Things to do in

Alberta

Climb aboard this iconic 4-person gondola cabin with large windows and relax. During the 8-minute ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, take in the views of the town of Banff, Bow Valley, and six different mountain ranges. While on the mountain's peak, be amazed by 360-degree views. Explore the interactive Above Banff Interpretative Center to learn about the early explorers, wildlife, and local area. Hike across the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk to explore the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station, a National Historic Site. Then stop at the coffee shops, restaurants, and gift shops.

Get an entry ticket to Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a cliff-edge walkway 918 feet (279 meters) above the valley floor. See giant glaciers perched above you and the spectacular Sunwapta Valley below with this experience. Make your way to the Columbia Icefield Discovery Center in Jasper, then board the shuttle to get to the skywalk. Upon arrival at the observation platform, collect your audio guide and embark on your adventure. Step onto the glass floor of the Columbia Icefield Skywalk to begin the scenic 1-kilometer walk, surrounded by fantastic views. Marvel at crystal-clear waterfalls, admire the mountains and glaciers above and keep a lookout for wildlife native to the Candian Rockies.

Climb to the top of the Calgary Tower with this admission ticket and admire the panorama. Located 191 meters above the downtown core, the Calgary Tower offers the best view in the city and is a must-see on any visitor's itinerary. On the Observation Deck, you'll experience a spectacular 360° view of the bustling city and the majestic Rocky Mountains. Stand on the amazing glass floor for an unparalleled birds-eye view of the city streets below and make sure to check out the exterior LED light show that runs nightly from dusk to midnight. The LED light shows are created to celebrate national holidays, cheer on local and national sports teams, support local festivals, and raise awareness for important causes. There are 132 lights in total, capable of producing more than 16.5 million colors and effects.

Travel just 4 miles (7 kilometers) southwest of Jasper to the end of Whistlers Road to arrive at Jasper SkyTram. Time your visit for an early morning or evening flight to avoid crowds and take advantage of the best light for photos. After you exchange your voucher at the reservations window for a ticket, climb aboard the enclosed tram car for a 7.5-minute ride to the upper station. Your tram ride will ascend to an elevation of 7,425 feet (2,263 meters). A guide will accompany you on your trip, sharing insights about the area, history, and wealth of wildlife. Once at the top, take a stroll on the accessible boardwalk for breathtaking views of Jasper National Park, the town of Jasper, turquoise-colored lakes, mountain ranges, and the Athabasca River Valley. Try hiking Whistlers Summit Trail to reach the top of Whistlers Mountain at 8,081 feet (2,463 meters) for a 360° view of six mountain ranges, including Mount Robson, the highest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Before you leave for your trip down the mountain, enjoy a coffee and light snack at the top of the Canadian Rockies. Visit the gift shops at the upper or lower stations to purchase a souvenir that will always remind you of this trip.

Sit back and relax onboard a comfortable and unforgettable 14-kilometer (8.7-mile) cruise along Maligne Lake. Take in the views of the surrounding peaks of the Canadian Rockies, alpine glaciers, and azure water of the lake. Watch out for wildlife and learn from your guide about the early explorers and indigenous people of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site. Visit the tiny but very famous Spirit Island, which is only accessible by boat, and enjoy a short nature trail before returning to Home Bay.

Take on the grade 2 whitewater rapids on the Athabasca River while taking in the fresh air and scenic mountain views. Start your tour in the town of Jasper and head only 8 km south to the put-in point. After suiting up in wetsuits and a safety talk, it's off to the river. Begin with a 10-minute float to get comfortable in the raft, experience the river environment, and admire the 360-degree Mountain View. After, embark on the grade 2 rapids which guarantee a splash without the likelihood of falling in. You can choose to swim in the glacial water if you feel brave enough. After 4 or 5 sections of rapids, the Miette River joins the Athabasca and the trip ends just around the corner at Old Fort Point. All trips are in 8-person rafts with a licensed river guide.

