How to Travel to the Canadian Rockies

Anne Reynolds, Leaf Group

The Canadian Rockies are a range of mountains extending from the plains of Alberta to the valleys of British Columbia and border Idaho and Montana in the United States. Mountain peaks reach as high as 13,000 feet. Five national parks have been preserved and are located in the Rockies: Banff, Jasper, Kootenay Yoho and Waterton. The mountains are an outdoor paradise offering hiking, fishing and biking in the summer and ice walks, skiing and hockey in the winter.

Modes of Transportation

Step 1

Take a plane to the Canadian Rockies. Airline travel to areas close to the Rockies is the quickest way to begin your vacation. Calgary International Airport is located an hour and a half from Baniff National Park and 4 1/2 hours from Jasper National Park. Rental cars as well as hourly shuttles are available from the airport. Edmonton International Airport is Canada’s largest airport and is located 3 1/2 hours from Jasper National Park. Shuttle service is available from Edmonton too. Flying into the airport in Vancouver requires a longer drive to Jasper, around 9 1/2 hours.

Step 2

Drive; many travelers choose to drive to the Canadian Rockies from their point of origin. Although you need to take extra precautions for winter driving, most of the roads are maintained all year. Get a four wheel drive if needed during storms, but usually that is not a consideration. Most roads inside the National Parks are paved and when weather is good the speed limit is 90 km or 55 miles per hour.

Step 3

Travel by train into the Rockies either by VIA Rail or Rocky Mountaineer. The Rocky Mountaineer train only travels by day so visitors do not miss any scenic site. Visitors depart each night for their own pre-arranged sleeping arrangements. For those of you who prefer to stay on the train and continue traveling through the night, VIA Rail offers those accommodations.