Self-Guided Audio Tours for the Canadian Rockies

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One of the classic experiences in Banff is to take the gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you can take in 360-degree mountaintop views across six ranges. Follow the boardwalks that lead to the Sulphur Mountain Cosmic Ray Station. You may even see some bighorn sheep alongside the boardwalks. Enjoy the new bistro, coffee, and market-style dining while you watch the sunset.

Duration: 30 minutes

Bow Falls

Located on the Bow River in Banff near the Banff Springs Hotel, just before the confluence of the Spray River. Water levels will dramatically change throughout the year, especially during the spring thaw. A small car park and trail lead to a higher viewing area. The view of Bow Falls was the clincher in determining the site to build the Banff Springs Hotel.

Duration: 30 minutes

Surprise Corner

The view across to the Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls below, and Sulphur and Rundle Mountains as a backdrop, has surprised visitors for over a century. There is a small carpark and viewing platform across the road. It's also a blind corner, so watch for traffic.

Duration: 20 minutes

Cave and Basin National Historic Site

The Cave and Basin National Historic Site of Canada area was well known and used by First Nations people, but it was in 1883, that 3 railway workers stumbled on the cave and its thermal mineral springs. It was an event that triggered much interest and tourism for the area and ultimately to the establishment of Canada's first national park, Banff National Park. Tour the Interpretive Centre, and boardwalks to see the original underground cave and the endangered tiny Banff Springs snail.

Duration: 30 minutes

Banff Upper Hot Springs

Travellers originally came to Banff to "take the waters" as part of a health retreat in the mountains. Soaking in the hot mineral springs mix of sulphate, calcium, bicarbonate, magnesium and sodium. Water temperature ranges between 37-40C/98-104F and these are the only hot springs where you can bathe in Banff National Park. They are located just above the Banff Gondola base station.

Duration: 20 minutes

Lake Minnewanka

Lake Minnewanka - meaning "water of the spirits" in Nakoda - is a glacial lake that has been expanded through the building of 3 small dams. Small cruise boats tour the length of the lake (21km / 13 miles) and can be an excellent way to see animals along the shoreline and learn about the discovery of Aboriginal artifacts, which date back 10,000 years ago. The (6.4km/4 miles return) Stewart Canyon hike is an easy and rewarding hiking trail, and locals and travelers alike enjoy an ice cream or having a BBQ while taking in the spectacular mountain views.

Duration: 20 minutes

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Known as hoodoos, fairy chimneys or goblins throughout the world, these geological formations are an excellent example the power of rain, wind and ice, eroding rock and leaving behind teetering spires. An easy flat trail leads to the viewpoint that captures the hoodoos, the Bow River and Rundle Mountain.

Duration: 20 minutes

Vermilion Lakes

This trio of shallow, wetland lakes, close to the edge of town can be an excellent place for viewing wildlife; many birds, coyotes and occassionally bear and moose. It's a lovely easy walk or bike ride from downtown. You can also access via canoe from along the Bow River when the water levels spill into Echo Creek.

Duration: 30 minutes

Bow Valley Parkway

The old Trans Canada Highway 1A drive connecting Banff and Lake Louise is dramatically framed by impressive peaks and provides a slower, more relaxed alternative than the fast Highway 1. There are many scenic viewpoints along the route. Two of the most iconic are the views of Castle Mountain and Morant's Curve where you can attempt to reproduce the famous historic photograph used to market visiting the Park by train. The most visited attraction along the route is Johnston Canyon, a relatively easy hike that includes metal walkways bolted to canyon walls. The Lower Falls is a scenic reward for completing the trail. Those wanting more can continue an uphill hike to the Upper Falls. The Bow Valley Parkway is an excellent place to view wildlife.

Johnston Canyon

One of the most popular natural attractions in Banff National Park is the short hike to Johnston Canyon. It's a relatively easy 1.1 km (1 mile) walk along the trail and steel catwalks built into the canyon walls to the Lower Falls, where you have the option to crouch to go through a short tunnel to a final viewing platform. Continue on the trail a bit further (and steeper) to the Upper Falls. In the summertime, the cool canyon provides a natural air-conditioning affect with the fine mist from the falls. In the winter, all this freezes and turns into an icy landscape of frozen waterfalls and snowed covered trees.

Duration: 30 minutes

Moraine Lake

The Valley of the Ten Peaks, is considered so iconically Canadian and was featured on the Canadian $20 bill for many years. Enjoy canoeing, a short walk to the Rockpile Viewpoint or Consolation Lake, or a delicious meal at Moraine Lake Lodge. Moraine Lake is typically thawed from June-Oct.

