Amazing Canadian Rockies is a segment of the famous North American Rocky Mountains, extending southeastward for about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) from northern British Columbia, Canada, and forming nearly half the 900-mile (1,500-km) border between the provinces of British Columbia and Alberta. They are the eastern part of the North American Cordillera, which is a system of multiple ranges of mountains that runs from the Prairies to the Pacific Coast.

There are five incredible national parks are located within the Canadian Rockies, four of which are adjacent and make up the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks. These four parks are Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho. The fifth national park, Waterton is not adjacent to the others. Waterton lies farther south, straddling the Canada-US border as the Canadian half of the Waterton- Glacier International Peace Park. All five of these parks, combined with three British Columbia provincial parks, were declared a single UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for the unique mountain landscapes found there.

The Canadian Rockies contribute to the beauty of Canadian nature and offer many opportunities for holidays and recreation, attracting many tourists every year.

The Most Beautiful Places to Enjoy the Canadian Rockies:

1. The Icefields Parkway

One of the best places to experience the Canadian Rockies is along a highway. The Icefield Parkway stretches 144mi (232km) and connects Banff and Jasper National Parks. National Geographic has called it one of the world’s most spectacular driving tours, as people can’t help but pull over frequently and explore the many pristine lakes, glaciers, wildlife sightings and valleys along the way. Recommended stops include Peyto Lake and Athabasca Falls.

2. Horseshoe Lake Park

Horseshoe Lake is a horseshoe-shaped swimming hole within Jasper National Park. Known for its rugged high cliffs, which are popular for cliff diving, the lake is a brief 0.9-mi (1.5-km) loop away from its trailhead off the Icefields Parkway.

3. The Columbia Icefiеld

The Columbia Icefield is actually the largest of its kind in the entire Rocky Mountain Region of North America. It sits on the Continental Divide between British Columbia and Аlberta, as well as in both Banff and Jasper National Parks. There are six major glаciers within the Icеfield, and therе аre dailу tours to explore and walk on  Athabasca Glacier.

4. Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is an amazing place to visit. Named after Bill Peyto, who was a trail guide and trapper in Banff, the lake sits in a valley and is best viewed from Bow Summit, which happens to be the Icefields Parkway’s highest point.

5. Canmore

Located in Banff Nationаl Park, it’s an ideal place to base yourself to enjoy the Canadian Rockies and the beautiful  Three Sisters Mountain Range, both of which surround the township. Canmore is an adventurer’s paradise, with its Nordic Centre, hiking trails and access to lakes such as Quarry Lake and Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes.

6. Yoho national park

Yoho National Park, located in British Columbia, takes its name from a Cree word meaning awe and wonder – for obvious reasons. Highlights include the 13-mi (21-km) Iceline Trail,   the town of Field, Emerald Lake, Takkakaw Falls and Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site.

7. Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is beautiful for a number of reasons, including its surrounding Rocky peaks, its three visible glaciers, summertime boat cruises, access to the Skyline Trail and Spirit Island. Reader’s Digest subscribers said the lake has the best boat cruise in Canada, and it isn’t hard to see why.

8. Lake Louise

The best part of the glacier-fed Lake Louise is that it’s beautiful no matter what time of year you visit. In winter, the lake freezes over and becomes home to a winter wonderland, plus there’s the nearby Lake Louise Ski Resort. In summer, the lake is a turquoise masterpiece and adventure playground for hikers and kayakers. But the beauty doesn’t stop there – nearby is Moraine Lake, which is every bit as magnificent.

9. Waterton Lakes National Park

Located in the southwest corner of Alberta and straddling the United States border, Waterton Lakes National Park is usually far less crowded than its northern counterparts. Fun activities include visiting Red Rock Canyon, hiking to the top of Bear’s Hump and Crypt Lake, and taking an international boat cruise to Goat Haunt, Montana.

There are so many things to see in Banff and Jasper national parks that it’s sometimes difficult to know what to do first.

1. The Banff Gondola

For some of the most spectacular views in Banff, you won’t do better than a ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the thrilling Banff Gondola.

2. Hiking, Mountain biking and other summer sports with an alpine adventure playground all around, there’s always plenty to do for the outdoor enthusiast, from hiking and mountain biking to climbing or water sports.

3. Guided Tours

When you’re in the mood for a guided tour, you’ll find you’re spoiled for choice in Banff or Jasper. You might choose to take the Columbian Icefield Adventure on the Athabasca Glacier, a relaxing Lake Minnewanka Cruise in Banff, Maligne Lake Cruise in Jasper or perhaps an Icewalk in the winter.

4. Lakeside Activities

Around one of Banff’s and Jasper’s many beautiful alpine lakes, there are plenty of activities, including fishing, canoeing, kayaking and swimming—even scuba diving

5. Wildlife Spotting

Banff and Jasper have an abundance of wildlife, from bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bears, elk, caribou and even wolverine.

6. Hot Springs

The warm, soothing waters of the natural springs of Sulphur Mountain at the Banff Upper Hot Springs and Miette Hot Springs in Jasper make for a great way to relax after a tiring day’s adventure.

7. Skiing and Snowboarding

Definitely one of the main reasons people visit Banff and Jasper! With four world- class ski hills—Sunshine, Lake Louise, Mount Norquay and Marmot Basin—the Canadian Rockies has almost 10,000 acres of skiable terrain, and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. Throw in that beautiful Alberta sunshine and it’s no wonder Banff and Jasper attract powder enthusiasts from across the world.

8. Cross-Country Skiing

As an international winter destination, of course, Banff and Jasper are also equally popular among cross-country skiers who enjoy some of the world’s most beautiful trails.

If you are still thinking about When is the best time to visit The Rocky Mountains, keep in mind that The Rocky Mountains are a year-round destination with spectacular scenery in every season. For instance, winter is a long season in the mountains, especially in higher elevation areas like Lake Louise. Springtime is still skiing season; the summer months pass by quickly to lead way to the colors of fall and then it’s all up to mother nature as to how early the snow returns. Seeing the colored glacier lakes is on the wish list for many. If this is your goal make sure to time your visit accordingly.

Everyone will be able to find something special for themselves in such a wonderful place as The Canadian Rockies.