How to explore the Canadian Rockies

In the Rockies you'll discover turquoise alpine lakes, towering snow-capped peaks and cascading waterfalls. Banff, Jasper, Kootenay and Glacier National Parks are waiting to be explored, whether you're into hiking, wildlife spotting or leisurely scenic drives. And if you're a snow person, this area of Canada has around 20 ski resorts and 700+ kilometres of slopes.

There are numerous transport options for getting around the Canadian Rockies, so it's easy to find something that suits your budget and the way you like to travel. Here are your choices:

Self-drive

Renting a car gives you the flexibility to discover the Rockies with spontaneity and at your own pace. You'll find the major rental car companies in cities like Calgary and Vancouver have a wide range of vehicles to choose from. To start planning your route, check out the Trans-Canada Highway and Icefields Parkway. They're famous scenic routes that connect popular Rockies destinations.

Luxury train travel

Rocky Mountaineer train journeys are a luxurious way to immerse yourself in the landscapes of the Canadian Rockies. There are several routes to choose from, including the First Passage to the West, Journey through the Clouds, and Rainforest to Gold Rush. Whichever route you choose, you'll get to relax in comfortable glass-domed carriages as you enjoy fascinating commentaries, gourmet meals and first-class service.

Guided adventure tours

Joining a guided adventure tour lets you experience the Canadian Rockies in a more in-depth way. These tours often combine transport, accommodation and selected activities, such as hiking, wildlife viewing and sightseeing. They're a great way to make best use of your time and learn more about the region's history.

Public transport

Local bus services and regional shuttles are another way to get around the Canadian Rockies. The legendary Greyhound national bus services also connect towns and cities in the region. While buses are a budget-friendly option, they require a fair bit of pre-planning and won't necessarily go to every place on your itinerary. Once you've bused to a particular town, you can always join a day tour or hire a car for a short while to access the local sights.

Domestic flights

Domestic flights are a great way to quickly reach the Canadian Rockies highlights and enjoy some amazing aerial views on the way. From Vancouver or Calgary, there are flights to smaller airports in the Rockies - such as Cranbrook and Kamloops. Once you're there you can hire a car or arrange a local driver to explore the sights.

When you book with Air New Zealand you can create a seamless trip from your home town in New Zealand to a domestic airport in Canada, because we have a partnership with Air Canada. For example, you can leave from a provincial NZ city (like Rotorua or Queenstown) and go all the way to Kamloops in British Columbia on a single booking.

The Rockies are home to world-class winter ski resorts that attract people from around the globe. Here's a quick intro to some of the favourites.

Whistler Blackcomb

Located in British Columbia, Whistler Blackcomb is the largest ski resort in North America. It's renowned for its vast amount of skiable area, Olympic-level facilities and vibrant village. With over 8,000 acres of terrain for skiing and boarding, it has runs for all skill levels.

Banff Sunshine Village

Loved for its great views and top skiing conditions, this resort in Banff National Park offers a wide range of terrain types, including steep chutes and open bowls.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Also located in Banff National Park, this extensive resort includes runs for beginners to advanced skiers and snow boarders, with beautiful Lake Louise as a backdrop.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort

Known for its immense vertical drop and deep powder snow, Revelstoke is a favourite with advanced skiers and snowboarders. It's nestled in the heart of the Selkirk Mountains of British Columbia.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

Another favourite with advanced skiers and snowboarders, Kicking Horse is in the Purcell Mountains near Golden. It's famous for steep slopes, thrilling chutes and incredible backcountry opportunities.

Set in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park is a nature lover's paradise. Here are some of the experiences you can look forward to.

• Explore Lake Louise: Take a leisurely hike around the lake, rent a canoe, or picnic on the shore and soak up the incredible mountain scenery
• Visit Moraine Lake: Arrange a guided hike, hire a kayak or go on a photography binge to capture stunning images of this vibrant blue lake beneath spectacular mountains
• Ride the Banff Gondola: Take the gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain to discover panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants, visit the multi-media interpretive centre and wander along the 2km boardwalk
• Hike the Johnston Canyon: Discover waterfalls and suspended walkways on this short easy trail through a spectacular canyon, with the option to push on to colourful mineral pools known as the Ink Pots
• Relax in the Banff Hot Springs: After a day of adventure, unwind in these soothing mineral-rich pools while enjoying the alpine landscapes
• Capture wildlife photos: Keep a lookout for iconic species, such as elk, bighorn sheep and the occasional bear
• Drive the Icelands Parkway: Connecting Banff and Jasper National Park, this magnificent scenic drive delivers glaciers, lakes and mountain peaks

Covering 13,000 square kilometres, Jasper is famous for its wildlife and scenery. Here are some of the most popular activities.

