A little off-topic, here, but be prepared for some serious crowds during your visit! The free park passes, given out as a "gift" as part of this country's 150th Anniversary celebrations, seem to have had their desired effect: Lots of tourists, exploring and enjoying nature. The crowds, however, seem to be concentrating/being felt most acutely in the Rocky Mountain National Parks (not so objectively, in my view, the crown jewels of Canada's park system). In Jasper two weeks go, and Banff three weeks before that, I was astonished at the traffic! As well, the all-too-predictable side effect of inflated prices: hotels/motels/restaurants/tours/trams,etc. I wish you well; I can only advise to head out early to hike/catch the sights. In my case, after the crowds I encountered on my last two trips, I will be forgoing any trips to the Rockies until after Labour Day, most likely not before the end of September. My photographic attentions will be directed at home (Vancouver, after all), and possibly to Pacific Rim Park (where communing with nature involves the burning of a significant amount of calories).
Sorry to be the bearer of bad tidings, but..
