• Banff Gondola - A quintessential Banff experience is the gondola ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, offering breathtaking 360-degree views across six mountain ranges.

Stroll along the boardwalks leading to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, where you might spot bighorn sheep. Relish the new bistro, coffee, and market-style dining while watching the sunset.

• Bow Falls - Situated on the Bow River in Banff near the Banff Springs Hotel, just before the Spray River joins.

Water levels vary significantly throughout the year, especially during the spring thaw. A small parking area and trail lead to a higher vantage point. The view of Bow Falls was pivotal in choosing the site for the Banff Springs Hotel.

• Surprise Corner - For over a century, visitors have been amazed by the view of the Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls below, and Sulphur and Rundle Mountains in the background.

A small parking area and viewing platform are located across the road. Be cautious of traffic as it’s a blind corner.

• Cave and Basin National Historic Site - This site was known and used by First Nations people, but in 1883, three railway workers discovered the cave and its thermal mineral springs, sparking interest and tourism that led to the creation of Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park.

Explore the Interpretive Centre and boardwalks to see the original underground cave and the endangered Banff Springs snail.

• Banff Upper Hot Springs - Visitors originally came to Banff for health retreats in the mountains, soaking in the hot mineral springs rich in sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium, and sodium.

Water temperatures range from 37-40C/98-104F, and these are the only hot springs available for bathing in Banff National Park, located just above the Banff Gondola base station.

• Lake Minnewanka - Meaning “water of the spirits” in Nakoda, Lake Minnewanka is a glacial lake expanded by three small dams. Small cruise boats tour the 21km (13 miles) length of the lake, offering a chance to see wildlife along the shore and learn about Aboriginal artifacts dating back 10,000 years.

The 6.4km (4 miles return) Stewart Canyon hike is an easy and rewarding trail, and both locals and visitors enjoy ice cream or a BBQ while admiring the stunning mountain views.

• Hoodoos Trail - Known globally as hoodoos, fairy chimneys, or goblins, these geological formations showcase the power of rain, wind, and ice in eroding rock, leaving behind precarious spires. An easy flat trail leads to a viewpoint capturing the hoodoos, Bow River, and Rundle Mountain.
• Vermilion Lakes - This trio of shallow, wetland lakes near town is an excellent spot for wildlife viewing, including many birds, coyotes, and occasionally bears and moose.

It’s a pleasant walk or bike ride from downtown, or you can access it by canoe from the Bow River when water levels spill into Echo Creek.

• Bow Valley Parkway - The old Trans Canada Highway 1A drive between Banff and Lake Louise is framed by impressive peaks and offers a slower, more relaxed alternative to the fast Highway 1. There are many scenic viewpoints along the route, including iconic views of Castle Mountain and Morant’s Curve, where you can recreate the famous historic photograph used to promote visiting the Park by train.

Johnston Canyon is the most visited attraction along the route, featuring a relatively easy hike with metal walkways bolted to canyon walls. The Lower Falls is a scenic reward for completing the trail, and those seeking more can continue uphill to the Upper Falls.

The Bow Valley Parkway is an excellent place for wildlife viewing.

• Johnston Canyon - A popular natural attraction in Banff National Park, the short hike to Johnston Canyon is a relatively easy 1.1 km (1 mile) walk along the trail and steel catwalks built into the canyon walls to the Lower Falls, where you can crouch through a short tunnel to a final viewing platform.

Continue further (and steeper) to the Upper Falls. In summer, the cool canyon provides natural air-conditioning with the fine mist from the falls. In winter, it transforms into an icy landscape of frozen waterfalls and snow-covered trees.

• Moraine Lake - The Valley of the Ten Peaks is considered iconically Canadian and was featured on the Canadian $20 bill for many years. Enjoy canoeing, a short walk to the Rockpile Viewpoint or Consolation Lake, or a delicious meal at Moraine Lake Lodge. Moraine Lake typically thaws from June to October.
• Icefields Parkway - This incredibly scenic drive is sure to be a highlight of your Canadian Rockies tour. It has been voted the World’s Most Beautiful Mountain Drive. You can drive the Icefields Parkway in either direction.

Along the way, discover must-see stops and places to explore if you have time. Be amazed by the incredible mountains, brightly colored lakes, and glaciers lining the road. The thundering waterfalls are spectacular, and wildlife sightings are likely.

