, some awesome giant fossil tree stumps and preserved burrows formed by bivalves in the wood (Teredolites traces). A short final journey takes the tour back to Drumheller

Overnight in Drumheller. Free evening.

Day 6 – Drumheller to Brooks – Dinosaur Provincial Park

canadian rockies geology road tours

The final full day of the tour begins with a drive to the Dinosaur Provincial Park, a World Heritage Site. We will spend the day at the Park and see the sites of some of the best and most famous dinosaur fossils finds in the world. Our visit will follow a 6km (4 mile) walking trail that is not usually open to the public, allowing us to immerse ourselves in the setting. A full packed lunch will be provided. The itinerary will include the Hadrosaur House, home of a sub-complete dinosaur skeleton featuring skin impressions, as well as ancient river channel deposits, whose fossils tell a tragic tale of flash flooding and its impact on Cretaceous fauna. One of Alberta’s most extensive groves of cottonwoods, flanking the Red Deer River, provides a fitting backdrop.

Supper will be at the famous steak pits (vegetarian options available) in Patricia, where everyone can cook their own meal, before the tour continues to Brooks.

Overnight in Brooks. Group dinner.

Day 7 – Brooks to Calgary and tour’s end

A two-hour journey will return participants to Calgary, where participants are free to return home or to continue exploring Alberta.

Note: this provisional itinerary is subject to change as specific locations and accommodations release more information regarding access for the coming year.

Single Supplement

Single room supplement is £743 / $928

Activity Level and Transport

The activity level is rated as MODERATE, requiring a fair level of fitness (see our definitions here ). The tour will involve walks of up to 3km (2 miles) with elevation gains up to 100m (300 ft) on most days and a 6km (4 mile) walk with a maximum elevation gain of 50m (150 ft) on day 5. All walks will be on prepared paths or trails. Some paths will be uneven and loose underfoot so sturdy footwear is required .

The weather is generally good in summer with mild temperatures expected during the day (12–23°C/55–76°F) and cooler ones at night (6–10°C/40–50°F), although it can be warmer or cooler. Rain is always possible. Elevations are between 1000–1400m (3000–4500 ft); participants unused to such elevations may find activities a little more strenuous than usual.

Transport will be in a comfortable vehicle suited to the number of attendees.

The Tour Includes/Excludes

The tour includes:.

  • The services of your tour expert, who will be with the group throughout the tour, providing pre-visit briefings, walking seminars and available to answer questions.
  • A tour leader, who will attend to logistical matters, oversee the group’s health and safety and assist participants with their queries.
  • All transportation costs from the start to the end of the tour, including the services of a professional coach driver.
  • All accommodation costs for the nights stated, assuming double occupancy rooms. Single occupancy rooms are generally available for a surcharge. See single supplement header.
  • All breakfasts, lunches and dinners, except for the two dinners marked “free evening”.
  • Entry fees, local guide fees and activity fees, where arranged as part of the tour.
  • Most gratuities and all service charges

The Tour Excludes:

  • Alcoholic drinks with meals are not included.
  • Optional activities as described in the tour itinerary or extra activities that are not described in the itinerary.
  • Personal expenditures, including bar bills, laundry bills, and the cost of meals on two free evenings.
  • Transportation to the start venue or from the end venue of the tour (air fares are not included).
  • Passport and visa fees.

Participants are required to carry their own health and travel insurance in case of accident or unforeseen circumstances.

Alternate Activities

Individuals who prefer not to participate in certain activities might consider these options:

Day 2: A half-hour helicopter overflight out of a base in Canmore. This one-of-a-kind flight amongst the peaks of the Rockies will reinforce the geological messages of the tour by providing a 3-D appreciation of the vertical relief of the individual ranges and the widespread distribution of the rock layers. Participants will need to book this activity separately.

Alternatively, participants may wish to spend the day in Banff for sightseeing, museum visits or a gondola ride to the crest of Banff’s Sulphur Mountain for alpine hikes, an interpretative centre and a three-course meal as the sun sets over the Rockies.

Day 4: In Drumheller there are opportunities for sightseeing, shopping for dinosaur fossils and antiques or hiking.

Suggested Reading

Dinosaur Provincial Park: A Spectacular Ancient Ecosystem Revealed (2005), edited by Philip Currie and Eva Koppelhus. Published by Indiana University Press.

Badlands of Drumheller – Eastern Area (2017), David Eberth. Published by Bedrock Press.

Tales from the Canadian Rockies  (2013), Brian Patton. Published by McClelland & Stewart.

Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tour s (2008), Ben Gadd. Published by Corax Press.

Dinosaur Country: Unearthing the Badlands’ Prehistoric Past (1998), Renie Gross. Published by Badlands Books.

The Trade (2010), Fred Stenson. Published by Douglas & McIntyre. Historical fiction.

Icefields (1995), Thomas Wharton. NeWest Press. Historical fiction.

Accommodation

Night 1:  Hyatt Regency Calgary , central Calgary

A full-service and classy refuge within walking distance of many restaurants and museums.

Nights 2 and 3:  Moose Hotel & Suites in Banff

The Inn is nestled below the peaks of Banff National Park and steps away from the sights and activities of downtown Banff. It boasts comfortable, spacious rooms with balconies and city or mountain views.

Nights 4 and 5:  Ramada by Wyndham Drumheller Hotel & Suites in Drumheller

In central Drumheller and near the Royal Tyrell Museum, the hotel is ideally situated to explore the Badlands of Alberta. Amenities include a pool and fitness centre, and the hotel is within walking distance of Drumheller restaurants.

Night 6: Canalta Brooks Hotel in Brooks

The Canalta has all you need to make the most of your stay: spacious rooms and enjoyable amenities such as a pool and hot tub.

Note: If required for reasons beyond our control, GeoCultura reserves the right to substitute alternate accommodations of equal or higher quality.

Deposit and Payment Terms

Deposit: A deposit of 10% of the tour price is due upon registration for a tour.

Final payment: Full payment is due 60 days before a tour begins, or upon registration if within the 60-day window.

Cancellation by participant: A participant may cancel a registration after securing a confirmed place on a tour for any reason. The following refund terms will apply:

  • Greater than 60 days before tour begins: Any monies paid plus half of the deposit will be refunded
  • 30 to 59 days before tour begins: 35% of tour price will be refunded
  • 15 to 29 days before tour begins: 25% of tour price will be refunded
  • Within 14 days of tour or during the tour: No monies will be refunded

Cancellation by GeoCultura: GeoCultura reserves the right to cancel any tour due to low enrolment, inability to run the tour or concerns about the safety, health or welfare of participants. If a tour is cancelled before it begins, all monies paid will be refunded (including any deposit).

Please refer to our Terms and Conditions page for additional details.

Jon Noad

Jon Noad resides in Calgary, Alberta, where he is in demand for running “Geology for Non-geologists” courses. Jon is a consulting geologist and palaeontologist, an Adjunct Professor at Mount Royal University, Calgary, and a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Adelaide. Jon specializes in sedimentology and trace fossils and is currently researching Cretaceous river systems and fossil localities in Dinosaur Provincial Park in Alberta.  

Jon has led groups in the field for many years, and is an enthusiastic teacher and presenter. He has taught university courses in Alberta and internationally. He has recently developed a popular portfolio of geology-focused videos across western Canada.  

In addition to fieldwork, Jon loves hiking, wildlife photography and travel. He has run more than 30 marathons and skies in the winter. He also enjoys cooking and eating hot curries.  

Tour leader explaining the landscape from under a dinosaur bone

Tour leader explaining the landscape from under a dinosaur bone.

Moraine Lake

The turquoise waters of glacially fed Moraine Lake, situated in Alberta's Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Horseshoe Canyon

Horseshoe Canyon, a region of badlands surrounded by prairie in Alberta.

Royal Tyrrell Museum

The Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology features one of the world's largest displays of dinosaurs, including the famous 'Black Beauty' Tyrannosaurus.

The “Black Beauty” T rex at the Royal Tyrell Museum

The “Black Beauty” T rex at the Royal Tyrell Museum. Preserved in the classic “death pose”, this is one of the most complete T rex skeletons found to date.

Drumheller Hoodoos

Drumheller Hoodoos. Made of soft sandstone, the 5-7m tall hoodoos are generally topped with a harder, cemented rock cap.

A tour participant capturing trilobite trace fossils at Lake Louise

A tour participant capturing trilobite trace fossils at Lake Louise.

Calgary

Our tour begins and ends in Calgary, including a visit to Calgary Tower (centre of picture) before venturing west to the Rockies.

Alberta Map Summary

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Canadian Rockies Road Trips

Canada Road Trips

Become utterly enchanted with BC and Alberta on one of our Canadian Rockies road trips. 

Whether you’re enthralled by the idea of an exclusive road trip or want to sit back and relax on a partial rail journey, these itineraries combine abundant wildlife, welcoming communities and the best views into one iconic trip. , depending how you prefer to travel, one of the pre-planned itineraries below may appeal to you. , if not, contact us to create your own self-drive holiday in the canadian rockies – we’ll make sure you have all the pre-booked accommodation, must-see attractions and travel documents you need..

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Canada By Design REVIEWS

"Thanks for a great holiday. The Rockies - awesome, Victoria- beautiful. Whistler- magic."

Mark Sydney, Australia

"They not only tailored my itinerary to include activities I liked, but also made my car and hotel reservations, making it no-fuss for me. "

Annette California, United States

"I would definitely recommend this to anyone - but especially to young parents with families. "

Annabelle Delaware, United States

"This was an A++ experience! I'll definitely use Canada by Design for our next trip to Canada."

Kathleen Texas, United States

"We had a marvelous trip. Everything fell into place."

Anne New Jersey, United States

"Destinations, itinerary and accommodation was all well thought out and we had a very memorable time. I'd happily use Canada by Design again."

Christopher Zurich, Switzerland

"I highly recommend this company, They will tailor a trip to meet individual needs."

Mel New Zealand

"From start to finish Jennifer was very polite and easy-going as well as professional. She offered suggestions when needed and and was on top of all itinerary adjustments and refunds. "

Kim Pennsylvania, United States

"Thanks again for a well planned and hassle free vacation. We will look forward to future vacations with Discover Holidays. "

Ross Ontario, Canada

"My clients and myself most definitely benefited from working with Canada By Design! "

Amanda Central Travel

" I couldn't be more pleased with the trip! "

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The Discoveries Of

10 Days in the Canadian Rockies: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

Discover the beauty of the Canadian Rockies with this in-depth 10-day itinerary.

A few years ago, I spent a blissful 6 months gallivanting around the Canadian Rockies. I was put on a work assignment in nearby Calgary, Canada, and every weekend I’d rent a car and drive out to admire and hike around the majestic peaks and evergreen forests of Canmore, Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes.

And while some of my memories include run-ins with bears or gracefully getting caught in a thunderstorm while hiking above the treeline, the majority of my Canadian Rockies road trip days were pure happiness.

After my travels there, a lot of friends and readers asked me about my travel tips for a Canadian Rockies itinerary. Several readers even went there solely because they’d seen my photos on Instagram.

To be honest, I’m not surprised at all that people see photos of the Canadian Rockies and immediately book a trip.

Yes, it’s actually that beautiful.

Moraine Lake

And that’s how this Canadian Rockies itinerary was born.

This itinerary is arguably the most spectacular Canada road trip, and it’s definitely one of the most naturally striking and totally out-of-this-world-beautiful trips you can take in the entire world.

But don’t take my word for it! Read on to learn all of my first-hand tips for planning the ultimate Canadian Rockies road trip.

For your information, this is a SUPER comprehensive guide (read: long and detailed sections to come)! I just wanted to make sure all of our best tips, guides, and resources for the Canadian Rockies were all in one place for you to access easily.

Soooo, grab a glass of your favorite adult beverage, cozy on up, and let’s chat by the crackling fireside about how to plan a kickass Canadian Rockies itinerary!

Travel Tips for Planning Your Canadian Rockies Road Trip

Canadian Rockies

One thing that’s really important to keep in mind is that the Canadian Rockies is becoming a more popular travel destination every. single. year.

That’s why it’s crucial to plan your trip in advance. 

If you’re planning on visiting the Canadian Rockies in the highest season (June through August), I’d recommend planning your trip and making all of your bookings AT LEAST 2-3 months in advance.

If you’re going in the shoulder season (May through early June or September through October), you can plan 1-2 months in advance.

From my own personal experience, here’s everything you need to know as you plan your Canadian Rockies road trip:

Important Tips to Know Before Traveling in the Canadian Rockies

Rockies in Winter

Weather conditions can be very unpredictable. One minute it’s blue skies and sunny and the next, it’s sleeting. This is normal life in the Canadian Rockies, and it’s something you’ll have to get used to if you’re traveling in from a more temperate climate.

Be sure to bring gear for both cold and warm weather (we’ve provided our favorite recommendations a little later in this post), and have waterproof shells for when the weather turns sour.

Accommodation books up very, very quickly. When I was planning my most recent trip to the Canadian Rockies, I noticed Banff and Jasper were already booked at over 80% capacity…2 months before my arrival.

As soon as you think you want to go to the Rockies, you should book cancellable accommodation (Booking.com is great for that!) to make sure you can secure  something .

There’s wildlife everywhere. Talk to any local in the area and they’ll tell you wildlife is commonplace here. It’s not out of the ordinary to see a bear or an elk grazing on the side of the road.

You can absolutely admire these animals from a distance (and even go on a special tour to see them!). But whatever you do, KEEP A SAFE DISTANCE and DO NOT FEED ANY ANIMALS. This is their home and we need to respect and protect them.