Duration: 30 minutes

Icefields Parkway

This incredibly scenic drive will no doubt be a highlight of your tour in the Canadian Rockies. It has been voted the World’s Most Beautiful Mountain Drive. You can drive the Icefields Parkway in either direction. Along the way, we’ll point out the must-do stops of the drive, as well as places that you may want to explore if you have lots of time. Be amazed by the incredible mountains, brightly coloured lakes and glaciers that line the road. The thundering waterfalls are amazing and your chances of spotting wildlife are excellent.

Duration: 1 hour

Yoho National Park

Yoho National Park is the continuation of the National Parks system immediately to the west of Lake Louise. There are 3 very worthwhile places to explore in Yoho and some extra short-stops along the way too.

Duration: 2 hours

Takakkaw Falls

Takakkaw Falls are the biggest and the mightiest of the many incredible waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies and you will enjoy feeling the mist from this glacier-fed cascade. The drive through Yoho Valley to the falls is often a lucky place for spotting wildlife and there are other short scenic stops to make along the way. The road usually does not open until June due to avalanche hazards.

Duration: 30 minutes

Emerald Lake

The Rockies has many spectularly-coloured alpine lakes, surrounded by gorgeous mountain peaks, Even with many to choose from, Emerald Lake is an outstanding example and not to be missed. AFter the initial thrill of viewing the lake, there is the option to enjoy a flat hike around its perimeter or even paddle a canoe on its blue water. One of the Rockies premier lakeside lodges is located on the shore of Emerald Lake and provides a great option for a casual or more gourmet lunch option. There's also a bonus quick stop to be enjoyed at Natural Bridge on the access road to Emerald Lake.

Duration: 30 minutes

Lower Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint

A pivotal event in the creation of the new nation of Canada, was to complete a railroad that that would connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The Canadian Rockies created a difficult barrier for railway engineers and surveyors to overcome. Spiral Tunnels is an example of the ingenuity required to tame the mountains. From the viewpoint, you can view the 2 spiral tunnels where trains, climbing and descending through Kicking Horse Pass, appear to pass over the top of themselves, to manage the steep grade.

Duration: 20 minutes

Parker Ridge Trail

Located close to the Icefield Centre, Parker Ridge is a popular short but steep hike. The reward for walking to the edge of the ridge is the superb views of the Saskatchewan Glacier which fills the valley behind. Because of the elevation of 6,000 feet, the hike may be more tiring than you would expect. Just take your time, and take frequent rests if feeling short of breath. The view is worth it and most people will spend about 1 1/2 - 2 hours enjoying the experience. It is common to find snow on the trail year-round.

Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes

Crowfoot Glacier

Located alongside Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier is a fine example of a hanging glacier and looks like it is stuck onto the face of the mountain. The name comes from how the glacier was shaped like the foot of a crow. The Crowfoot originally had 3 toes, but as the glacier has shrunk, it now has just 2 toes.

Duration: 20 minutes

Bow Lake

Bow Lake is fed by the Bow Glacier which sits above it. And all of that water running out of the lake becomes the Bow River which runs through Banff National Park and into Calgary. An historic lodge sits beside the lake, Num Ti Jah, which was built by Jimmy Simpson, one of Banff's legendary early guides. Because only relatively small trees were available, the hand-built log building was constructed in an unusual hexagonal shape to begin with. In its time it was the largest log building in the world. Bow Lake is an excellent photo stop.

Duration: 20 minutes

Lake Louise

The jewel of the Canadian Rockies, turquoise colored Lake Louise is perfectly framed by towering peaks and Victoria Glacier. Stunning photos can be snapped from the lake's foreshore. Hike the famous Plain of Six Glaciers, or Lake Agnes Tea House trails to take in the surrounding views and see glaciers calving on the warmest days - sending thundering chunks of snow and ice off the face of the glacier. And make sure to bring cash so you can enjoy the yummy treats at the teahouses at the end of each hike, as there is no debit or credit payment available onsite. Rent a canoe or take the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola for a more leisurely pace.

Duration: 30 minutes

Weeping Wall

An impressive cliff that we drive under as valley narrows, the Weeping Wall oozes snow melt from above and trickles though the rock. This process continues through the winter too, making for excellent frozen falls for ice climbers to scale.

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Located on Whistlers Mountain near the town (which is a different place than Whistler Ski Resort), this is Jasper's most popular attraction. The tramway glides to 2200m (7200 feet). After enjoying the views from the top station you can also hike higher into the alpine, to a series of viewpoints above the treeline or enjoy mountaintop dining.

Duration: 30 minutes

Athabasca Glacier

Located around halfway between Jasper and Banff on the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the route highlights and one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. Located around halfway between Jasper and Banff on the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Glacier is one of the route highlights and one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. You can take in the views from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre or book a Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour which will take you up onto the glacier on an Ice Explorer, a giant all-terrain vehicle.