• Yoho National Park - Yoho National Park continues the National Parks system immediately west of Lake Louise. There are three very worthwhile places to explore in Yoho, along with some extra short stops.
• Takakkaw Falls - Takakkaw Falls are the largest and mightiest of the many incredible waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, and you’ll enjoy feeling the mist from this glacier-fed cascade. The drive through Yoho Valley to the falls is often a lucky spot for wildlife sightings, with other short scenic stops along the way.

The road usually opens in June due to avalanche hazards.

• Emerald Lake - The Rockies boast many spectacularly colored alpine lakes surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. Even among many options, Emerald Lake stands out and is not to be missed. After the initial thrill of viewing the lake, enjoy a flat hike around its perimeter or paddle a canoe on its blue waters. One of the Rockies’ premier lakeside lodges is located on Emerald Lake’s shore, offering casual or gourmet lunch options.

There’s also a bonus quick stop at Natural Bridge on the access road to Emerald Lake.

• Spiral Tunnels - A pivotal event in creating the new nation of Canada was completing a railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Canadian Rockies posed a significant challenge for railway engineers and surveyors.

Spiral Tunnels exemplify the ingenuity required to conquer the mountains. From the viewpoint, you can see the two spiral tunnels where trains, climbing and descending through Kicking Horse Pass, appear to pass over themselves to manage the steep grade.

• Parker Ridge Trail - Near the Icefield Centre, Parker Ridge is a popular short but steep hike. The reward for reaching the ridge’s edge is the superb views of the Saskatchewan Glacier filling the valley behind.

Due to the 6,000-foot elevation, the hike may be more tiring than expected. Take your time and rest if needed. The view is worth it, and most people spend about 1 1/2 - 2 hours enjoying the experience. Snow is common on the trail year-round.

• Crowfoot Glacier - Located alongside Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier is a fine example of a hanging glacier, appearing to cling to the mountain’s face. The name comes from its original shape resembling a crow’s foot. The Crowfoot originally had three toes, but as the glacier has shrunk, it now has just two.
• Bow Lake - Bow Lake is fed by the Bow Glacier above it, and all the water flowing from the lake forms the Bow River, which runs through Banff National Park and into Calgary. An historic lodge, Num Ti Jah, sits beside the lake, built by Jimmy Simpson, one of Banff’s legendary early guides.

Due to the availability of only small trees, the hand-built log building was initially constructed in an unusual hexagonal shape. At the time, it was the largest log building in the world. Bow Lake is an excellent photo stop.

• Lake Louise - The jewel of the Canadian Rockies, turquoise-colored Lake Louise is perfectly framed by towering peaks and Victoria Glacier. Stunning photos can be captured from the lake’s foreshore.

Hike the famous Plain of Six Glaciers or Lake Agnes Tea House trails to enjoy the surrounding views and witness glaciers calving on the warmest days, sending thundering chunks of snow and ice off the glacier’s face. Bring cash to enjoy the delicious treats at the teahouses at the end of each hike, as no debit or credit payment is available onsite. Rent a canoe or take the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola for a more leisurely pace.

• Weeping Wall - An impressive cliff that we drive under as the valley narrows, the Weeping Wall oozes snowmelt from above and trickles through the rock. This process continues through winter, creating excellent frozen falls for ice climbers to scale.
• Jasper SkyTram - Located on Whistlers Mountain near the town (distinct from Whistler Ski Resort), this is Jasper’s most popular attraction. The tramway ascends to 2200m (7200 feet). After enjoying the views from the top station, you can hike higher into the alpine to a series of viewpoints above the treeline or enjoy mountaintop dining.
• Athabasca Glacier - Situated about halfway between Jasper and Banff on the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier is a route highlight and one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.

You can enjoy views from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or book a Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour, which takes you onto the glacier in an Ice Explorer, a giant all-terrain vehicle.

• Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre - The Athabasca Glacier is one of the outflows from the larger Columbia Icefield and is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. You can drive right to the glacier’s toe, observing markers showing its retreat over more than a century.

The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is where you can book the Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour, which takes you onto the glacier in an Ice Explorer, a giant all-terrain vehicle. This ticket also includes a separate bus to a glass-bottomed SkyWalk over a canyon, requiring at least 3 hours for the combined experience. If short on time, you can book the SkyWalk alone.

• Sunwapta Falls and Canyon - Sunwapta boasts one of the prettiest settings among the many impressive waterfalls of the Canadian Rockies. Outstanding viewpoints are accessible within a minute of the car park.

