5 Breathtaking Places in the Canadian Rockies That You Must Visit

The Canadian Rockies are one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I have visited countless times over the years. Each trip makes me dream of returning. Despite living a thousand kilometers away, I do my best to go at least once a year. If you've seen my content on Instagram, you know it's a special place. As a photographer, I try to capture its beauty, but even my best efforts fall short. You need to visit it for yourself! The magic is undeniable. Towering peaks, insane crystal-clear blue lakes, and waterfalls that look like they belong in a fantasy film await you. Additionally, there’s a wide variety of majestic wildlife roaming the grounds. If you're planning a trip, here are 5 breathtaking places in the Canadian Rockies that must be on your list. I’ll include tips to help you beat the crowds and have the best experience possible!

1. Maligne Lake

Maligne Lake is Jasper National Park’s crown jewel. It boasts some of the bluest water you'll ever see, surrounded by massive peaks, hanging glaciers, and thick forests. The highlight is Spirit Island, a tiny but iconic spot reachable only by boat or a long, 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, securing backcountry camping permits through Parks Canada can be tricky. Its incredible beauty and remoteness make it a highly sought-after experience. Each year, thousands set their alarms for the reservation launch day, usually at the end of January. They race to snag permits. The year I attempted, I was the 3,500th person in queue that morning, so I missed out. However, I was determined to go. I checked for cancellations daily until I got lucky and secured two nights at Fisherman’s Bay Campground.

Parking & Access: There’s a large parking lot at Maligne Lake. However, in peak season (July–August), it fills up quickly. Arrive early or later in the afternoon to secure a spot! Several scenic trails start from the lot, offering great views of the lake.

2. Lake Louise

Lake Louise needs no introduction. You've seen it in postcards, on Instagram, and maybe even on your screensaver, but nothing compares to standing on its shore in person. Even after multiple visits, I am still awed by its beauty. The water's color is almost surreal—a perfect Gatorade blue, especially in the early morning light when the lake is still.

The iconic view alone is worth a visit. However, if you want to spend more time in the area, don’t miss the Lake Agnes Teahouse hike. This moderate trail leads to a cozy mountain teahouse with panoramic views and a bird’s-eye perspective of the lake. But here's the catch: on a midsummer day, Lake Louise is absolutely packed!

Pro Tip: Want to enjoy it without a thousand other tourists? Arrive at sunrise or go for sunset. In the morning, you'll experience calm water, zero crowds, and see the sunrise lighting up the peaks behind the lake. It's literally picture-perfect. In the evening, it’s also less crowded. Most people are at dinner, allowing you more space to soak in the views and capture the shots you want without people in the way.

Parking & Access: The parking lot fills up before 9 a.m. during peak season. To avoid stress, use the Parks Canada shuttle from the Lake Louise Park & Ride.

3. Waterfowl Lake + Cephren Lake

Tucked along the Icefields Parkway, Waterfowl Lake often flies under the radar. This is part of what makes it so special. It sits on one of the most scenic stretches of Highway 93 and is worth the stop. While exploring Waterfowl Lake, you can take a short hike to Cephren Lake, a forested trail winding through mossy paths. It 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 silence, just listening to the wind and birds. The light here is beautiful in the late afternoon, especially with soft cloud cover.

Cephren Lake AllTrails Link

4. Mount Assiniboine

If there's one place that feels like stepping into a dream, it’s Mount Assiniboine. Remote, rugged, and breathtaking, this area is often called the “Matterhorn of the Rockies” due to its iconic peak and glacial setting. However, reaching it is not easy. The hike is about 27 km one-way, making it one of the more remote parks. Only a few backcountry campers tackle it each year. Technically in British Columbia, camping permits for this area are available on the BC Parks website. Like many incredible spots in the Rockies, permits can be hard to get due to limited sites and high demand.

Though getting there takes effort, several options exist. You can skip the 27 km hike by flying in via helicopter to the lodge (Assiniboine Lodge). When I flew with Alpine Helicopters, it cost about $200 one way in 2020. This was likely the best $200 I’ve ever spent. The flight was short but incredibly scenic! The helicopter lands at the lodge, and the campground, just above Lake Magog, is a short walk away.

Pro Tip: If you’re visiting from afar, I recommend flying one way. This way, you can experience the full hike but save time and energy on your way back.

If you dream of being in a stunning alpine location, surrounded by calm lakes, towering peaks, and wilderness—with no cell service for hours—this will be your dream destination. It’s one of the most rewarding places I’ve ever explored and photographed. Truly a gem of the Rockies, and I can't wait to visit again!

5. Athabasca Falls

Situated just south of Jasper, Athabasca Falls is among 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. You can hear the roar long before you see the falls. What makes this spot truly unique is the network of bridges and walkways that wind through the area. You'll enjoy multiple viewpoints, from right above the falls to deep in the canyon, where the water has carved smooth curves into the rock over thousands of years.

The best part? Unlike many other Rockies locations, this spot is beautiful in any weather. If it rains, don’t skip it! The mist and dramatic skies create a cinematic effect. The area is also fantastic for photography. For that iconic shot of the falls and canyon, head back out onto the road after parking. The bridge offers the angle that everyone seeks.

Parking & Access: A large parking lot sits right off the Icefields Parkway, making this one of the easiest and most rewarding stops on your road trip.

Want More?

Are you planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies? If so, good news: this is just the beginning!

I’ve created The Ultimate Canadian Rockies Travel Guide, a complete resource to help you plan your dream adventure without the usual stress. 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 maximizing your time.

Whether it’s your first visit or a third Rockies road trip, this guide helps you travel smarter, see more, and capture everything without wasting time on blogs or getting caught in tourist traps.

👉 Click here to check out the guide and start planning your epic Rockies adventure!