We meet in Banff and launch the week with a walk in a spectacular limestone canyon lined with seven waterfalls. Then it's on to Lake Louise (2 nights) and our historic log lodge. A morning walk along the lake's shores captures the stunning views. We'll also discover sapphire-blue Moraine Lake, tucked into the Valley of the Ten Peaks.

Crossing the Continental Divide, we pause for a walk to Takkakaw Falls, Canada's second highest waterfall. Later, at Emerald Lake (1 night), we settle in and prepare for options including rafting on the Kicking Horse River or a lakeside walk that includes a guide-led talk about the fossil-rich Burgess Shale.

Icefields Parkway is one of the world's most scenic roads. En route to Jasper National Park (2 nights), we'll stop to explore Athabasca Glacier with our local glacier guide. From our historic lodge on the shores of Lac Beauvert, we'll have the chance to walk in wildlife-rich wilderness…or have time on your own to enjoy canoeing, fishing or horseback riding. We save time as well for a boat ride to Spirit Island in Maligne Lake and a visit to a lake with the unlikely sight of small icebergs calved from Angel Glacier.  Taking the scenic route back to Banff, we stop amid meadows of alpine flowers.