Rocky Mountains (Canada) understand · Rocky Mountains (Canada) tourist information
All Destinations | Europe | Asia | North America | Africa | South America | Oceania | Hotels
Rocky Mountains (Canada) tourist information
Rocky Mountains (Canada) tourist information
The history of the Canadian Rockies - like that of so much else of Canada - is based in the fur trade and the railroad. The first Europeans to view the Rockies were a ramshackle collection of pioneers who ventured there on behalf of their respective fur trading companies. Most significantly, David Thompson ventured through Howse Pass on behalf of the North West Company in 1804, establishing Kootenay House, near what is now Invermere.
In 1871, Sir John A MacDonald convinced British Columbia to join Canada with the promise of a national railway that would connect it to the rest of Canada. The Canadian Pacific Railway was completed on November 7, 1885, and the last spike was driven in Craigellachie, BC.
In the following 50 years, Banff, Jasper, Waterton, Yoho and Kootenay National Parks are established, and the area becomes a tourist destination. The gorgeous scenery and unblemished wilderness are but some of the reasons that most of the area is a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site and draws millions of visitors every year.
There is wide variability of atmosphere throughout the area. Banff and Lake Louise are likely the most developed towns, while the villages of Field and Elkford attract more through their natural splendour than via any attractions within the communities themselves.
The region is probably one of the most scenic in the world between the spectacular mountains, widespread forests and glacier fed lakes. The weather in the summer tends to be hot (30°C) and sunny. In winter it is colder at around -15°C and fantastic for skiing at the area's many resorts.
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Rocky Mountains (Canada)
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Rocky Mountains (Canada) - updated May 2024
SAVE up to 75% on Last Minute deals! Search for discount Rocky Mountains (Canada) hotels, motels, apartments, hostels, guest accommodations and vacation resorts. Book now and pay at the hotel. Instant email confirmation!
>>> SEARCH FOR DEALS <<<
WHERE TO TRAVEL NEXT IN 2020
Rocky Mountains (Canada) Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.