The Rockies' bluest lakes

Early starts, shuttle buses and the short hikes that beat the crowds.

I came to Canada with a loose plan and a long list. By the end, the list mattered less than the small moments in between — a conversation at a train station, a meal I didn't expect, a view I almost skipped.

The highlight for me was rocky mountain lakes. Go early if you can; the light is softer and the paths are quiet. After that, canoe trips through the forest made a perfect slow afternoon.

If you are planning your own trip, my advice is simple: give each place more time than you think you need. Canada is best in june to september for the mountains, but every season has its own reasons to visit.

Pack light, carry a reusable water bottle, and leave space in the day for things you can't plan. That's where most of my favorite memories came from.