• Go boating on Maligne Lake: Take a boat tour or rent a kayak and glide across the water, while keeping an eye out for wildlife
• Feel the power of Athabasca Falls: Walk a short paved trail with interpretive panels to learn about these impressive falls and the ever-changing colour of the water that thunders through the narrow gorge
• Experience the vast Columbia Icefield: Take a guided tour onto Athabasca Glacier in a specialised explorer vehicle or catch a thrilling view of the glacier from the Skywalk
• Collect photos of wildlife: Jasper has a lot of wildlife, especially elk, bighorn sheep, moose, bears and mountain goats
• Unwind at Miette Hot Springs: A wonderfully scenic drive leads to these mineral-rich waters, perfect for restoring tired muscles as you plan your next adventure
• Ride the Jasper SkyTram: Glide above forest and wildlife to the top of Whistlers Mountain for panoramic views, interpretive exhibits and a hiking trail to the summit. This is the longest and highest aerial tramway in Canada
• Pick a trail and hike it: There are heaps of trails criss-crossing the park. From easy walks to challenging multi-day hikes, there's something for everyone. Favourites include Valley of the Five Lakes, Sulphur Skyline and Wilcox Pass
• Gaze at the countless stars: As a Dark Sky Preserve, Jasper National Park is a great destination for stargazing. To get acquainted with the local night sky, book a tour with the planetarium in Jasper township

Located in the southeast corner of British Columbia, Kootenay is full of variety - from glacier-carved canyons and valleys to vast forests and grasslands. Here are some of the highlights.

• Visit Marble Canyon: An easy walk reveals the unique geological features of this narrow limestone canyon threaded by a turquoise river
• Swim at Radium Hot Springs: Ease tired muscles and soak up the scenery in the hot pool, or swim and play in the cool pool. This historic attraction, near a village with the same name, is open all year round
• Walk to the Paint Pots: A short trail leads to vibrant ochre-coloured pools, which are culturally significant to the indigenous people of the area
• Hike your kind of trail: From easy walks to challenging multi-day treks, there's a trail for you in Kootenay. Favourites include Stanley Glacier, Floe Lake and Kindersley Pass, or you can overnight in backcountry camping areas
• Fish Vermillion River: This peaceful scenic river is a great spot for fly-fishing, with the chance to catch (and release) trout. A local fishing guide can set you up with permits, fishing gear and transport to the best spots
• Admire the local wildlife: Kootenay National Park is home to black and grizzly bears, bighorn sheep, elk, deer, moose, mountain goats, coyotes, wolves, cougar, hares, squirrels and many bird species

Set on the western side of the Canadian Rockies, Glacier is famous for hiking, camping, road touring and the historic Rogers Pass. Here are some favourite activities to help you plan a visit:

• Visit the Rogers Pass National Historic Site: Here you can learn about the engineering marvels and sheer determination that saw the Canadian Pacific Railway constructed across the rugged Selkirk Mountains
• Drive through Rogers Pass: The Trans-Canada Highway through Rogers Pass carries you through scenic landscapes, with plenty of stops for photos along the way
• Cycle the park: Become part of the scenery on guided cycle tours, designated mountain bike trails and long-distance cycling beside the Trans-Canada Highway
• Choose a trail and hike it: With the park's extensive trail network, you're spoilt for choice
• Seek out local wildlife: To see more wildlife, it's best to drive or hike early or late in the day. Rogers Pass is often good and mountain goats frequent the eastern side. Mid-May to early June is best for bear spotting. Beaver and muskrat frequent the Beaver River Valley, which is also good for birdwatching
• Plan a picnic or overnight camp: The park has designated picnic areas, where you can slow down and enjoy a meal surrounded by nature. Hire a tent and spend at least one night in a park campground to experience sleeping in the Rockies beneath the stars