Private CanadianRockies Day Tours
Explore our collection of day tours starting from Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper.
You're on the brink of an epic journey through the Canadian Rockies.
Welcome to your guide to the Canadian Rockies Tours. You’ll feel awe in Banff, tranquility in Lake Louise, and rugged thrill in Jasper. Get ready to marvel at towering mountains, shimmering lakes, and the local wildlife. Not only is this unbelievable sightseeing, it’s an immersion in culture, history, and adventure. Prepare for unforgettable memories and let the Rockies leave a lasting imprint that you will cherish forever. Remember that this isn’t just a trip, it’s a journey into the heart of Canada.
Your dream adventure starts here. Get ready, an unforgettable adventure in the Canadian Rockies awaits!
Banff Highlights Half Day Tour
Starting from the location of your choice in Calgary, your tour guide will pick you up and the adventure out to Banff National Park begins. Following the 1.5-hour drive out to Banff your tour guide will show you all of the must-see locations within Banff National Park including two of the most…
Jasper Highlights Half Day Tour
Your private tour guide will pick you up from your hotel in Jasper for this half-day sightseeing tour of Jasper National Park. While touring through Jasper, you have a great chance of seeing all types of wildlife due to the remote location of this Rocky Mountain town. The first stop on the tour is…
Mountain Lakes and Waterfalls Tour – Banff and Lake Louise
Your tour guide will pick you up from the location of your choice in Banff, Canmore, or Lake Louise as this tour can travel in either direction. Please bring your luggage with you if you plan to take this tour as a one-way tour, not as a return trip. From May to October, the tour will focus on the…
Icefields Parkway Tour – Banff / Lake Louise and Jasper
Your tour guide will pick you up from the location of your choice in Banff, Lake Louise, or Jasper as this tour can travel in either direction. Please bring your luggage with you as this is a one-way tour. The Icefields Parkway is known as one of the world's most scenic drives so you don't need to…
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The History of the town of Banff
You’ll find that the town of Banff, steeped in history, began its journey as a tourist destination back in the 1880s. Unlike many mountain towns that started as mining settlements, Banff was birthed with tourism in mind; a jewel in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. The ambitious construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway in the 1870s brought the first wave of visitors to Banff. The discovery of natural hot springs in the Bow Valley by railway workers sparked a tourist boom that continues to this day.
The Cave and Basin hot springs, with their healing properties, quickly became a hot tourist attraction, prompting the Canadian government to protect the springs and the surrounding area. In 1887, this reserve was expanded and renamed the ‘Rocky Mountains Park of Canada’, marking Banff as Canada’s first national park and the world’s third.
Banff, however, isn’t just about the hot springs. Nestled in the stunning mountains, lakes and valleys of the Bow Valley, it offers unparalleled access to natural beauty. Its inclusion in the ‘Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks’ UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984 further cemented its reputation as a destination of global significance.
But don’t forget, Banff’s history is deeply intertwined with Indigenous Peoples who’ve used these lands for centuries for sustenance, ceremony, trade, and travel. Their continuous stewardship of the land is acknowledged and appreciated to this day. So, whether you’re soaking in the hot springs or hiking through the valleys, remember the rich history that makes Banff the unique destination it’s today.
The History of Lake Louise
While you’re marveling at the stunning beauty of Lake Louise, it’s worth noting that its history is as rich and fascinating as the landscape itself. Originally known as Ho-run-num-nay or the Lake of Little Fishes by the Stoney-Nakoda people, the lake’s recorded history began taking shape in 1884 with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway Company.
In 1885, Lake Louise became a designated area within Canada’s first national park, Banff National Park. The same year, the area saw the construction of the Chateau Lake Louise, a quaint two-bedroom log cabin that invited visitors to escape the industrial world and immerse in pristine nature. However, it was only in 1914 that the lake was officially renamed after Princess Louise, Queen Victoria’s daughter.
Lake Louise is also renowned as the birthplace of Canadian mountaineering. The adventurous spirit of the late Victorian era lured British explorers to the challenging peaks surrounding the lake. In 1896, following a tragic accident, Swiss guides were hired to assist visitors, creating a network of trails still in use today.
Three key points that deepen the historical allure of Lake Louise include:
- The initial Chateau Lake Louise burnt down in 1893, paving the way for a larger, more strategically positioned replacement.
- By 1913, the Chateau had welcomed a host of famous guests, including King Edward VIII, Queen Elizabeth II, and Marilyn Monroe, catapulting Lake Louise into the limelight.
- In 1984, Lake Louise, along with Banff National Park, was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a testament to its exceptional natural beauty and historical significance.
Today, Lake Louise continues to mesmerize visitors from around the globe, its turquoise waters standing as the most photographed spot in Canada and a testament to its enduring allure.
The History of Jasper
As you delve into Jasper’s rich history, you’ll find that its past is as fascinating as its stunning landscapes, and it all begins with its indigenous roots. Long before highways and tourists, the Athabasca River Valley was home to Aboriginal people who hunted in these idyllic meadows. These early residents laid the groundwork for Jasper’s unique cabin-loving culture, which continues to this day.
By the time the fur trade reached this corner of the world, the Hudson’s Bay Company and North West Company established a trading post along the Athabasca River. The post’s manager, Jasper Haws, would leave his mark, lending his name to the town and its surrounding national park.
When the Canadian government declared the area as Jasper Forest Park in 1907, it coincided with the construction of Canada’s second transcontinental rail line. This development brought growth to the then-named hamlet of Fitzhugh, which would later be renamed Jasper, and the seed of tourism was planted.
Now encompassing a sprawling 11,228 square kilometers, Jasper National Park stands as Canada’s largest in the Rocky Mountains. From its humble beginnings as a trading post to its transformation into a bustling tourist destination, Jasper has consistently welcomed those seeking beauty, adventure, and a connection with nature.
Whether you’re a history buff, an outdoor enthusiast, or just a traveler seeking a unique experience, Jasper’s story is sure to captivate you. Its rich history intertwines with the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies, offering a tourism experience that’s as enriching as it’s breathtaking.