Discover

Canadian Rockies

If you want to experience a veritable feast for the eyes in the great outdoors, the Canadian Rockies represents an excellent choice. Home to sparkling glaciers, breathtaking rapids, peaceful lakes, roaring waterfalls and endless snow-capped mountains, the Canadian Rockies are blessed with some of the most dazzling scenery in the world.

Located over a vast area in the mid-West of Canada, the Rockies are best experienced by train, where you can gaze out of your cabin window and enjoy the unforgettable vistas of the Banff National Park and the hinterland.

 

What you’ll love most about the Canadian Rockies

  • Immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of Banff National Park, with its towering mountains, pristine lakes, and abundant wildlife. Explore scenic hiking trails, take a dip in natural hot springs, and marvel at iconic landmarks like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
  • Discover the rugged wilderness of Jasper National Park, the largest national park in the Canadian Rockies. Explore its stunning landscapes, including glaciers, canyons, and alpine meadows, and spot wildlife like elk, bighorn sheep, and grizzly bears
  • Drive the scenic Icefields Parkway, one of the most spectacular highways in the world. Marvel at towering peaks, pristine lakes, and ancient glaciers as you traverse this breathtaking landscape between Banff and Jasper National Park
  • Experience the iconic turquoise waters of Lake Louise, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and glaciers. Take a hike along the lakeshore, paddle in a canoe, or simply relax and soak in the stunning views of this postcard-perfect landscape
  • Marvel at the vibrant blue waters of Moraine Lake, set against the backdrop of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. Take a hike to the Rockpile viewpoint for panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, or rent a canoe for a serene paddle on the water
  • Explore the Athabasca Glacier, one of the most accessible glaciers in North America. Take a guided tour onto the glacier itself, or admire its icy blue expanse from the Glacier Skywalk, a glass-floored observation platform suspended above the Sunwapta Valley

Where to Book

  • Canoe and Kayaking on Maligne Lake in Jasper National Park - Travel Alberta/Parks Canada/Ryan Bray

  • Hiking Larch Valley and Sentinal Pass - Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka

  • Banff Upper Hot Springs - Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/Noel Hendrickson

  • Bridge walk on Mount Norquay, Alberta - Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/Via Ferrata/Mt Norquay

  • Helicopter view during the autumn - Tourism Jasper

  • Riding the Tunnel Mountain Trail - Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/Noel Hendrickson

  • Walking along the Columbia Icefield Skywalk - Pursuit Collection/Mike Seehagel

  • Jasper Park Lodge Golf Club - Tourism Jasper

  • Canoeing Bow Lake, Alberta - Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/Noel Hendrickson

  • Hiking Sentinal Pass in the alpine valley of Banff National Park - Banff & Lake Louise Tourism - Paul Zizka

  • Jasper SkyTram - Tourism Jasper/Jeff Bartlet

  • Seton Lake, Lillooet, British Columbia - Daniel Ernst

  • Moraine Lake view from the mountain top - Banff & Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka

Average temperature

Information below is based on average highest temperature for each month.

  • -6℃
  • -2℃
  • 3℃
  • 11℃
  • 16℃
  • 21℃
  • 24℃
  • 24℃
  • 18℃
  • 12℃
  • 3℃
  • -4℃
  • 1
  • 0
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 4
  • 4
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 0

Information above is based on the average number of days which experience some form of rainfall for each month.

Rainfall

When to Visit

Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.

January

Typically the coldest month with average lows of -15 degrees though it can get colder again. A great time for winter activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and sleigh rides.

February

Slightly warmer but still in the depths of winter. Winter experiences like skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and sleigh rides are in full swing.

March

You’ll begin to see signs that things are changing but don’t expect warm weather, average highs are still just 4 degrees. Don’t worry though, this is still a good time to enjoy winter activities.

April

This can still be considered the tail end of winter with highs of just 9 degrees but it’s a transitional month so expect to see the roads dry in some areas and with ice or compacted snow in others. If general sightseeing is the plan, April is a good option to receive reduced prices on flights and land packages.

May

It’s feeling much more like Spring with highs of up to 15 degrees. A perfect time to visit if you’re looking to balance budgets but also experience quality sightseeing with the snow-capped mountains and slightly warmer weather.

June

Warmer but also the wettest month in the mountains. You can expect up to 18 degrees. A perfect month for sightseeing Summer activities are all the rage with hiking, horse riding, golf, canoeing and fly fishing some of the options. You’ll also start to see wildlife as the feed on lower valley grasses.

