Mountain Parks Route
About the Mountain Parks
The Mountain Parks are a collection of stunning national parks nestled in the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Mountains and they offer some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world.
These parks are renowned for their dramatic mountain scenery, pristine wilderness, and incredible biodiversity. You can expect to find towering peaks, crystal-clear lakes, dense forests, and an abundance of wildlife from bears to elk to marmots and wolverines.
The parks are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, whether you’re into hiking, skiing, or simply enjoying the peace of nature.
Parks in this Route
Directions
- Starting from Calgary drive West on Highway 1 to Banff national park (remember to buy your park pass if you need it!)
- Then travel North on the Icefields parkway to Jasper.
- Return south down highway 93 and continue West on highway 1 to Yoho.
- Keep going west (noticing a theme?) to Glacier.
- Head west towards Revelstoke for Revelstoke National Park.
- At this point you can continue to the Pacific parks if you’re making a bigger loop, otherwise return back East.
- At Castle Junction head south to Kootenay national park.
- Continue south on Hwy 93, then head west on highway 3 towards Pincher Creek and Waterton National Park.
Driving Distance
Driving time
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Highlights of the Mountain Parks
Banff National Park, Canada’s first national park, and Jasper National Park, the largest in the Rockies, are perhaps the most well-known of the Mountain Parks. Banff’s iconic Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with their glacial blue waters, are some of the most photographed places in the world. The Icefields Parkway connects Banff and Jasper, offering a scenic drive through a landscape of rugged mountains and glaciers, including the massive Columbia Icefield. Jasper is a haven for wildlife, with elk, bears, and bighorn sheep roaming freely. Its dark sky preserve also makes it a prime spot for stargazing.
Glacier National Park and Mount Revelstoke National Park are located in the Columbia Mountains and are known for their steep, rugged terrain and lush, temperate rainforests. Glacier National Park is famous for its active glaciers, including the Illecillewaet Glacier, and offers a stunning drive along the Trans-Canada Highway. In Mount Revelstoke, the Meadows in the Sky Parkway leads to vibrant alpine meadows filled with wildflowers in summer, while visitors can also hike to summit views or enjoy the serenity of the old-growth cedar forests.
Kootenay National Park and Yoho National Park are known for their striking contrasts in landscapes. Kootenay features both dry, open valleys and dramatic glacier-clad peaks, along with the unique Marble Canyon and the vivid turquoise waters of the Paint Pots, where ochre clay colors the landscape. Yoho, meanwhile, is famous for its natural wonders such as Emerald Lake, which glows an otherworldly shade of green, and the impressive Takakkaw Falls, one of Canada’s highest waterfalls. The Burgess Shale fossils, found in Yoho, are among the world’s most important paleontological sites, providing a window into life on Earth over 500 million years ago.
Finally, Waterton Lakes National Park, located on the border with the United States, offers a unique blend of prairie, mountains, and lakes. It is part of the Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Waterton is known for its crystal-clear lakes, including the deep blue Upper Waterton Lake, and its abundant wildlife. The Prince of Wales Hotel, perched high on a bluff overlooking the lake, is one of the park’s most iconic sights. Waterton’s small size makes it easily explored, yet it is rich in beauty and tranquility. Together, these Mountain Parks form a must-visit destination for nature lovers from around the globe.