Canadian Rocky Mountains Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff

• Banff Gondola Ride Admission

• Columbia Icefield Tour with Glacier Skywalk

• Explore Banff National Park Premium Day Trip

• Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour

On foot, they’re technically free—the mountain range stretches for about 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers). But if you’re looking to explore the most popular spots, such as Banff, you’ll need to factor in lodging, rental car, park passes, and more. Guided tours from cities like Calgary to Banff that cover transfers and admission costs start at as little as US$100.

Summer (mid-June to early September) is prime season, with warm weather, accessible trails, and ice-free lakes—but also peak crowds and prices. Shoulder seasons (May–June, mid-to-late September) offer fewer tourists and lower costs with still-decent weather, with any luck. Of course, winter means skiing and northern lights viewing, so it’s always a win.

Yes, you need a park pass if you're stopping anywhere—viewpoints, trails, picnic areas, etc.—including along scenic routes such as the Icefields Parkway. You only avoid needing one if you’re driving straight through on the Trans-Canada Highway without stopping. Passes are typically checked at gates and along popular parkways in peak season.

Most travelers spend four to eight days visiting Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper, including the Icefields Parkway drive between them. A quick 2- to 3-day trip can hit the highlights, while 10 or more days allow for deeper exploration, hiking, and side trips. Tour packages typically range from two to 12 days. It’s all about your budget and schedule.

Banff is the eponymous park’s bustling gateway town, with shops, lodges, and easy access to attractions. Lake Louise, about 45 minutes away but still within Banff National Park, is both a lake and a village. Jasper, both a town and a national park, is further north along the Icefields Parkway, offering quieter wilderness, dark-sky stargazing, and fewer crowds than Banff.