Photo: Tourism Canmore Kananaskis

Top Tips & Recommendations

Here are our top tips for visiting the Rockies:

If visiting in the summer, you will want to start your hikes or sightseeing either early in the morning or later in the day. The “early bird gets the worm” and the “late bird gets the worm.” Visitation at the popular spots is heaviest between 10am and 4pm.
Prepare for all types of weather as conditions can change within minutes. Always have a windbreaker, sweater, proper shoes, and rain jacket close by in case the weather changes.
Plan your trip to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise before you come to avoid confusion, stress, and disappointment. These are the most visited places in Alberta, so there many other people who also wish to visit. See our tips on visiting these lakes on our Lake Louise & Moraine Lake page.
You can’t see and do everything in the short time you will be here. Pick the sights and activities you are most looking forward to and enjoy them. Be in the moment and soak in the adventure, the experience, and the majestic views.
It gets extremely busy here, especially in the summer, so be sure to pack some patience. There will be traffic congestion, lineups, and other people wishing to see the same beautiful sights that you wish to see. If you wish to escape the crowds, consult our local experts for tips and recommendations at plan@canmorewalkingtours.ca.

Here are a few recommendations for visiting the Rockies:

If you wish to summit a mountain without hiking to see beautiful 360 views, then I recommend visiting the Banff Gondola. Bring extra layers in the winter (it can get chilly on top of a mountain!) and buy your tickets in advance in the summer. In the summer, I recommend going early in the day (before 10am) or later in the day (after 5pm)
- Book your tickets for the Banff Gondola here:
  - Banff Gondola Tickets
Visit the waterfalls at Johnston Canyon and/or Troll Falls. These easy hikes take you to a few waterfalls and are a great way to experience Mother Nature. For visiting Johnston Canyon in the Summer I recommend going early (be at trailhead by 7/7:30am) or later in the day (start the hike at 5:30/6pm) to avoid the crowds.
Visit the glacier lakes! We have several stunning lakes to choose from - Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Peyto Lake, and Emerald Lake are the favourites. Try and get above the lake to see that beautiful color pop you've seen in all the photos. Climb the rockpile at Moraine for that iconic view and hike up to Fairview lookout (shortest hike) or to one of the Beehives (not for beginners or people with injuries) to see a majestic view of Lake Louise.
Download the Aurora app for your visit to see what the likelihood of seeing the Northern Lights will be when you are here. This app will send you a notification when it’s possible to see the Northern Lights.