These are the places I have visited on my 6 day Rocky Mountain of Canada trip in August 2004:

Vancouver -- the largest city in the province of British Columbia and the third largest city in Canada. It's surrounded by water on three sides and is nestled alongside the Coast Mountain Range. Vancouver is home to spectacular natural scenery and a bustling metropolitan core, and boasts one of the mildest climates in Canada.

Jasper National Park -- is the largest and most northerly Canadian rocky mountain national park, part of a spectacular World Heritage Site. Comprised of delicate and carefully protected ecosystems, Jasper's scenery is non-the-less rugged and mountainous. In this special corner of Canada you can thrill to the thunder of Sunwapta Falls, enjoy the serene beauty of Mount Edith Cavell, connect with nature along 1,000-plus kilometres of trails, experience Athabasca Glacier up close or just resign yourself to a relaxing soak in Miette Hotsprings.

Lake Louise -- Canada's "Diamond in the Wilderness," and the "Hiking Capital of Canada". This area offers a tremendous diversity of recreational and sightseeing opportunities. Lake Louise is home to one of North America's finest downhill ski areas, and has numerous hiking and walking trails. The region abounds with spectacular scenery, from glaciers to waterfalls.

Golden --  a small town about 30 minutes further on, offers a broader diversity of businesses and services. This funky little town is on our up and coming list - while not for everyone; people interested in snowmobiling, and outdoor activities without the crowds are going to appreciate this valley... plus Canada's newest ski area (KickingHorse) has just opened here - the golfing and fishing is nothing to sneer at either.

Banff -- Founded in 1885 after the discovery of the Cave and Basin Hot Springs, Banff National Park is Canada's oldest and most famous national park. Each year, millions of visitors come to Banff to marvel at the emerald waters of Lake Louise, walk amongst the flower-filled heavens at Sunshine Meadows, and drive beneath the towering jagged peaks lining the Icefields Parkway.

Mount Revelstoke National Park of Canada protects, for all time, a portion of the Columbia Mountains Natural Region, in the interior wet belt of British Columbia. The steep, rugged mountains, warm, moist climate, and variety of plant and animal life are typical of this natural region. Mount Revelstoke National Park contains stands of old-growth cedar and hemlock, a forest type which is rapidly declining outside of protected areas. The park also protects a small herd of the threatened mountain caribou and provides habitat for grizzly bear and mountain goat. Ecologically and geologically, the area is distinct from the Rocky Mountains to the east and the Coast Mountains to the west.

Butchart Gardens --  fifty-five acres of wonderful floral display offers spectacular views as you stroll along meandering paths and expansive lawns. In 1904, Jennie Butchart began to beautify a worked-out quarry site left behind from her husband's pioneering efforts in the manufacture of Portland cement at Tod Inlet, Vancouver Island, Canada. Her venture has become a family commitment to horticulture and hospitality spanning 100 years, and delighting visitors from all over the world. From the exquisite Sunken Garden to the charming Rose Garden, this show garden still maintains the gracious traditions of the past, in one of the loveliest corners in the world.