Touring The Canadian Rockies – Banff & Jasper
Featured Partnership: Canadian Rockies’ Tour with the Banff & Jasper Collection by Pursuit.
The vastness of the Rockies can be overwhelming for not just first-timers, but also repeat visitors. In an ideal world, you would have an endless amount of vacation time to explore every must-see attraction. In the limited time we want to take in all the unique sights these majestic mountains have to offer, and check off hiking to every summit, and canoeing on every lake. But the reality of using our time judiciously on vacation makes for a packed itinerary. We often yearn for a personal local guide to help us create and check off everything on a destination wishlist.
The Banff & Jasper Collection by Pursuit is perhaps the most curated of all experiences this Fall. Once you arrive in Banff, you have a variety of unique tours to make the most of your time in the Rocky Mountains. Whether it is the iconic mountains you wish to pose in front of, or drift on the best lakes for a few hours of relaxation, these tours have picked the cream of the crop of spots to make your sightseeing memorable.
First Stop: The Glam Era of the 1930’s
Hop aboard the Open Top Bus and get transported to the glamourous 1930’s in a vintage-style coach. Complete with a tour guide ‘in character’, explore Banff National Park’s sights with it’s rich stories and photo opportunities to add to your memory book. This trip down memory lane will be one to cherish. Rest assured, some things will be present-day appropriate – a socially distanced safe trip and phone charging ports.
Where: Starting in Downtown Banff, the open or glass-top roofed bus will take you on a 90-minute joy ride along the serene clear waters of Bow River, across Tunnel Mountain Drive all the way to Mount Norquay Lookout and back.
When: Exclusively available till October 12th, 2020, reserve your seat for this unique tour experience.
Locals’ Tip: Have your cameras ready at Surprise Corner – one of the best places in Banff to capture an image of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
Next Up: Valley To Peak
Your Canadian Rockies tour is incomplete without a ride on the famous Banff Gondola. Don’t take this for a winter-only attraction. The Gondola and ski lifts in the area have stunning views in every season, especially as the leaves turn colours in the Fall. September and October will be the best times to experience the non-crowded cable car and take aerial shots of the Fall foliage. Once at the peak, in addition to the 360 degree views of six mountain ranges, Banff Town and the gorgeous Bow Valley in the Autumn, the Sulphur Mountain Summit has a myriad activities to choose from. The discovery centre holds a treasure trove of history on the area, a coffee-to-go to fuel your explorations and dining-with-a-view. All in all, this is a complete family day trip in itself.
Where: The cable way is at the base of Sulphur Mountain at the end of Mountain Avenue.
When: Currently operating Thursday–Monday: 10 AM – 9 PM in the Fall so you can get those sunset views in. The Gondola will be open all days of the week during the Holiday season.
Locals’ Tip: Albertans save an additional 20% on this attraction.
Not-to-miss: Glacial Lakes on Your Canadian Rockies Tour
Canoeing on the glacier-fed lakes in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is the ideal way to experience the bright waters sandwiched between majestic mountains. If you’re looking for something less strenuous, then the Lake Minnewanka Cruise and Maligne Lake Cruise are the perfect way to sit back and enjoy being on the water. A must-do on your Canadian Rockies Tour, these cruises are ideal for everyone in the family.
Where: Banff & Jasper National Parks
When: Both cruises run till Canadian Thanksgiving, the perfect way to celebrate your getaway.
Locals’ Tip: Albertans enjoy additional 20% off!