5 Tips For Planning Your Canadian Rockies Vacation

(And Saving Money)

Any vacation costs money. Between the lodging, transportation, meals, and activities it can feel as though a trip is anything but relaxing.  Our family trip to Alberta, was a surprise anniversary gift for my parents. I budgeted, skimped, and scrounged for months to plan our vacation. In the process I came up with my 5 Tips For Planning Your Canadian Rockies Vacation (And Saving Money).

Planning Your Canadian Rockies Vacation: Tip #1

Livin’ Life on the Edge

No, I don’t actually mean living on the edge. Don’t want you falling off a mountain.

What I do mean is, don’t pigeon hole your stay into only looking at hotels inside the parks borders. Most of the time, cheaper finds can be found in the towns surrounding the National Parks.

The few days we spent around Jasper, our hotel was actually in Hinton. And the days we were traveling Banff National Park we stayed just outside the park in Canmore.

Yes, there is extra traveling involved, but it’s not like the drive is bumper to bumper commuter traffic in the city.

Instead there are magical views of the mountains (and wildlife) at every twist and turn along the way.

Planning Your Canadian Rockies Vacation: Tip #2

Try Outside the Norm

Playing on the above tip, look at different options of places to stay.

Condos for Rent

AirBNB

Or if you are not afraid of being eaten by a bear, bring your own camping gear.

Planning Your Canadian Rockies Vacation: Tip #3

“Shoulder” Season Travel

It’s a golden rule of traveling.

One that we didn’t follow on this trip, but hope to next time.

Visiting your destination during its ‘shoulder season’ is a great way to save money on discounted rates for lodging and activities, but also avoid the extra crowds.

In the Canadian Rockies this is usually considered months in the spring and fall, avoiding the summer vacation rush and ski season in the winter.

And did I mention less people?

Planning Your Canadian Rockies Vacation: Tip #4

Shop Local

By shop local, I mean find the local grocery stores.

On our trip through Alberta, we saved so much money by picking up sandwich supplies, snacks, and breakfast food at the local stores in Hinton and Canmore.

It worked out well since during the day we were usually in the mountains checking out the sights. The evening is when we would splurge and try out a great local restaurant.

Bonus Tip: Try swinging by during happy hour and nabbing some great deals on apps and local brews.

Planning Your Canadian Rockies Vacation: Tip #5

Find the Free

You are in the Canadian Rockies.

As much as I enjoyed taking a boat ride to Spirit Island,

Or the tram to the top of Whistlers Mountain to overlook the town of Jasper.

Or seeing the glacier views on the Skywalk.

There are plenty of great (and free) views of the mountains, valleys, glaciers, lakes,

and waterfalls all throughout the park system.

And no shortage of picture perfect moments to share with your family.