You need to buy a ticket to enter the parks. While Canmore isn’t part of this, in order to enter Banff, Jasper, or Yoho, you need to pay the entrance fee. The fees are per person, per day, so depending on the size of your group, you’ll either want to pay individually or splurge for a family/group pass. You can see all prices and conditions on the Parks Canada page.

If you want to avoid the crowds, wake up early. This itinerary will be taking you to many different locations, some more popular than others. However, if you’re not a morning person, you miiiiight want to become one during this trip, as the early morning is a) the best time to avoid the crowds and b) the best time for photos of the park because of the lighting.

When to Visit the Canadian Rockies

Rocky Mountains

The Canadian Rockies are a year-round travel destination. This means that, yes, you can visit during any month of the year, but what you can do drastically depends on the weather. You’ll need to have the right expectations about weather and available activities. 

Visiting in Summer or Fall

Summer and fall usually boast the best hiking and camping weather, but also attract the largest crowds.

Typically, all of the hiking trails and summer adventure activities are open and available during this time of year, meaning that the hotels and lodges are often almost completely sold out and there’s actually traffic.

If you’re planning on visiting the Canadian Rockies during the summer, you’ll need to plan a few months in advance to secure accommodations, car rentals, and tours.

Visiting in the Spring

Canadian Rockies in Spring

Spring is the shoulder season, especially after the ski slopes begin to melt but the trails are still covered in winter ice. Weather during this time of year can mimic winter or summer, depending on when in the season you visit.

The first time I ever visited the Canadian Rockies, we went in mid-May and, while not all of the hiking trails were open yet, we experienced very few crowds and even had Lake Louise completely to ourselves.

Not a bad trade-off if you’d prefer a more tranquil, quiet experience!

FYI, this Canadian Rockies itinerary is based on a spring, summer, or fall road trip. 

Visiting in the Winter

Rockies in winter

However, that’s not to say you can’t make a Canadian Rockies road trip in the winter. Winter is the least-crowded season in the area, but your activities will be limited to snow sports (e.g., skiing, snowboarding, tubing, etc.) and ice activities (like ice climbing and ice trekking, which are pretty cool, IMO).

If you’re planning on doing any of these outdoor winter sports, I recommend grabbing yourself a pair of crampons, a durable, insulated jacket , and thermal snow pants, as you’ll DEFINITELY need them. Also, make sure that you have all of the most important gear for hiking in winter .

If you’re going to take a road trip during the winter season, I’d strongly recommend having experience driving in snowy/icy conditions, and please make sure to have the right gear, like snow chains, ice scrapers, etc.

How to Get to & Around the Canadian Rockies

If you haven’t already guessed by the fact that this is a “road trip” itinerary,  I strongly recommend driving yourself or renting a car to get to and around the Canadian Rockies. Why? Because having your own car gives you the most flexibility for where you can go in the park and what time.

How to Rent a Car in Calgary

Luckily, it’s pretty easy to rent a car at an affordable price from the nearby cities of Calgary, Edmonton, and even Vancouver. You can even rent a car in Banff town. If you’re not from the area, I strongly recommend flying into Calgary International Airport (YYC), as it’s the closest airport to this itinerary’s starting point.

You can rent a car from Avis, Hertz, and Enterprise directly from the airport. However, if you want to save some moolah, I’d recommend checking the prices at Calgary’s downtown car rental locations as well. I’ve found rental cars downtown tend to be cheaper, costing sometimes 20-40% less per day than renting at the airport. Plus, the taxi downtown from the airport only costs ~$15 USD one way.

Getting Around the Canadian Rockies

Once you’ve got a car, there are gas stations all over the Trans-Canada Highway and the Icefields Parkway (the two primary roadways you’ll be using in this itinerary). Before heading anywhere, I strongly recommend checking the Parks Canada road reports, so you know if there are any road closures or bad weather conditions ahead of time.

Where to Stay in the Canadian Rockies

There are places to stay in the Canadian Rockies for any budget level, from penny-pinching backpackers to luxury lovers.

To make planning your accommodations suuuper easy, for each day of this Canadian Rockies itinerary, I’ll be providing two recommendations for places to stay, one budget option and one mid-range option.

I’ll also suggest the most convenient campsite for each day of the itinerary.

However, if you’d like more suggestions or information on where to stay in the Canadian Rockies, we’ve got you covered with 2 complete accommodation guides (Banff and Jasper):

  • Where to Stay in & around Banff National Park
  • Where to Stay in Jasper National Park

And, for those of you interested in camping in the Canadian Rockies, we’ve got 3 complete and detailed guides on that as well:

  • The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Banff National Park
  • The Ultimate Guide to Camping in Jasper National Park
  • What to Pack for a Camping Trip: The Ultimate Camping Packing List

What to Pack for the Canadian Rockies

Clothing to pack for the canadian rockies.

  • Waterproof hiking boots – While on a Canadian Rockies road trip, there’s a good chance you’ll be caught walking in mud, snow, and stream crossings. To keep my feet warm and dry during day hikes, I have a cozy pair of Ahnu waterproof hiking boots that always do the trick! My boots have been with me to Patagonia, Peru, Slovenia, and more, and they’re still kicking ( haha, get it?! ).
  • Wool socks – You’ll want to bring some warm wool socks to pair with your hiking boots. Not only will these help keep your feet cozy and dry, but they can also help prevent blisters from your boots. We love our Darn Tough hiking socks for all of our outdoor adventures and literally bring them everywhere with us.
  • Merino wool layers – It’s a really good idea to bring a merino wool baselayer , which will keep you cool in the summer and warm in colder weather. Merino is soft, sturdy, stink-free, and sweat-wicking, AKA the best fabric ever for staying warm and dry in the Canadian Rockies’ unpredictable climate.
  • A waterproof rain shell – No matter what time of year it is, there’s a decent chance of a sudden downpour in the Canadian Rockies. Yes, it literally happens even when the skies are clear and blue minutes before. Bring a sturdy, waterproof rain jacket to stay warm and dry at all times.
  • A compressible down jacket – Temperatures in the Canadian Rockies can be chilly even in the summer, especially as you gain altitude. For this reason, I always make sure to pack my thermal puffer, all rolled up into a tiny ball that I can shove into my day pack or clip onto the outside of my bag with a carabiner.

Toiletries & Personal Items

  • Mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and sunglasses – Don’t forget these! Just like most other outdoor areas, the Canadian Rockies get lots of sunshine and mosquitoes in the summer, so plan ahead.
  • Snacks – Whether you’re hiking, rafting, or driving, you’ll definitely want some snacks to carry with you. I strongly recommend purchasing packaged or resealable snacks as the food scents can be an issue with wildlife in the area.
  • Good road trip playlists – You’ll be driving a LOT in the Canadian Rockies, so having a good car playlist downloaded to your phone is a must!

Other Helpful Things to Pack for the Canadian Rockies

  • Bear spray – Like I mentioned before, there is a LOT of wildlife in the Canadian Rockies. Be sure to purchase a canister of bear spray if you plan on doing lots of hiking or camping. You most likely won’t have to use it (I never did in 6 months!), but it’s smart to have on you in the event of a chance run-in with a bear or a wolf.
  • Head lamp – If you want to catch a stunning sunrise, a colorful sunset, or some epic stargazing, a good, comfortable head lamp is a MUST. Luckily, they’re not too expensive and once you buy one, you can just replace the batteries forever and ever (until the bulbs physically burn out). I like my Black Diamond head lamp for exploring in less-than-optimal lighting.
  • Reusable water bottle & filter – We always bring our trusty reusable water bottle (Rafael and I both have Hydro Flask bottles that we LOVE) on our adventures to cut down on plastic waste and keep our water cold. Most of the time you should have plenty of access to clean, filtered tap water, but on long hikes you may need to refill at a stream or cascade. In this case, you’ll also want a water filter or purification system to ensure your water is always potable. We recommend the rechargeable SteriPen, which purifies your water using a portable UV light.
  • Carabiners – These are always super useful to have while hiking or exploring. I use them to hang my water bottles, hats, shoes, wet clothes, etc. on the outside of my bag, and they work fantastically. You can literally just buy a pack of 20 carabiners and throw them in your hiking bag when you’re ready for an adventure.

Gear for Camping & Sleeping

  • Durable camping gear – If you’re planning on camping, you’ll definitely want some high-quality camping gear to bring with you.
  • Hammock – While definitely not a requirement, it’s really nice to have a hammock for relaxing after a long hike or at a riverside campsite. We have an ENO Double Nest (of course, in the brightest, most psychedelic colors they sell) and we basically live it in when we’re not in the car or the tent. It’s perfect for sharing between two people or snuggling up by yourself.

The Ultimate 10-Day Canadian Rockies Itinerary

Day 1: calgary to canmore.

Calgary

On this day, we recommend arriving in Calgary and driving to Canmore, which is the first stop of our Canadian Rockies itinerary.

You do have the option of staying in the for a day and doing some hikes (which could be a really cool option, especially if the Calgary Stampede is going on).

While many people opt to go directly from Calgary to Banff, I chose to include Canmore because it’s often overlooked by tourists, but it actually is home to some of my favorite hikes and viewpoints in all of the Canadian Rockies. 

While often overshadowed by their northern neighbors (Banff and Jasper), Canmore and the Kananaskis area are, in my opinion, some of the most underrated adventure destinations in all of Alberta.

Striking mountaintops, amazing hiking trails, and beautiful alpine lakes will greet you as you explore Canmore, but you can expect smaller crowds here, even during the high season.

Morning: Arrival in Calgary

If you opt for a direct morning flight from anywhere in the USA or Canada, chances are you’ll most likely be arriving in Calgary Airport in the late morning or early afternoon. Once you’ve arrived, proceed through customs (if necessary) and grab your bags.

  • For car rentals at the airport: From the arrivals area, follow signs to the main rental car area to pick up your car from your designated agency.
  • For car rentals from downtown: Exit after baggage claim and grab a taxi (NOT a black car, these are 2-3x the price!). Make sure you have the address of your rental agency on hand and let the driver know where you’re going. If you’ve decided to rent from Avis (which we usually recommend), their shop is right next to the Calgary Tower.

Lunch in Calgary

After you leave the airport, I recommend grabbing some lunch in nearby Calgary before heading to Canmore.

Known for its ranching industry, Calgary is known around Canada for its meats. For some of the most delicious steaks in the city, Vintage Chophouse is a fantastic place to try. Since I’m not actually a steak person myself, my favorite dish there is the lobster mac and cheese , which is exactly the heavenly deliciousness it sounds like: large lobster chunks mixed in with a perfect blend of pasta and melted cheeses.

For a cheaper, vegetarian-friendly lunch option, The Coup is a fantastic choice. Their bright, open space and delicious, healthy lunch options are AMAZING. Share a Vegan Char”coup”terie board or order the Satay Bowl for lunch… you won’t be disappointed.

After lunch, if you have extra time to check out the city, explore some of the many things to do in Calgary !

Afternoon: Driving In & Exploring Canmore

Canmore

After lunch, you’ll drive ~1 hour down the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1) to Canmore. At first, you might think you’re in the wrong place, with flat farmlands for miles.

The plains eventually turn into rolling hills, and then…BAM… you’ll see it: the beautiful, majestic Canadian Rockies. At first just a faint outline on the horizon, they’ll eventually grow larger and bluer right before your eyes. 

It’s, like, ridiculously magical. 

For outdoor lovers, seeing the Canadian Rockies for the first time is kind of like the feeling you get when you see the Disney Castle. It’s magical, heart-wrenching, glorious. You might cry (I definitely did). Seeing the mountains and knowing that you’ll be spending the next 10 days there? Priceless.

Depending on how much time you have in Canmore before dinner, you can take a drive around the area and even hop on a short hiking trail (see the next section on Day 2 for some recommendations). You can also check into your accommodations (see below for our recommendations) and wander around the town center for a while.

Evening: Dinner at PD3 Blake Canmore 

Full disclosure: I’ve never eaten at Blake Canmore . BUT I have a good excuse — the TWO times I tried to go, it was either full with a wait (and I was hangry from hiking) or it was closed. You can choose to dine at Blake Canmore’s more traditional dining hall, but I’d recommend going for the more casual PD3, which is a double decker bus converted into a local dining institution (and the food smelled absolutely heavenly ).

Whatever you choose, don’t be like me: plan ahead and eat your first Canadian Rockies dinner at Blake.

Not only does the food look super drool-worthy (I think I could literally inhale their “crack fries” in approximately 2 seconds), but it’s also reasonably priced and the atmosphere is among the most unique in the region. They also have homemade ice cream flavors and signature drinks/cocktails in case you want to end your day 1 with a sweet treat!

Overnight in Canmore

You’ll spend (at least) the first two nights in Canmore, where hotels and hostels tend to be significantly cheaper than staying in nearby Banff. Here are some of our top recommendations for places to stay in the Canmore area:

  • Mid-Range Hotel: The Georgetown Inn – Imagine an old-time pub and inn that magically plopped down in the middle of Canmore and you’ve got The Georgetown Inn. This adorable home-style inn is the perfect landing place for you after long days of hiking, since they boast large, comfy rooms and there’s an attached restaurant.
  • Budget Hostel: HI-Canmore – Currently Canmore’s only hostel, HI-Canmore is a fantastic place to stay for budget travelers, solo travelers, and backpackers. With dorms and private rooms, HI-Canmore caters to a wide variety of travel preferences and budgets, while offering typical amenities like laundry, kitchen, and cooking supplies.
  • Campsite: Bow Valley Campground – Situated right next to the Bow River and the nearby hiking trails, the Bow Valley Campground is the perfect base in Canmore. The campsites are spacious, the rangers are attentive, there are all of the necessary amenities, and the views are totally epic.

