"Nestled at the base of the Valley of the 10 Peaks, Moraine Lake boasts turquoise waters that change color throughout the day as sunlight refracts off the minuscule particles of glacier-ground rock suspended within. Though it has a B-list rating compared to Lake Louise’s A-list status, this spot is arguably the more spectacular of the two. It's located a little less than nine miles from the hamlet of Lake Louise. When you arrive, you can hike up to the Rockpile (clearly visible at the front of the lake) for the best vantage point, or spend a day exploring one of the neighboring valleys. Be forewarned: The parking lot often fills up by 10 a.m., so go early."

"Flying Above the Canadian Rockies Instead of staring up at the spectacular Canadian Rockies, imagine soaring just inches above their majestic peaks. Alpine Helicopters sightseeing tours begin from the Canmore Municipal Heli-port just minutes from downtown, and fly over the iconic Three Sisters just moments after take off. The views continue across pristine wilderness into the heart of Banff National Park and west to Mt. Assiniboine, which is often called the Matterhorn of the Canadian Rockies. Three separate tours—varying in length from 12 to 30 minutes—make Alpine Helicopter sightseeing tours surprisingly affordable, even for families."

"Business is booming for the Grizzly Paw Brewery, so much so that the company can no longer brew enough beer to keep up with demand at its small brewpub. The solution? A brand-new and much larger brewery situated just five minutes away. This property was built with clients in mind. Tours, which run Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, aren’t just an informative way to learn the beer-making process; it’s a true taste test. The brewery has four tasting stations built strategically along the tour, so mini pint glasses won’t run dry. Each station has housemade sodas, too, in case there is a non-drinker or child in the group. From $14. Contact 1-403-678-2487."

"A Pint of the Canadian Rockies The Banff Ave Brewing Company uses pure Canadian Rockies glacier water as its beer’s not-so-secret ingredient. The water makes for a perfectly imperfect beer, as it comes chock-full of minerals usually removed before the brewing process. Open since 2010, the Banff Ave Beer Co has six handcrafted beers on tap at the brewpub in downtown Banff, along with a food menu that puts an eccentric twist on traditional pub fare. The brewpub is popular year-round. In the winter, it’s great for après ski or for a nice meal before sampling some of Banff’s bolder nightlife venues. In the summer, its patio is the perfect place for a refreshing afternoon drink while people watching along Banff Avenue. Open 7 days per week, 11:30am to 2am. Reservations not required. 1-403-762-1003."

"Soaking at the Deer Lodge Whether it’s after a long summer hike or a winter day on the ski slopes, there is no better place to relax than the Deer Lodge rooftop hot tub. It has a clear view of the Victoria Glacier across Lake Louise. The hotel is gorgeous in a rustic way. It's built of hand-hewn logs, and the rooms are decorated in a way best described as old-world grandeur. There are no TVs, but it isn’t totally disconnected. There is Wi-Fi. The Deer Lodge restaurant, named the Mount Fairview Dining Room, brings past Canadian Rockies staples to a modern menu. Don’t miss the opportunity to try the Rocky Mountain Charcuterie Platter, which has air-dried buffalo, pepper duck breast, wild game pate, and elk salami."

"Opened in 1915 as Tent City—a string of luxury canvas tents along Lac Beauvert, with vistas of Whistlers Peak and Pyramid Mountain—the iconic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge was possibly North America’s first “glamping” site. The destination proved wildly popular, and in 1922 a main lodge was opened, as well as a series of luxury log cabins spread across 700 acres in the heart of Jasper National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Bristling with Douglas firs and pine trees, the property sees herds of elk nibbling the grass, chipmunks scurrying through the trees, and even the occasional bear. The 442 rooming options—all of which were renovated between 2015 and 2017—include cozy spots in the main building, fireplace-equipped Junior Suites, and bring-the-whole-family Signature Cabins, all with views across the lake or the forest and mountains. The newly introduced Estate Cabins, located near the golf course, feature a private gated entrance for a more residential feel. Classic lodge-style interior design is the order of the day in the cabins, with wood beams and a combination of earthy and granite tones, while rooms and suites are clean-lined and decked out in fresh white bedding and light wood accents. Play a few rounds on the Stanley Thompson-designed 18-hole golf course—regularly voted among the best in Canada—enjoy scenic walks and mountain hikes, or take advantage of the 10-room spa, which includes a sauna, steam room, and panoramic relaxation lounge. The restaurants celebrate regional flavors and fresh local produce, thanks to partnerships with local farms; don’t miss a sunset drink at The Emerald Lounge & Patio, which overlooks the lake, Whistler’s Range, and the east face of Mount Edith Cavell.Thanks to the picture-perfect views and the family-friendly accommodations, the Lodge is also a popular venue for destination weddings."

"National Park Pilsner Opened in 2005, the Jasper Brewing Company was the first brewpub within a Canadian national park. It is now a local’s staple hangout. Seven different beers—like the Rockhopper IPA and Honey Bear Ale—are brewed on location, so make sure to order a brewery tour along with a fresh pint. The food menu is pub fare with a special flare to help bring out the flavors of the beer. The brewpub, open daily from 11:30am to 1:00am, is child-friendly, too, as the venue is divided into two, with both a restaurant and pub. Beer from $5.50. Contact 1-780-852-4111."