July

The warmest month of the year with temperatures up to the mid 20’s but it can still get freezing at night so pack appropriately. If you’re looking to see the magical turquoise lakes at their best, this is a perfect time to visit but the prices for holiday this time of year reflect that. A great month for summer activities. Peak time for wildlife and wildflowers.

August

Peak travelling season and also the most expensive time to visit. Like July, you can expect warm conditions during the day but very cold at night. The turquoise glacier fed lakes will be at their best so now’s the time to visit for this experience. Peak time for wildlife and wildflowers.

September

A great time to visit but also the start of the temperature cooling again with highs to 15 degrees. The earlier in the month you’re there, the better chance of warmer conditions as it will get colder by the week. Mid-September marks the start of the shoulder season and when you can expect to see some lower prices and crowd numbers.

October

Getting much colder now with temperatures up to 10 degrees but expect to start seeing some snow as the month goes on. If you visit earlier in the month, you’ll pay lower prices but can still expect some of the warmer month benefits.

November

The daytime temperatures will barely get above freeing and you can expect to see large snowfalls. It’s not quite winter yet though so it’ll be too early for the best winter sport conditions.

December

By early this month, the lakes will have frozen over and it can get down to -14 degrees. Winter activities become possible with such activities as skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating and sleigh rides.

Our Ratings

  • Most Recommended
  • Recommended
  • Highly Recommended
  • Not Recommended

Where to book


Canadian Sky offers luxury tailor-made tours and holidays specialising in providing expert travel advice and exceptional unhurried customer service. With a wealth of experience we will find the perfect trip for you.

Visit website for more info

More info


Discover North America, doesn’t do ‘one size fits all’ holiday packages. Their experienced travel specialists take great pride in curating individually tailored itineraries designed to your interests, time, and budget. So, sit back, relax, and let them help you discover North America.

Visit website for more info

More info


eShores specialises in tailor-made multi-centre holidays, seamlessly blending multiple destinations into one trip. Explore the beauty of Thailand, island-hop the Greek islands, or embark on an epic American road trip – anything is possible. With consultants averaging 15 years’ experience, your dream holiday is in expert hands, so you can relax and enjoy the adventure!

Visit website for more info

More info


Explore is a global adventure travel company with 40 years’ experience in providing exciting and authentic travel experiences. With over 350 trips in around 100 countries, Explore’s expertly crafted itineraries combined with award-winning tour leaders, small group sizes and a commitment to responsible travel ensure unforgettable travel experiences in extraordinary destinations.

Visit website for more info

More info


At Freedom Destinations, we take the trouble out of travel. We offer everything you need in one place; a great range of hotels, tours and activities, coupled with first-class service from dedicated specialists who work with you to create your perfect itinerary. With FREEDOM you can….

Visit website for more info

More info


“At Just You, we’ve been crafting worldwide touring holidays specifically for solo travellers for over 20 years. There’s so much included in our tours: flights, accommodation (own rooms are guaranteed) and all breakfasts. We pack in amazing experiences, as well as free time to relax and explore. With expert Holiday Directors, we’re there for you throughout your trip.”

Visit website for more info

More info


Purely Canada offers bespoke tailor made packages to all areas of Canada. They can put together any itinerary to include flights, hotels and car hire to suit your exact requirements – or select from a variety of self drive and escorted tours. They are an independent company with a highly personal service. ATOL bonded for your full financial protection.

Visit website for more info

More info


Riviera Travel is the UK’s leading luxury river cruise & tour company with over 38 years’ experience in crafting worldwide tours, luxury river cruises, rail holidays and UK tours. Their commitment to quality & thoughtfulness has earned them a coveted Which? recommendation.

Visit website for more info

More info


For more than 60 years, Travelsphere has been crafting amazing itineraries to destinations around the world. They take care of all the details so you don’t have to. From flights, hotels, the services of an expert Holiday Director, and a range of incredible experiences, each tour is designed to immerse you in local culture, cuisine and take you to explore all the very best sights.

Visit website for more info

More info

Have you considered...

Whether you fancy bonding with like-minded travellers on an escorted trip, or heading out on your own for a self-drive adventure of a lifetime, South Africa’s diverse scenes are perfect for an unforgettable tour. Discover its many highlights including the Cape Winelands, Garden Route and Eastern Cape.

More info

Top Holiday Offers

We’ve hand-picked a range of enticing offers to incredible destinations. If you want value for money on your next trip, start by reviewing our dedicated Top Holiday Offers page.

Top Offers