5 Breathtaking Places in the Canadian Rockies You Need to See for Yourself!
- Matthew Macsemniuk
- 5 days ago
- 6 min read
The Canadian Rockies are easily one the most beautiful places on this planet. I've been countless times over the past few years and I still dream of going back whenever I can. In fact I do my best to go at least once a year even though I live a thousand kilometers away. If you've seen my content on Instagram, you know its a special place. As a photographer I do my best to capture it and showcase its beauty, but even through my content I find I still don't do it justice. It's a place the you need to visit for yourself! Straight-up magic with towering peaks everywhere you look, insane crystal clear blue lakes, and waterfalls that look like they belong in a fantasy movie. Not to mention a wide variety of majestic wildlife roaming the grounds everywhere you go. If you’re planning a trip here, these are five absolute must-see spots you need to make sure are on your list. I'll also do my best to throw in tips so you can beat the crowds and have the best experience possible!
Maligne Lake
Maligne Lake has to be Jasper National Park’s crown jewel. It has some of the bluest water you’ll ever see, surrounded by massive peaks, hanging glaciers, and thick forests. The highlight? Spirit Island, a tiny but iconic spot that you can only reach by boat or a long but stunning 14 km paddle.
Pro Tip: If you want to see Spirit Island without the crowds, book the earliest boat tour of the day (Maligne Lake Cruise).
If you’re interested in camping on the lake, I wish you the best of luck securing backcountry camping permits through Parks Canada. Due to its incredible beauty and remoteness from most of Jasper’s main attractions, it’s a highly sought-after experience. Each year, thousands of people set their alarms for reservation launch day (usually at the end of January) and race to snag permits. The year I went, I was the 3,500th person in the queue that morning, so of course, I didn’t get permits. But I was determined to go, so I checked for cancellations almost daily until I got lucky and snagged two nights at Fisherman’s Bay Campground.
Parking & Access: There’s a large parking lot at Maligne Lake, but in peak season (July–August), it fills up fast. Arrive early or later in the afternoon to find a spot! There are also several scenic trails starting from the lot that offer great views of the lake.
Lake Louise
This place needs no introduction. You’ve seen it in postcards, on Instagram, maybe even on your screensaver, but nothing compares to standing on the shore of Lake Louise in real life. Even after multiple visits, this place still blows me away. The colour of the water is almost surreal, that perfect Gatorade blue, especially in the early morning when the light is soft and the lake is perfectly still.
The iconic view alone is worth the stop, but if you want to spend more time in the area, you can’t miss the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike. It’s a moderate trail that leads to a cozy mountain teahouse with panoramic views and a bird’s-eye view of the lake. But here’s the thing, on a midsummer day, Lake Louise is an absolute zoo!
Pro Tip: Want to actually enjoy it without a thousand other tourists? Arrive at sunrise or go for sunset. In the morning, you’ll get calm water, zero crowds, and you’ll catch the sunrise lighting up the peaks behind the lake. Literally picture perfect. In the evening, it’s also far less busy. Most people are off at dinner, and you’ll have more space to soak it all in and get the shots you want without people in the way.
Parking & Access: The parking lot fills up before 9 a.m. in peak season. If you don’t want the stress, use the Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park & Ride.
Waterfowl Lake + Cephren Lake
Tucked along the Icefields Parkway, Waterfowl Lake often flies under the radar, but that’s part of what makes it so special. It’s located on one of the most scenic stretches of Highway 93 and is definitely worth the stop too. While exploring Waterfowl Lake, you can also do the short hike to Cephren Lake, a forested trail that winds through mossy paths and ends at an alpine lake that mirrors the towering Mount Cephren above.
Pro Tip: Pack a snack and stay a while. Cephren Lake is one of those peaceful corners of the Rockies where you can sit in total silence and just listen to the wind and birds. The light here is beautiful in the late afternoon, especially with soft cloud cover.
Mount Assiniboine
If there’s one place that feels like stepping into a dream, it’s Mount Assiniboine. Remote, rugged, and completely jaw-dropping, this area is often referred to as the “Matterhorn of the Rockies” for its iconic peak and glacial setting. It's no easy task getting there though. The hike is about 27 km one way, making it one of the more remote parks in the Rockies, a destination that only a small number of backcountry campers take on each year. Technically located in British Columbia, camping permits for this area can be found on the BC Parks website. Similar to other incredible spots in the Rockies, permits can be tough to get due to limited sites and high demand.
As mentioned, getting here takes effort, but there are a couple of options. Because there’s a lodge (Assiniboine Lodge), you can skip the 27 km hike by flying in on a helicopter. I flew with Alpine Helicopters, and it was about $200 one way back in 2020. Probably the best $200 I’ve ever spent — the flight was short but incredibly scenic! The chopper lands at the lodge, and from there the campground, located just above Lake Magog, is only a few kilometers away.
Pro Tip: If you’re visiting from afar, I recommend flying one way. It still lets you experience the full hike but saves you time and energy on the way out.
If you’re someone who dreams of being in a beautiful alpine location, surrounded by calm lakes, towering peaks, and total wilderness, with no cell service for hours, then this will be your dream destination. It’s one of the most rewarding places I’ve ever photographed and explored. Truly a gem of the Rockies and I can't wait to visit again!
Athabasca Falls
Located just south of Jasper, Athabasca Falls is one of the most powerful waterfalls in the Canadian Rockies. Fed by meltwater from the Athabasca Glacier, the river crashes down into a deep canyon with incredible force, creating a roar that you can hear long before you see the falls. What makes this spot really stand out is the network of bridges and walkways that wind through the area. You’ll get multiple perspectives, from right above the falls, to views deep into the canyon where the water has carved smooth curves into the rock over thousands of years.
The best part? Unlike a lot of other Rockies spots, this one is great in any weather. If it’s raining, don’t skip it, the mist and dramatic skies make it even more cinematic. The area is also fantastic for photography. If you’re looking for that iconic frame of the falls and the canyon, head back out onto the road after parking and walk onto the bridge. That’s where you’ll find the angle everyone’s after.
Parking & Access: There’s a large parking lot right off the Icefields Parkway, making this one of the easiest and most worthwhile stops on your road trip.
Want More?
If you’re planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies and found this helpful, good news: this is just the beginning!
I’ve put together The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Travel Guide, a complete resource to help you plan the adventure of a lifetime without the stress or research time it normally takes. Whether you're looking to uncover hidden gems, save money, or find the perfect hike, this guide has you covered all in one place!
Inside, you’ll get:
✅ 60+ incredible hiking trails — from quick viewpoints to multi-day backcountry treks.
✅ 40+ handpicked photography spots — for sunrise, sunset, and everything in between.
✅ My personal Google Maps with pins to every must-see location.
✅ 5 expertly crafted itineraries.
✅ Recommendations for the best campgrounds, hotels, and food stops.
✅ Tips on saving money, avoiding crowds, and making the most of your time.
Whether it’s your first visit or your third Rockies road trip, this guide is designed to help you travel smarter, see more, and capture it all without wasting time scrolling through blogs or getting stuck in tourist traps.
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