Creative Miles with Jolene and sometimes Fred.

The Scenic Route to the Canadian Rockies via Highway 93

There are drives that get you from Point A to Point B, and then there are drives that make you want to pull over at every curve in the road. Our trek north from West Glacier, Montana, across the border, and into Banff, Alberta, was definitely the latter.

If you’re planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies from Montana, skip the flat interstate routes. Taking Highway 93 North through the Rocky Mountain Trench and winding through Kootenay National Park is an unforgettable journey of jagged peaks, ancient limestone canyons, and vivid turquoise waters.

Grab a cup of coffee, watch the full travel vlog below, and follow along for our favorite stops, hiking notes, and real-world tips for arriving in Banff.

Crossing at Roosville: Into the Rocky Mountain Trench

Leaving the rugged beauty of Glacier behind, we pointed the car north toward the Roosville Border Crossing. Border crossings can sometimes feel a bit tense, but this crossing was smooth, quiet, and had us rolling into British Columbia in no time.

Almost immediately, the landscape opens wide into the East Kootenay region. Flanking the eastern horizon is the dramatic, jagged silhouette of the Steeples—a striking ridge of peaks that anchors the Hughes Range. Watching morning light catch those sharp rocky teeth while cruising open highway set the tone for the entire day.

[The jagged silhouette of the Steeples mountain range rising above Highway 93]

Quick Sights: Columbia Lake & Fairmont Hoodoos

Continuing north along Highway 93, we passed through the Columbia Valley:

• Columbia Lake Viewpoint: A serene stop overlooking the official headwaters of the mighty Columbia River. The water sits still and clear, framed by wide valleys and pine forests.
• The Fairmont Kootenay Hoodoos: Rising unexpectedly near Fairmont Hot Springs, these towering, wind-sculpted sand and silt cliffs are thousands of years old.

Traveler’s Note: If you have extra time in your itinerary, the Hoodoos area has several short, family-friendly walking trails that bring you up close to the fragile formations. We kept our boots in the car this time to make sure we had plenty of daylight for the mountains ahead!

[The weathered spires of the Fairmont Hoodoos along the roadside]

The Showstopper: Marble Canyon (Kootenay National Park)

As Highway 93 climbs into Kootenay National Park, the roadside scenery shifts dramatically. Towering limestone walls rise around you, and before you reach the Alberta border, you’ll spot the turnoff for Marble Canyon.

If you only have time for one stop between the US border and Banff, make it this one.

Looking straight down into the deep, churning waters of Tokumm Creek]

The Hike at a Glance:

• Distance: ~0.9 miles (1.4 km) out-and-back
• Time: 45 to 60 minutes at a leisurely pace
• Difficulty: Easy (graded gravel paths, gentle inclines, sturdy stairs)
• Parks Pass: Requires a valid Parks Canada Discovery Pass

Over thousands of years, the rushing, glacial melt of Tokumm Creek has sliced through layers of limestone bedrock, creating a dramatic slot canyon over 130 feet (40 meters) deep. In some spots, the canyon walls are so narrow that boulders have tumbled down and wedged themselves suspended between the cliffs above the roaring water.

What makes this trail so special is its design: seven sturdy wooden footbridges criss-cross back and forth directly over the churning chasm. Walking across them gives you dizzying, straight-down views into the frothing, icy turquoise current below.

At the very end of the trail, where the canyon opens up toward the peaks of Mount Haffner and Tokumm Creek thunders over a final waterfall, you’ll find a pair of the iconic Parks Canada Red Adirondack Chairs. It’s the ultimate spot to catch your breath, soak in the mountain breeze, and take in the view before strolling back down.

Arriving in Banff: Checking into the King Edward Hotel

Crossing over the Continental Divide at Vermilion Pass brought us out of British Columbia and directly into Banff National Park. Before we knew it, the postcard-perfect streets of downtown Banff appeared, framed beneath the towering mass of Cascade Mountain.

We booked a stay at the historic King Edward Hotel, right on Banff Avenue. Built in 1904, it’s the second-oldest hotel in town and puts you right in the heart of the action—shops, cafes, and bakeries are literally outside the front door.

Downtown Banff Avenue with Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain towering overhead

The Real Story on Parking:

Banff’s downtown is delightfully walkable, but parking is an adventure in patience:

1. Pull into the loading zone first right in front of the King Edward to unload your luggage.
2. The front desk will give you an access code for an off-site lot located one street over.
3. Park the car, enter the code, and leave it there! Once you’re settled, walking is by far the easiest, most enjoyable way to explore the town without stressing over street parking.

Victory Night: The Elk & Oarsman

After hours behind the wheel and walking the trails, we were ready to kick back and find some dinner—and track down the Spurs vs. Knicks game.

We made our way to The Elk & Oarsman Restaurant & Bar on Banff Avenue. With timber beams, a massive stone hearth, a great draft list, and plenty of screens, it hit the spot. Even better? The Spurs pulled off the win! We soaked up the victory over a hot meal and cold pints, surrounded by that unmistakable, bustling mountain-town energy.

Practical Tips for Driving US-93 to Banff

• Border Documents: Keep your passports handy at the Roosville crossing. Check current border wait times online before leaving Whitefish/Glacier.
• Park Passes: You will need a Parks Canada Pass displayed on your vehicle while stopping in Kootenay and Banff National Parks. You can purchase them online ahead of time or at the park gates.
• Fuel Up: Service stations can be spaced out between Radium Hot Springs and Banff. Top off your gas tank in Cranbrook, Invermere, or Radium before heading into the mountain pass.
• Footwear: Even on easy trails like Marble Canyon, wear sturdy shoes with good traction. Mist from the creek can make wooden footbridges a little slick.

Every turn on this drive felt like turning the page of an art book. If you’re heading north into the Canadian Rockies, skip the highway rush and give Highway 93 the day it deserves!

Have you driven Highway 93 into Kootenay or Banff? What was your favorite viewpoint along the way? Let us know in the comments below!