This long weekend in and around Banff National Park checks off most of the classic attractions, but also gives you the chance to leave the busier areas behind for a flavor of the wilder Canadian Rocky Mountains.

The itinerary requires your own vehicle and would be best organized using Calgary as the gateway, then booking one night in Lake Louise, one night in Field, BC and one night in Banff.

If you'd rather be based in just one place, make it Lake Louise to save time in transit. If you only have two days then skip the Yoho National Park portions of the itinerary on days two & three.

DAY 1: Banff

From Calgary head to the town of Banff, park downtown and wander Banff Avenue, its main shopping street, before walking the Bow Falls Loop and and treating yourself to drink at the grandiose Banff Springs Hotel. Stop at the Banff Park Museum on the way back and you’ll have given yourself a good insight into Victorian-era Banff.