BANFF NATIONAL PARK

This 6,641-square-km (2,564-square-mile) national park encompasses some of the world’s most magnificent scenery. The snowcapped peaks of the Rocky Mountains form a spectacular backdrop for glacial lakes, fast-flowing rivers, and endless forests. Deer, moose, elk, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, black and grizzly bears, wolves, and cougars inhabit the park’s vast wilderness, while the human species is concentrated in the picture-postcard towns of Banff and Lake Louise—two of North America’s most famous resorts. Banff is near the park’s southeast gate, 128 km (80 miles) west of Calgary. Lake Louise, northwest of Banff along the TransCanada Highway, sits astride its namesake lake, which is regarded as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The lake is rivaled for sheer beauty only by Moraine Lake, just down the road. Just north of Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway begins its spectacular course alongside the Continental Divide to Jasper National Park.

One of Banff’s greatest drawing cards is the accessibility of its natural wonders. Most highlights are close to the road system. But adventurous visitors can follow an excellent system of hiking trails to alpine lakes, along glacial valleys, and to spectacular viewpoints where crowds are scarce and human impact has been minimal. Summer in the park is busy. In fact, the park receives nearly half of its four million annual visitors in just two months—July and August. The rest of the year crowds outside the town of Banff are negligible. In winter, three world-class winter resorts—Ski Banff @ Norquay, Sunshine Village, and Lake Louise (Canada’s second-largest winter resort)—crank up their lifts. Being low season, hotel rates are reasonable. If you tire of downhill skiing and snowboarding, you can try cross-country skiing, ice-skating, or snowshoeing; take a sleigh ride; soak in a hot spring; or go heli-skiing nearby.

The park is open year-round, although occasional road closures occur on mountain passes along the park’s western boundary in winter, due to avalanche-control work and snowstorms.

WHYTE MUSEUM OF THE CANADIAN ROCKIES: If you visit only one museum in Banff, make it this one for a snapshot of the park’s human history. (read more)

FAIRMONT BANFF SPRINGS: You don’t need to book a room here to enjoy the many wonders of one of the world’s great mountain resorts—join a guided tour, enjoy a meal, or simply wander through the grandiose public areas. (read more)

BOW VALLEY PARKWAY: This scenic drive between Banff and Lake Louise provides views of abundant wildlife and many worthwhile stops. (read more)

BOURGEAU LAKE: A steep trail leads to this lake’s rocky shores, populated by colonies of pikas. (read more)

LAKE LOUISE: Famous Lake Louise has hypnotized visitors with her beauty for over 100 years. Visitors can rent canoes from the boathouse. (read more)

MORAINE LAKE: If anywhere in the Canadian Rockies qualified as a Double Must-See, it would be this deep-blue body of water surrounded by glaciated peaks. (read more)

LAKE AGNES TRAIL: You won’t completely escape the crowds by hiking this trail from Lake Louise, but you will leave most of them behind. (read more)

LARCH VALLEY: This trek is a good introduction to hiking in the Canadian Rockies, especially in fall when the larch trees have turned a brilliant gold. (read more)

BOW LAKE: Although you can soak up this lake’s beauty from the Icefields Parkway, walk along its northern shoreline early in the morning to make the most of this scenic gem. (read more)

PEYTO LAKE: Another one of Banff’s famous lakes. The main difference is the perspective from which it is viewed—a lookout high above its shoreline. (read more)