Exploring Banff and Jasper National Park: A Travel Guide to the Canadian Rockies

Banff National Park and Jasper National Park have to be two of the most breathtaking places I have ever had the privilege to visit.

The parks are settled on the border of British Columbia and Alberta, in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Best Time to Visit Banff and Jasper National Parks:

We visited in late May, which in my opinion, was the perfect time to go. It was a little chilly, but the reduced crowds and presence of ice on some of the lakes added to the beauty of this place.

We didn’t actually stay in these National Parks , we just took our time driving through, which proved a little difficult with our huge fifth wheel behind us, but we did it. I would love to come back and spend a month in this area. There is just so much to see!

We missed the famous Lake Louise, but I met a lady who told me that she and her husband honeymooned there. She told me about the Tea House Hikes. 

Awaiting amongst the peaks of the nearby mountains are two tea houses, where you can relax, sip tea, and enjoy the spectacular views of the glacial valleys. 

The moment we set foot in Banff, our eyes were captivated by the mesmerizing glacial waters that greeted us. 

We had never seen glacial water before. This unique blue hue emerges as a result of the glacial silt, creating a truly  picturesque introduction to the wonders of Banff and Jasper.

Our next stop was Crawfoot Glacier Viewpoint. The mountain was so big and peaceful. 

From Crawfoot Glacier Viewpoint, we made our way to Bow Lake. 

This was one of my favorite stops along the dramatic Icefields Parkway. I loved seeing the ice on top of the lake, something so new and so beautiful to me. 

We were able to pick up little pieces of ice along the lake. This reminded me of how perfectly unique we all are, how special we are to God, and how creative our Creator is. 

Bow Lake is the perfect stop to pull out your chairs and eat lunch, you can't beat the scenery.

After Bow Lake, we walked the trail to Peyto Lake. 

Although this is a short 1.5 mile loop, and it is paved, the trail can be a little challenging for some- as it is uphill.

The trail and viewpoint were pretty crowded, but the spectacular view of the bluest lake I had ever seen was well worth it. 

From Peyto Lake we ventured off towards Mistaya Canyon. 

This was another short loop, a little over a mile, with some uphill. This trail is not paved. It leads you to a  powerful river that runs through a beautiful canyon. 

The mighty, rushing waters occasionally echoed the sound of thunder, serving as a remarkable testament to God's immense power, as well as His love that radiates mercy towards us.

We hopped back on the Icefields Parkway and pulled over by the Anthabasca Glacier pull out. 

We accidentally went in on the bus only side- across the highway. Scott is so skilled, he was able to turn our rig around in such a tight space, all while getting glared at by the bus drivers. That was embarrassing, but it all worked out.

Columbia Icefield Adventure offers tours of this area.

 I am planning on going back and taking some of these tours, it looks like so much fun!

After freezing our behinds off at the glacier, we headed towards a viewpoint of  Mount Fryatt.

If you are into backpacking, we have heard this is a good trail. We pulled off here because there were no cars and we wanted to get our binoculars out to look for wildlife- to no avail.

Next we continued on to our last (and my favorite stop in Jasper), Athabasca Falls. 

This was a short paved trail with multiple viewpoints of the falls. 

You have the option to take some stairs that descend underneath the falls to the lake. This proved enjoyable due to the smaller crowd, increased physical activity, and the chance to soak up the beauty of the lake. 

If you are an outdoor enthusiast and love the mountains, you must make it a point to see both Banff and Jasper National Parks, you won’t regret it. 

Bible Verse of the Day:

Revelation 4:11 NASB

 “Worthy are You, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honor and power; for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed, and were created.”

Exploring these breathtaking National Parks, I found myself unable to contain my admiration for God's creation, His magnificence, and His might. Our hearts were filled with gratitude as we stood awestruck. 

Frequently, I ponder what this world appeared like prior to our interference. Gazing upon the splendor and grandeur of Banff and Jasper, envisioning a place even more beautiful seems impossible.

I pray that we will all take the time to soak up and appreciate God’s creation. May we give Him the praise and glory He deserves for creating such beauty and complexity. I pray that God touches and restores each of us through nature, and that we will never lose awe and wonder for Him. 

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