We think one of the most memorable RV trips you can make in Canada, and possibly all North America is traveling through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. There is no shortage of beautiful views or sights to see, and charming communities to explore. Within the Canadian Rockies are Banff, Canada’s oldest National Park and Jasper, the largest National Park in the Rockies. These parks are joined at their border, and you can get from one to the other by taking the famous Icefields Parkway drive. You could honestly spend weeks RVing the Canadian Rockies, and never get bored!

Both historic towns of Banff and Jasper are amazing to explore themselves but are also great hubs to explore the surrounding areas with great camping options. You get 360-degree views of some of the most amazing mountains, historic cobblestone buildings, and classic Canadian flair in each town, but you still get modern conveniences. One of our favorite things to do in a new area is to hike to a lookout and get a bird’s eye view of our surroundings. Luckily in both mountain towns, there is no need for the excruciating hike to the top of a mountain (although you could!), as they have a much easier way to get stunning 360-degree views. Banff has a gondola that sweeps you up 2,450 meters to the top of Sulphur Mountain where you get a great view of Banff Town, the turquoise Bow Valley River running through it, and the countless giant mountains surrounding it. In Jasper, you can ride the SkyTram 2,263 meters up Mount Whistlers for views of Jasper Town and more of the Rocky Mountains, including Mount Robson - the tallest mountain in the Rockies. When you are sitting atop of a mountain with such amazing views, you will never want to leave. Luckily, each attraction has a restaurant where you can spend more time enjoying the views.

The two iconic Canadian towns connected by the Icefields Parkway makes driving it a truly amazing experience in itself! Going along the massive canyon between the glacier topped Rocky Mountains makes you feel tiny being immersed in nature. Along the Icefields Parkway are some remarkable pitstops to make. Peyto Lake is a very popular stop for a short walk to views of one of the most beautiful blue glacier fed lakes. Another must see spot is Athabasca Falls where you can get up close and personal with a very neat waterfall. Probably the most popular stop along the Icefields Parkway is the Icefields Center. From here is where you can step foot on a glacier by taking a 4x4 bus tour onto the Athabasca Glacier! Talk about an experience you will never forget. The Icefields Center is conveniently located about halfway between Banff and Jasper, and you can even camp in the RV parking lot with amazing glacier views. This parking lot – although not glamorous – must be near the top of our “I can’t believe we woke up to this view” list. Along the Icefield Parkway, you are also bound to run into some wildlife. We were lucky enough to have stumbled upon a group of elk hanging out in the river, but you could also spot a bear, moose, mountain sheep or goats! Be sure to keep your eyes peeled.

The Canadian Rocky Mountains have something that everyone can enjoy – hiking or taking a gondola or SkyTram to amazing views of the valley, enjoying some classic Canadian treats or shopping in the historic towns, taking in the endless mountain and glacier views along the Icefield Parkway, or any of the other amazing attractions (we could literally go on forever!). We think this very special part of Canada should be on every RVer’s bucket list, and maybe even more than once. Prepare to have your breath taken away!

About the authors: Luke & Alysha bought their first RV from Fraserway RV and travelled around Canada exploring.