Canadian Rockies Tour: Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon and Hot Springs

One guided day from Calgary covers the core of the Canadian Rockies: a glacial lake, a frozen canyon and a thermal pool. Pickup is available in Calgary, Canmore or Banff, and Castle Mountain slides past the window on the way to Lake Louise.

Lake Louise: this glacial lake inside Banff National Park turns into a field of ice and snow in winter, and skating on its surface is part of the visit.

Johnston Canyon: the trail stays open year-round. Cold weather brings frozen waterfalls and snow-packed paths, and a crawl through the cave puts you face to face with pillars of blue ice.

Upper Hot Springs: untreated mineral water feeds an outdoor pool ringed by the peaks of Rundle and Cascade Mountain.

Vermillion Lake and a stop in the town of Banff round out the route before the drive back to where you started.