There are many iconic and very recognizable mountains in the Canadian Rockies. Some are immediately identifiable because of their unique shape, their sheer size, or because they stand alone towering over the rest of the nearby landscape. For many visitors seeing these magnificent mountains is the highlight of their trip.
Let’s introduce you our Rocky Mountain celebrities.
Mount Rundle
Mount Rundle’s distinct sloping face is instantly recognizable. You can’t miss it while traveling on the Trans Canada Highway. The view is especially impressive when approaching Banff from the west. Mount Rundle can also be seen from various areas around the town of Banff.
Cascade Mountain
The most famous view of this mountain is when looking down Banff Avenue with her standing majestically at the end of the street. Traveling west on Trans Canada Highway towards Banff its massive presence can’t be ignored as you approach the town.
Castle Mountain
With its tiered levels, Castle Mountain is another very recognizable shape. Its famous face adorns many postcards. You can’t miss it while traveling in either direction down the Trans Canada Highway or the Bow Valley Parkway (hwy 1A) that runs parallel to it. Standing out in the center of the valley, it dominates the view for much of the journey between Banff and Lake Louise.
Mount Temple
Mount Temple has a distinct and strong presence to it. It can be easily spotted when traveling to Lake Louise from the east and when approaching from Highway 93N. Its massive size comes into view when driving up to Lake Louise from the village area near the Trans Canada Hwy.
The Three Sisters
The Three Sisters are Canmore’s distinguished set of mountains. You can clearly see their peaks when approaching Canmore from the west. When looking to the east, these three lovely ladies set the back drop for many areas of the town of Canmore.
Mount Yamnuska
Mount Yanmuska’s defined shape and it’s position at the very edge of the Rocky Mountains make it stand out. It has a large elongated fan that sits atop of its base. When heading west to Canmore on the Trans Canada Highway you can start to recognize Yamnuska far ahead in the distance. It can also be spotted from many areas of the neighbouring area of Kananaskis Country.
Pyramid Mountain
Other than to the Jasper locals, Pyramid Mountain is probably not as well known. It has a characteristic shape and colour that can be easily spotted from various areas of the town.
Mount Edith Cavell
Mount Edith Cavell also sits within Jasper National Park. It’s one of the most predominant peaks in Alberta. The beautiful Angel Glacier hangs from it’s face as well as the Cavell Glacier which feeds the Cavell pond below giving it a beautiful turquoise green colour. One of the best views of the mountain is from the Cavell Meadows hike.
Mount Robson
Mount Robson is most famous for being the tallest peak in the Canadian Rocky Mountains at 3,954 meters or 12,972 feet. It towers over the Yellowhead Pass. It can’t be missed when traveling east on the Yellowhead Hwy 16.
Just got back from an incredible experience in Alberta and the Rocky Mountains.
There was one other than came to mind. It was Tunnel Mountain… However we as a group after we heard its origin laughed and thought it should be called Tunnelless Mountain. It too has a very distinct characteristic and on the other side of it as maybe the south side it has been known to be called Sleeping Buffalo…
Tunnelless Mountain would be an appropriate name!