<h1>Canada | National Parks of the West - an Overview</h1>
<h5>Western Canada, with its combination of mesmerising scenery, captivating wildlife, and friendly locals is my favourite place in the world. The provinces of Alberta and British Columbia have numerous National Parks and Provincial Parks.</h5>
<h5>In-between the Canadian Rockies and the coast awaits many other areas of spectacular wilderness, so depending on how long you have, you can spend time in the Rockies, on the Coast, or both and include a trip through these other areas of interest. <br></h5>
<h3><strong>1. Banff National Park and around (refer to map)</strong></h3>
<p>Banff National Park is a large area that includes Banff Townsite and Lake Louise Village. This region is also in good proximity to Yoho National Park, Kootany National Park, the southern aspects of the Icefields Parkway, and Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park. Banff affords good access to the city of Calgary. My blog the <a href="{entry:2710@1:url||https://www.aworldonthebrink.com/blog/the-canadian-rockies}"><strong><em>Highlights of Banff and Yoho National Parks</em></strong></a> mainly focuses on the area in and around Banff National Park. </p>
<p>At the time of writing, an annual <strong>Parks Canada Discovery Pass</strong> cost $75.25 CAD for an adult or $151.25 CAD for a "Family/Group" pass for up to seven people in the same vehicle. The passes are valid for one year from the month of purchase and cover admission to all National Parks in Canada. </p>
<p>Another consideration, if already familiar with the Canadian Rockies, is to combine your trip with a visit to <a href="{entry:2712@1:url||https://www.aworldonthebrink.com/blog/glacier-national-park-montana}"><strong><em>Glacier National Park</em></strong></a>, over the border in the US.<br></p>
<h3><strong>2. Icefields Parkway (refer to map)</strong></h3>
<p><strong><em><a href="{entry:264160@1:url||https://www.aworldonthebrink.com/blog/canada-icefields-parkway}">The Icefields Parkway</a></em></strong> is a scenic 232 km (144 mile) highway in the Canadian Rockies that connects Lake Louise Village (Banff National Park) to Jasper Townsite (Jasper National Park). Also known as Highway 93, the Parkway is renowned as one of the world's most beautiful drives, offering views of mountain peaks, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and wildlife. The route is open year-round.</p>
<p>While it is possible to explore parts of the Parkway from either Banff National Park in the south or Jasper National Park in the north, <strong>to get the most out of this area it is best to put aside two full days</strong>, ideally using the accommodation en route from Lake Louise to Jasper. Other than campsites, other accommodation along the Parkway is limited, varying from hostels to the luxury Glacier View Lodge.</p>
<h3><strong>3. Jasper National Park (refer to map)</strong></h3>
<p>Sitting at the northern end of the Icefields Parkway is Jasper National Park. The townsite of Jasper is approximately 290 kilometers (180 miles) from the town of Banff. My blog <a href="{entry:263956@1:url||https://www.aworldonthebrink.com/blog/canada-top-10-hikes-and-other-activities}"><em><strong>Jasper National Park</strong></em></a> provides a great overview of this area, in which I would recommend spending a full week. Other parks in close proximity include <strong>Mount Robson Provincial Park</strong>.</p>
<h3><strong>4. Coastal National Parks (refer to map)</strong></h3>
<p>If your focus is more a coastal theme then <strong>Pacific Rim National Park</strong>, on the west of Vancouver Island, should be high on your list. Sitting close to the US border, Vancouver also provides easy access to <strong>Olympic National Park</strong> and <strong>Mount Rainer National Park</strong>, both in Washington State. Alternatively you can head north from Vancouver Island, as we did, and visit some of the less known areas such as the <em><strong><a href="{entry:263514@1:url||https://www.aworldonthebrink.com/blog/canada-the-great-bear-rainforest}">Great Bear Rainforest</a></strong>.</em></p>
<h3><strong>5&6. There's plenty in-between (refer to map)</strong></h3>
<p>Its a long way from the Pacific Coastline to the Canadian Rockies, but if you have time there is plenty to explore in-between. </p>
<p>From Banff you can travel west through <strong>Mount Revelstoke National Park</strong>, or from Jasper head south and explore <strong>Wells Grey Provinical Park</strong>. Further down the road sits the <strong>Okanagan Valley</strong>, with a favourable climate this area offers lake activities, rolling hills, and vineyards. Leaving the Okanagan Valley you can head west to Vancouver, or if you have still got a full tank you could jump over the border and explore the <strong>North Cascades National Park</strong> before heading to either Vancouver or Seattle.</p>
<p>Alternatively you can take a route from Jasper through Williams Lake and then head further west to the <a href="{entry:263514@1:url||https://www.aworldonthebrink.com/blog/canada-the-great-bear-rainforest}"><strong><em>Great Bear Rainforest</em></strong></a>. </p>
<p>Of course, there is another option in the <strong>Canadian Pacific Railway</strong>. Founded in 1881 this famous railway connects Canada from east to west; it just so happens that trains stop at both Banff and Vancouver. The reason for considering this option is to witness the Candian Rockies while aboard one of the most famous trains in the world. Unfortunately for my mum and dad, when they took me on my first Canadian trip aged 14, the train was delayed by 12 hours so we proceeded through the Rockies in the dark!</p>
