One of the most beautiful regions in the world, Canada's Rocky Mountains are the country's top attraction. Turquoise lakes, mountains with ice-capped peaks (regardless of the season), and wild animals roaming freely near the road (stay alert!). Add to that charming little towns, great restaurants, cozy hotels, and hospitable people.
That's the "success formula" for tourism in Canada!
The best way to visit the Rocky Mountains is through a private tour. That way you can enjoy the trip without worrying about car rentals, GPS, maps, where to stay, where to eat, which attractions to visit in the region, the best times to visit each one, and so on.
If you'd rather "go it alone" and do the trip independently, keep an eye out for the following:
1. Park Pass
A "park pass" is required to travel within Canada's national parks. The three main parks in this region are Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park, and Banff National Park.
The pass isn't cheap — check prices and buy yours directly from the official Parks Canada website: Discovery Pass.
2. Be very careful around wildlife
It's common for people to drive along staring at the scenery, jaws dropped (literally) at the region's beauty. :-)
But don't let your guard down on the road, because it's common for animals to cross the highway (often with their young in tow), especially in the early morning hours and just before dark.
I've seen bears, moose, foxes, coyotes...
When you spot several cars pulled over on the shoulder, it's because "someone" saw an animal (often bears) and stopped to take photos. If you want to take a look too, pull over calmly, leave your hazard lights on, and look carefully before opening your car door so you don't get hit by a passing vehicle.
When you spot animals, keep a respectful distance — not just for your own safety, but so you don't make the animals feel "threatened." Remember, that's their territory. You're the "intruder"! ;-)
Also be careful not to hit an animal, which can bring serious consequences for you and your travel companions. There have been cases of people losing their lives after hitting a wild animal, due to the impact against the vehicle's windshield. Keeping your speed well under control is the key to driving safely in the region.
3. Book well in advance
The Rocky Mountains are one of the world's "top attractions," so don't count on "luck" to find a hotel once you're already in the region.
Hotels are booked months in advance (some more than a year ahead), and if you show up without reservations, you might end up sleeping in your car, because even the campgrounds get booked well in advance.
If you're planning to visit Jasper, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Athabasca Glacier, the Bow River, and more, get in touch with us to check date availability.
4. If you decide to drive yourself
Be very careful with the speed limit, especially near the town of "Golden" (the name itself might as well be a tribute to the gold mine that is the town's speeding-ticket revenue... lol), and always keep your tank full.
You probably already know Canada is the second largest country in the world, and our distances are big. Really big. Even if your car's gas tank has a large capacity (as with minivans and SUVs), I recommend that whenever the gauge is between 3/4 and 1/2 tank, you stop and fill up. That way, you'll have one less thing to worry about.
5. Planning is everything
The parks control the number of visitors, so I recommend avoiding peak times. July is the busiest month due to school holidays. I always recommend planning this trip between late May and early October, to take advantage of stunning scenery, longer days (it stays light quite late in summer), and safer driving conditions than in the snow (especially for those who aren't used to it). The lakes in winter also lose a bit of their beauty, in my opinion, since the color contrast is much more striking in summer.
Another advantage of traveling in summer is being able to pack lighter jackets. Yes, even in summer you'll typically need at least a sweater.
6. Itinerary
There are several options. If you're coming from abroad, one option is to land in Calgary and make your way "down" through the Rockies to Vancouver.
Be sure to visit the Columbia Icefields Parkway, one of the most beautiful highways in the world.
If you're already in Vancouver, I recommend heading "up" through Hope, spending the night in the wonderful Okanagan Valley, and returning via Kamloops through Whistler, taking the opportunity to drive along a road considered one of the ten most beautiful in the world: the famous Highway 99, also known as the "Sea to Sky Highway."
The best way to visit this breathtaking region is through a private tour. On a group excursion with multiple passengers, you lose the freedom to "stay a little longer" at an attraction, or head out early to catch the sunrise behind a mountain, or stop for lunch without a rigid schedule... These, and other comforts, are only possible with a private tour.
One of the most beautiful places in the world deserves the investment of a personalized tour, don't you think?
For detailed planning, don't waste time — get in touch with us. You'll receive the best itinerary and personalized tips based on your interests, group size, and age range.