The Canadian Rockies comprise the Canadian segment of the North American Rocky Mountains range.
Distinct from the American Rockies in that they are older mountains, they were primarily formed by over thrusting whereas the American Rockies were primarily formed by uplifting, and they are almost exclusively sedimentary rock, whereas the American Rockies are cored with granite. Their physical appearance is different because the Canadian Rockies have been been very heavily glaciated, resulting in sharply pointed mountains separated by wide, U-shaped valleys gouged by glaciers, whereas the American Rockies are more rounded with river-carved V-shaped valleys between them.
Five national parks are located within the Canadian Rockies, four of which interlock and make up the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. These four parks are Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Yoho. Declared a single UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 for the unique mountain landscapes found there, comprising peaks, glaciers, lakes, waterfalls, canyons and limestone caves as well as fossils.
For hikers and backpackers, The Canadian Rockies Trail Guide is the original and definitive reference guide book. Throughout the Rockies, and especially in the national parks, the Alpine Club of Canada maintains a series of alpine huts for use by mountaineers and adventurers.
My time in the Canadian Rockies still remains one of my most memorable times, having traveled by back back and staying at campsites along the way, observing humming birds for the first time, along with black bears, elk, deer and stunning scenery which remains to be challenged. It is one of those journeys where you find yourself lost in wide landscapes of wilderness, with the time to listen to the thoughts of nature and your inner self. That is precious enough.
Banff
The largest town in Banff National Park (4.85 km², 1.9 sq mi), located in Alberta’s Rockies, it is the town with the highest elevation in Canada, located 126 km west of Calgary and 58 km east of Lake Louise, on the Trans-Canada Highway.
The resort town is a very popular tourist destination and is known for its mountainous surroundings and hot springs. It is a major destination for outdoor sports and features extensive hiking and skiing areas.
Banff National Park
Town of Banff
Parks Canada Banff
Banff – Wikipedia
Visiting Banff – TripAdvisor
Lake Louise
The hamlet of Lake Louise with views of several snow-capped mountains including Mount Temple, Mount Whyte and Mount Niblock. The village has a small shopping centre called which includes a park visitor centre, grocery store, bakery, sporting goods store, and fast-food establishments.
Walk up the 1.5km trail up to the second mountain to a small cabin serving tea made with water from the glacier, and also you’ll be treated to the best views.
Banff Lake Louise
Lake Louise
Discover Lake Louise
Lake Louise – Wikipedia
Lake Louise – TripAdvisor
Fairmont Lake Louise
Fairmont Lake Hotel
Lake Louise Hotels
Jasper
A small town so remote you forget all about city life, with disappearing lakes and wildlife at your doorstep.
Between Jasper and Lake Louise are the Columbia Ice Fields and the Athabasca Glacier, worth the visit to really understand the effects of global warming. Do one of the many tours (for safety reasons) offering ice walks on the glacier, which has drastically melted over the last century.
Jasper National Park
Jasper – Wikipedia
Columbia Icefield Area and the Athabasca Glacier
Athabasca Glacier – Wikipedia
Visiting Jasper
Jasper Hotels