Check Additional Accommodation in Canmore

Day 2: Hiking in Canmore

Canmore

As I say whenever anyone asks me, hiking is the best way to experience the Canadian Rockies , even if you’ve never hiked before or get serious anxiety when you think about climbing uphill (*raises hand and blushes*).

Whether you’ve been hiking since your childhood years or are hitting the trails for the first time ever, there are tons of picturesque hikes in Canmore (and ALL of the Canadian Rockies) suitable for your skill level and preferences.

On day 2 of your Canadian Rockies itinerary, you have a few options: choose 1-2 short hikes in Canmore, or embark on a longer half- or full-day hiking excursion in the area. I’ve listed several hikes, ranging from easy to challenging, in each of the categories below so you have LOTS of options to choose from!

Pro tip: Get started with hiking EARLY. While it will definitely be a little colder outside in the mornings, the most beautiful views of the Rockies happen when the sun is low in the sky, and you definitely won’t want to miss those ideal morning mountain photo opportunities.

Short Hikes in Canmore

Canmore

Bow River Loop – (3.5 kilometers, 1-1.5 hours) This is a nice little trail that starts in Canmore town center and loops around to the Bow River. If you’ve arrived in Canmore early enough on Day 1 for a short hike, this is a perfect one to try. Stunning views of the river, evergreen forests, and the surrounding mountains will greet you.

Grotto Canyon – (4.4 kilometers, 1.5-3 hours) One of the most unique hikes in Canmore, the Grotto Canyon trail takes you through huge rock structures where local climbers can often be found scaling the vertical rock faces. The trail is surrounded by large rocks and ends at a waterfall.

Grassi Lakes – (4 kilometers, 1-2 hours) Grassi Lakes is one of Canmore’s iconic hikes and is a local favorite that’s perfect for hikers of all levels. The trail takes you to two deep turquoise alpine lakes surrounded by evergreen trees, and it’s a super tranquil place to go for a short morning hike.

Quarry Lake – (3 kilometers, < 1 hour) This family-friendly loop trail winds around the banks of Quarry Lake, offering beautiful views across the water toward the mountains. You can also swim in the lake if the weather is warm enough!

Half-Day Hikes in Canmore

Ha Ling Peak ( CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE ) – (5.3 kilometers, ~4 hours) This is arguably one of the coolest and most picturesque summits in Canmore. But don’t let Ha Ling Peak’s short trail distance fool you: the hike is actually quite difficult, as you’ll ascend well over 800 meters in less than 3 kilometers. The peak itself rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Bow Valley below.

Lady MacDonald Tea House – (9 kilometers, 4-6 hours) This hike, named after a tea house that was never actually built, is a gorgeous trail that has beautiful views start to finish. One of the more popular hikes in Canmore, this moderately difficult hike is a perfect half-day adventure for hikers looking for a bit of a challenge and the reward of stunning photogenic viewpoints.

Full-Day Hikes in Canmore

Mount Yamnuska

Mount Yamnuska – (11 kilometers, 6+ hours) By far, Mount Yamnuska is one of my favorite adrenaline-pumping, muscle-throbbing hikes in ALL of Canada! This 11-kilometer trail takes you through an evergreen forest, up a steep rocky scramble, around a chain cliffhanger (seriously), and up to the summit of this iconic Canmore peak. It’s a whopping 900+ meters of elevation gain, so be ready for some SERIOUS uphills and downhills if you choose to tackle this one.

Heart Mountain Horseshoe – (11 kilometers, 6+ hours) I haven’t actually hiked this one, but I’ve heard awesome things about it from friends back in Calgary. This is a moderate to difficult trail that involves a bit of rock scrambling towards the top. The views from the trail and the summit are said to be absolutely incredible.

When You Get Hungry: Breakfast or Lunch at Communitea

Depending on your schedule, you’ll be hungry eventually, and if you need a great stop for breakfast or lunch, I strongly recommend Communitea . It’s a little coffeeshop/cafe hybrid with delicious, healthy dishes and a cute, colorful atmosphere.

Head there for breakfast for a caffeine fix before a big hike, or pick up one of their hot drinks and a delicious, filling savory bowl for lunch after hitting the trails in the morning.

Evening: Dinner at Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co

A Western Canada chain, Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co is literally the perfect post-hiking meal. They’ve got a HUGE oven they use to bake their flatbreads, which come out nice and piping hot to your table. If you’re planning on going during the height of dinner time, I’d strongly recommend making a reservation.

When you check out the menu, you’ll see they have DOZENS of pizza and pasta options to choose from (I may be biased, but you should definitely try the sundried tomato pizza ). You can also grab a Canadian craft beer or a signature cocktail with your dinner.

You’ll spend the night in the same Canmore accommodation you chose on Day 1.

Day 3: Banff Town & Iconic Sights

Banff Town

I know I gave you a day full of hiking yesterday, so today, you’ll be taking it a bit more easy on the legs. You’ll drive the short distance to Banff National Park, explore the Banff Town area, eat a delightful dinner at one of my favorite restaurants in Banff, and end the night with some stargazing if it’s clear outside!

Morning: Drive to Banff & Breakfast at Tooloulou’s

Since you’ll be exploring the area near Banff Town today, you can choose what time you’ll want to head out. ( Banff is about a 30 minute drive from Canmore, so make sure you are in the car driving before you get struck with the iron fist of breakfast hanger. )

You’ll continue down the Trans-Canada Highway until you reach the Banff Entrance (which consists of small huts on each lane of the highway where you pay your entrance fee). Pay the fee, which is $9.80 CAD per adult, then continue driving alllll the way to Banff town.

Along the way, you’ll catch a glimpse of Canmore’s stunning Three Sisters and Banff’s Mount Rundle.

Once you arrive in Banff, head to Tooloulou’s , arguably the best traditional breakfast place in town. It’s a Louisiana-style Cajun restaurant with a Canadian flair. Here, you can get french toast, omelettes, and hashbrowns in HUGE (shareable) portions. It’s delicious, especially since I know you’ll be hungry by the time you arrive in Banff.

Late Morning/Afternoon: Explore Banff Town & Surrounding Areas

After you’ve wrapped up breakfast, you’ll hop back in the car and explore the Banff town area. You might be thinking,  Kay, I didn’t come to the Canadian Rockies to spend time in a town. But actually, Banff town is pretty small and picturesque, and it’s the town’s immediate surroundings that you’ll be getting to know on this day.

Depending on your energy levels and the amount of time you have, there are several options you can try. Here are a few of the main highlights in and around Banff Town:

Banff Gondola – One of the most fun and picturesque non-hiking activities in Banff is a ride on the Banff Gondola. While the ride is only ~8 minutes each way, the Gondola takes you up to a complex with an incredible panoramic observation deck, a cafe and restaurant, and amazing views for days. ( Pro tip: Head up on the Gondola later in the day when the sun is low in the sky for extra special views!)

Surprise Corner – The Surprise Corner is Banff’s worst kept secret, an unofficial viewpoint that has never *officially* been recognized as a landmark. As a roadside viewpoint just outside the city, the Surprise Corner is actually a popular place to stop off and admire views of the Bow Valley and the Banff Springs Hotel sticking up out of the trees. There are also several trails leading from the parking area around and into the valley below.

Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel – You’ve probably seen photos of the Fairmont Banff Springs all over the internet. If you’re looking for luxury and history all in one place, the Banff Springs Hotel is a fantastic landing spot for you. Situated in the scenic Bow Valley, the hotel boasts several restaurants, a spa, and several amenities for actual guests. However, if you just want to take a look, head there for a leisurely lunch in one of their dining spots.

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka – Lake Minnewanka is one of my favorite places in Banff, if not for the sheer fact that there is SO much to do there. You can rent a kayak or take a boat cruise, wander the lakeside trails or sit down for a picnic. In the night time, you can even stargaze here! I’d recommend heading over there and seeing where the day takes you…but beware: you might end up spending your ENTIRE day here!

Bow River Falls – This is a short, easy hike down to a wide waterfall on the Bow River. It’s a nice, scenic, paved trail that is family-friendly and will take you near Banff town down the river.

Banff town center – If the weather is bad or you’re just too dang tired to do anything, sticking around in Banff town center is NOT a bad option. There are scenic mountain views from the streets, as well as a handful of restaurants, shops, and museums that you can check out to learn more about Banff’s history, including the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies.

If you have more than just 2 days to spend in Banff, here’s our complete guide to the park with a list of 23 amazing adventure activities to try:

Read our complete guide on the best activities & things to do in Banff

Evening: Dinner at Park Distillery & Stargazing

Stargazing Banff

By the evening, you’ll probably be REALLY hungry and ready for a hearty, delicious meal in a relaxed place. I’ve got the perfect place to you: Park Distillery . Their mission is “campfire-inspired meals” and they really do play the part well, from char-grilled meats and steaks to the amazing smell of campfire inside and around the restaurant.

After your dinner, if you’re still a liiiiittle hungry, stop by Beaver Tails nearby for an amazing Canadian dessert: baked (fried?) dough topped with delicious sweet condiments like Nutella, M&Ms, cinnamon, and more.

If the sky is clear while you’re heading out from the restaurant, you can hop in the car and head to a nearby lake for some amazing stargazing opportunities. Outside of the town center, you can see a lot of stars and constellations in areas with little tree cover.

Here are a few beautiful spots in Banff I’d recommend for stargazing:

  • Lake Minnewanka
  • Vermilion Lakes
  • Two Jack Lake

If it’s cloudy or rainy, just head back to your hotel/hostel and cozy up in your blankets. Tomorrow is a day of hiking so you can definitely use a good night’s sleep!

Overnight in Banff National Park

The blessing and the curse of Banff is that there are SO many places you can stay. And making a decision on where to stay in Banff can be a little overwhelming. So, here are my recommendations for a few popular places to stay (or you can read this post for the full list, from luxury lodges to budget hostels):

  • Mid-Range Hotel: Moose Hotel & Suites –  This is possibly the cutest lodge in Banff, with a big wood fireplace in the lobby and stunning views of the Rockies. If you’re looking for an affordable full-service hotel option in Banff, this one is arguably the best.
  • Budget Hostel: Samesun Banff –  A cozy hostel located in Banff’s downtown area, Samesun come highly recommend by budget travelers. People really love their laid-back atmosphere, low prices, and kitchen facilities (because, ya know, those restaurants can really add up!). 
  • Camping: Two Jack Lakeside –  This is my #1 favorite campsite in the Canadian Rockies. Located right next to Two Jack Lake, the campsites offer stunning sunrise views of Mount Rundle, as well as amazing stargazing options. Campsites come with access to showers and running water, as well as fire pits (extra fee) and spacious areas to pitch your tent/hammock/whatever.

Click here to check reviews and prices for accommodations in Banff

Day 4: Hiking in Banff National Park

Hiking in Banff

Yup, you guessed it: today is a full day dedicated to hiking! There are SO many fantastic trails in Banff, and it’s worth trying at least 1 or 2 of them before you leave. Before beginning any hike in Banff, it’s wise to   check the Parks Canada website   for updates on trail conditions and weather forecasts.

Morning & Afternoon: Go Hiking in Banff

Since we’ve got Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, and Johnston Canyon on the agenda for tomorrow, I’d recommend not choosing those for your hiking day today. Here are 3 other wonderful options for hikes in Banff that you can try on today’s itinerary:

Lake Minnewanka Loop Trail  (Easy): An easy loop around one of the most beautiful lakes in the area, the Lake Minnewanka Loop is a fabulous day hike for beginner hikers or families. If you didn’t get over to Lake Minnewanka yesterday, I’d definitely recommend this option!

Cascade Amphitheatre (Moderate): Cutting through a valley with rocky mountaintop views, forested trails, and bubbling streams, this hike is a tranquil adventure into the woods. The Amphitheatre itself is a green valley surrounded by vertical rock faces and almost 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains. 

Mount Rundle  (Difficult):  One of the most iconic mountains in Banff National Park, Mount Rundle is an amazing and challenging summit hike to the peak of this beast. If you’re planning to tackle this hike, be sure you’re fully prepared by reading this post and bringing all of the  necessary day hiking items  you’ll need.

For even more hiking recommendations, check out our complete guide to Banff’s most incredible hikes (for all levels of hikers!): 

When you’re not hiking and need some food/refreshments, I recommend heading to Good Earth Coffeehouse in Banff’s town center. It’s a cute, cozy coffee shop that serves warm drinks and food all morning and afternoon.

Evening: Soak in the Upper Hot Springs & Grab Dinner at Banff Ave Brewing Co

Banff at Night

Once you’re done hiking for the day, head to the Banff Upper Hot Springs , which is just outside of Banff town. Here, you can kick back in the steaming hot pool and relax your muscles after a long day of hiking. The pool is clean and spacious, perfect for relaxing for an hour or two before heading off to dinner.

The Banff Upper Hot Springs costs $8.30 CAD for adults and you can rent a towel and/or swimsuit for $1.90 CAD each.

After your soak in the springs, grab some light eats and a beer at Banff’s craft brewery, Banff Ave Brewing Co . They serve up a delicious, affordable, vegetarian-friendly menu and a sizeable variety of beers, ranging from chocolatey darks (my style) to light, sour IPAs (Raf’s style). Get the crunchy fried broccoli and house nachos, or go for a heavier option like the Alberta Beef Burger or the Mushroom Gnocchi.

You’ll spend the night in the same Banff accommodation you chose on Day 3.

Day 5: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, & Johnston Canyon

This is one of the most iconic days in the itinerary, where you’ll be headed to the famous Moraine Lake (yup, the one you see in all those Instagram photos of Banff), Lake Louise, and Johnston Canyon.

But here’s the catch: this day starts EARLY.

If you can be out of the house by 5:30 AM or before sunrise, that’s ideal.

