Short Scenic Drives around Banff and the Canadian Rockies

Posted by The Park Ranger, Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 11:39 am

Short Scenic Drives around Banff and the Canadian Rockies

Banff National Park, Alberta

It is hard to go wrong on a vacation to Banff and the Canadian Rockies. Whether you are driving or catching an airport connector from Calgary, within minutes of being outside the city, you will be surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains on all sides. Even getting to your destination is an adventure through stunning scenery. In winter, snow flickers in the fields like stars in the sky. The green fields and forests are full of grazing animals in spring and summer. Regardless of time of year, if you keep your eyes open on your trips, you are likely to see some wildlife. If you don’t want to spend too much time in the car but fancy a nice scenic drive – check out my home made Kananaskis Route.

kan0193 opalrange fireweed 150x150 Short Scenic Drives around Banff and the Canadian Rockies

Kananaskis Country makes for a great scenic drive in the Rockies.

Kananaskis Country

When I say I found this drive, I mean a million other people have probably driven it before but it doesn’t become an official ‘great drive’ until I give it the go ahead. After a visit to the beautiful Rafter Six Ranch just outside Canmore, I took a wrong turn and missed the highway turnoff. However the signs were still there for Canmore and Banff so I followed and was rewarded for my sheep-like tendency. If you want to make a day trip of it, have a day trip to Kananaskis Golf Course or Inside Out Rafting for example. You will need to drive about 20km past Canmore and turn into Kananaskis Country. Keep on the back roads and you are rewarded with raw beauty.

There are water reservoirs with eagles floating overhead hunting for dinner and possibly local writers. An elk stood alone on the side of the road chewing the grass not fussed about this annoying human interruption. The winding Rocky Mountain roads back to Canmore are just gorgeous. There are very few other cars on this road as it is a longer way to go than the highway. Vacations are made from the little things like driving adventures after a game of golf with buddies or a day horse riding at a ranch with the family. Remember who told you first… or fifteenth anyway!

Visit Rafter Six Ranch –

Exshaw Alberta TOL2CO Canada

1-888-26-RANCH

Latest Weather in Banff, Alberta!

2/10/2012
It is forcast to be Partly Cloudy at 11:00 PM MST on February 10, 2012
Partly Cloudy
28°/9°
LIVE WEBCAMSSnap a Picture!
LIVE: Jasper Webcam LIVE: Banff Webcam LIVE: Canmore Webcam

Rockies Webcams - Latest Banff


Rockies Webcams - Latest Canmore


Rockies Webcams - Latest Jasper

January 27, 2012 : Snowy winter’s day in Jasper

Canadian Rockies Ski Cams

Golf the Rockies! The Canadian Rockies Golf Guide

Canadian Rockies Golf Guide

Golf British Columbia, Banff and the beautiful Canadian Rockies.
Check out our official golf course guide! Click here!

Book Discount Banff Hotels!


HOTEL RENTALS CARS FLIGHTS CRUISES
1) Select a Destination
Banff
Lake Louise
Jasper
Canmore
Kananaskis
Panorama
Golden Area
Enter City
Advanced Search
2) Travel Information
Check In Date
Check Out Date