Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are the real stars of this area, and they’re both brilliant places to slow the pace and enjoy some unstructured time. Even if you keep things simple, just being by the water with those huge mountain backdrops is an experience in itself.

At Lake Louise, you can start with an easy stroll along the lakeshore to take in the views and get away from the busiest spots near the hotel. If you fancy something a bit more active, the trails that climb above the lake are the ones that deliver the classic “looking down over the water” perspective, and you can simply walk as far as feels comfortable before turning back. It’s also a lovely place to sit with a coffee and watch the canoes gliding across the lake, especially earlier in the day when it’s calmer.

Moraine Lake feels wilder and more dramatic, with the Valley of the Ten Peaks towering above the shoreline. A short walk up to the Rockpile viewpoint is the obvious first stop for that iconic panorama, then you can follow the lakeside trail for a relaxed wander that stays close to the water. If you’re there in good weather, it’s an ideal spot to take your time with photos, have a picnic, or just soak up the scenery without rushing between viewpoints.