Do you want stunning views and the scent of the great outdoors in your family photos this year? The Canadian Rockies are chock-full of adventure just waiting for you and your family to enjoy.
From hiking and climbing to river rides and walks in nature, you can create memories that will last a lifetime as you explore one of the most beautiful and wild parts of Canada.
If you’re ready to embark on some incredible family adventures in the Canadian Rockies, just follow this checklist. Read on!
1. Banff National Park
Banff is the perfect spot for a family holiday to include in your Canadian Rockies tours. Whether you’re looking for family adventures such as canoeing, white water rafting, climbing, or just want to relax and take in the spectacular Alpine scenery.
Kids can learn about nature and explore the wildlife in the area, while the adults can relax and soak in the incredible mountain views. Enjoy a unique family adventure, and make sure to book a luxury hotel in Banff for a more pleasant experience.
2. Jasper National Park
Jasper National Park is home to some of Canada’s most breathtaking landscapes. It includes breathtaking snow-covered peaks, spectacular glaciers, and rushing rivers. Activities like hiking, biking, canoeing and kayaking, horseback riding, fishing, and more await visitors.
Families can soak up stunning views from nearby hiking trails. They can also take a thrilling ride on the Jasper SkyTram and explore the heights of the park at Mount Whistlers.
3. Lake Louise
Enjoy breathtaking vistas of mountains, glaciers, and lakes, and explore the renowned trails. There are also numerous activities to choose from, such as short hikes, canoeing, and kayaking. Watch a stunning sunrise or take an aerial sightseeing tour to provide the perfect backdrop to your Canadian Rockies vacations.
The entire family can enjoy dog sledding, helicopter tours, snowshoeing, and other experiences. And after a day of exploring, relax at one of the various accommodations amongst the captivating beauty of the Lake Louise area.
4. Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway in the Canadian Rockies is a must-see for any family looking for a grand adventure. Drive the 230km highway between Banff and Jasper, taking in the stunning alpine scenery. Take a stop to explore the Columbia Icefield, the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains, or see the mineral-rich terraces of the Mistaya Canyon.
Kids will love touring the Athabasca Glacier and the scale of its mammoth ice valley, while adults will get a rush as they cross the glass floor of the Glacier Skywalk at the Sunwapta Valley. Take time to pause and enjoy the vibrant wildlife, such as hoary marmots and bighorn sheep, during a hike along the trail.
5. Athabasca Glacier
The Athabasca Glacier is a massive icefield in the Canadian Rockies located in the Columbia National Icefield. It is one of the most accessible glaciers in the world and is a must-see for any family looking for an adventure in the Rockies. Experience all that the glacier has to offer, such as snowshoeing, skiing, and sightseeing.
The snowshoeing trails provide a great way for families to venture onto the glacier and explore the stunning landscape. Skiing is also a popular activity and a great way for families to get a thrilling experience while admiring the epic natural beauty of the area.
The view of the sweeping glaciers, snow-capped peaks, and crystal-clear lakes is indescribable and can not be replicated elsewhere.
6. Yoho National Park
Get ready to take on a number of thrilling and unique adventures in Yoho National Park. Hike the nearby trails to see beautiful mountain lakes and mountain vistas. Go whitewater rafting together to challenge yourself on the wild rapids. Take a scenic drive across the park’s alpine highways and glaciers.
Take a scenic railway tour with your family as you journey through the breathtaking scenery. Enjoy a family canoeing or kayaking adventure, or learn the art of fly fishing with a local guide.
7. Kootenay National Park
Kootenay National Park in the Canadian Rockies is a great destination for a family adventure. There are a variety of activities to add to your Canadian Rockies itinerary, like hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking. There are also some incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, where you can spot moose, elk, deer, and even bears.
You can take a guided tour and learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. There are also plenty of campgrounds available, making it a great option for family camping trips. There are also scenic drives, where you can take in the stunning mountain vistas and majestic scenery.
8. Canmore Caves
Located just 20 minutes outside the town of Canmore, these spectacular caves provide year-round exploration and adventure. Visitors can explore six limestone caves of varying difficulty levels and can even enjoy a tour of Echo Canyon.
The nearby Candy Cane Cave is specially designed for children. It’s complete with a magical underground garden, colorful passages, and child-friendly suggestions throughout. Visitors can even arrange for a family caving package, which includes a full tour of the caves and a healthy snack afterward.
9. Whitewater Rafting
The rapids of the Kicking Horse River offer an unforgettable experience for daredevils and those wanting a less adrenaline-filled journey. Safety and instruction are provided by the many experienced and knowledgeable companies running rafting trips throughout the region.
The Kicking Horse River is a great starting point for a family whitewater rafting adventure. Its mild rapids are ideal for novices, plus there are some more challenging sections for thrill seekers.
10. Wildlife Watching
Pack a lunch and head out to a national park in the Canadian Rockies, like Jasper and Banff, to spot elk, mountain goats, grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, and bison. You’ll also see plenty of deer and moose and maybe even a wolf or two. Go bird-watching and explore the many lakes and rivers where you might see ducks, loons, eagles, and osprey.
You’ll also find incredible wildlife in Alberta, including cougars, lynx, and coyotes. Drive along the scenic roads or take a guided tour to get a close look at the beautiful creatures in their natural habitats.
Try These Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies Today
Canada offers an incredible range of family adventures in the Canadian Rockies to explore and enjoy. From heli-hiking to paddle boarding, the outdoor adventures are endless!
So why not take your family on a vacation they will never forget and experience the breathtaking scenery and adventure of the Canadian Rockies? Don’t wait; book your next family adventure today!
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