Begin your adventure at the Jasper-Hinton Airport, the perfect starting point for your Rocky Mountains trip – surrounded by nature. You will be greeted by one of our staff members who will provide you with a safety briefing and instructions prior to your flight. Each passenger will be equipped with a headset that allows you to listen to your Pilot’s commentary, and communicate with the rest of the group during the flight. As soon as you buckle in, you will be face to face with the Rocky Mountains. Your itinerary will differ depending on the tour that you have selected. 20-min Tour This trip takes you buzzing just past the summit and down the ridge line of Folding Mountain. You then climb above the Fiddle Mountain Range, with a westward view over the Rocky Mountains. This view is nearly impossible to beat! 30-min Tour This jam-packed tour features action right off the runway as you climb over Brule Lake and soar high above the Fiddle Mountain range. The vastness of the Rocky Mountains extends before you as far as Mt. Robson and beyond. As you descend over the Miette Hot Springs and down the valley you get a close-up view of the steep, jagged ridgelines that make up Ashlar Ridge and the famous Miette Mountain Range. The trip is capped off with a flyby of the sheer cliffs famous to Roche Miette, a quick loop past Jasper and Talbot Lakes and a gentle cruise above the Athabasca River. 60-min Tour Fly over the Athabasca River, Jasper and Talbot Lakes and take in the view of snow-capped peaks and steep ridgelines visible all the way to Mt. Robson as you make your way toward the town of Jasper. Soaring past Pyramid Mountain and the stunning blue waters of Lake Edith and Annette, look down on the Jasper Sky Tram atop Whistlers Mountain, Marmot Basin and the town of Jasper before swinging past the Valley of the Five Lakes for a truly unbeatable view of this area of Jasper National Park.

Your experience begins at the local partner's day lodge, conveniently located on the TransCanada Highway. After a warm welcome, your crew distributes top-of-the-line rafting gear (wetsuit, wetsuit booties and gloves, spray jackets, life jackets, and helmets). In the comfort of heated change rooms, change into the provided gear before taking a quick shuttle to the "put-in" (starting point), where you receive your extensive safety briefing before jumping in the river. This is the biggest whitewater river in the Rockies, with rapids such as Hopi's Hole, Cable Car, Table Saw and the famous Portage and Shotgun. Prepare to hold on and get wet. Enjoy the canyon environment and possibly get a glimpse of a mountain goat, wolf, or bear. Following your trip, another quick shuttle returns you back to the warmth of the base. Once changed back into dry and comfortable land clothes, enjoy snacks and a selection of hot and cold beverages. Stop by the gift shop for a souvenir or photo of the trip to take back home.

Enjoy the drive from Banff in a modern minibus after your friendly guide picks you up from the meeting point. Keep your eyes peeled for animals such as deer, elk, and bears as you drive along scenic, winding Bow Valley Parkway. Your guide will share stories on Banff National Park, its history and the local animals on the way. Arrive at iconic Lake Louise after a scenic stop along the Bow Valley Parkway to admire the views of Castle Mountain. Your 30-minute visit at the lake gives you plenty of time to wander the famous shoreline, take photos of the lake against the backdrop of the mountains and Victoria Glacier, and admire the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel. Next, your guide will take you to Moraine Lake, set in the rugged Valley of the Ten Peaks with waterfalls and rock piles. Enjoy a short guided walk to the famous Valley of the Ten Peaks viewpoint, or relax and take in the lake from the shoreline. After a 30-minute stop here, your guide will transport you back to Banff and drop you at your hotel.

Enjoy whitewater rafting down an idyllic stretch of the Kanaskasis River, the perfect excursion for families, groups, and newcomers to whitewater rafting. Explore the pristine waterways of the Kananaskis River. Scout for local wildlife and enjoy the unrivaled beauty of the Canadian wilderness. Meet at the Nakoda Lakeside Lodge on Highway 1A. Start your rafting adventure with a 45-minute drive from Banff or Calgary. Enjoy the short scenic ride as you wind through the Canadian countryside. Once you're fitted with your wetsuits and other safety equipment, ride in a comfortable bus a short distance to the starting point on the Kananaskis River. Here, your guides will provide safety instructions and teach your paddle techniques. Feel equipped and ready to go as you prepare for the river. Board your raft and begin your journey. Admire the views during calm parts of the river. Practice different paddling techniques with your guide. Spot local wildlife such as soaring eagles, and deer who stroll along the banks of the river. Then, get ready to be splashed as your raft through class 2-3 rapids as you travel along a lovely forested area of the river. At the end of the journey enjoy a scenic float to the finish where you can swim and splash in the water. Return to the river base for high fives and snacks to celebrate your rafting adventure. This tour operates from mid-May to mid-September and is ideal for anyone that has never rafted before or does not know how to swim.