“Western Canada in the Summer: Nature, Adventure, and Relaxation”
As residents of Central Alberta we are thrilled to share the beauty of our backyard with you in this blog. Starting from Calgary, this roundtrip journey promises to showcase the very best of what this magnificent region has to offer. Whether you’re a nature lover, an adventure seeker, or someone looking to unwind we can promise that Western Canada has something special for everyone.
Starting Point: Calgary
Calgary is a beautiful city that is best known for it’s yearly event “Calgary Stampede”. This massive event brings in some of the best rodeo events, concerts, carnival rides and food, making it a fun atmosphere for all ages! Aside from that it is also known as having a gorgeous downtown area that is full of unique shops, restaurants and stunning scenery. It also has many biking and walking trails surrounding the city with a lovely view of the mountains off to the west. If you are flying into Canada for a tour of the Rocky Mountains, Calgary is where we will have you will begin and end your journey.
Kananaskis: Nature’s Tranquil Escape
Leaving Calgary behind, your first stop is the serene Kananaskis Mountain Lodge. What we love about this location is that you can arrive before check in time if you happen to be early and go enjoy a nice walk, lunch at one of the many restaurants or pre book a massage. The wonderful Nordic Spa offers a Twighlight Hour from 5:00-8:00 pm or a full day which allows you to come and go. It is very important to pre book this as there is a very limited number of passes sold per day. If you are traveling with young children there are many fun activities to do as a family around the hotels, including a very cute kids pool! https://lodgeatkananaskis.com/family-time/
You will also want to make sure you go online to purchase your park pass prior to your stay if possible. Here is the link, please keep in mind that this is not the same pass that you will need in Banff and Jasper. https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass
Canmore: Gateway to the Rockies
Next, head to the charming town of Canmore. This beautiful town is busy year round with nature lovers, bikers, hikers and skiers and those seeking a simple getaway. It’s central to many attractions, including Banff! During your stop in Canmore we suggest having us book a 3 hour e-bike tour for you on your first day. This will allow you to learn about the many attractions in the area, while getting a little movement and enjoying the fresh air. Of course if you are traveling with little ones we can adjust this excursion to something more fitting for your family.
Banff: You must see this lovely town
On your second day we recommend getting up bright and early to get a good parking spot in Banff, from there we highly recommend having us pre book a tour to the Sunshine Gondolas which picks up in Banff. Here is the link for the best public parking. https://www.banff.ca/1104/Train-Station-Public-Parking.
Once you arrive back in Banff we encourage you to take some time to walk downtown, enjoy the shopping, restaurants and pretty walk along the river. If you would like to pre purchase your park pass for Banff/Jasper you can book that on this link or you can stop along the way at the booths and pay there. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/passer-passes.
Lake Louise: The Jewel of the Rockies
After your stay in Canmore we will have you drive to Jasper, along the way you will want to stop in Lake Louise which is best known for its striking turquoise waters and the impressive Victoria Glacier. With parking being extremely limited we suggest pre booking a shuttle that will take you up to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake. Here is the link to help make your life a little easier. https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/parkbus/louise. While you are there you will want to take a leisurely stroll along the lakeshore, rent a canoe, or hike to the Lake Agnes Tea House for a refreshing treat with a view. Arrive in the morning and have your camera ready! If you have time you may want to stop at Peyto Lake, however there is so much to see once you arrive in Jasper and your next stop is going to be pretty wonderful too.
This link will be helpful to review prior to staying in Canmore so you can plan out what you want to see the most, how many days you need and where to park. https://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/parksnow?lat=51.183981&lng=-115.6130647&z=9&lang=en&siteId=100092
Jasper: Rugged Wilderness and Majestic Landscapes
Your adventure continues north to Jasper National Park, this drive will have you looking out the windows the entire time. Once you arrive in Jasper we will have you stay at the wonderful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. This Fairmont is unique to the others as it is a cozy cabin atmosphere surrounded by lush trees and a beautiful view of the lake. While you are there we recommend having us book a tour for you that will have you exploring the beautiful surrounding lakes with the opportunities for wildlife spotting, with elk, bears, and mountain goats.
Skywalk and Icefield Adventure
Next, experience the Glacier Skywalk and Columbia Icefield Adventure while on route back to Calgary. This is a must see along the way! To learn more we suggest reading the information in this link so you can plan your time accordingly. https://www.travelalberta.com/listings/columbia-icefield-skywalk-1074
Conclusion: Returning to Calgary
As your memorable vacation through Western Canada comes to an end we will have you spend your last night back in the heart of Calgary, allowing you to reflect on your time in the Rockies while taking a walk along Bow River and dining on 17th Avenue. Our hope is that your time through Western Canada in the spring, summer or fall is one that will leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Reach out to Sierra Travel Sylvan Lake today to start planning your next adventure!
