WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

We are going to Canada next

June for 12 days, entering and leaving via Calgary, where we will hire a car. Do you have any round-trip ideas or hotel tips?

MARTIN AND JULIE

Dear Martin and Julie

Calgary is perfect for exploring western Canada but, with only 12 days, resist trying to see Vancouver and concentrate on the Rockies instead. You could spend all 12 days in the “Big Four” parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho and Kootenay) but I would opt for a more far-reaching trip.

If jet lag allows, drive to Banff, a busy but fun base for two or three nights in Banff National Park. For quieter places to stay, consider Bow Valley Parkway.

Devote a day here to driving through Kootenay National Park and back to Banff, with stops for viewpoints and short walks such as Paint Pots. Next day, or that evening, see Lake Louise (45 minutes’ drive) and if you can afford a treat, stay at Moraine Lake Lodge. Devote a day to Yoho National Park, or save that for the return (see below).

Allow a day to drive and make stops on the Icefields Parkway – Peyto Lake viewpoint is essential. Two nights in Jasper will let you see Maligne Canyon and lake (take a boat trip) and ride the Jasper tramway.

Then drive west past Mount Robson and follow scenic Highway 5 south. I like Wells Gray Provincial Park (overnight in Clearwater). Head back to Calgary via Revelstoke (a reasonable overnight stop) – the Kootenays to the south, with Nelson or Kaslo as bases, are glorious but will mean lots of driving. It’s easier to see Glacier National Park and return to Calgary via Golden, Yoho (stay near Field) and Banff. In this remote area with few roads, retracing steps is hard to avoid.

For accommodation listings, see travelalberta.com; hellobc. com; banfflakelouise.com; and jasper.travel. Be sure to book in advance as accommodation is scarce and in high demand.