Banff, Yoho and Kootenay: Bilingual Rockies Day Trip

Three Rocky Mountain national parks — Banff, Yoho and Kootenay — strung together in a single day out of the Calgary area. The drive first threads through the historic Spiral Tunnel, then reaches Emerald Lake, an alpine body of water tucked well away from the main road. A stop at the Natural Bridge shows where the Kicking Horse River has carved a passage straight through solid rock. At Lake Louise, the Ice Magic Festival, held from January through April, sets ice and snow sculptures against the frozen lake, with Victoria Glacier and the outline of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise behind them. Two dining choices are offered at the Fairmont: a special meal or Afternoon Tea. Guiding is provided in two languages throughout.