This way, you’ll avoid the treacherous crowds at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, and you can spend the afternoon strolling through Johnston Canyon (Or, like, napping in a tree from waking up so early. Both are acceptable.).

Early Morning: Moraine Lake

Moraine Lake

Set that alarm for 5 AM and grab a Clif bar to go for your breakfast as you leave your Banff hotel to drive ~40 minutes to the Lake Louise area.

You’ll see the iconic Lake Louise a bit later in the morning, but you’ll first want to drive up to nearby Moraine Lake to catch that epic sunrise view that EVERYONE AND THEIR MOTHER wants to see. 

The parking lot for Moraine Lake is pretty small, which is why I’m recommending getting up so early. When Rafael and I went there for the first time, we arrived around 6 AM and, while we weren’t the only people there, we had the place largely to ourselves.

Park in the parking lot and go for a stroll around the lake, or up onto the famed Rock Pile to get that incredible view that everyone raves about (there’s a reason why this is one of the most Instagrammed places in Banff ).

Morning: Breakfast & Hiking at Lake Louise

Lake Louise

Once you’re finished at Moraine Lake, you can either head straight to Lake Louise or stop at Trailhead Cafe for a coffee and a bite to eat. Their “The Cure” sandwich is amazing to start (continue?) your day.

When you’re ready, head to Lake Louise and try to snag a parking spot as close to the entrance as possible. During the high season, the parking lot fills up and you have to park at a different one a few miles away and then shuttle in (which sucks, don’t do it).

If you get to Lake Louise early enough, you won’t have this problem. Instead, you can park right in front of the hotel and stroll right into the main lake area. Once you arrive at the lake, you’ll see the otherworldly turquoise water, the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, the amazing glacier, and striking mountains around you.

Lake Louise

At Lake Louise, you have a few options. You can simply hang out around the hotel and the waterfront, or you can:

  • Rent a kayak and explore the lake on the water
  • Have brunch at Poppy Brasserie , the Fairmont’s breakfast restaurant which boasts table-side views of the lake and the surrounding mountains
  • Do the Lake Agnes Tea House hike , which takes you up to a hidden alpine lake and a cozy tea house that serves warm drinks and snacks in the summer
  • Embark on the Plain of Six Glaciers hike , which is a half-day hike that takes you to some pretty epic glaciers and landscapes around and above Lake Louise

If you’re planning on just stopping by Lake Louise, you won’t need more than an hour in the area. However, if you plan on doing any of the above activities, plan for 3-4 hours (5+ hours for the Plain of Six Glaciers hike).

Afternoon: Hiking at Johnston Canyon

Johnston Canyon

After you’ve wrapped up at Lake Louise, you can head towards Johnston Canyon, which is a nearby trail system that travels through a beautiful, stark canyon with teal rivers and waterfalls running through it. If you’re hungry, at the entrance is a small gift shop and cafe where you can buy soups and sandwiches.

On the trails, there are a series of catwalks that take you through the canyon to two sets of waterfalls – the Upper and Lower Falls – and a lake area called the Ink Pots. At the Ink Pots, you can see multicolored pools of water that look really unique and cool for pictures.

You can choose to only visit one or both of the falls, but keep in mind that the total Johnston Canyon trail from the start to the Ink Pots is ~11.7 kilometers round trip.

Evening: Dinner at Bill Peyto’s Cafe

After your busy, busy day in the northern part of Banff, there’s nothing better than sitting down for a big, warm dinner. Bill Peyto’s Cafe is an affordable and popular choice in the Lake Louise area for exactly that.

Full disclosure: I’ve actually never eaten here , but I’ve heard raving reviews about this place, which is actually attached to the HI-Lake Louise Hostel . After a long day (which this one definitely was), it’s a great place to enjoy hearty, affordable Canadian food and drinks.

Try the elk burger with a side of Canadian craft beer , and don’t forget to try their famous hot sticky toffee pudding cake .

Overnight near Lake Louise

On this night, you can choose to stay in your same Banff accommodation as the last two days, OR you can relocate closer to Lake Louise. I tend to prefer the latter because tomorrow, you’ll be heading north toward the Icefields Parkway, and it will eliminate over half an hour of driving for you the next day. Gotta make up for the sleep you lost last night!

Here are a few options for places to stay near Lake Louise:

  • Splurge Resort: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – I know I haven’t been giving many “splurge” recommendations for this itinerary, but if you’re going to splurge for ONE NIGHT on your trip, this is it. I’ve been dreaming of spending a night or two in the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise since the first time I visited, and I’ll be saving those pennies until I can do so one day. Anyway, if you’ve got the cash, there’s no better place to spend a night than this iconic hotel, which rests on the banks of Lake Louise itself.
  • Mid-Range Hotel: Paradise Lodge & Bungalows – Perfect for larger groups, this family-friendly set of bungalows is located on the road to Lake Louise and offers large full kitchens in-unit. There’s no on-site restaurant, but the Lake Louise Visitor’s Centre isn’t far.
  • Budget Hostel: HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre – HI-Lake Louise Alpine Centre is located just outside of Lake Louise near the Visitor’s Centre. As another Hostelling International hostel, you can expect clean, cozy dorms and private rooms, large social areas and a kitchen, and affordable rates.
  • Camping: Lake Louise – This tent camping spot is located right near Lake Louise and is the perfect place to spend a night in the area.

Day 6: Icefields Parkway

Icefields Parkway

On Day 6, you’ll head up to Jasper via the most beautiful highway in the Canadian Rockies (and maybe in Canada…or the world…).

Nothing screams Canadian Rockies road trip more than driving its most scenic route, and today you’ll have the chance to do that, with a bunch of stops in between.

While the drive itself only takes ~3 hours, you’ll definitely want to stop for some photos, fresh air, hiking, and more. In this part of the itinerary, we’ve laid out all of your options for places to stop and things to do along the Icefields Parkway.

Morning: Alpine Lake Viewpoints

Grab an early breakfast to go at Trailhead Cafe in Lake Louise. I’d also recommend grabbing some extra sandwiches to go for lunch later, as you may not want to stop for food during your road trip.

Then, head out north on the Icefields Parkway towards Jasper. There are tons of amazing places to stop as you leave the Banff National Park area and turn into the Columbia Icefield.

First, stop at Peyto Lake, which is about 40 minutes from Lake Louise. Peyto Lake is a stunning turquoise lake that you can admire from its highway upper viewpoint, and it’s definitely worth at least a short photo stop before continuing onward. 

Late Morning & Afternoon: Choose Your Own Adventure

After you’ve stopped at Peyto Lake, you have a TON of options for things to do along the way. Here are just a few of the many hikes, activities, and viewpoints you can stop at along the Icefields Parkway:

Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre – The discovery centre sits off of the icefields parkway about an hour and a half away from the Jasper Information Centre. Here you can get some scenic views from the top of the centre and you can book excursions out into the icefields. If you are feeling hungry, grab a bite in the attached Altitude restaurant. If you are just passing by on the way to Jasper, plan to spend 30 minutes here for a quick pit stop.

Glacier Skywalk

Glacier Skywalk – Take a 400 m walk along a glass-bottomed walkway that overlooks the gorgeous Sunwapta Valley 280 meters below. Tickets for the attraction can be purchased at the nearby Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, which is about 6 km away towards Banff on the Icefields Parkway. Tickets cost $35 at the door, but you can pre-purchase them online for a slight discount. Plan to spend 30 minutes to an hour there.

Do a Glacier Walk – Take an Athabasca Glacier Tour where you can walk on and drink from the 10,000 year old sheet of ice. You’ll be taken out to the glacier on a huge all-terrain bus with a knowledgeable guide who will teach you about the area’s history. After arriving on the glacier, you’ll get to walk directly on the ice and explore crevasses and hills. Some tours are all day events (10 am – 5 pm), but you can find shorter trips at the Discovery Centre that are 3 hours in length.

Mistaya Canyon – If you are looking for a short half hour break while driving up to Jasper, consider stopping at Mistaya Canyon. Look for a small parking area about 5 km South from the Saskatchewan Crossing. You’ll take a short 10 minute hike that crosses a wooden bridge where you can see beautiful views of the mountains and waterfalls surrounding Mistaya Canyon. This spot is not as well known to many tourists, so it’s a good peaceful place to stop on your way to Jasper or Banff.

Herbert Lake – Herbert Lake is only 6 km away from Lake Louise along the Icefields parkway. Similarly to Mistaya Canyon, looks for a small pull-out area next to the highway where you can park your car. A short 5 minute trail will take you to a brilliant, scenic view of a tranquil, mirrored lake. You’ll have the option of following the trail around the perimeter of the lake if you choose, or simply enjoy the serenity and tranquility of this secluded area.

Chephren Lake – Stop off at the trailhead for Chephren Lake, one of my favorite lakes on the Icefields Parkway. You have to hike in ~3 hours round trip to get there, but I promise the views are totally worth it. By the time you finish up with Chephren Lake, it should be early afternoon and you’ll be ready to continue on to the rest of the Icefields Parkway.

Parker Ridge – About an hour and half from Lake Louise, Parker Ridge offers unparalleled views of the Icefields and Saskatchewan Glacier. The hike is a short 2.7 km that climbs 250 m. You’ll be above the treeline for the majority of the hike. Set aside about 2 hours for the entire round trip. Parking is limited.

Evening: Dinner at Evil Dave’s Bar & Grill in Jasper

For a cozy dine-in experience, Evil Dave’s Bar & Grill is a local favorite. With eclectic decor and delicious, large dishes, it’s a really awesome choice for a post-road trip dinner in Jasper.

They serve up Western Canadian favorites, like Tenderloin and Grilled Chicken sourced from Alberta, but they’ve also got a whole list of amazing vegetarian and vegan options as well.

Overnight in Jasper

  • Mid-Range Hotel: Pyramid Lake Resort – This resort looks like a giant log cabin from the outside and sits right next to a lake. Guests will have scenic views of the mountains and can dip their feet in the water just a couple of feet from the hotel.
  • Budget Hostel: Jasper Downtown Hostel – With dorms and private rooms, the Jasper Downtown Hostel is the best place for backpackers in Jasper. It offers all the proper amenities of a hostel, including common areas, a shared kitchen, and laundry machines on-site.
  • Campsite: Wapiti Campsite –  Wapiti is located next to the Athabasca river and offers gorgeous views of the mountains. The site includes access to hot showers, electricity, and fire pits. It is also close to the main town so you can make quick runs for supplies.

Day 7: Hiking in Jasper

Jasper National Park

Day 7 is all about exploring Jasper by foot! ( Do you like how I’ve left a whole day in every destination on this itinerary for hiking? Yeah…I kind of like hiking… ) There are several hikes in Jasper for hikers of all levels, from “never hiked before” beginners to experienced mountaineers.

Today, you’ll spend most of the day hiking, then you’ll relax in the hot springs before treating yourself to dinner in one of Jasper’s best restaurants.

Morning & Afternoon: Hiking in Jasper

Like I mentioned, there are dozens of hikes you can try in Jasper ranging from easy, flat trails to rock scrambles. I’ve listed out some of the most popular ones for you here so you can choose 1-2 and plan your day:

Easy Hikes in Jasper

Maligne Canyon:  (Easy, 3.9 kilometers) An easy, short hike, Maligne Canyon brings you through a striking canyon, passing by ranging rivers and breathtaking waterfalls in the process. Perfect for families or beginner hikers wanting to see some of the most awesome views in the park!

Valley of the Five Lakes: (Easy, 4.5 kilometers) The magic of the Valley of the Five Lakes trail is exactly what it sounds like: five gorgeous, picturesque lakes with the Canadian Rockies lying majestically in the background. It’s perfect for beginner hikers wanting an easy half-day adventure on one of the most tranquil and iconic Jasper hiking trails.

Moderate/Challenging Hikes in Jasper

Edith Cavell Meadows

Edith Cavell Meadows: (Moderate, 6 kilometers) Edith Cavell Meadows is one of the most popular trails in Jasper, and for good reason – it’s got a bit of everything, from mountain views to alpine meadows to hanging glaciers and more. The first part of the path is paved, leading you to a lookout point over Angel Glacier. After the lookout point, the trail continues ascending, and the path leads to two more viewpoints – most people (myself included) choose to stop at the second one.

Bald Hills: (Challenging, 13.2 kilometers) As one of the most popular full-day Jasper hikes, Bald Hills is an amazing and challenging trail that will bring you up to some of those drop-dead gorgeous views you see in the postcards. This summit hike is one of the best hikes you can do in the park, and we highly recommend it if you’re up for the challenge. 

If you’re in need of some food for fuel or relaxation, head to Coco’s Cafe in downtown Jasper. They serve amazing coffee beverages and snacks for hungry hikers (including some seriously mouth-watering vegetarian and vegan items), and their prices are affordable.

Evening: Dinner at Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen

For the perfect smoky, rich, locally sourced meal, there’s no better place in Jasper to try than the Maligne Canyon Wilderness Kitchen . Located next to the Maligne Canyon trailhead, this small, charming restaurant embodies the spirit of Canadian Rockies gastronomy, with locally sourced meats and produce. 

If you’re super tired from the trails, you can also grab their mouth watering dishes to go, but why not stick around and enjoy the fresh smells and flavors in-house?

You’ll spend the night in the same Jasper accommodation you chose on Day 6.

Day 8: Jasper Town & Iconic Sights

Jasper Town

After your big day of hiking yesterday, you’ll take it a little bit easier on Day 8. However, you’ll start your morning super early with a beautiful sunrise view, head to one of the most picturesque lakes in ALL of Jasper, and then explore the area surrounding Jasper town before heading toward Yoho National Park.

