PEAK POWER: In pursuit of adventure in the Rockies

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The majestic beauty of Canada’s Western provinces naturally draws out the adventurous spirit of visitors.

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A favourite destination — with good reason — is Canada’s highest town, Banff. At 1,383 metres (4,537 feet) and surrounded by breathtaking mountain views, the town covers only about four square kilometres inside the 6,641-sq-km Banff National Park — Canada’s first national park. With that in mind, best to park and explore via your feet, cycling, transit and shuttles. (TIP: Find a jaw-dropping perspective by standing at Banff Ave. and Elk St. where you’ll capture a different mountain in every direction you turn.)

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A fun way to immerse yourself in Banff’s rich history is to board the stylish and spacious Open Top Touring bus (banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/open-top-touring). Driving a bus modelled after Jim Brewster’s 1930s coaches, our guide gave us the ‘low down’ on the area’s fascinating evolution and notable characters. Camille — decked out in period costume — cranked up some Benny Goodman while pointing out the site of the former air strip that was built specifically to invite the King of Swing to perform here.

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The switchback road up to Mount Norquay Ski Hill caused me to catch my breath a couple of times, but it was worth it when we arrived at a stone lookout, providing bird’s-eye views of the town. Open Top Touring also offers seasonal guided tours in Jasper and Waterton.

With the blood pumping after that mountain drive, we kept it going by tackling another mountain — this time suspended in air. The Banff Gondola (banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola) offers a unique eight-minute ride as it ascends 698 metres (2,292 feet) up Sulphur Mountain. I tackled my fear of heights and was rewarded the perspective from the summit, offering spectacular panoramic views of Banff, the Bow Valley and six mountain ranges.

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And those sensational views joined us for dinner: We watched the sunset at Sky Bistro, situated on the summit. The menu features seasonal ingredients from Western Canada, naturally raised meats from Alberta and seafood from B.C. (TIP: Try the chowder!) The restaurant’s partnership with local businesses also yields a highlight of the meal — sourdough bread made from a 100-year-old Czech starter.

More mountain adventures can be found in Golden, B.C., about a 90-minute drive from Banff. The Golden Skybridge (banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/golden-skybridge) features Canada’s two highest suspension bridges, which create a walking loop offering jaw-dropping views of a 200-foot waterfall and the Rocky and Purcell Mountain ranges.

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The first bridge is 140 metres (459 feet) long and sways 130 metres (426 feet) above the canyon floor. Stepping foot on it required building up some courage, so I watched as people both much older and incredibly younger than me made the crossing, snapping selfies and taking in the incredible views. With their inspiration, I conquered my fears and it was totally worth it! After that, the return bridge seemed like a breeze, being only 130 metres (426 feet) in length and 80 metres (262 feet) in height. (TIP: Walk along the bridges’ middle boards where there’s less wobble.)

The park also offers a ropes course with three different route challenges, 305-metre (1,000-foot) ziplines taking you across the canyon at 152 metres (500 feet) in the air, axe throwing, an 8.5-metre (28-foot) climbing wall, a play area for kids, and an outdoor grill. Expansion plans include a giant canyon swing and mountain coaster.

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From mountains to glaciers, make the beautiful trip along the Icefields Parkway connecting Lake Louise and Jasper to the Columbia Icefield Adventure. (TIP: Take a physical map in case you want to explore as there’s no cell service on the Parkway. Amenities are scarce too, so have a full tank and pack snacks.)

Our knowledgeable Ice Explorer driver Matthew informed us how the Athabasca Glacier (banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/columbia-icefield) is the largest mass of glacial ice in the Rockies. Crucial to ecosystems, water from it flows to three oceans — Pacific, Arctic and Atlantic, providing fresh drinking water to millions. When our all-terrain vehicle stops, we exited and stood on the Athabasca Ice Field.

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It’s an emotional experience, walking along a 10,000-year-old sheet of ice and sampling the cold and clear water from it (TIP: Dress warm and bring a water bottle!). From here we are taken five minutes away to the Columbia Icefield Skywalk, a glass platform suspended 280 metres (918 feet) over the rugged Sunwapta Valley. Cap the day by enjoying Alberta beef at Altitude restaurant located in the Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre across from the glacier and overnighting at the Glacier View Lodge (banffjaspercollection.com/hotels/glacier-view-lodge). You can’t beat waking up to that view.

IF YOU GO

Plan your trip and book activities, hotels, meals ahead of time. Learn more at banfflakelouise.com.

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Don’t miss the Cascade of Time Garden located on the grounds of the historic Parks Administration Building in Banff. Built in the 1930s and terraced into the hillside, it’s free to the public and a lovely spot for a rest.

Get more out of your road trip by stopping along the Icefields Parkway, especially at Mistaya Canyon and Bow Lake.

Mount Royal Hotel (banffjaspercollection.com/hotels/mount-royal-hotel) in the heart of downtown Banff is an ideal launching spot full of history.

Farm and Fire (banffjaspercollection.com/dining/farm-fire) in downtown Banff offers wood-fired fare from local farmers. Try the Eggs Benny for breakfast and the Crispy Fried Cauliflower at dinner.

Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant (threebearsbanff.com) brings the outdoors in with a retractable roof, 7.5 metre (25-foot) pine tree and animal decor to delight all ages. Sample the beers and pair them with pepperoni pizza and thank me later.

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