Annette Lake in Jasper National Park

If Banff sounds too busy and commercial for you, then head instead to Jasper National Park.

The scenery and vibe here are broadly similar, though both the park and eponymous town at its centre are less visited and so much mellower.

Though perhaps slightly less attractive for day hikes, the trail network here is unquestionably one of the best in the world for overnight backpacking trips between countless rough campsites on the thousand-kilometre trail system in the park's vast hinterland.