One of many bucket list destinations on our list was the Canadian Rockies, the home of outdoor adventure and renowned for its famous pristine beauty. And boy oh boy, it did not disappoint. Here we were on a family travel adventure like no other, surrounded by some of the Rockies most impressive peaks. Never have I felt so paralysed by nature, so humbled in its presence, so enriched, so empowered, yet so overwhelmed at the same time … it really is nature in its purest form.
The Rockies lives up to every expectation we had and more. Beavers, grizzly’s, caving, rafting, hiking, skiing, craft beer, snow shoeing…and did someone say ‘Maple flavoured popcorn’?
Arriving in Banff, Alberta is really like stepping into a children’s storybook of oversized gingerbread houses with snow-capped peaks, enchanting chateau style boutiques, bars and restaurants…all set amongst the majestic and awe inspiring Rockies. It’s not only the highest town in Canada (1383 metres elevated above sea level!) but is also the first town in Canada to be incorporated within a National Park.
But, the township aside, it’s all about the incredible wildlife, of which we can attest to, as we were fortunate enough to see grizzly brown bear, black bear, elk, deer, eagles, caribou..to name a few.
Jade coloured water with crystal clear reflections of the snow capped mountains, it’s like a mirage. The rich forest green of the Canadian pines line the lakes edge in unison and the surrounding majestic mountains are so intense you can’t help but gasp …it can’t be real? The bright blue sky, the perfect contrast against the grey granite mountain outcrops sprinkled with a coating of crisp white snow…a lethal combination that makes it picture perfect.
The landscape is so captivating that you are literally held hostage by its beauty.
Walking trails, canoes for hire, mountain treks and hiking, photography, snow shoeing and obviously more winter sports in the peak season. Whatever the season this place throws a party for all ages, all interests and all seasons. It caters for the extreme adventure/thrill seekers, the outdoor enthusiasts, the more placid observers or those that simply want to relax.
Then as night falls, it becomes a choice of an outdoor hot tub, a glass of red whilst resting your weary feet in front of your own log fire in a rustic cabin by the lake, or sitting by the communal fire pit stargazing. Magic.
In terms of family travel, rest assured whatever their age, the kids will flip! It’s one of those places where you can leave behind all the gadgets and learn in the outside classroom. Everything from catching a gondola high up over the rockies, to caving at the Basin National Historic Site with the bubbling sulphur hot springs, which were discovered over 100 years ago. There are various wildlife boat charters you can jump on, kayaking, hiking for every level (including stroller friendly hikes), canoeing, tubing, skating, rafting, cycling, horseback riding through the Banff township itself or local storytelling sessions, outdoor concerts and even horse and carriage rides!
To cap off your alpine adventure, be sure to make a splash in the outdoor thermal hot springs, and soak up the epic views of the majestic snow-capped mountains! A moment the ‘big kids’ and little kids will never forget.
Hot tip
If you are keen to explore the Rockies then be sure to check out some of the awesome array of Webjet tours available in Canada, Alaska and the Rockies including the Rocky Mountaineer, an Alaskan Cruise and more! You can filter your search based on budget and travel times.
Tick off the bucket list – we guarantee it’ll be worth it! https://exclusives.webjet.com.au/
Stay
BANFF:
Buffalo Mountain Lodge
A fantastic family friendly lodge perched on top of Tunnel Mountain with epic views, open log fires, cozy and spacious modern rooms and a classic Canadian tavern/restaurant and bar on site. Oh and don’t forget your bathers for the outdoor hot tub, which overlooks the mighty Rockies! https://crmr.com/buffalo/
EMERALD LAKE:
Emerald Lake Lodge – on the shores of the famous pristine lake, surrounded by some of the Rockies most impressive peaks! https://www.crmr.com/emerald/
LAKE LOUISE:
Deer Lodge – a rustic historic mountain lodge in Banff National Park. https://crmr.com/deer/
SELF DRIVE:
Be sure to do the drive along the famous Icefields Parkway, from Banff to Jasper, which is essentially a four hour drive with zero phone reception and nothing but the awe inspiring mountains and ice fields. Also don’t forget to drive along the Bow Valley Parkway near Banff to get your best chance at spotting bears, mousse, elk, eagles and other Canadian wildlife.
Great story & advice. I may never get a chance to go there, but I definitely feel like I have been there with your blog. I will add it to my list. Only about 100 places to go.
Have absolutely loved seeing your posts and blogs about Canada! It looks incredible!
It’s gone from not even a thought to the top of my bucket list!
It looks so beautiful but so cold!!
Would looooove to go to the Rockies !!!
Those photos are epic! Such a gorgeous destination and such beautiful smiles on all your faces. Encouraging to see you guys taking on an adventure and creating amazing family memories. Very bucket list worthy!
Great blog! The photos look amazing !!
This looks like such a beautiful experience. Daisy looks so happy!! Would be a stunning place to experience.
Looks incredible and great travel tales, thanks for the advice- hope to make it one day.
Definitely on the list of places to go! Your kids are such troopers!
Yep, the Rockies and Alaska are definitely on our bucket list! Thanks for the beautiful photos!
The Rockies weren’t on my bucket list but they are now!! Great blog!!
These pics are aamazing! Actually breath taking.
Awesome post- the Canadian Rocies and Banff area a dream trip for us. Saving this as you have some great tips and drive we wouldn’t want to miss!
Beautiful photographs. Canadian rockies are so scenic. Nice to see the nice family time you spent there.
I’ve wanted to check out Banff ever since we moved to Toronto! Hopefully we’ll make it in the next couple years. So beautiful!
Gorgeous gorgeous. You highlught my part of the world beautifully.
How wonderful experience you have there! Thanks to you that you shared with us. I will definitely go there one day!
Amazing – a once in a life time trip
Canadian Rockies are on our bucket list for sure. All those fun activities like canoeing, skating,cycling, horseback riding sound awesome 🙂
The adventures you have constantly inspire us!! Your trip around the Rockies looks picture perfect!
Banff is one of the places I want to visit as I have never done snowy caps and mountains. I’ve seen pics of Lake Louise and it is lovely. Maybe not in core winter but fall or late spring.
The Canadian rockies are on our bucket list, as I’d love to see that amazing natural beauty up close!
Wow, what a bucket list item to tick off. That part of Canada is on ours too and we hope to visit Banff and Jasper as part of an awesome road trip one day!
I have been to the Rockies in the United States, but I have never been to the Rockies in Canada and Banff and all your photos from there make it look so spectacular! It is on my list of places to go!
Great advice! BANFF is like A-MUST visited at least once for everyone! We are planning this trip in the next three years! i know its a long time, but it’s worth the wait!
Great family story! thanks for sharing your personal experiences!
Wow!! Sounds like an absolute dream!! The Canadian Rockies are definitely on my bucket list now after reading that! Very inspirational! The next place on my bucket list would definitely be the Maldives, where I can snorkel in the crystal clear water, relax in the sun and meet the friendly locals! Would be the ultimate tropical holiday to escape the cold Melbourne winter!