"Set just a 15-minute walk from the irresistibly photogenic town of Banff within the pristine surrounds of Banff National Park, Buffalo Mountain Lodge lives up to every rustic Rocky Mountain vacation fantasy. Deer can even be spotted nibbling on the lawns just outside. Classic cabin style is the order of the day, with the spacious rooms decorated in a soothing range of earthy browns, greens, and mustard yellows. Each room boasts hefty stone fireplaces and baskets piled high with logs. Recent renovations have added flat screens to each room, but the views from the windows—of Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain—put anything man-made to shame. In fact, don’t even pick up the remote. Throughout the summer, the nine acres of grounds ringed by huge pines, firs, and spruces offer a showstopping display of flowering blossoms, which even the locals come to photograph."

"Saddle Up in Banff National Park Warner Stables might be on the fringes of the booming resort town of Banff, Alberta ; however, even a one-hour trail ride leads far enough from the hustle and bustle main street to feel like the Wild West. Horseback journeys have a long history in Banff National Park and Banff Trail Riders has trips that retrace all the classics. Saddle up for the one-hour Bow River trail ride that traces the Bow River and crosses the Cave and Basin, or trot into the wilderness for a five-day horseback fishing expedition. Cowboy hats and chaps are optional."

"Best known by locals for its stunning views of the Canadian Rockies (nab a seat by the giant windows to make other diners jealous!), the Bison’s best-kept secret is its addictive dinner and Sunday brunch menus. Chefs Liz and Kirk are geniuses at creating special dishes that show off the region's bounty, like bison carpaccio, venison striploin with maple parsnip purée, and a bison breakfast sandwich with bison sausage, fried egg, and foie gras butter. Ask the servers for help pairing the perfect regional beer or national wine with your order—they know their stuff."

"Exploring a Glacier - from Mid-Air Jasper National Park’s newest attraction, the Glacier Skywalk, opened earlier this year as part of several features at the Glacier Discovery Center. After parking at the center, take a quick bus ride to the Skywalk. A free audio tour introduces the local ecosystem - it's a nice accompaniment to the stroll along the nature exhibits on the way to the platform. Once you finally reach the engineering marvel – anticipation building – take a step out onto the 1.5-inch thick glass that hovers over the Sunwapta Valley below. Peering down the valley reveals a glimpse of the Athabasca Glacier (though you’ll have to head down the road to get a good view of the whole thing). From the Skywalk you’ll see waterfalls, endless trees, and maybe even a mountain goat or two. Visiting first thing in the morning means less crowds and more freedom to really explore the Skywalk. The best thing about the attraction? The view is still amazing even if you are too nervous to go out very far on the glass. Photo and travel courtesy of Travel Alberta ."

"Yet Another Mountain Playground Kananaskis Country is a stunning wilderness area that lies just outside of Canmore, Alberta . The region borders Banff National Park and the scenery rivals it's famous neighbour. The key benefit to outdoor fun in Kananaskis Country is the complete lack of crowds! It might be near Banff, but it feels a world away. Hiking trails, bike paths, and beautiful lakes abound and it's quite common to have them all to yourself even during the busiest summer weekends! Check out the Upper and Lower Kananaskis Lakes at sunset, as it's a prime location near the Continental Divide that offers stunning evening light."

"Climb the Bear's Hump for Cross-Border Views Bear's Hump is one of Waterton National Park's best hikes. It's extremely short, measuring only 2.8 km, but it involves plenty of climbing as the trail winds uphill from the Visitor Information Office towards the rocky bluffs that hang high above the townsite. The hike itself is little more than a forested staircase that will test the lungs of even the most seasoned hiker; however, the destination is absolutely stunning. From Bear's Hump, the views extend across the Waterton Lakes and deep into the USA's Glacier National Park. Sunset is an absultely wonderful time to check out this stunning view, but don't forget to take a flashlight for the steep hike back down."

"For Icons and Imagination Banff and Jasper are top of mind when it comes to Alberta 's Great Outdoors. Travelers flock to Moraine Lake by the busload for postcard-perfect snaps and zip through the province's northern parks on the trail of grizzlies, elk, and moose. Waterton Lakes manages to fly just far enough under the radar that it never feels crowded or bustling, even on a wild Canada Day long weekend, which makes it a wonderful alternative for the "been there, done that" crowd. For an iconic view of Waterton Village and Upper Waterton Lake, test your mettle against the Bear's Hump, a mile-long trek that begins at the Waterton Visitor Resource Center. The trail opens to a grand rocky plateau atop what was once called Bear Mountain by the Blackfoot people. Begin your trek early in the morning or late in the afternoon to have the mountain to yourself, but be warned that the wind atop the Hump can be ferocious. Knock your hat off and dump you off the mountain ferocious. Still, the views of Waterton Valley and Mount Cleveland are worth the challenge. [Flash traveled to Alberta courtesy of Travel Alberta.]"