Early Morning: Sunrise at Pyramid Lake

Pyramid Lake

You’ll head out before 6 AM (check the sunrise forecast on your Weather app for a more accurate departure time) to Pyramid Lake.

This dramatic lake is home to a towering mountain peak, a beautiful blue lake, evergreen forests, and a large wooden lodge.

You should get there when the sky is still a deep navy blue, but just bundle up and wait for the sunrise. If it’s clear enough outside, you should start to see the faint hues of pink and red slowly start to paint the mountain face (like the photo I took a few years ago below). 

If you’re looking for an alternative view, nearby Patricia Lake is also a really lovely place to watch the sun as it peeks over the horizon. Patricia Lake’s water is a lot more still than the water at Pyramid Lake, creating a gorgeous “mirror lake” effect.

Head back to Jasper town center to grab a quick coffee and breakfast at Coco’s Cafe (or another one of Jasper’s coffeeshops!). 

Morning: Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake

From Jasper town center, it’s a bit of a drive to arrive at Maligne Lake. However, once you’re there, you can spend the rest of the morning simply wandering around the area, doing a nearby hike or getting out on the water.

Here are a few ways to spend your morning in Maligne Lake:

Admire Spirit Island – One of the famous views in Jasper is Spirit Island, a tiny, evergreen-filled island jutting out into the middle of Maligne Lake. It’s super picturesque amidst the backdrop of the clear, turquoise waters of Maligne Lake, and makes for a super picturesque spot to spend the morning.

Take a boat tour – There are a handful of motorized boat tours that travel through the Maligne Lake area, and you can book one very easily. If you’re feeling tired from all of your travel (I understand, this itinerary is SUPER jam-packed!), opt for a relaxing boat cruise around the beauty of the lake.

Kayak around the lake – If you’re looking for an active alternative to the boat cruise, you can rent a kayak and explore around the lake yourself!

Go hiking – There are tons of trails and hiking areas that extend from Maligne Lake up into the nearby mountains.

Early Afternoon: Explore the Jasper Town Area

Now that you’ve spent virtually the entire morning outside, you’ll return to Jasper town center and enjoy some of the more laid-back attractions in the area.

Since you won’t have a TON of time to do things in Jasper town, here are a few suggestions for things you can do with 2-3 hours:

Ride the Jasper Skytram – The Jasper Skytram brings you close to the top of Whistlers Mountain. There’s a sizeable observation deck and an area where you can grab food and drinks. Or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, hop on the hiking trail near the platform to reach the summit of the mountain.

Go cycling on Jasper’s bike paths – Rent a bike at Vicious Cycle Canada and hit the trails! There are plenty of bike trails in and around Jasper’s town center where you can explore on wheels.

Visit the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum  – Located in the center of Jasper, the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum discusses how Jasper’s community began, and provides important historical context to the area that’s now largely known for its natural beauty and adventure activities.

For our entire list of things to do in and around Jasper town, check out the complete guide:

Click here to read our complete guide to things to do in Jasper

Late Afternoon & Evening: Drive to Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park

The drive to Yoho, your next stop, takes 3.5-4 hours, and since you’ve already made your stops on the Icefields Parkway, you can drive it straight. However, I’d plan to leave Jasper no later than 2 PM to make sure you have plenty of daylight to drive all the way to Yoho. 

Once you’re in Yoho, you’ll actually stay in Field, the town of Yoho. There, you can grab dinner (I recommend Truffle Pigs Bistro & Lodge ) before settling in to your accommodation for the night.

Overnight in Field (Town of Yoho National Park)

  • Mid-Range Hotel: Truffle Pigs Lodge – This 12-room inn is a small, comfortable, mid-range hotel option. With private rooms and bathrooms and an attached restaurant, it’s the perfect full-service accommodation option for Yoho. It’s also located in the heart of the tiny town of Field, perfect for access to all of the main park attractions.
  • Budget Hostel: Fireweed Hostel – Built into a two-story log cabin, this cozy hostel is the perfect backpacker lodge for budget travelers in Yoho. Located in the town of Field, it’s an easy drive from most of the park’s main attractions, and there are typical hostel amenities like communal hangout space and a kitchen. It’s perfect for backpackers and solo travelers!
  • Campsite: Kicking Horse Campground – A well-maintained, quiet campsite in Yoho National Park, Kicking Horse Campground offers campers a place to rest their heads (and shower, and get access to running water) from late June to October.

Day 9: Hiking & Sightseeing in Yoho National Park

Today is your full day in Yoho National Park, which is the smallest Canadian Rockies park and one of the most easily overlooked stops on any Canadian Rockies itinerary.

It’s actually in British Columbia, so it’s often not listed on “places to visit in Alberta” lists. But it’s equally, if not more, beautiful than its neighbors. 

In fact, the word “yoho” in Cree, a local indigenous language, means something like “WOW!!!!” When you see it, you’ll probably agree that Yoho National Park is definitely deserving of such a high honor.

On Day 9 of your Canadian Rockies road trip, you’ll take the full day to explore Yoho. Banff is just a short drive (~40 minutes) away, so you can hang out here until about dinner time and then head over to Banff to spend the night.

FYI: Yoho doesn’t actually fully open all of its roads until late June, so you may need to modify your Canadian Rockies road trip plans if you come earlier in the season.

Morning: Takkakaw Falls and Emerald Lake

Emerald Lake

Takkakaw Falls is the second highest waterfall in Western Canada and is a super spectacular spot to head to in the morning. The access road is only open from June through early fall, so unfortunately if you are headed to the Canadian Rockies in the spring, you won’t be able to see the fall at that time.

To get to the end of the falls, you’ll need to take a trail, which is only ~1.5 kilometers. Once you arrive at the base of the falls, you can stand close enough to feel the cool water sprinkle your face. Cool (literally), huh?

Next, head to Emerald Lake, a stunning alpine lake in Yoho not far from Field. Here, the f ine sediment from the glaciers sits in the water and gives it its characteristic emerald color after which it is named. You can rent a kayak here or hike the 5.3 kilometer loop trail around the lake!

Afternoon: Lake O’Hara

Lake O Hara

Lake O’Hara is an alpine lake, and is one of the main sights in Yoho National Park. It’s definitely worth the long journey it takes to get there.

Situated at 2000m in elevation, you need to hike up a trail in order to get there (but you may be able to pay to take a shuttle down back to the parking lot during the summer months. Note, however, that this is not a guarantee!)

Advance reservations are required to go up to the lake, however, you are still able to hike the 11 km up to the top even if you weren’t able to get a bus reservation.

If you don’t get a bus reservation, you will have to hike back down the 11 kilometers you came (which means this will easily turn into a full-day excursion!). However, if you are able to take the bus back down, plan to be around Lake O’Hara for 4-5 hours. (If you have to hike both ways, plan for 6-7 hours.)

Evening: Dinner in Banff 

For your last dinner, you’ll head back to Banff’s town center. You can eat at one of your favorite restaurants from before, or opt for a bit more of a “fine dining” experience at one of these Banff local restaurants:

Saltlik – Enjoy a nice quality steak dinner at one of Banff’s premier steakhouses. There is a separate bar area for drinks. The restaurant has a great selection of side dishes. Try the mac and cheese!

The Bison – This picturesque dining establishment features wood-fired inspired food, and their dishes are LITERALLY to die for. For meat lovers, choose between ribs, bison, duck, or trout. Vegetarian dishes are also available. And, of course, before you leave Canada, you’ve got to try their poutine!

You’ll be back in Banff for your final night of this Canadian Rockies itinerary, so enjoy it! Again, here are my recommendations – the same ones as before – for a few popular places to stay (or you can read this post for the full list, from luxury lodges to budget hostels):

Day 10: Return to Calgary

Calgary

It’s the last day of your Canadian Rockies itinerary, and sadly you’ll have to return back to your normal life soon. But before you go, you’ll spend one last blissful morning amidst the peaks and forests before heading back to Calgary.

Morning: Sunrise at Vermilion Lakes

Wake up early (before 6 AM) and head to Vermilion Lakes for your final morning in the Canadian Rockies. This is THE sunrise spot, and we left this for the last day so that you can enjoy one last morning of tranquil mountain magic before heading back to the real world (*sobs*).

Even on misty mornings, the sunrise here can be quite beautiful, so I’d recommend going even if it looks cloudy outside. Park in the parking lot at Vermilion Lakes and walk into the shore area, where you can sit and enjoy a warm drink or just listen to the sounds of the morning.

It’s here where you’ll bid farewell to Banff and the Canadian Rockies and all of your amazing memories you’ve just made over the last 10 days. From personal experience, I will say that this place really sticks with you, forever. The landscapes of the Canadian Rockies have truly made an impression on me that my heart will always yearn for.

Returning to Calgary

You’re finally reaching the end of your Canadian Rockies road trip. (Sad face emoji!)

Depending on what time your flight is scheduled to depart, you’ll need to make your way back to Calgary. When you’re ready, dry your eyes and hop in the car, taking the Trans-Canada Highway all the way back to the city. Drop off your rental car wherever you picked it up, head back to the airport, and bid those incredible mountain vistas adieu .

Feeling some serious post-Rockies depression already? Well then you’ll just have to plan another trip up here! There are LOADS MORE things to do in the Canadian Rockies than we had time for in this itinerary, and until then, you can drift off to sleep at night with visions of the snow-capped rocky peaks and magical turquoise lakes dancing around in your mind…

Other Places to Visit on a Canadian Rockies Itinerary

If you’re one of the lucky ones who actually has more time in the Canadian Rockies than 10 days, read on for a few more areas you can add to your Canadian Rockies itinerary:

Waterton Lakes National Park

Waterton Lakes

Waterton Lakes National Park (along with its US neighbor, Glacier) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Peace Park. This Alberta national park consists of a giant glacial lake system surrounded by mountains, and it rests on the Canadian border with Montana. Its a bit far from the rest of the parks on our itinerary, but it’s definitely a worthwhile addition to any Canadian Rockies road trip!

Like its northern neighbors, Waterton Lakes is full of amazing, spectacular views and hiking trails, including its famed Triple Crown hiking challenge. To learn more about Waterton Lakes and the hiking trails there, visit our complete guide:

Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park , located in British Columbia, is another lesser-known Canadian Rockies national park. Located southwest of Banff National Park, you can experience all kinds of beautiful hiking trails here, with amazing, breathtaking alpine lakes and mountain passes to explore. It’s not far from the rest of the places on this Canadian Rockies itinerary and would be the perfect addition if you have a few extra days to spend in the region.

I haven’t actually personally been to Kootenay National Park, but this guide to 25 things to do in Kootenay is an excellent starting point if you’d like to explore the area.

Additional Canadian Rockies Travel Resources

Phew! If you’ve made it this far, congratulations. You’ve literally gotten your hands on all of the information you need for all of the stops on this itinerary. However, we do have even MORE detailed guides on each of the stops in the Canadian Rockies on our website and beyond.

The below resources (both our guides and the external ones) are all really helpful for learning more about the attractions at each stop on this itinerary, or for adding activities and extending your trip.

Have a look and remember — these are ALL just our recommendations. Doing more research on the area enables you to make your Canadian Rockies itinerary the perfect one for YOU!

Our favorite (external) Canadian Rockies travel resources:

  • Lonely Planet: Banff, Jasper, and Glacier National Parks – If you’re into physical guidebooks to take with you when you travel, this is the ultimate companion to our Canadian Rockies itinerary. The Lonely Planet guide to Banff, Jasper, and Glacier has all the information you need to get around, find a nice place to stay, and book tours for the adventures you want to try.
  • Moon Canadian Rockies – Another comprehensive print guidebook about Banff, Jasper, and more! It never hurts to have more than one, right?
  • Parks Canada Website – This website is the ultimate resource for up-to-date information about the national parks in Canada. Here, you can find out about road and trail closures, construction occurrences, weather warnings, and more.
  • To Banff and Beyond – A wonderful Banff-focused travel blog which includes several tips, hikes, and activities to do in the Canadian Rockies area!

10 Days in the Canadian Rockies Itinerary: Read Next

All of our own guides, tips, and misadventures in the Canadian Rockies

  • Incredible Hikes in Canmore
  • 23 Incredible Things to Do in Banff National Park
  • Where to Stay in Banff National Park
  • 17 Spectacular Things to Do in Jasper National Park

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10 Days in the Canadian Rockies: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary

I’m Kay. I’m originally from small town Virginia, but have moved all around the East Coast and the United States for basically my entire life. I spent my childhood days blissfully wandering through the Blue Ridge Mountains, rolling in leaves, playing in creeks…you know, the usual overly adventurous 5-year-old stuff.

But those early years spent outside gave me a real problem: I’m now an adventure addict. Basically, if I’m not at my computer banging out articles or photos, I’m probably out hiking, biking, or camping somewhere beautiful.

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2 Days in Banff – A Rather Brilliant Banff Itinerary

2 Days in Banff – A Rather Brilliant Banff Itinerary

Hey – What an amazing blog, thank you so much.

If you had an extra 3-4 days, where would you spend them? Additional destinations or adding more days to places like Banff and Jasper?

Thank you SO MUCH (!) for putting this together. I am planning a canadian rockies road trip with my dad this summer and this is perfect. I honestly dreaded planning a bit because I know how much there is to do / see and to think of but this just made my life so much easier and now I can’t wait!

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Banff National Park

11 Guided Tours in the Canadian Rockies You Don’t Want to Miss!

canadian rockies geology road tours

The Canadian Rockies offer some of the most incredible scenery in the world. From towering mountains to pristine lakes and forests, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Guided tours allow visitors to see these natural wonders at their leisure, while also learning about the history and culture of the area. Taking advantage of the variety of guided tours in the Canadian Rockies are a great way to make the most of your time!

And remember, you get to see all that this amazing region has to offer!

