Canadian Rockies

城市概覽

The history of the Canadian Rockies - like that of so much else of Canada - is based in the fur trade and the railway. 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, Canadian Prime Minister 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 were established, and the area became 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.

如何抵達

By plane The closest international airports are located in Calgary and Edmonton. Some travellers arrive into Vancouver either fly to the regional airport in Cranbrook or drive to the Rockies. There are tour operators that transport passengers between Edmonton and Jasper via train and bus.

By car Banff is about a 2-hour drive from Calgary. Jasper is about 3 hours from Edmonton. Either one is about a 10- to 12-hour drive from Vancouver. The highways from Vancouver run through alpine passes, and can be closed or slowed due to avalanches, accidents or other such problems. Closures are most common in winter, which is roughly from October to May. Drivers with little or no winter driving experience are cautioned against long alpine drives in snowy, icy or cold conditions.

By train

VIA Rail Canada, toll-free: +1-888-842-7245. Operates trains routes across Canada, including The Canadian into the Canadian Rockies via Edmonton or Vancouver. (updated Apr 2022) Rocky Mountaineer, toll-free: +1-877-460-3200. Operates a luxury tourist train service, which is a beautiful way to get to the Rocky Mountains and to see many spectacular sights from the dome car. See also Rocky Mountaineer. (updated Mar 2022)

By bus Several intercity bus operators have route that cross the Rocky Mountains, while traveling between Alberta and British Columbia, including the following:

Rider Express, toll-free: +1-833-583-3636. Multiple days per week service along the Trans-Canada Highway from between Calgary and Vancouver, including stops in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise, and Golden. (updated Apr 2022) Mountain Man Mike's Bus Service, ☏ +1-778-382-7729, [email protected]. Once per week bus service between Nakusp and Calgary including stops in Cranbrook and Fernie. (updated Mar 2022) A few additional bus operators have routes between Calgary and Banff, and Edmonton and Jasper. Refer to the listing for the destination city for available operators.

當地交通

There are a number of extremely scenic highways through the Rocky Mountains.

Icefields Parkway - connects Banff to Jasper

體驗活動

Hiking in the Canadian Rockies — a popular pastime in the region.