The Canadian Rockies is a wonderful destination to travel to given the beautiful landscapes ranging from lush river valleys to deep canyons. Although you can book a tour package to the Canadian Rockies with any travel agency, knowing a little about the logistics and planning can go a long way in helping you experience the best trip of your lifetime. Here are a few pointers that can help you with planning and picking the right travel package:
How do you get to the Canadian Rockies?
There are two international airports—Calgary and Edmonton to get to the Canadian Rockies, but Calgary is the closest to the Rockies. If you want to head straight to this destination, then flying to these airports is the best route to choose. But if you have some time on your hands and would like to enjoy a little sightseeing on the way, then flying to Vancouver is a great start. You will pass through some of the most scenic lake towns and stunning vistas on the way.
Which are some of the best places to stay at while traveling to the Canadian Rockies?
You can find a lot of affordable as well as luxury accommodation choices in the Canadian Rockies. However, prior booking is needed, especially while traveling during peak season (between July to October) due to the high demand for ski resorts.
A lot of small towns and central hubs are on the path to the Canadian Rockies. They can be a little pricy during the summers as the number of visitors is quite high. Some towns that are beautiful but need a lot of planning for prior booking include Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. The good news is that those who want to travel on a budget can find some great accommodations in alternative choices like RVs, cars, as well as tents. The Canadian Rockies has a lot of campgrounds for pitching tents, but it is important to book a spot beforehand. Tents can help you save quite a lot on accommodation charges.
Most campsites are run by Parks Canada. While reservations can be done in advance, some parks operate on a first come, first served basis. A pro tip here is that Airbnb is a lot more expensive than local accommodations, and Couchsurfing is not a great option while on a Canadian Rockies tour.
If you’re looking for hotels, some of the top choices in the popular cities recommended by avid travelers are:
- Calgary: Wingate by Wyndham Calgary Airport
- Banff: Banff Park Lodge and
- Lake Louise: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- Jasper: Jasper Inn
- Golden, BC: Best Western Mountainview Inn
What is the best mode of transport to get around during a Canadian Rockies tour?
One of the best ways for commuting is to rent a car or buy one in case you plan to spend a long vacation in the Canadian Rockies. You can rent a car if you are staying at hotels, or even rent a motorhome or a converted van in case you plan to live in the vehicle while traveling through Canada. You also have the option of traveling by bus or hitchhiking, but these modes of transport have their constraints since you would have to be on a more stringent schedule and would not be able to experience the best of a Canadian Rockies tour.
Which are the must-visit destinations to get the best out of a Canadian Rockies tour?
The Canadian Rockies has a lot of variety to offer for every type of traveler. There is no way that you could be disappointed by what you come across. But some of the things that should be on your bucket list are Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. If you are up for some adventure in the Canadian Rockies, then you should definitely try to experience the hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers. You can drive through the scenic and iconic Icefields Parkway and visit Mount Edith Cavell. Some other travel destinations you can try to include in your Canadian Rockies tour for the best experience are Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park and Lake O’Hara, Yoho National Park. If you have ample time on your hands, then in addition to the popular destinations in and around the Canadian Rockies, you can always take a car and drive to Garibaldi Lake in British Columbia.
