As part of your Rocky Mountaineer rail journey, you’ll have the opportunity to experience one-of-a-kind sights, activities, tours, and more in our iconic Canadian destinations. Whether you’re seeking thrilling outdoor adventures, serene natural retreats, or leisurely exploration through the region, there are plenty of unique and memorable activities to suit every traveler.
From the rugged beauty of Banff and Jasper to the vibrant urban charm of Vancouver, here are our top recommendations and must-visits to explore in each of our Canadian destinations.
Top things to do in the Canadian Rockies:
Banff, Alberta
Walk the Bow River and admire the Falls
Only a few steps away from downtown Banff, this serene riverside trail follows Bow River and leads to the beautiful Bow Falls. Follow the Bow Falls trail for a view from above the cascading waters, or sit on the rocky river shore and watch rafting trips take off into the calm waters below the falls.
We recommend visiting these majestic falls through the Explore Banff add-on tour, operated by our trusted partners at Pursuit. This tour also includes visits to the Banff Gondola, Sulphur Mountain, and the beautiful Lake Minnewanka.
Soar to new heights on the Banff Gondola
Venture to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola and take in spectacular views of six mountain ranges, the Bow Valley, and the town of Banff. Open year-round, the gondola climbs to the top of the mountain in just eight minutes.
Explore the observation decks and interpretive boardwalks before exploring a bit further to the Cosmic Ray Station and Weather Station to learn more about the history of the mountain. If you’re ambitious, you can also opt to skip the gondola and tackle the moderate hike to the summit instead.
We recommend booking this add-on activity before or after your Rocky Mountaineer journey through our trusted partners at Pursuit.
Stroll along Banff Avenue and explore the town
Lined with an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, museums, and restaurants, Banff Avenue is the bustling hub of this iconic mountain town. Find everything from the gear you’ll need for tomorrow’s hike to local art and handmake keepsakes to last a lifetime.
As you explore Banff Avenue, keep an eye out for roaming wildlife – and the famous Cascade Mountain providing the perfect backdrop at the end of Banff Avenue.
Jasper, Alberta
Explore Maligne Lake and Spirit Island
One of the most recognizable sights in Jasper, the spectacular natural beauty of Maligne Lake is a must-see for anyone new to the town. Famous for its azure waters, the three surrounding glaciers, and the iconic Spirit Island nestled in the lake, this is the perfect spot for a picnic lunch, afternoon hike, or half-day tour of the Maligne Valley, operated by our trusted partners at Pursuit.
This is also the largest natural lake in the Canadian Rockies, making it a must-visit destination when exploring the Rockies for the first time.
Venture onto the Icefields Parkway and tour the Athabasca Glacier
Ranked one of the most scenic drives in the world, this 230 kilometer (142 mile) stretch of road is an unforgettable add-on to your rail journey to Jasper. Travel along the famous Icefields Parkway and step onboard a Pursuit Collection Ice Explorer for an interpretive adventure onto the Athabasca Glacier. Walk directly on the glacier, surrounded by impressive mountain vistas and local wildlife, and even sip from its ice-cold streams.
We recommend booking this add-on activity before or after your Rocky Mountaineer journey through our trusted partners at Pursuit.
Lake Louise, Alberta
Rent canoes and paddle past the Victoria Glacier
For a truly memorable and iconic experience in the Rockies, rent a canoe from the Lake Louise Boathouse and get up close and personal with the dramatic peaks of the Victoria Glacier that surround the lake. As you glide across the calming lake, soak in the mountain views and take in the beautiful blue hue from the mineral-rich glacier waters.
Canoes can be rented on a first-come-first-serve basis at an hourly rate. Please note that Lake Louise freezes through the winter and often does not melt until late May or early June, so canoe rentals at the Boathouse are always weather dependent and seasonally available.
Sip on afternoon tea at the Fairmont Lake Louise
After exploring Lake Louise and the surrounding area, make your way to the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise and experience the tradition of afternoon tea at the Fairview Restaurant. Nestled right on the edge of the lake, this is the perfect spot to take in stunning lake views and delicious regional cuisine in a truly iconic setting.
Feeling more adventurous? One of the most popular hikes in the area is the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike, a 6.8 kilometer (4 mile) round trip to a historic teahouse that has been welcoming visitors from around the world since 1905. A little more rugged than the Fairmont, this is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy tea and a bite to eat on the shores of Lake Agnes.
Calgary, Alberta
Take a trip down memory lane at Heritage Park
If you’re visiting Calgary as part of your Rocky Mountaineer journey, a trip to the iconic Heritage Park Historical Village is a must. This interactive living history museum offers a delightful plunge into the past, showcasing life in Western Canada from the 1860s to the 1950s.
Experience authentic historic buildings, ride an old-fashioned steam train, and interact with in-character interpreters who bring the past to life. This is an immersive and educational experience that offers a chance to connect with the culture and heritage that shaped this region.
Top things to do in Western Canada:
Vancouver, British Columbia
See the whales of the Pacific
Vancouver’s surrounding waters are home to spectacular marine wildlife, including whales, orcas, sea lions, otters, harbor seals, bald eagles, porpoises, and other marine mammals. Embarking on a whale watching tour provides a thrilling opportunity to witness majestic whales as they gracefully navigate the seas in their natural habitat.
We recommend taking on a fully-guided whale watching and marine life viewing tour through our trusted partners at Prince of Whales. For photographers, we recommend the sunset tour during “golden hour” for the best lighting. Guests frequently see orcas (killer whales) and humpback whales, but have occasionally spotted gray and minke whales.
Tour the Capilano Suspension Bridge and Grouse Mountain
For those seeking a bit of West Coast adventure, we recommend taking in the views of Vancouver’s unique temperate coastal rainforests from above. Venture onto suspension bridges, treetop viewing platforms, and more with this ultimate tour for thrill-seekers and nature lovers from our trusted partners at Westcoast Sightseeing.
After experiencing the 137-metre (450-feet) long suspension bridge, you’ll ride to the top of Grouse Mountain on the Skyridge and meet Grinder and Coola – two orphaned grizzly bears who live in the wildlife refuge atop the mountain.
Whistler, British Columbia
Ride the gondola from peak to peak
Journey between the Whistler and Blackcomb Mountain mountains and experience panoramic views of volcanic peaks, coastal rainforests, and ancient glaciers. This 11-minute gondola ride is the world’s highest lift of its kind and lifts guests 436 metres (1,427 feet) above the valley floor.
For a full-day escape from the city, we recommend the Whistler + Sea to Sky Gondola tour offered by our trusted partners at Westcoast Sightseeing.
Photo by Dustan Woodhouse on Unsplash
Explore the shops and sights of Whistler Village
Discover a near-endless number of activities and shops in Whistler Village. Explore a delightful array of shops, from high-end boutiques and recognizable outdoor brands to lively art galleries and charming cafes.
Whether you enjoy taking a leisurely stroll along the village paths, exploring the surrounding mountains and trails, or dining at one of the world-class restaurants found around town, there's something to be found here for every visitor.
Photo by Blake Jorgenson for Destination BC
Looking for more things to do in our Canadian destinations?
With our curated recommendations, you can look forward to a Rocky Mountaineer rail journey that is not only memorable, but tailored to the activities you love to do. Explore more of our carefully-curated add-on activities and customize your journey to create the ultimate experience in the Canadian Rockies.