Table of Contents

History of Guided Tours in the Canadian Rockies

Guided tours in the Canadian Rockies run throughout the year regardless of the season. The Canadian Rockies become more and more dramatic and beautiful as the year progresses, making any time of year an ideal time to explore. With high peaks of shale and limestone, much of which are inside protected national and provincial parks, large parts of the Canadian Rockies also have World Heritage Status . This entire region was first explored during the early 1800s as explorers and traders forged paths through the mountains to open up trade routes.

Guides of the Canadian Rockies have existed since the early 1920s. Since then, locals, Canadians, and tourists from further afield have been captivated by this mountainous region and have longed to explore it. The introduction of guided tours during the 1950s and 60s opened up much of the Rockies to those who are not avid hikers or climbers. Today, guided tours take the form of short to day long hikes, longer treks across the peaks, tours via bus, or bicycle to name a few. 

The Canadian Rockies By Region

There are 5 directional regions, based off the centrally located Banff National Park, that follow the spine of the Canadian Rockies. These regions are further divided into the 7 National Parks. At the heart of the Rockies is Banff National Park, which was Canada’s first National Park. All regions within the Canadian Rockies boast untouched nature, pristine blue-green lakes, snow-capped mountains, enchanting forests and of course incredible wildlife. With each region offering something a little different, you will find a great tour while there.

Central Region

canadian rockies geology road tours

Banff, the oldest National Park in Canada, covers 2564 square miles (6640 square kilometres) of the Canadian Rockies. Banff is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada thanks to its vividly coloured lakes and snow-capped peaks. It is a great location to see the Northern Lights. Within the National Park are many spectacular skiing hills. Banff is an UNESCO World Heritage Site, and has excellent plant and animal diversity.

North Region

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Jasper is the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies, covering an area of 4335 square miles (11,228 square kilometres). The skies above Jasper are the perfect place to stargaze as it is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. Waterfalls and glaciers pack the National Park. It’s beauty and geological importance had Jasper named an UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

East Region

canadian rockies geology road tours

The river running through the National Park gave Kananaskis its name. This park covers 1544 square miles (4000 square kilometres) of wild land parks and ecological preserves. Kananaskis is well-known for its scenic mountain drives leading to many pristine, blue-green bodies of water. 

West Region

canadian rockies geology road tours

Kootenay National Park is an extreme wilderness of extreme beauty. Kootenay covers 543 square miles (1406 square kilometres). The National Park is filled with hot springs and contrasting icy rivers. Above all, Kootenay is a hotbed for Canadian wildlife, with black and grizzly bears often sighted. 

canadian rockies geology road tours

Glacier National Park is 521 square miles (1349 square kilometres) in area and was established in 1886. Within the National park is one of the largest cave systems in Canada, active glaciers and many high peaks just wanting to be scaled. Glacier National Park is famous for its heavy snowfall.

canadian rockies geology road tours

Yoho National Park covers 507 square miles (1313 square kilometres). Endangered pine trees pack the National Park. It has many sheer vertical rock walls. Paleontologists discovered many fossils while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yoho is the Cree exclamation of excitement and awe, which is appropriate given the beauty of the region.

South Region

canadian rockies geology road tours

Waterton is a significant place for Niitsitapi and other indigenous peoples. This staggeringly beautiful area is the smallest National Park in the Canadian Rockies at just 195 square miles (505 square kilometres). Waterton is home to many of Canada’s native large predators; black and grizzly bears, wolves, and coyote. The National Park is also home to the deepest lake within the Rockies. Waterton is another excellent location for observing the night sky as it is a multi-national Dark Sky Park. 

Best Guided Tours in the Canadian Rockies

Banff national park – top rated tours in the canadian rockies.

There are many guided tours within Banff offering a range of tours for individuals, families, hikers and more. Each guided tour takes in a different part of the National Park revealing some of its hidden treasures. 

canadian rockies geology road tours

Wow Banff makes sightseeing across Banff easy.  This comfortable open top double decker bus is a multi-language, hop on hop off tour takes a range of routes to some of the most beautiful areas in Banff. 

Wow Banff’s Same Day Sightseeing Loop is their most popular tour. From one of their outdoor seats, undoubtedly the best seats in the house, Wow Banff offers an immersive experience through the Canadian Rockies and Banff National Park. 

On the tour there are plenty of opportunities to take in beautiful panoramic views across the Rockies. Whilst on the tour you will learn about the lakes, mountains, waterfalls and wildlife that call Banff their home. Each tour on the Sightseeing Loop takes approximately 2.5 hours offering visitors a great introduction to the area. 

Add tickets to the Lake Louise Gondola to extend your day.

Mahikan Trails

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Mahikan Trails offers a unique tour range differing from traditional hiking and sightseeing tours. The tours offer indigenous experiences

Mahikan’s tour selection covers two medicine walks, and one canyon walk. 

On a Banff Medicine Walk offered by Mahikan, head out with an experienced guide who will share the history of Cascade Ponds with your group. This tour has a minimum group of 6 people in order to run and takes between 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. The walk is relaxed with plenty of stops to rest and take in the beauty of the area. The trails are well established and easy to walk along, making this a great tour for many interested parties. 

Your knowledgeable guide, Brenda Holder, will identify plants, trees and bushes on your walk that could help with survival. Brenda will point out plants used in traditional cold and flu remedies, great sources of food and perhaps most importantly in the cold mountains, fire starters. 

Pack appropriately for the weather on your medicine walk. The tours run year round so if booking a winter walk, bring extra layers. Moreover, should the conditions in the canyon be icy you can even hire boots to help make your walk even more comfortable.  

Rocky Mountain Cycling Tours

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Rocky Mountain Cycling Tours , does exactly what it says on the tin; offering a range of cycling tours for discovery, adventure and fun.

Rocky Mountain Cycling has ran tours in Banff since 1977. They aim to create unique travel experiences and allow their visitors to experience new things and places, and make memories. 

Three types of tours are available through Rocky Mountain Cycling; cycling, hiking and custom. All of Rocky Mountain Cycling Tour offerings are more akin to adventure holidays, with each tour regardless of style spanning several days of exploration and fun. 

Book onto the Best of Lake Louise and Banff to explore more of this incredible National Park from the saddle. The trip lasts for 3 days and 2 nights and is all inclusive. No more than 12 people will be in your group making for a more intimate experience. Rocky Mountain Cycling Tours have the ability to cater to the level of need for its participants. All levels of riders are welcome and trips can be modified to be more relaxed or more challenging. They are the ideal trip for anyone with a more active lifestyle.

This incredible mini-break begins in the Bow Valley Parkway with time to meet your group, guides and get set up on your bike. You will then head to Lake Avenue on day 2, before finishing back in Banff on day 3. As the trip is all inclusive, all meals are included in the cost. Also included are your 2 professional guides from the region, hotel accommodation, transportation and luggage. 

Banff by Scooter 

canadian rockies geology road tours

Banff by Scooter is a self-guided tour where you can hire a scooter for unforgettable experiences. Hire a 49cc Vespa and take off into the mountains.

To explore Banff by Scooter you need to have a valid driver’s license. Drivers feet must be able to reach the ground when seated, and passengers feet must be able to touch the foot pedals. For more adventurous families, this could be the ideal way to see this incredible area. 

Banff by Scooter is a self-guided tour, however they can provide you with recommended routes to make your journey easy, and to take in as many incredible sites as possible.

Head to Tunnel Mountain for incredible views across the rest of the National Park, or explore Cave & basin National Historic Site. Start in Banff by having a tasty lunch at one of the town’s many restaurants before heading off on your adventure.

Included in your booking is unlimited gas, 2 helmets per scooter, unlimited kilometres to travel, route advice and an orientation to Vespa scooters.  Booking lengths also vary. Scooters can be hired for as little as 2 hours or as many as multiple days if you are staying in the area for longer and want to see as much as possible. 

Glacier National Park Tours – A Must Visit Destination

Glacier is a spectacular National Park to explore. It’s alpine scenery is filled with ancient forests just waiting to be explored. Swiss pioneers mapped the National Park, creating many spectacular ways and hikes. Within the National Park is Rogers Pass, an important historical location in the coming together of Canada as a country, united by the railroad.

Glacier Sun Tours

canadian rockies geology road tours

Glacier Sun Tours run a range of bus tours through Glacier National Park on Going-to-the-Sun Road and throughout Blackfeet Country. Guides at Glacier Sun Tours are local and specialise in Blackfeet culture, history and tradition to name a few. Furthermore, Glacier Sun Tours offer a range of tours to suit your needs. All of Glacier Sun Tours through the Canadian Rockies are suitable for the whole family. 

On their full day tours, you will be picked up and taken to your starting destination. Full day tours do not include lunch so it is recommended to bring lunch or snacks, or money to purchase food at the designated lunch stop.

Full day tours begin in the high plains. Your knowledgeable guide will show you a range of plants from the more than 1500 species that grow in the area. There is also a multitude of wildlife in Glacier National Park including black and grizzly bears, moose and antelope. Your guide will stop regularly giving you the chance to photograph the incredible scenery surrounding you. Stops on the tour include Rising Sun, Deadhorse Curve, Grizzly Point and Logan Pass. 

Jasper National Park – Majestic Mountains and Abundant Wildlife

As Jasper is the second largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world, there should be no surprise that one of the best tours to do involves the night sky. Likewise with all areas in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper can be explored individually or with an expert on a guided tour. Here are two we recommend for your visit. 

Jasper Hikes & Tours 

canadian rockies geology road tours

Jasper Hikes and Tours is a great place to start your Canadian Rockies adventure. On your tour you will learn about the geology of Jasper, its history and ecology. 

Jasper’s tours are divided into three main categories; summer hikes, climbing and winter adventure. 

One of Jasper Hikes and Tours most popular packages is their Wildlife and Hike package that is available in May, June and September. The timings of the tours and the months selected are directed by the wildlife activity. 

During this unique tour, which is suitable for the whole family, head out on the trail in search of the characteristic fauna within the area. Each hike can vary depending on season and wildlife search location, and the guide running your trip. On your hike you have the chance to see new families emerging across the park, including bear cubs and baby moose. 

Jasper Planetarium 

canadian rockies geology road tours

A planetarium may not be the first place you think of to book a tour or a National Park with, however Jasper Planetarium offers one of Canada’s most incredible and unique tour experiences.

The Jasper Planetarium Constellation Binocular Tour is a must for anyone interested in the night sky. Suitable for ages 4 and up, and lasting a pleasant 50 minutes, head out at night with your specialist Dark Sky host to observe something incredible.

Your host will take you and your tour group to a specially-selected part of the dark sky site within walking distance of the Jasper Fairmont Hotel . Once you reach your destination a laser-guided tour of the constellations observable by the naked eye will begin. Binoculars are provided to help you get a closer view of the constellations, milky way, and deep space objects. 

Kananaskis National Park Tours – Beauty In The Foothills

Head out on a tour into Kananaskis Park to be completely surrounded by incredible wild land park. Tours of the Canadian Rockies through Kananaskis reveal a treasure-trove of natural beauty. As the park is one large ecological preserve, expect to see a wide variety of native flora and fauna on your tour. 

Boundary Ranch

canadian rockies geology road tours

Boundary Ranch is a tour like no other. Instead of heading out on foot or on a traditional tour bus, why not take in the majestic sites around you from a horse drawn sleigh?

The best time to take a horse drawn sleigh ride through Kananaskis is during winter for that truly quintessential sleigh ride experience. Huddle under a blanket and get lost in your winter wonderland. The land surrounding Boundary Ranch is overlooked by towering mountains and is bordered by thick forests of pine. Your sleigh ride has a stopping point at the Buffalo viewing paddock where you can observe, and of course photograph, Canada’s largest land animal. 

Boundary Ranch tours also take in their Teepee Village which showcases local Native Heritage. Once back at the ranch enjoy a marshmallow or S’more roast around the bonfire. 

Boundary Ranch does not provide blankets, however small lap blankets can be rented. For the ultimate cosy experience back your own. 

The ride itself takes between 30 and 45 minutes, and includes a warming cup of hot chocolate or coffee. In addition to your ticket, extras including marshmallows or S’mores to roast around the bonfire, an Irish twist in your coffee or hot chocolate, and any additional drinks can be purchased. 

For fans of The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, The Ice Queen, Frozen, or simply the romance of being on a horse drawn sleigh, this is a great way to see some of Canada’s beauty. 

Kootenay National Park Tours – The Gateway into the Canadian Rockies

Exploring the unique landscape of Kootenay can be done in the traditional way (by bus or on foot) or through something a little more unusual.  

Scootin Koots

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Book onto a Scootin Koots Segway tour and see the Kootenay National Park in a whole new way. Each 1.5 hour tour begins with a short training session where you will master the SegwayX2. 

On your SegwayX2 explore the wilderness surrounding Radium Hot Springs. On your guided you will head into the lush forests that border Kootenay National Park. As the experience is entirely off-road you will experience beautiful scenery and surroundings and some great photo opportunities while enjoying an unusual tour. 

Due to the nature of the tour and equipment used, guests are required to weigh between 90lbs and 260lbs which may not make this the best option for families with younger children. 

Waterton Lakes National Park Tours – The Land of Many Lakes

Waterton’s landscape is where the prairies meet the peaks of the Rocky Mountains, while rivers meander and waterfalls cascade. Explore Canada’s fourth National Park and its beautiful surroundings on a guided tour and above all, have fun.

Uplift Adventures 

canadian rockies geology road tours

Uplift Adventures offer a range of outdoor activities and wilderness courses. Book onto an Intro into Backpacking course to understand what it takes to backpack successfully, head out on an overnight backpacking trip, or follow in the footsteps of famous Canadians on a historical tour. 

