When autumn arrives each year, road trips land at the top of my must-do list. To me, there’s nothing quite like driving along a road flanked by trees showcasing brilliant shades of red, yellow and orange. This year, my autumn road trip led me to a destination far from home – Alberta, Canada. Widely known as one of the most scenic ski destinations, Banff National Park and Jasper National Park also happen to be one of the most beautiful places in the world to experience the joys of autumn.
In this wondrous place, the Canadian Rockies set the stage for jaw-dropping vistas at every turn. As you drive into the stunning landscapes, it’s as if you’ve entered a masterpiece painting. In autumn, the yellow larch trees turn the mountains gold as they blend with evergreens, towering snow-capped peaks and mesmerizing turquoise lakes. Making your way north from Banff to Jasper, the Columbia icefield unveils ancient glaciers hanging precariously within the mountain peaks. If you’ve never been, put it on your bucket list. You won’t regret it!
Banff National Park
Banff National Park is part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We based ourselves in Canmore – a small town just east of Banff filled with locally owned eateries and enticing shops. We rented an Airbnb with a view of the Rocky Mountains which made waking up an absolute pleasure.
A 15-mile drive along the Trans Canadian Highway brought us to the entrance of Banff National Park. Along the way, a detour to Tunnel Mountain led to a short trail overlooking hoodoos formed on the mountain from sedentary rock and shaped into a variety of unique towers. The view from above is captivating and well worth the stop. Also, Tunnel Mountain was originally named the Sleeping Buffalo by the First Nations people of Canada and when you look closely you can see why. A light drizzle of rain occurred as we drove back down the mountain to resume or journey into the park. And a rainbow adorned the middle of the mountain – a positive omen for certain!
Taking in the Views from the Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint
Within the park there are numerous hiking trails to explore. As time is always limited, we chose to park at the Lake Louise Ski Resort. From there we rode the ski lift up to the top of the mountain for a hike up the Kicking Horse Pass Viewpoint. A one-mile round trip, the hike was relatively short but steep. And, at an elevation of 8,650 feet there was some heavy breathing involved. But, the views at the top are worth every gasp of breath! From there we could see the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the glaciers suspended above it.
The mountain top also includes a hike down to the interpretive center where wildlife displays provide insight into the mountain’s permanent residents. It’s important to remember that this is bear country and that includes black bears and grizzlies, so carrying bear spray is a must. And always be bear aware!
Herbert Lake Hiking Trail
We continued our adventures with a hike around Herbert Lake. This lesser-known trail encircles the pristine lake as you hike through the forest. Apart from a few people standing near the trailhead, we were the only ones on the trail. Realizing running into a grizzly was a real possibility, we made sure to keep talking and to keep our bear spray close at hand. Although we didn’t encounter any wildlife, I had the strangest sensation that we were definitely being watched!
An Alberta, Canada Highlight – Lake Louise
As one of the most well-known and popular places in Banff National Park, Lake Louise attracts throngs of visitors each day. To avoid the crowds, we chose to visit at sunset. There were still plenty of people, but parking was available and the walkway around the lake was less crowded. This turquoise glacier-fed lake is a stunner and seeing the clouds reflected in its crystal-clear water added even more beauty.
Jasper National Park and the Columbia Icefield
The drive north from Banff Park to Jasper National Park spans approximately 111 miles – every inch of it breathtaking. Along the way, the Canadian Rockies showcase their grandeur as more turquoise lakes dot the landscape. When you reach the Columbia Icefield, the already unbelievable landscape adds ancient glaciers into the mix.
Columbia Icefield
Straddling Banff National Park and Jasper National Park, the Columbia Icefield glaciers are the largest south of the Arctic Circle. During the summer and autumn months, you can travel onto the Athabasca Glacier in a large snow explorer. This wildly popular excursion can be booked in advance for your desired time. We chose to book last minute for the final ride of the day, which meant fewer crowds and standing on the glacier as the sun began to set. It was magical! The excursion also includes a visit to the Glacier Skywalk Experience. The glass-floored observation platform spans out 918 feet above the Sunwapta Valley. Interpretive signs along the walkway share the story of the glaciers and surrounding landscape.
Jasper Sky Tram
While in Jasper National Park, we booked a ride to the top of Whistlers Mountain on the Jasper Sky Tram. From there a steep trail leads to the mountain summit at an elevation of 8,140 feet. It won’t be the elevation that takes your breath away here – it will be the views of the surrounding Canadian Rockies and the rivers and lakes below.
Athabasca Falls
If you only have time for one waterfall visit, be sure you go to Athabasca Falls. Among the most breathtaking and powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies, the Athabasca Falls is located about 18 miles from the town of Jasper. Situated in the glacial-fed waters of the Athabasca River, the power of this waterfall is captivating. Note, you’ll likely encounter tour bus groups all trying to take photos from the same viewpoint. Instead of waiting in line for a photo there, venture along some of the other pathways to explore the canyons formed by the powerful water. When the tourists are gone, you’ll have the waterfall viewpoints all to yourself!
Author’s Note
I wrote about this area for a Google research project several years ago but had never been until this trip. I don’t know what took me so long to get there, but as I said to my husband, I’ve been to some incredibly beautiful places in my life, but this might be the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. Add it to your bucket list – you won’t regret it!