In June, 2008, I traveled to Canada's Rocky Mountains in the Alberta province and United States' Glacier National Park in the Montana state. This trip was organized by Tauck World Discovery, which put together an unforgettable itinerary. The 9-day trip included visits to three national parks and lodgings at historic hotels inside the parks.

I arrived at Calgary, Canada, one day before the trip began. I stayed in the Delta Bow Valley hotel for one night. At the next evening, I joined my fellow travelers of about 40 people at the Fairmont Palliser hotel. I met Lionel, Tauck Director, who was the director for this trip. He is a Canadian who lives near the Banff National Park. His insights, knowledge, and suggestions about the places on this itinerary were invaluable.

Glacier National Park is located in northern Montana state in the United States. It is just across the border from southern Alberta province in Canada. I stayed in the Many Glacier Hotel on the shore of Swiftcurrent Lake. On the next day, I stayed in the Lake McDonald Lodge. on the shore of Lake McDonald. Due to deep snow on the mountain, the Going-to-the-Sun Road was only partially open. I was unable to travel the complete distance from Saint Mary to West Glacier.

Lake Louise is located inside the Banff National Park in Canada. The lake is in a valley flanked by high mountains and its water is fed by melting snow and ice. Glacial sediment suspended in the water gives its green color. I stayed in the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise at the shore of the lake.

Jasper National Park is the largest national park in Canada. Nature is the primary attraction in Jasper. Visitors will not find fancy shops and entertainment in Jasper. I stayed at the historic Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge at the shore of Lac (Lake) Beauvert. Wildlife, such as elks, freely walks through the streets on the lodge property.

The Jasper Tramway takes passengers from the base of The Whistlers mountain to the upper station (7000+ feet elevation). The ride in the gondola only takes seven minutes and the view is spectacular. The upper station is just below the summit, so I hiked a few hundred feet to the summit (8000+ feet elevation).

Banff National Park is the most visited national park in Canada. I walked on the Athabasca Glacier and stayed in the historic Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, which sets the standard for a comfortable wilderness experience.

The Banff Townsite, which is inside the Banff National Park, has upscale shops, restaurants, galleries, and entertainment. Rugged mountain wilderness just outside the town awaits exploration.

Photographic equipment:

• film camera: Canon EOS Rebel Ti.
• color negative film: Kodak Ultra Color 400UC.
• zoom lens: Canon EF 75-300mm F4-5.6 III USM.
• zoom lens: Sigma 24-60mm F2.8 EX DG.
• camera bag: Lowepro Nova 3.