Lake Louise
Life is not easy in an “urban jungle,” and it is just filled with monotonous days, stress, street noise and bustle.
Escaping from the city and being in the park always brings me great enjoyment. Only in nature I can rest, get harmony, emotional balance and recharge.
My favorite season is fall, but I can find beauty all year around: winter — white and fluffy, spring — goose is coming back, and everything is becoming alive, summer — green and sunny, autumn — colorful and peaceful.
I also enjoy the mountains. They are so powerful and inspiring.
When I was standing on the top of the mountain in Jasper and looked at the stunning panorama… ah… that took my breath away… so impressive.
We had an unforgettable experience when we visited the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks in Banff and Jasper.
But, enough lyrics. It's time to share my travel tips.
Travel tips:
Comfortable shoes and a warm jacket or hoody.
Whistlers Mountain, Jasper
No matter what season you are going to the Rocky Mountain Parks, you will need warm clothes and comfortable shoes. This is must-have clothes. (I wasn't prepared.)
Pass to the park
Banff, Alberta, Canada
All visitors must purchase the pass to entrance the park and it's not the same that you probably already bought for the park.
You have to buy a pass at the park entrance.
You will need to pay for each person in the vehicle for the number of days you will be staying in the park.
The cost for a daily pass is $10.
Accommodation.
Banff, view from my hotel room
Book your hotel in advance and look for deals, because there is a limited choice of hotels and high prices.
If you are planning to stay in Banff, you might also check hotels in Canmore as a possible option. Canmore is located close to the Banff and it is only 20 min drive. But if you could stay in Banff, I think it would be better.
Explore highway #1a and 93
Canadian Rocky Mountans
Banff is an absolutely lovely town. I really enjoyed being there and walking around. But there is more remarkable beauty to discover.
I heartily recommend you explore Lake Louise and Highway #1a and 93. This is a wonderful road and a good alternative to the Trans-Canada Highway.
What you will see there:
Lake Louise
lake Louise
Lake Louise is a picturesque hamlet in Banff National Park and absolutely world famous for gorgeous turquoise and fascinated mountains, hiking trails, canoeing and skating in the winter.
Lake Louise is a must-see place with the incredible and stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Bow Valley Parkway
Bow Valley Parkway
The Bow Valley Parkway is 48 km long (one-way) and brings tourists to a spectacular route between Banff and Lake Louise with roadside viewpoints and breathtaking scenery.
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is a popular destination for hikers, because it is not only the best alpine pass in the Rocky Mountains, but also has magnificent nature, bridges, waterfalls and ‘blue' spring pools.
Johnston Canyon
Morant's Curve
Morant’s Curve
Morant's Curve is another attractive area, where the Canadian Pacific Railway passes through. It's worth to seeing it and also, you might spot wild animals along the roadside, especially early in the morning.
Hector Lake
Hector lake
Hector Lake is a small glacial lake and is named after James Hector, a geologist and naturalist with the Palliser Expedition. It is located on the Bow River, in the Waputik Range of the Canadian Rockies.
Bow Summit and Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake
There you can find forest trails and an observation deck with lake and mountain views.
Icefields Parkway
Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway (highway 93) is one of the most scenic highways in Canada, and it goes through Banff National Park and Jasper National Park. The Icefields Parkway is a sightseeing route through magnificent mountain scenery.
The Parkway has two lanes, very busy in July and August and provides lots of viewpoints. Also, snow can forecast at any time of the year.
Take a moment and enjoy the views and watch out for wildlife and vehicles, which can stop on the shoulder.
Wildlife
And of course, wildlife.
Most likely you can see elk, bighorn sheep and deer, sometimes you can spot bear, mountain goats, coyotes, wolves, moose, cougars and lots of birds, like Clark's nutcrackers or a crow, stellar jays, ravens, falcons and white-tailed ptarmigan.
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
Jasper, Alberta, Canada
And now you are in the alpine town Jasper which is the centre of Jasper National Park.
The Park has beautiful nature, hiking trails, glacier-fed lakes, forests and rivers.
On top of that, you can take the Jasper Sky Tram and climb to the summit of Whistlers Mountain, where you can appreciate outstanding views.
Enjoy your trip!
