Dramatic mountain landscape sets the scene for Banff and Lake Louise, the two towns of Banff National Park. It’s hard to picture a more sighty town than Banff with the Bow River flowing through its center and Mount Cascade soaring skyward just north of downtown. After a long hike you can soak your tired muscles in one of several hot springs. Many languages like, German Japanese and French converge with English here. And, though this is a place where civilization melts into wilderness, Banff’s exclusive boutiques and sumptuous restaurants give it a reputation as anything but a simple Alpine village.

Lake Louise, in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, is quite simply one of the most gorgeous sights to visit. It is the hiking capital of Canada, bringing easy access to the remote high country along the Continental Divide. Here, at one of the last outposts en route to Jasper, you find recreational diversity from some of Canada’s best skiing, alpine and x-country, dog sledding, to strolling the gentle trails encircling the many turquoise glacial lakes, biking fishing and river rafting.

For more information go to: www.canadianrockies.net.