Get ready to embrace the spirit of the Great Outdoors in an authentic and wild Canadian experience. Offering an endless variety of adventures and landscapes, the Rockies is without a doubt the main reason why so many adventure-travellers visit the astonishingly beautiful Canada.
Stretching some 3,000 miles (from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada) the Rocky Mountains boast a breathtaking scope of diversity and wildlife – including lynx, polar bears, grizzly bears, whales and even an occasional moose.
Breathe in the fresh Canadian air as you snowboard through world-class ski resorts, hike awe-inspiring mountains peaks, white water raft down freshwater rivers, dive headfirst into natural hot springs, climb glinting glaciers, and snake through untouched pine forests on an adventure like no other.
The Routes
Widely regarded as a hiker’s paradise and home to more than 265,000 acres, Rocky Mountain National Park is home to some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. With more than sixty peaks clocking in at more than 12,000 feet and over 350 miles of trails weaving throughout the park, the Rockies are the ideal destination for nature lovers and alike.
Due to its sheer size, it would be impossible to give you a full breakdown of all the rocky mountain routes. Therefore, the full route breakdown below simply highlights our 3 favourite National Parks in Canada:
Banff National Park (Alberta): With over 1,600 kilometres (994 miles) of trails, Banff National Park offers some of the best hiking adventures on the planet.
Yoho National Park (British Columbia): Yoho National Park not only boasts stunning trails around Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls and the Emerald Lake, but it also sits on the watershed of the Kicking Horse River.
Jasper National Park (Alberta): This untouched and overgrown region is the perfect for all adventure hikers and if it isn’t already on your bucket-list, it should be now.
Full Route Breakdown:
Breathtaking scenery, turquoise-blue lakes, towering waves of peaks and majestic wildlife, Banff National Parks is one of the most stunning places in the northern hemisphere.
With over 1,600 kilometres (994 miles) of trails, Banff National Park offers some of the best hiking adventures on the planet. From the Sunshine Meadows (a beautiful alpine meadow set at an altitude of over 6,500 feet) and the Cory Pass, to the Plain of Six Glaciers at Lake Louise and the Moraine Lake Shoreline trail, it is easy to see why Banff is a bucket list destination for many.
Planning a trip to Banff is easy, as everything you need is in the small town of Banff itself. From world-class hotels to budget-friendly hostels and stunning campgrounds, Banff caters for all budgets. What’s more, after an epic day in the mountains, you will find that Banff also offers incredible 5-star restaurants and amazing nightlife.
This off the beaten track National Park, located just north of Lake Louise, is known for its towering peaks, epic waterfalls, turquoise lakes, and quiet hiking trails, making it a must-see while visiting the Rocky Mountains,
Yoho National Park not only boasts stunning trails around Takakkaw Falls, Wapta Falls and the Emerald Lake, but it also sits on the watershed of the Kicking Horse River, which offers amazing multi-day wild camping and kayaking excursions through its ice-cold, glacier-fed waters.
Other epic trails include the Iceline Trail and the Lake O’Hara region which takes you along the base of Yukness Mountains.
Despite the glittering snow-capped mountains and thunderous waterfalls, Yoho National Park has a strangely intimate feel. Many hikers who have beaten this path will confirm that this trek is a wonderful experience, full of wildlife and picture-perfect vistas.
This beautiful region is heaven for hikers and suits all ages and ability levels.
We really shouldn’t have a favourite… but we do!! Hugging the borders of Banff, Jasper National Park is arguably home to some of the most beautiful scenery in the whole of the Canadian Rockies.
This untouched and overgrown region is the perfect for all adventure hikers and if it isn’t already on your bucket-list, it should be now. With its rugged beauty and epic wilderness, Jasper National park boasts glittering lakes, magnificent glaciers, towering mountain peaks and an abundance of rare wildlife that screams to be explored. To highlight its epic biodiversity, Jasper is home to black bears, grizzly bears, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even the odd wolf and coyote. What’s more, Jasper also protects many rare and endangered birds including nighthawks, black swifts and the olive-sided flycatcher.
This slice of paradise is easily accessible and many trails begin just a short distance from the main town. The most common highlights of Jasper National Park (and to no surprise) include the Maligne Canyon, the Athabasca River and Maligne Lake – just to name a few. However, Jasper is undoubtedly best known for its 5.5 mile (9 km) Path of the Glacier Trail to Mount Edith Cavell (epic), and the 28 mile (46 km) multi-day Skyline Trail which will blow your mind!
Bring your cameras, because you do not want to miss this one!
Rocky Mountains FAQ's Debunked
Now we have giving you a breakdown of some the more popular trekking routes within the Rocky Mountains, we are going to quickly answer some frequently asked questions with as much honesty and transparency as possible:
1. Which route is best for me and why?
All trekking routes within the Rocky Mountains are magnificent in their own right – all offering an abundance of climates, landscapes and wildlife – including black bears, grizzly bears, moose, caribou, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, and even the odd wolf and coyote. What’s more, these regions also protect many rare and endangered birds including nighthawks, black swifts and the Olive-sided flycatcher.
As such, the “best” route normally boils down to personal preference, especially considering each route offers a difference in scenery, difficulty, popularity and time. Luckily for you, our ‘Rocky Mountain Adventure Experience‘ allows you to explore all regions in one swoop!!
However, if you don’t have time for this 13-day adventure, your best bet is to become conscious of exactly what you intend to get out of your Canadian adventure from the start. For some, they have a great interest in photography, prefer a specific terrain and climatic zone, or simply have the sole aim of climbing to the highest peak successfully.
2. How fit do I need to be and do I need to train?
A basic level of fitness and good health is needed and training is highly recommended.
However, you do not need to be a professional athlete or a marathon runner. What is going to get you to the end of your challenge is a mental and emotional commitment to the cause. As long as you set time aside to prepare for the challenge ahead, success will be on your side!
Simply reach out and ask, and GoKo will provide you with full fitness training notes and recommendations on how you can best build up your stamina in the last few months before the trek.
3. What are the accommodation options?
While on any trek within the Rocky Mountain’s with GoKo Travels, you will spend your evenings in beautiful campsites or in tents perched on the side of a river – giving you the true, authentic Canadian experience.
4. What time of year is best to climb?
5. TOP TIPS
Although Trekking has been long established in Canada, trekking can be difficult in parts, with a lot of uphill and downhill climbing. Regardless, any healthy person with an established level of walking fitness can complete these climbs. However, stubbornness NEVER helps. Plod on at a steady pace, pause, standing to rest – and you hiking in this region will be extremely enjoyable. Don’t care about whether others are ahead! There is plenty of time, so walk at YOUR pace regardless of how far behind you may think you are.