Uniquely, Uplift Adventures creates interpretive yours that tell stories to connect you to the nature and landscape surrounding you. The tours are all about combining learning and having fun. Above all, Uplift adventures are suitable for the whole family. 

One of the most popular tours with Uplift Adventures is the Waterton Wildflower Walks. This tour runs from mid-may to September on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Meet your guide and learn about how to identify a range of diverse plants found in the National Park. 

Begin your tour at Crandell Lake where experienced guides reveal the interesting biodiversity of the area. Following this, at a slow pace your trail walk begins with regular stops to look at wildflowers. 

Whilst the tour covers 3.4 kilometres (2.11 miles) at a gain/loss elevation of 180m (590.55ft), it is carried out at a gentle pace making it suitable for all. 

Yoho National Park Tours – A Spectacular Landscape That Will You Keep You in Awe

Yoho National Park is deeply connected to its history, both through anthropology and geology. Tours of the Canadian Rockies through Yoho focus on reconnecting people with nature in a pure, organic and self-sustaining way.

Self-Propelled Adventures

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Self-Propelled Adventures are a small local company that aim to preserve and promote a sustainable connection to outdoor activities. Above all, Self-Propelled Adventures aim to encourage people to slow down. They encourage guests to observe the world around them away from the stresses of everyday life. 

Self-Propelled Adventures offers a number of tours across the Canadian Rockies to inspire potential travellers. 

To truly understand the historical allure of Yoho, book onto the Emerald Triangle Tour. Due to it’s advanced difficulty raiting, this trail is not recommended for families with young children, or those who struggle with hiking. The trek covers 19.7 kilometres (12.24 miles) in approximately 8 hours, at an elevation gain of 880m. Despite this challenge, the reward throughout the tour is breathtaking. Hike along Yoho and Burgess Passes, and head through the Wapiti Highline. From various viewpoints along your hike there are unrivalled views across Emerald Lake. Your guide will also share information about the world famous Burgess Shale Fossils. 

The Canadian Rockies are so vast and filled with wonder that it would take a lifetime to see everything. Coupled with the constraints of daily life, it can be difficult to decide what to do and where to go. As there is so much to do, there is a tour suitable for everyone’s needs. For those who don’t live there, the Canadian Rockies are a once in a lifetime experience. What better way to explore this incredible area than with an experienced guide. Tours in the Canadian Rockies are varied, exciting and above all will create incredible memories.

canadian rockies geology road tours

Kelly Smith

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Canadian Rockies

Alpine bliss begins here. When you catch that first glimpse of the majestic Canadian Rockies, it can be described as startling in a way that makes you feel very small on this beautiful earth. The magnificent mountain ranges that start near sea level and soar almost speak for themselves as they set the stage for a wilderness region that yearns to be discovered on a much deeper level.

Canadian Rockies Tours

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Welcome to the Canadian Rockies

Few places inspire your imagination quite like our Canadian Rockies tours where you'll immerse in breathtaking wilderness vistas that take you to the top of the world...

Explore athabasca glacier aboard an ice explorer, walk on the surface of athabasca glacier during a journey aboard an ice explorer.

Learn all about glaciers and nature's mighty power when you visit the Columbia Icefield (largest icefield in the Rocky Mountains – its glacial water flows to the Pacific, Atlantic and Arctic oceans) and walk on Athabasca Glacier via a journey aboard the Ice Explorer, a vehicle designed especially for traveling across glacial ice.

Explore five national parks

10 days... 5 national parks... and some of the most spectacular scenic vistas on earth.

Experience awe-inspiring wilderness and wildlife in five great national parks, from icefields to prairies, towering alpine peaks to grasslands, canyons and glacier-fed mountain lakes. Waterton Lakes... discover this uncrowded, pristine wilderness where dramatic mountains meet the prairie, wildflowers spill across meadows and glacier-carved lakes mirror peaks and forests. Glacier National Park... scenic vistas of alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and glacial panoramas leave you speechless. Kootenay National Park... marvel at ice blue glacial lakes, cliffs of white marble and red iron, paint pots, alpine forests, semi-arid grasslands, narrow Sinclair Pass. Banff National Park... Canada's oldest national park embraces the emerald waters of Lake Louise, spectacular glacial mountain vistas along the Icefields Parkway and lush forest settings. Jasper National Park... home to waterfalls, canyons, crystal lakes and stunning mountain peaks...

Into the Rockies by rail aboard Rocky Mountaineer

A breathtaking rail journey from vancouver to the rockies in a glass-dome coach aboard rocky mountaineer.

Enjoy a front-row seat for the scenic splendor of an exciting rail journey from Vancouver to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies in a GoldLeaf Service glass-dome coach aboard Rocky Mountaineer, with an overnight stop in Kamloops. During your two-day rail journey from Vancouver to Jasper, you'll be immersed in the beauty of British Columbia and Alberta – and enchanted by a passing parade of diverse landscapes, from lush farmlands and vineyards to rushing rivers, evergreen forests, deserts, and the snowcapped peaks of the Canadian Rockies. Soak in the views from the comfort of Tauck's reserved seats in a glass-dome coach, or from the exclusive GoldLeaf Service outdoor viewing platform, taking in the fresh mountain air.

Hiking at Lake Louise and Jasper National Park

Trekking through the rockies' wilderness wonderlands.

Breathe in the fresh mountain air and expect to see some pretty dramatic sights – not to mention the moose, deer, bighorn sheep or mountain goats you might spy along the way – as you join our local guide on a hike along the shores of shimmering Lake Louise that's alive with wilderness fun in Banff National Park. More hiking opportunities await in magnificent Maligne Canyon and at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in the heart of Jasper National Park, as you explore this amazing natural playground with your family!

Flightseeing from Vancouver to Victoria

Inspiring the imagination....

Among the many modes of transportation on our Grand Canadian Rockies journey, the floatplane excursion from Vancouver to Victoria is often cited as guests' favorite. Flightseeing takes you over the pristine Gulf Islands, numbering more than 200, en route to Victoria – easily identified from the air by its remarkably winding coastline.

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"The interesting thing about heli-exploring is that our guests can have an emotional experience instead of a sightseeing one. It is the emotion of being able to do something they never believed they would have the opportunity to do. It appeals to their spirit rather than their age and is a most satisfying trip." Arthur Tauck Jr.

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canadian rockies geology road tours

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canadian rockies geology road tours

Ben Gadd on the trail to Yamnuska

Photo by chic scott.

canadian rockies geology road tours

Seven Sisters Mountain in the Crowsnest Pass area

Photograph by david leonhardt.

canadian rockies geology road tours

Northwest summit of Mount Lougheed, near Canmore

canadian rockies geology road tours

Ben guiding in Cadomin Cave

canadian rockies geology road tours

Yamnuska, proper name Mt. Laurie (Îyâmnathka)

canadian rockies geology road tours

Learn more about Ben and his many years in the mountains.

canadian rockies geology road tours

Moments from Ben's life and career.

canadian rockies geology road tours

Writings, pictures and audio.

canadian rockies geology road tours

Handbook of the Canadian Rockies

This is the latest edition, with many updated species names, new geological data and fresh recreational info. The definitive guide to the Canadian Rockies, winner of national and international awards. Everything from bears to butterflies, rocks to ravens. Sections on hiking and biking, backpacking, mountaineering, back-country skiing, boating, human history […]

canadian rockies geology road tours

The Canadian Hiker’s & Backpacker’s Handbook

Ben has been guiding hikers and backpackers for many years, and this book is a distillation of all that trail wisdom. Sections on the basics, on clothing and equipment, safety, hiking with kids, minimal impact and more. 367 pages, soft-cover, full color, index Originally published by Whitecap Books, 2008 Distributed […]

canadian rockies geology road tours

Raven’s End

  Ben’s best-selling novel, a wildlife story for readers of all ages. Has been translated into Italian, Danish, Dutch, German and Japanese. Winner, “Best Canadian Rockies Book,” Banff Mountain Film and Book Festival 2001. Very popular with kids and used in schools. 357 pages, paperback Published by Corax Press, 2013. Earlier […]

canadian rockies geology road tours

An Orogenous Life

“Suddenly I had the sensation that the mountain was moving. My brain quickly corrected that impression, telling me that no, the mountain was not moving. Instead, a block of rock the size of  a refrigerator was toppling off. And I was clinging to it.” As detailed on page 293 of […]

canadian rockies geology road tours

Operation Bow-Athabasca

This 8-1/2″ x 11″ highly pictorial publication serves two purposes. It provides an historical account of how the Geological Survey of Canada mapped the geology of the Canadian Rockies between Canmore and Jasper — most of that large area was mapped in only two summers, a remarkable achievement — and […]

canadian rockies geology road tours

Everything you ever wanted to know about Ben’s favorite mountain. He wrote the first and last chapters. Winner, “Best Canadian Rockies Book,” Banff International Film and Book Festival 2003. 184 pages, soft-cover, B&W with color section, many illustrations, index Published by Rocky Mountain Books, 2003 ISBN 0-921102-97-6, Cdn $24.95

Rocky Mountaineer

Rocky Mountaineer is a Canadian luxury train tour company that offers vacation packages to explore the stunning natural beauty of Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. It provides a range of packages that vary in length and destinations, catering to different interests and budgets. 

*Terms and Conditions Apply

Some of the majestic destinations offered by Rocky Mountaineer include Vancouver, Banff, Jasper and Whistler. Vancouver, known for its vibrant urban experiences in a stunning natural setting, is the starting point for most Rocky Mountaineer tours. From there, you’ll traverse the heart of the wild Canadian Rockies, taking in some of the most breathtaking natural landscapes in the world. And while the terrain outside may be rough, your experience onboard Rocky Mountaineer’s luxury trains offers sophisticated comfort. 

You can choose to travel on either a SilverLeaf or GoldLeaf Service train. GoldLeaf is the height of luxury, offering five-star amenities to guests. With GoldLeaf, executive chefs will prepare your meals while you travel in a bi-level glass dome train through the Rockies. 

In addition to service level, several different itineraries are available to travelers. Guests can take short, one-way trips lasting only two to three days. Or they can take longer, round-trip journeys of up to five days onboard. 

canadian rockies geology road tours

Why Rocky Mountaineer? 

Rocky Mountaineer offers a variety of awe-inspiring trips that take you through the Canadian Rockies. With its unparalleled luxury train cars, travelers are transported to stunning natural vistas inaccessible by road. Their tours provide a comfortable and relaxing way to explore the majestic beauty of the Canadian Rockies. With world-class dining, immersive storytelling and impeccable service, it's no wonder why Rocky Mountaineer is a top choice for luxury train travel experiences. 

Rocky Mountaineer also offers a variety of special features and unique experiences to its passengers. One of the most notable features is its glass-domed train cars that provide panoramic views of the stunning surroundings. Guests can also upgrade to GoldLeaf Service, which includes an exclusive dining room, outdoor viewing platform and oversized seats. 

In addition to luxurious accommodations, Rocky Mountaineer trains stop at iconic locations such as Banff and Jasper, where passengers can partake in guided tours and outdoor activities. The onboard commentary provides fascinating insights into the area's history, geology and wildlife, adding another layer of enrichment to the journey. Rocky Mountaineer offers a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience for those seeking breathtaking scenery, unparalleled comfort and exceptional service. 

Here's more about Rocky Mountaineer's top destinations: 

  • Jasper: This small mountain town in the heart of Jasper National Park is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, boasting magnificent views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes and abundant wildlife. On a Rocky Mountaineer trip to Jasper, guests can expect to indulge in luxurious amenities while experiencing some of the most breathtaking scenery in the world, including the Columbia Icefields, Athabasca Falls and Maligne Lake.  
  • Banff: Banff is located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. It’s a picturesque resort town hub of activity year-round, offering countless outdoor adventures such as hiking, skiing and snowboarding. In addition to its natural beauty, Banff boasts a lively downtown area filled with boutique shops, art galleries and restaurants serving delicious cuisine. Guests on a Rocky Mountaineer train trip to Banff can explore the stunning scenery surrounding the town. It’s no wonder Banff is such a popular destination for travelers from around the world and a top destination for those embarking on a Rocky Mountaineer trip.  
  • Whistler: Nestled in the heart of the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, Whistler is a mecca for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This charming village boasts breathtaking scenery, world-class skiing and a vibrant arts and culture scene. In the winter, skiers and snowboarders flock to Whistler Blackcomb, the largest ski resort in North America, for its unparalleled terrain and legendary powder. In the summer, visitors can explore the surrounding mountains while hiking, biking or taking a gondola ride to the top for stunning views.  

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AAA & Rocky Mountaineer: Your Vacation Partners 

If you're planning a trip with Rocky Mountaineer, consider booking through AAA Vacations®. Doing so will unlock various benefits for passengers, including access to exclusive deals and discounts. Additionally, AAA travel experts are highly knowledgeable about Rocky Mountaineer routes and can help you plan the perfect itinerary for your trip. AAA members can also earn rewards points for booking their Rocky Mountaineer trip through the agency. 

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17 Best Moscow Tours

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Are you planning a visit to the capital of Russia and looking for the best Moscow tours? From Red Square to the Kremlin and from world-class art to fairytale buildings, Moscow is an enchanting city that offers plenty of excitement and elegance. Its history dates back more than 800 years, and there is culture in abundance for visitors to immerse themselves in.

Make the most of your visit with 17 of the best Moscow tours that let you see everything the city and its surroundings have to offer.

1 – Guided Tour of the Moscow Metro

Guided Tour of the Moscow Metro

Moscow’s metro is world-famous, thanks to the architectural delights on offer underground stations around the capital. This guided tour of the Moscow stations, otherwise known as “the palace of the people” lasts for 1.5 hours and includes an English-speaking guide who will tell you how the Russian metro became one of the most beautiful in the world. Highlights include Mayakovskaya station with its aviation-themed mosaics.

