Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, Banff

Two glacier-fed lakes of brilliant turquoise in Banff National Park, Canada's oldest national park. Moraine Lake lies in the Valley of the Ten Peaks; climb the Rockpile for the classic view. Lake Louise has the grand Fairmont Château, canoes and trails to the Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers tea houses.

Private cars can't drive to Moraine Lake; use the Parks Canada shuttle (book ahead) or commercial buses. The lakes are usually ice-free from June to October.