The Canadian Rockies have been on my maybe/someday list for a long time. As in a couple of decades long time. Fortunately, I can now check that off my list as we were there last week. Much like the Grand Canyon, I can’t stop thinking that: “the pictures just don’t do it justice.”

We saw some incredible views, drove the extraordinary Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper, saw four black bears (no grizzlies, though, as they are more elusive), hiked into and through canyons, stared at lakes made blue from stone dust, found waterfalls, and trekked through snowstorms while family at home dealt with 100 degree heat. If you like any of these things and can figure out how to get to Calgary in Alberta, then go. Just go.

More images here.