Those with more energy will enjoy exploring the 3km loop trail that delves into peaceful pools lower in the canyon, easily completed in an hour.

• Peyto Lake - Located at Bow Summit, Peyto Lake is simply amazing. Despite being an hour’s drive from the Columbia Icefield, Bow Summit is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway.

The elevated viewing location, surrounding mountains, and glacier-fed waters make Peyto Lake one of the most superbly colored mountain lakes you’ll ever see. Fingers crossed for a sunny day, as more sunshine enhances the color.

• Pyramid and Patricia Lakes - Situated on a benchland above Jasper, this short drive offers one of the most iconic views of Jasper, looking across Pyramid Lake to Pyramid Mountain. Cross the small footbridge to the island for a unique photo opportunity. On the drive, learn about a secret WWII project tested on neighboring Patricia Lake.
• Maligne Canyon - Water from tall mountain ranges and nearby lakes has carved this impressive, deep, and narrow canyon through limestone, making it a must-see.

From the main parking area, the canyon is just a minute’s walk away, but there are many different views to peer into. For those wanting a hike, starting from the 5th Bridge location offers the chance to follow trails running the canyon’s entire length.

• Maligne Lake - At the end of Maligne Lake Road, after passing Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake, lies Maligne Lake. There are several spots to enjoy the lakeshore, though hiking trails are short and limited.

The most popular activity at Maligne Lake is the famous cruise to capture the iconic photo of Spirit Lake. It’s important to prebook your cruise time if planning to go.

• Athabasca Falls - Located at the Jasper end of the Icefields Parkway, Athabasca Falls cut through very hard quartz-rich rock, cascading through a narrow canyon. A spectacle at any time, during the spring thaw, snowmelt delivers an incredible amount of water over the falls for an impressive show.
• Old Fort Point Loop Trail - Close to town, Old Fort Point offers a short stair climb and trails for those wanting to go further, providing superb views back to the town and along Jasper’s valleys. Big Horn Sheep are commonly found here.
• Mt. Edith Cavell - A lovely side trip requiring a minimum of 2 hours to complete if time allows. Visit from Jasper or add to your Icefields Parkway day, provided you start early!

Two superb hikes depart from the small viewpoint and car park. The Path of the Glacier, 1.6km (1 mile) with a 70m (230 feet) elevation change to Cavell Pond, where you might see icebergs that have fallen from Cavell Glacier. Or, the Cavell Meadows Trail, 7km (4.3 miles) with a 500m (1640 feet) elevation change (recommended in mid-summer) for an array of mountain wildflowers, views of Angel Glacier, and squeaking mountain pikas and ground squirrels.

• Miette Hot Springs - On the eastern side of the National Park, approximately 50 minutes from Jasper, are Miette Hot Springs. These are the hottest thermal pools in the Rockies, offering scenic views while soaking. Relaxing in the pools after a long day of sightseeing is ideal, but visiting at any time is enjoyable.

Driving Highway 16 from town, there are many wildlife viewing opportunities, especially along the Athabasca River. There are also several short sightseeing and viewpoint stops along the way.

• Canadian Rockies - As the audio guides provide commentary based on your GPS location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route(s) to match your interests and schedule.

Our most comprehensive guide for exploring the Canadian Rockies. This one app includes all four of our individual tours for Banff Townsite and Surrounds, Lake Louise and Yoho, Icefields Parkway, and Jasper National Park.

Some of the highlights are listed below;

• Toll free phone, chat and email support
• Pre-download and tour offline
• In-app, web and PDF trip planners
• Location-based stories, tips & directions
• Buy once, use forever with free updates
• GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) Audio Tour with 520 Points
• Flexible routes with suggested itineraries or create your own

• National Park Passes
• Attractions (Banff Gondola, Hot Springs, Cave & Basin) ticket prices vary.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies with GuideAlong’s Audio Tour. This remarkable journey takes you through rugged mountains, shimmering lakes, and ancient glaciers, highlighting the region’s most famous attractions and offering opportunities to observe wildlife along some of the world’s most picturesque routes.

This self-guided audio tour enhances your road trip with captivating stories, insider tips, and automatic directions that enrich your travel experience.

Enjoy the flexibility to explore offline at your own pace, allowing you to linger at sites that captivate you and skip those that don’t.

Purchase once and enjoy unlimited use with no expiration, plus free updates.

• Minimum mobile OS version iOS 15 / Android 9 (Pie). iPad models with GPS chip.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.