Canadian Rockies

Top 5 Things to do in the Canadian Rockies

1. Fly like an eagle over Banff National Park
   If you've always wanted to but never thought you'd get the chance then a helicopter ride over the glaciers, mountains and shimmering lakes of Banff is an absolute trip of a lifetime. Imagine soaring over ice fields and keeping an eye out for grizzly bears as you skirt pine forests and listen to your guide pointing out the natural landmarks below. This is simply a stunning way to view an incredible environment and as you get buckled up and watch the rotor blades whir into life, you'll know that you've made the right decision.
2. Visit Columbia Ice Fields in Jasper
   Spread over the parks of Banff and Jasper, the Columbia Ice Field is a vast area of snow and ice which stretches for some 200 square miles and is responsible for feeding 8 of the parks' most well-respected glaciers. This is an incredibly humbling experience and thanks to a well-equipped snow coach and an extremely knowledgeable guide you'll be able to understand the magnitude of this frozen world and what it feels like to walk upon one of the world's most phenomenal natural sites.
3. Take the Perfect Photo at Lake Louise
   If you are hoping to capture the reflective qualities of Lake Louise, one of the best methods is to grab a wet bag, stow your camera and head on to the water on top of a kayak. Probably best to have a bit of a practise first but once you get the hang of bobbing about then the photographic rewards are infinite. Also, if you don't fancy combining sketchy kayak skills with an expensive camera then why not try pitching a tripod as the sun sets for some really excellent images of pine-covered mountain slopes juxtaposed against an orange, pink and purple painted backdrop.
4. Try dining on a Bison Burger
   Bison burgers are a local speciality and if you thought you'd tried everything then just wait until you sink your gnashers into one of these juicy big boys. Organic, free-range and fed on nothing but fresh green grass and mountain air, it may not be everyone's cup of tea but a bison burger certainly ticks the box when it comes to grilled grub after a day spent exploring the great outdoors.
5. Discover a crowd-free Emerald Lake in Yoho
   Emerald Lake is one of the absolute highlights of not just Yoho National Park but the whole of the Canadian Rockies. As such you will find it does generate a lot of interest, particularly around the summer months so, as with most attractions, do as the locals do and get their early to avoid the hordes. An early start is also a great way to make the most of the day and there's an hour long walk around Emerald which is relatively flat and completely doable before a breakfast of waffles, pancakes and hot coffee - tempted?