Canadian Rockies

In July, Lake Louise's vivid turquoise waters peak due to glacial melt from Victoria Glacier, drawing large crowds of summer visitors. Banff National Park, Canada's first at 6,641 sq km, offers an extensive network of trails, including the 44-km Skyline Trail in Jasper for multi-day alpine treks and the historic Plain of the Six Glaciers teahouse near Lake Louise. The 227-km Icefields Parkway leads to the Columbia Icefield, one of the largest icefields in North America south of Alaska at 325 sq km. The Rockies suit budget-conscious travelers, with campsites offering an affordable base for exploring. English-language infrastructure and well-established safety standards make the Rockies suitable for first-time international visitors.