What are the Canadian Rockies known for?
The Canadian Rockies are known for endless forests, snowcapped mountains, icefields, glacial lakes and rivers, and an abundance of wildlife. All these Canadian Rockies natural wonders are accessible on scenic drives or by hiking.
Most of the Canadian Rockies are protected by a string of parks designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The best known of these is BANFF NATIONAL PARK, but just as worthy of your time are JASPER NATIONAL PARK, YOHO NATIONAL PARK, and KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARK. Do you want to see the same best-known Canadian Rockies scenery without the crowds? Then plan on visiting WATERTON LAKES NATIONAL PARK. Feeling adventurous? Hike or fly to MOUNT ASSINIBOINE PROVINCIAL PARK.
Many Canadian Rockies lakes have famously photogenic lakes with a distinctive TURQUOISE COLOUR. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Peyto Lake in Banff National Park and Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park are the best known. In fact, Lake Louise lays claim to being the world’s most photographed lake.
Peyto Lake, Banff National Park.
CANADIAN ROCKIES WILDLIFE VIEWING is a major attraction. Bears, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, mountain goats, and moose are all seen from highways, and the townsites of Banff, Jasper, and Waterton Lakes have resident populations of wildlife living within town limits. Ironically, Kananaskis Country wildlife viewing is regarded by many locals as better than in the national parks.
Of all the Canadian Rockies scenic drives, none are better known than the mountainous ICEFIELDS PARKWAY between Lake Louise and Jasper. One of the highlights of the Icefields Parkway is the COLUMBIA ICEFIELD, the largest North American icefield south of Alaska and one of the most accessible in the world.
CANADIAN ROCKIES HIKING is known by outdoor enthusiasts around the world. Trails have been built to suit all levels of fitness and all interests, from short lakeside strolls to strenuous climbs to backcountry peaks.
Scattered through the Canadian Rockies is the well-known resort TOWN OF BANFF and the TOWN OF JASPER. In addition to being famous for scenic settings, these towns are recognised for having world-class lodging and restaurants, making it easy for everyone to enjoy a wilderness experience.