A late-summer or early fall trip to Banff National Park in Canada could offer great weather for paddling Moraine Lake/Kurt Repanshek

Starting on the fringe of the Great Plains and climbing through the incomparable mountain scenery of Banff and Jasper national parks, this magnificent drive—one of Canada's best - combines exhilarating vistas of forest, crag, river, and glacier. And autumn colors, crisp, cool days and fewer visitors make this an ideal fall journey.

Starting from Calgary, Alberta, head west across the prairie foothills 84 miles to Banff, then northwest to Lake Louise. The lake is known for its green waters, gem-like setting amongst a crown of peaks, and a luxurious old-style lodge.

Take the side trip to Moraine Lake, which is not as busy and so spectacular it's on the back of the Canadian one-dollar bill. Then head north towards Jasper National Park along the Icefields Parkway for 144 miles. You'll see bears, moose, elk, mountain goats, wolves, caribou, and lots of other wildlife through these forested valleys, with dazzling peaks above.

At the Saskatchewan River crossing you'll start to climb above timberline, where you can visit the limestone feature, the Weeping Wall, and access the trail up Parker Ridge. Stop and see the 100 square-mile Columbia Icefield, to get up close and personal with a glacier. Drop off of Sunwapta Pass (Sunwapta falls are spectacular).

For a side trip, take the 9-mile detour to the base of Mount Edith Cavell, which rises in rock and ice for a vertical mile. There are a couple of loop trails to get you out of the car as well.

Jasper is an old railroad and resort town along the Athabasca River, where four mountain ranges meet. There are great biking and hiking trails in the valley, and even some small lakes warm enough from the sun for a quick swim.

For an overview, take the Jasper Tramway up Whistlers Mountain and possibly get a glimpse of the queen mother of northern mountains, 13,000-foot Mount Robson, to the west, adorned with hanging glaciers. September is probably the prime month in these parks; after that winter starts its icy grip.