• 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 - Known and utilized by First Nations people, the Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada gained attention in 1883 when three railway workers discovered the cave and its thermal mineral springs. This event sparked interest and tourism, leading 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 to “take the waters” as part of a mountain health retreat, 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 - Lake Minnewanka, meaning “water of the spirits” in Nakoda, is a glacial lake expanded by three small dams. Small cruise boats tour the 21km (13 miles) length of the lake, offering a great way to spot 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.

• 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, easy walk or bike ride from downtown. Canoe access is also available from the Bow River when water levels spill into Echo Creek.

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

Johnston Canyon, a popular attraction along the route, offers a relatively easy hike with metal walkways attached to canyon walls. The Lower Falls provide 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 location for wildlife viewing.

• Johnston Canyon - A top natural attraction in Banff National Park is the short hike to Johnston Canyon. It’s 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 on the trail (and steeper) to the Upper Falls. In summer, the cool canyon offers natural air-conditioning with the fine mist from the falls. In winter, the area 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 travel the Icefields Parkway in either direction.

Along the way, discover must-see stops and explore additional sites if time permits. Marvel at the stunning mountains, vibrant lakes, and glaciers lining the road. The thundering waterfalls are spectacular, and wildlife sightings are highly likely.

• Yoho National Park - Yoho National Park continues the National Parks system immediately west of Lake Louise. There are three noteworthy places to explore in Yoho, along with some additional short stops.
• Takakkaw Falls - Takakkaw Falls are the largest and most powerful 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 typically opens in June due to avalanche hazards.

• Emerald Lake - The Rockies boast many spectacularly colored alpine lakes surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. Even among these, 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 Canada’s creation was completing a railroad connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Canadian Rockies posed a significant challenge for railway engineers and surveyors.

The Spiral Tunnels exemplify the ingenuity needed to conquer the mountains. From the viewpoint, observe 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 stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier filling the valley below.

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 commonly found 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. Initially, the Crowfoot had three toes, but as the glacier has receded, it now has just two.
• Bow Lake - Bow Lake is fed by the Bow Glacier above it, and 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, built by Jimmy Simpson, one of Banff’s legendary early guides, sits beside the lake.

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. Capture stunning photos 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 warm 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 debit or credit payments are not available onsite. Rent a canoe or take the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola for a more leisurely experience.

• 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, 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 world’s most accessible glaciers.

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 world’s most accessible glaciers. 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 in 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 Jasper’s most iconic views, 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 explore. For those interested in hiking, 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. Several spots offer lakeshore enjoyment, though hiking trails are short and limited.

The most popular activity at Maligne Lake is the famous cruise to capture the iconic Spirit Lake photo. Prebooking your cruise time is essential 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 delightful side trip requiring a minimum of 2 hours to complete if time permits. 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. Alternatively, the Cavell Meadows Trail, 7km (4.3 miles) with a 500m (1640 feet) elevation change (recommended in mid-summer) offers an array of mountain wildflowers, views of Angel Glacier, and sightings of squeaking mountain pikas and ground squirrels.

• Miette Hot Springs - On the eastern side of the National Park, approximately 50 minutes’ drive 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. Several short sightseeing and viewpoint stops are also available along the way.

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

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

Some highlights are listed below;

• Toll-free support via phone, chat, and email
• Offline tour access with pre-download feature
• Multifaceted trip planners: in-app, web, and PDF formats
• Automated location-based stories, tips, and directions
• GuideAlong (GyPSy Guide) with 520 audio points
• One-time purchase without usage time or expiry date
• Customizable itineraries with flexible routes

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

Don’t miss a thing as GuideAlong’s Canadian Rockies Audio Tour takes you on an incredible journey through craggy mountains, sparkling lakes, and ancient glaciers. Along the way, you’ll be guided to all of the area’s famous highlights while you spot wildlife along with the world’s most scenic drives.

This self-guided audio tour helps you discover more on your road trip with fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, local tips, and directions that play automatically along the drive.

Enjoy the freedom to explore offline at your own pace so you can spend more time at places that interest you, and bypass any that don’t.

• 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.