I’ve made this list of the Top 8 Things to Do in The Canadian Rockies for those of you who will be traveling around Canada or are interested to see what I’ve chosen as my favorite stops. My list my vary from others you come across but that’s simply because this is based off my opinion and experience (as well as what photos were nice enough to show on my blog haha). All the photos you will see below were taken by myself. I took this trip around British Columbia and Alberta a few years back so let’s test how good my memory really is. 

Lake Louise

Location: Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada.

First on my list is the MUST SEE Lake Louise in the beautiful Banff National Park. Not taking the time to go here is like going to Paris and not seeing the Eiffel Tower. It’s kinda a big deal. The thing that makes this lake so famous is its incredible shades of turquoise the glacier water produces. The color changes depending on the lighting and is most vibrant on a sunny day.

Bridal Veil Falls

Location:  Rosedale, British Columbia V0X 1X0, Canada.

There are so many waterfalls to see in the Canadian Rockies but this one was one of my favorites because of how beautifully it glowed when the sunlight hits the water. After driving around in a car or bus for a few hours, it’s a wonderful place to stretch your legs since you’ll be walking through lush forest trees to reach the waterfall. It was hard for me to find an easy address to put into a GPS for those of you who are driving yourself, but wikipedia said it’s located on the “Trans-Canada Highway just east of Rosedale, British Columbia, Canada, part of the City of Chilliwack.” Make sure to hike to the real Bridal Veil Falls. Some of the images on Google were inaccurate or not showing the part of the falls that look like a brides veil. There are also a few waterfalls with the same name that could cause some confusion. 

Icefields Parkway

Location: Between Banff National Park and Jasper National Park of Canada

The Icefields Parkway is a road connecting two of the most famous National Parks in Canada. Along the road is extraordinary views of mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife. It’s possibly one of the most beautiful drives you could go on as a nature lover. If you don’t believe me, read some of the google reviews and click through their pictures. Be prepared to double your driving time on this road because you will want to stop for pictures and to soak in the views.

Athabasca Falls

Location: Jasper National Park, Jasper, Alberta, Canada

Athabasca Falls is a powerful waterfall in a stunning location. It doesn’t matter which season you go, it’s always incredible. This is a spot you can quickly stop at while driving on the Icefields Parkway and be back on the road in 20-30 minutes (although, you may want more time). Usually people stop here after visiting my next must see place, Athabasca Glacier.

Athabasca Glacier

Location: Highway 93, Icefields Pkwy, Improvement District No. 12, AB T1L 1J3, Canada

If you’ve never walked on a glacier before, this would be the place to finally experience that.  There is an option to go on a short bus tour where they take you inside an Ice Explorer bus that drives on top of the Glacier. Over the years, the park has added additional attractions such as the Skywalk. I haven’t done it but it seems like a neat place to take photographs if you’re not scared of heights. Side note: It would be wise to get your winter coats out even if you’re stopping here in summer. My jacket wasn’t that warm so I ended up purchasing a $50 souvenir hoodie with a maple leaf on it from inside the gift shop.

Johnston Canyon/Creek

Location: Bow Valley Pkwy, Improvement District No. 9, AB T1L 1K2, Canada

You could easily spend all day here (and spend the night in a hotel or campground), but we were only here for a few hours to see the Lower Falls. It’s a beautiful place to walk around since you’ll be able to go on a bridge, walk through a cave, see the creek and waterfalls. Be prepared for the possibility of a full parking lot or crowded trails. The canyon’s beauty attracts plenty of visitors year round.

The Butchart Gardens

Address: 800 Benvenuto Ave, Brentwood Bay, BC V8M 1J8, Canada

Butchart Gardens isn’t along the drive through the Canadian Rockies but it’s my favorite place is British Columbia. Usually people start and end their Canadian Rockies tour in Vancouver so it’s worth putting the Butchart Gardens on this list. I’ve been here twice but it felt like two different gardens. I’m not sure if it’s because there were different flowers blooming for the different seasons or if it’s because we explored different parts of the Gardens the second time. Either way, visit this stunning place if you enjoy flowers and plants as much as I do.

International Buddhist Society

Address: 9160 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, BC V7A 1M5, Canada

The last stop on my Canadian Rockies trip was to a spectacular Chinese Buddhist Temple. The gardens and imperial-style temple are extremely beautiful. I’ve never been to China but visiting the International Buddhist Society made me feel like I had. Unfortunately, I was told not to take photos of the giant golden Buddha. & Since I’m a polite person who respects other religions, I didn’t. But it was AMAZING and worth seeing with your own eyes. I would love to have come here in winter when the red colors really standout against the white snow.

-Ayla♥