It is no wonder why a road trip through the Canadian Rockies is one of the best things to do for a summer vacation. Located at the easternmost part of the Western Canada mountains (called the Canadian Cordillera), the Rockies promise nothing but the best views of rivers, waterfalls, gorges, lakes and glaciated mountains.

Within the Canadian Rockies are five national parks that each offer impeccable sights and activities for everyone taking the road trip this summer. Four of the five national parks interlock with each other and are collectively known as the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. These are Jasper, Banff, Kootenay and Yoho. The national park that does not interlock with the other four, Waterton, is situated along the international US border.

It is best to make your way through your Rockies summer road trip with Jasper as your starting point. Being the largest among the five national parks in the Canadian Rockies, Jasper National Park is abundant of things to see and do. The Maligne Canyon, the Pyramid and Patricia Lakes, and the Athabasca Falls are some of Jasper's most spectacular gifts. Guided sightseeing tours are available. Between May and October, Pyramid Lake offers an extraordinary Canoe Experience that will give you a chance to witness the mesmerizing beauty of nature. There are a lot of accommodation options in Jasper like the Lobstick Lodge that has kid-friendly facilities, perfect for people traveling with children.

Continue your summer road trip to Banff where you will find the large, highly popular Jewel of the Canadian Rockies, Lake Louise, known for its natural beauty. Discover Lake Louise and the world renowned Moraine Lake with the Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Summer Tour that will not only allow you to explore the two lakes' shorelines and take photographs, but also educated you about the mountaineering history in the area and the events that helped shape Canadian mountaineering culture. Other attractions in Banff are the Bow Falls, the Cave and Basin Center, and the Banff Gondola. Banff National Park offers a lot of recreational activities such as soaking yourself up in the pool at Upper Hot Springs, nature hiking on mountain trails, cruising on Lake Minnewanka and swinging your clubs on a golf game.

Yoho National Park is located between Banff and Kootenay National Parks. Maximize your Yoho experience by visiting the Spiral Tunnel Viewpoints, the Emerald Lake and the Kicking Horse Pass. Yoho Valley offers a day hike that will definitely test your endurance. Visit the last of the interlocking national parks, the Kootenay National Park, next. Explore the park's Radium Hot Springs, Marble Canyon, Redwall Fault and more!

Carry on with your road trip by driving yourself to the only park that does not interlock with the first four: Waterton National Park. It is located in the farther south that borders Glacier National Park in Montana, USA. The park offers dozens of fun summer activities that you can join during your vacation. You can go horseback riding, boating or canoing over the Cameron Lake, and hiking to one of Canada's top rated hiking trail, the Crypt Lake.

Making your way through the Canadian Rockies brings you closer and closer to nature. The bodies of water you get to encounter along the way and the numerous opportunities for wildlife sighting, this summer road trip will definitely be etched in your memory for a very long time.