  • Moscow metro tours

2 – Cosmonautics Museum Space Tour

Cosmonautics Museum Space Tour

Discover Cosmonautics Museum with this space tour. Dive into one of the greatest battles between the Soviet Union and the United States – the space race. Hear about the space programs of the USSR and learn about how the USSR shaped space travel and technology.

  • Cosmonautics Museum tours

3 – Guided Tour of the Kremlin

Guided Tour of the Kremlin

A Kremlin is actually a citadel in Russian towns, and Moscow’s version is, without doubt, the most famous. The Kremlin is the heartbeat of the city, and this guided tour takes you to the most important points of interest. See Cathedral Square with its orthodox temples; Tzar Cannon with its 890mm calibre, which is the largest in the world; and the exterior of the all-important government buildings that are located within the Kremlin’s walls.

Click here to learn how to book Kremlin tickets .

  • Kremlin tours

4 – Moscow City Walking Tour

Moscow City Walking Tour

One of the best Moscow tours for seeing everything the city has to offer, this small-group walking tour lasts for 2 hours and includes an expert guide. Make the most of the capital and see the cobbled spaces of Red Square, take pictures of St Basil’s Cathedral, visit the elegant Bolshoi Theatre, and enjoy the ornamental Alexandrovsky Garden.

  • Moscow walking tours

5 – Night Tour of Moscow

Night Tour of Moscow

When the sun sets, the fun begins – and it all starts with a night tour of Russia’s most famous city. The beauty of Moscow comes into full effect after hours, as iconic buildings like St Basil’s Cathedral illuminate against the night sky. Other locations on this tour include the Moscow River and the Ukraine Hotel, which is a landmark skyscraper that was constructed during the era of Stalin.

6 – Sergiev Posad Day Trip

Sergiev Posad Day Trip

One of the best Moscow tours that take you outside of the city, the Sergiev Posad day trip provides the opportunity to see The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is the spiritual centre of the Russian Orthodox Church. It’s made up of a number of different buildings that include the blue domes of the Cathedral of the Assumption, Church of St. Sergius and the Bell Tower.

  • Sergiev Posad day trips from Moscow

7 – City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

If your time in Moscow is limited, this hop-on, hop-off bus tour is ideal – and it even features an optional cruise on the river. Choose between a 2 and 3-day ticket and see famous landmarks like Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre from an open-top panoramic bus with informative audio commentary. Take your experience to the next level by upgrading to a boat tour.

  • Moscow hop on hop off bus tours

8 – Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery

Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery

As one of the world’s most important galleries, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-see for any art lovers and is one of the best Moscow tours for culture vultures. Learn about the masterworks of Pablo Tretyakov with a guided tour and discover the secrets behind the paintings. Other noticeable artists on view include Fedotov, Vasnetsov, Rokotov and Kiprenski, who is the author of the famous “Portrait of Alexander Pushkin”.

  • Tretyakov Gallery tours

9 – Alternative Moscow: 2-Hour Walking Tour

Alternative Moscow: 2-Hour Walking Tour

See a different side of Moscow with this 2-hour alternative tour. An expert guide will take you around quirky streets, suburbs and squares while as your veer away from the traditional tourist hotspots. Highlights include a ride on the famous “Annushka” tram and a visit to the neighbourhood of Khitrovka, which was once known as the criminal district of the city.

10 – St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

St.Basil's Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

Combine two of Moscow’s biggest attractions with a visit to Red Square and St.Basil’s Cathedral. Admire the beautiful architecture of St.Basil’s Cathedral from inside and out, before wandering Red Square and learn about the soldiers, farmers and revolutionaries that all called this famous square their home. Round things off with the changing of the guard at Alexander Garden.

  • Red Square tours

11 – Bunker-42 Cold War Museum Guided Tour

Bunker-42 Cold War Museum Guided Tour

Moscow is notorious for the Cold War, which lasted for about 45 years between 1945 and 1990. Head to the world-famous Bunker-42, located 65 meters below ground level, and learn about the storied past. Visit rooms and passages that were set up to shelter 3,000 people in case of nuclear attack and discover other sections, such as the equipment room and the war-proof telecommunications system.

  • Bunker-42 Cold War Museum tours

12 – Architecture Tour of Moscow’s Metro and Kolomenskoye Estate

Architecture Tour of Moscow's Metro and Kolomenskoye Estate

Combine the beauty of the metro stations with the Kolomenskoye Estate and see some of Moscow’s grandest sights. After visiting the elegant metro stations, it’s time to go to the Kolomenskoye Estate, which is filled with UNESCO-listed sites that are dedicated to Tsar Peter the Great.

  • Kolomenskoye tours

13 – Tour of Soviet Moscow

Tour of Soviet Moscow

Unpick the history of the USSR with one of the best Moscow tours for discovering Soviet Moscow. Starting at Monument to the Conquerors of Space, a tribute to the success of the Soviet space programme, the tour includes historical landmarks and interesting tidbits about Soviet Russia. There is also a visit to the All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNKh), a site that was constructed under the aegis of the USSR in tribute to state achievements.

14 – Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option

Moscow: 2.5-Hour Luxury River Cruise with Dining Option

Sail down the Moscow River on this 2.5 hour tour that provides a different perspective of the city and includes landmark sights. The boat features two decks and has panoramic views as well as free Wi-Fi access. Attractions along the route include Ukraine hotel, Sparrow Hills, Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Crimean Bridge, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Zaryadye Park and more.

  • Moscow boat tours

15 – Izmailovo Market and Vodka Museum Tour

Izmailovo Market and Vodka Museum Tour

Visit the museum of Vodka and gain insight into one of Russia’s most famous exports and head to the Izmailovo antique and handicraft market to find a gem or two. The tour starts with Izmailovo market, which features the iconic matryoshka dolls, fur hats and amber jewellery. Next up is a trip to the Museum of Vodka, where you will discover a distillery that dates back to the 15th century.

  • Izmailovo market tours

16 – Súzdal and Vladímir Day Tour

Súzdal and Vladímir Day Tour

Discover Russia’s famous “Golden Ring” on this tour of two medieval cities outside of Moscow. The historic city of Vladimir is first up with its Golden Gate, which is an ancient city-fortress that dates back to the 13th century. Next up is the neighbouring town of Suzdal, which features historic architecture and the Kremlin, where you can see its striking white walls topped with blue domes.

  • Suzdal & Vladimir tours from Moscow

17- Moscow Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Moscow Food Tasting & Walking Tour

Sample the unique flavours of Moscow with this food tour that lasts for 3 hours and features more than 15 different food and drink tastings. Weave in and out of small alleys in the city centre while enjoying the best food spots in town. See Moscow like a local while trying classic dishes from local breakfast haunts, bustling markets, the oldest monastery in Moscow, and dumpling cafes where you can taste authentic dumplings and enjoy local coffee.

  • Moscow food tours

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

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The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

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Buying Tickets

  • Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
  • You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
  • There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
  • Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
  • If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
  • You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
  • You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

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Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

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Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

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Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

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One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

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Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

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Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

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Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

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Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

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Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

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Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

Featured city guides.

Strelka Tours

City Tour of Moscow

City Tour of Moscow

  • PRICE & INFO

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The heart of Moscow is the Kremlin and Red Square. Red Square used to be a lively marketplace. Krasnaya (Red) is the Old Russian word for beautiful. Pause in Red Square to review its dark and glorious moments in Russian history.

View famous landmarks including the Savior Tower, the Kremlin walls, GUM department store, the State Historical museum, Lenin’s mausoleum, and St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the construction of St. Basil’s Cathedral on Red Square. He chose two architects, Barma and Postnik, to create this now famous Russian Orthodox church. According to legend, Ivan blinded both of them so they couldn’t create a similar masterpiece anywhere else. During Joseph Stalin’s rule, Saint Basil’s was in danger of being destroyed to make room for larger demonstrations and marches on Red Square.

Then view the Christ the Savior cathedral, a church with a controversial history. It was torn down by the Bolsheviks in favor of a massive monument to socialism known as the Palace of the Soviets. A giant statue of Lenin was slated to be mounted on the roof. In a twist of fate, the construction of the Palace was halted due to the lack of funds. Later, it was transformed into the world’s largest open-air swimming pool.

After you learn about the history of the rebuilt Christ the Savior cathedral, reach the Novodevichy (New Maiden) Convent. The convent, founded in 1524, is one of Moscow’s most beautiful monasteries. It’s also known as the “Convent of the Broken Hearts.” It was the residence that out-of-favor wives of aristocrats were banished to when their spouse decided to marry another woman.

Next on your tour, visit Poklonnaya Hill (Bow Hill). Your introduction to Russian History will be expanded here where you will learn about the events of World War II from a Russian perspective.

Then take a short drive to visit Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills) where a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and Moscow University awaits you.

Additional information

Price for the private tour:

  • 1 person – $300  
  • group of 2 – $150 per person
  • group of 3 – $105 per person
  • group of 4 – $90 per person
  • group of 5 and more – $70 per person

Operating days:

Tour includes:

  • 4 hours of guide service including pick up and drop off at the hotel (within the 3rd Ring Road of Moscow)
  • 4 hours of transportation on modern air-conditioned car or van

Additional info:

  • Please indicate preferred pick up time and place
  • This tour is a private tour with the use of car or van
  • Please dress in accordance with the weather conditions

Booking and cancellation policy:

  • We recommend to make the booking 7-45 days in advance during the peak season from May to September
  • Booking of the tour can be made not less than 3 days prior to the date of the tour
  • After the tour is booked the cancellation charge of 10% of the total amount will be applied
  • There will be no refund for the cancellation of the tour made less than 48 hours prior to the booked tour
  • Change of the date of the tour can be done within 48 hours prior to the tour date without any charge
  • All cancellations or change of dates can be done by phone or email

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IMAGES

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  2. The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Road Trip Guide

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  4. Road Trip through the Canadian Rockies

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  5. Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours by Ben Gadd 2008 SIGNED paperback

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  6. Perfect road trip through the Canadian Rockies (Part 2)

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    Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours. Ben Gadd. 3.90. 10 ratings 1 review. Want to read. Buy on Amazon. Rate this book. Rockies Geology for everyone! The complete roadside guide. Fossils, formations, folds and faults presented in plain English. Fully illustrated visuals with odometer and GPS.

  8. Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours, The Complete Roadside Guide

    Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours, The Complete Roadside Guide. Author. Ben Gadd. Language. English. ISBN. 0969263120. Seller assumes all responsibility for this listing. eBay item number: 145550157500. Last updated on Jan 13, 2024 07:24:10 PST View all revisions View all revisions. Shipping and handling.

  9. From the Rockies to the Badlands: The Geology and ...

    Explore the geology and landforms of the extraordinary landscapes of the Badlands. See dinosaur excavation sites normally off-limits to the public while at Dinosaur Provincial Park. An optional addition is a half hour helicopter flight over the majestic peaks of the Canadian Rockies. The tour begins and ends in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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  11. The Ultimate 10-Day Canadian Rockies Road Trip Itinerary

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    3. 4-Day roundtrip from Vancouver tour. Tours to Moraine Lake are a great way to visit! View of Banff from Sulphur Mountain! This round-trip tour from Vancouver really showcases the highlights of the Canadian Rockies in just 4 days. It includes visits to Jasper, Athabasca Glacier, and Lake Louise, among many others.

  13. Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours, The Complete Roadside Guide by

    Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours, The Complete Roadside Guide by Benn Gadd(1905-06-30) [Ben Gadd] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Canadian Rockies Geology Road Tours, The Complete Roadside Guide by Benn Gadd(1905-06-30)

  14. Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks Travel

    At a Glance. Straddling the Continental Divide for 14,300 square miles, the seven contiguous Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks are richly adorned with mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, limestone caves and fossils. Explore in depth three of these UNESCO World Heritage Sites to see how they each bear distinct ecological, geological and historical ...

  15. 11 Guided Tours in the Canadian Rockies You Don't Want to Miss!

    Jasper National Park. Jasper is the largest National Park in the Canadian Rockies, covering an area of 4335 square miles (11,228 square kilometres). The skies above Jasper are the perfect place to stargaze as it is the second-largest Dark Sky Preserve in the world. Waterfalls and glaciers pack the National Park.

  16. Canadian Rockies Tours

    Explore the majestic Canadian Rockies. These mountains and fertile land are breathtaking on Tauck's award-winning Canadian Rockies tours. 800-788-7885 or your travel advisor START PLANNING THE TRIP OF A ... "I took the road less traveled," said Robert Frost, "and that has made all the difference," a useful paradigm for traveling anywhere, but ...

  17. Ben Gadd

    Canadian Geology Road Tours Waypoints; Essays & Lectures; Geological; Music; Equipment Lists; Miscellaneous; Contact; Ben Gadd on the trail to Yamnuska ... Winner, "Best Canadian Rockies Book," Banff International Film and Book Festival 2003. 184 pages, soft-cover, B&W with color section, many illustrations, index Published by Rocky ...

  18. Rocky Mountaineer

    Rocky Mountaineer is a Canadian luxury train tour company that offers vacation packages to explore the stunning natural beauty of Western Canada and the Canadian Rockies. It provides a range of packages that vary in length and destinations, catering to different interests and budgets. Some of the majestic destinations offered by Rocky ...

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    8 - Guided Tour of the Tretyakov Gallery. As one of the world's most important galleries, the Tretyakov Gallery is a must-see for any art lovers and is one of the best Moscow tours for culture vultures. Learn about the masterworks of Pablo Tretyakov with a guided tour and discover the secrets behind the paintings.

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