Morant's Curve by Rob Eull

To sightsee at a relaxed pace, drive 5.5 km (3.4 mi) west from Banff to the Bow Valley Parkway. Take this 58 km (36 mi) scenic alternative to Hwy 1 to Lake Louise. Stop at Morant’s Curve 54 km (33.5 mi) en route. This lookout, named for CPR photographer Nicholas Morant, has a great view of the mountain-framed Bow River and railway. This may be the best spot in the Rockies to take pictures of trains. —Ally McConnell