Alberta, 5–7 days, self-drive
The Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is routinely ranked among the world’s most scenic drives, and unlike a lot of destinations with that reputation, it genuinely earns it — 144 miles of glaciers, turquoise lakes, and mountain switchbacks with almost no towns in between.
Base three nights in Banff (Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are unmissable, but go at sunrise — both fill their parking lots by 7am in summer) before driving the Parkway itself to Jasper, stopping at the Athabasca Glacier and Peyto Lake’s overlook along the way. Jasper gets a fraction of Banff’s crowds despite comparable scenery, worth two nights on its own.
Book Lake Louise and Moraine Lake accommodation 6+ months out for July–August — both sell out fast, and Parks Canada now requires a shuttle reservation for Moraine Lake road access during peak season.
Typical range: $200–$450 per night for in-park lodges, considerably less in gateway towns like Canmore.
Sephari’s Outdoor & Adventure Gear collection has the layering pieces this route’s alpine temperature swings call for, even in summer.