The resort town of Banff, in southwestern Canada's Alberta province, is the heart of Banff National Park, a 2,500-square-mile adventure haven beloved in summer for its sparkling alpine lakes, wildflower fields, and scenic hiking trails that crisscross the mountainous landscape. But in this stretch of the Rockies, where ski season can last up to late May, resorts, hotels, and tours are adding winter appeal on and off the slopes.
The year 2026 is going to be a momentous one for the United States as it celebrates its 250th anniversary. Across the country, national parks, historic sites, and cities will gear up to show up-and show off-in ways big and small. Against this backdrop, how does one pick where to visit? Inevitably, we were led by some nostalgia: Route 66, for instance, was an easy one.