Summer in the Canadian Rockies

My family spent two unforgettable weeks exploring the Canadian national parks of Banff, Yoho, and Jasper.

We had to stop for the classic Banff sign photo!

We began our adventure in Banff, fueling up on fresh pastries and coffee at Wild Flour Bakery, a cozy local favorite. Our first hike took us through the stunning Johnston Canyon, where wooden walkways are suspended over the edge of a deep, narrow gorge. The trail winds alongside rushing waterfalls and dramatic rock walls, offering spectacular and unique views at every turn.

We hiked past Johnston Canyon on the way to the Ink Pots

We hiked all the way to the Ink Pots, a peaceful cluster of vibrant mineral springs nestled in a wide alpine meadow. There, we watched glacial silt bubble up from beneath the surface, creating mesmerizing ripples in the crystal-clear pools. It was the perfect start to our journey through the Rockies.

Next, we soaked in the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Louise as we hiked along its peaceful shoreline. The trail led us steadily upward to the historic Lake Agnes Tea House, where we were rewarded for our efforts with warm drinks and freshly baked tea cakes, all served with a view of a serene alpine lake framed by rugged peaks.

The shore of Lake Louise

After our descent, we returned to the elegant Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, where we dined at the Fairview Bar & Restaurant. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the lake, we enjoyed a delicious meal while watching the evening light dance on the water—a perfect blend of mountain adventure and luxury.

After our time in Banff, we set out along the iconic Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. Along the way, we made plenty of stops to take in the incredible sights—from the wolf-shaped overlook at Peyto Lake to the rushing waters of Sunwapta Falls.

Peyto Lake

A highlight of the drive was our visit to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, where we boarded the massive Glacier Explorer bus for a once-in-a-lifetime ride onto the ancient Athabasca Glacier. As we stood on the ice, surrounded by towering peaks and blue crevasses, we could hardly believe the scale and beauty of it all.

We drank from the source on Athabasca Glacier!

Throughout the journey, we listened to GuideAlong, an audio tour app that added rich stories, history, and context to everything we passed, transforming the drive into a deeply engaging experience.

In Jasper, we settled into the comfort and natural beauty of the luxurious Jasper Park Lodge, nestled along the shores of Lac Beauvert. We spent a sunny afternoon paddling canoes across the calm, emerald waters, and then rode bikes into town for our favorite meal of the trip: wood-fired pizza at Jasper Pizza Place.

One of the most unforgettable moments of our trip came during our drive to Maligne Lake. Along the way, we spotted a mama bear and her two cubs playing on a fallen log just off the highway—an incredible and humbling sight. The wildlife sightings didn’t stop there. We saw eagles, moose, elk, and even bighorn sheep as we made our way through the forested roads.

At the lake, we boarded a boat cruise to the breathtaking Spirit Island, a tiny, iconic islet surrounded by turquoise waters and towering peaks. After the cruise, we capped off our day with warm, golden waffles from the cozy little hut on shore—the perfect sweet ending to a day of adventure.

Sunset SUP on Pyramid Lake

The Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island was a big hit with the kids.

We rented canoes from the boat house at Jasper Park Lodge to explore Lac Baeuvert.

Banff is an incredibly popular summer destination—and for good reason. But that also means parking can be a real challenge, especially at trailheads and major attractions. One of the best ways to simplify logistics is to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, which not only offers luxury accommodations but also grants guests direct access to nearby hiking trails and amenities without the need to drive.

Lake Moraine is only accessible by shuttle, and spots fill up quickly. To visit, you’ll need to book shuttle tickets well in advance through Parks Canada or a private tour operator—the latter often at a premium. One great perk of staying at the Fairmont: guests have access to a dedicated shuttle to Lake Moraine, removing the stress of ticket hunting and timing.

Planning ahead with a travel advisor familiar with the area will make all the difference in ensuring a smooth, unforgettable experience in the Canadian Rockies.

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Canada page.