Duration: 30 minutes

Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre

The Athabasca Glacier is one of the outflows from the larger Columbia Icefield, and it's one of the most accessible glaciers in the world. You can drive right to the toe of the glacier, watching the markers that show how far it has retreated over more than a century. The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre is where you can book the Columbia Icefield Adventure Tour which will take you up onto the glacier on an Ice Explorer, a giant all-terrain vehicle. This ticket also includes a separate bus taking you to a glass bottomed SkyWalk out over a canyon, and you'll need to allow at least 3 hours for the combined experience. If you're short on time, you can book the SkyWalk by itself.

Duration: 2 hours

Sunwapta Falls and Canyon

Sunwapta has one of the prettiest settings of the many impressive waterfalls of the Canadian Rockies. Outstanding viewpoints are accessed within just a minute of the car park. Those with a little more energy will enjoy exploring the 3km loop trail that explores peaceful pools lower into the canyon and can be completed easily in an hour.

Duration: 30 minutes

Peyto Lake

Located at Bow Summit is the simply amazing Peyto Lake. Despite being a full hour drive away from the Columbia Icefield, Bow Summit is the highest point on the Icefields Parkway. The elevated viewing location, the surrounding mountains, and being glacier fed, makes Peyto Lake perhaps the most superbly coloured, mountain lakes you will ever see. Fingers crossed for a sunny day, as the more sunshine, the brighter the colour.

Duration: 30 minutes

Pyramid and Patricia Lakes

Sitting on a benchland above the town of Jasper, this short drive takes us to one of the most iconic views of Jasper, the view across Pyramid Lake to Pyramid Mountain. Take the small footbridge to the island to capture that unique photo opportunity. On the drive, learn about a secret WWII project that was tested on neighboring Patricia Lake.

Duration: 30 minutes

Maligne Canyon

Water fed from tall mountain ranges and nearby lakes has forced its way through the limestone to carve this impressive, deep and narrow canyon and is a place that should not be missed. From the main parking area, the canyon is only a minute's walk, but there are many different views to peer down into. For those looking to take a hike, starting from the 5th Bridge location provides the opportunity to follow the trails that run the entire length of the canyon.

Duration: 30 minutes

Maligne Lake

Located at the end of Maligne Lake Road, after passing Maligne Canyon and Medicine Lake, we arrive at Maligne Lake. There are several places to enjoy the lakeshore, though hiking trails are short and limited. The most popular activity at Maligne Lake is to take the famous cruise and capture the iconic photo of Spirit Lake. It's important to prebook your cruise time if planning to go.

Duration: 1 hour

Athabasca Falls

Located at the Jasper end of the Icefields Parkway, the Athabasca Falls cut through very hard quartz-rich rock, cascading their way through a narrow canyon. A spectacle at any time, during the spring thaw, snow melt delivers an incredible amount of water over the falls for an impressive show.

Duration: 30 minutes

Old Fort Point Loop Trail

Close to Town, Old Fort Point is a short stair climb and trails if you want to go further, that provide superb views back to the town and also along Jasper's valleys. It is common to find Big Horn Sheep that like to hangout here.

Duration: 1 hour

Mt. Edith Cavell

A lovely sidetrip that requires a minimum 2 hours to complete if you have the time available. Visit from Jasper or add to your Icefields Parkway day so long as you leave early! 2 superb hikes depart from the small viewpoint and carpark. The Path of the Glacier, 1.6km (1 mile) 70m (230 feet)of elevation change to Cavell Pond, where you may see icebergs floating that have fallen from above Cavell Glacier. Or, Cavell Meadows Trail 7km (4.3 miles), 500m (1640 feet) elevation change (mid-summer recommended) for an array of mountain wildflowers, views of Angel Glacier, and squeaking mountain pikas and ground squirrels.

Duration: 1 hour

Miette Hot Springs

On the eastern side of the National Park, approximately 50 mminutes driving time from the Town of Jasper is Miette Hot Springs. These are the hottest thermal pools in the Rockies and you will enjoy the scenic view while soaking. Relaxing in the pools after a long day of sightseeing is ideal, but visiting at any time of day is fun. Driving Highway 16 from town, there are many wildlife viewing opportunities, especially as we follow the Athabasca River. There are also several, short sightseeing and viewpoint stops along the way.

Duration: 30 minutes

Canadian Rockies

As the audio guides play commentary based on your GPS location, you can create your own itinerary along the tour route(s) to match your interests and schedule. Our most comprehensive guide for exploring the Canadian Rockies. This one app includes all 4 of our individual tours for Banff Townsite and Surrounds, Lake Louise and Yoho, Icefields Parkway and Jasper National Park. Some of the highlights are listed below;

Duration: 3 hours