Banff: We camped for two nights (first campground was at Johnston Canyon, the second at Lake Louise). Both had excellent facilities, especially hot showers, which we appreciated. The hikes to both Lower and Upper Falls at Johnston Canyon was 2.7 km long and worth it. Each turn of our hike had a really lovely view of the canyon and gushing water. Lake Louise did not disappoint and it's as turquoise as it has been in my dreams. I have been waiting 15 years to visit this gorgeous setting. A World Heritage plaque is located in front of the lake, as well as in Banff town, only two buildings from the visitor's centre. Also worthy visits are to Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake.

Kootenay: We took pictures at the continental divide sign and walked through the short Fireweed Trail that was devoted to the burnt forests of Kootenay. The park still has forests and forests of burnt trees for you to see as you drive through. Some fun destinations within Kootenay are Radium Hot Springs (worth the fee to have a relaxing soak - don't forget to show your park permit for a discounted fee) and the Painted Pots, which are small clay pools of different colours that were used by indigenous people for face painting and decoration of tipis.

Yoho: Less than a half-hour drive from Lake Louise, it would be silly not to visit if you're already in the vicinity. We drove to Emerald Lake, which was a short drive from the visitor's centre in Field. If you are pressed for time as we were, it does not require hiking a trail for you to enjoy the beauty. The town of Field itself is also a fun and quick drive. We located the elementary school, 2 restaurants, and the post office within seconds. Very quaint!

Jasper: From Peyto Lake in Banff National Park, it is about 80 km to drive to the Icefield Centre, the visitors' entrance to Jasper National Park. You can see one of the park's highlights, the Athabasca Glacier, across the street from Icefield Centre. We camped 1 km south of here, and the campgrounds were rustic but adequate and scenic. A waterfall was heard gushing closely to where we set up our tent! Other sights to visit within the park are Mt. Edith Cavell, the Angel Glacier, and Maligne Canyon. I wish we'd had more time to go to Maligne Lake but it was over 40 km out of our way so we settled for the canyon. The town of Jasper was much more charming to me than Banff town, which is swarming with many tourists.

Overall, the Canadian Rockies are glorious. I know I will always remember this trip!