A Guide to visiting Canada's Mountains

Congratulations! You have decided to finally take that bucket list trip to Canada. That’s the easy part. Now for the slightly more challenging part. If you are wondering what to take on your visit to the Rockies, consider the season you will be travelling in. While the weather can be unpredictable, at times, and drop to low temperatures even during summer, if you get lucky, you might have opportunities to enjoy lake swimming and frost-free alpine hiking during the warmer months. For these times, we’ve added an asterisk to the corresponding items.

Here’s what to pack for your trip to the Canadian mountains:

Full length, comfortable trousers
Mid-layers and thermals
Waterproof jacket
Rucksack rain cover
Shorts, with a bit of stretch*
Flannel pyjamas
Light shirts*
Hat
Down jacket or thick warm jumpers to layer
Bathing suit*
Something nice to wear to dinner
Underwear
Walking boots (preferably waterproof)
Warm socks
Sports shoes
Sandals*
Sunscreen
Refillable water bottle
Lightly insulated gloves
Beanie

From British Columbia to New Mexico, the Rocky Mountains span 3,000 dramatic miles that offer glimpses of rare wildlife, sapphire-toned waterholes, and of course, glacial peaks. The mountain range is explored on foot by enthusiastic walkers and seasoned hikers, and road trippers can take to the legendary Trail Ridge Road, a 48-mile highway that at one point, climbs to 3,713 metres at its highest point. Of course, you can sit back and relax on a guided tour of the Rockies.

But one unparalleled way to venture the Rockies is to board the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer. Established in 1990, the luxury train service runs four principal routes into the heart of this striking mountain range. Follow the path of the North Thompson River past Mount Robson, the epic Pyramid Falls, and cinematic Yellowhead Pass, and then enter the Monashee and Caribou mountains. You can even enjoy breakfast and lunch on board while you marvel at the ever-changing scenery.

Fortunately for you, the Canadian mountain ranges can be visited at any time of year. However, the ideal time to traverse the national parks is during spring and summer, when weather conditions are gentler and temperatures hover in the twenties. During winter, it is difficult and at times, dangerous, to hike the mountains without technical gear and mountaineering expertise.

If you are set on carving up the slopes and indulging in a steamy hot spring, then winter or fall will be a great time to visit. Keep in mind that during the warmer months, these attractions may not be accessible. from 17°C to 27°C.