Ultimately, Banff – that fabled getaway in the Canadian Rockies – was the answer to our fervent wishes and a prayer or two. It was the solution to a thorny travel puzzle: where to situate a family summer vacation that grandparents, grown children, and a toddler could find not only tolerable, but also memorable. Specifically, our mission was to find a recreational paradise suitable for celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary. We wanted convenience (given work and family schedules), variety, and a destination that would make the event truly special.

We grandparents hoped for revelry, cosseting, and hiking; our two grown sons craved world-class golfing and scenic views; our daughter-in-law sought riding trails and a wonderful spa. And our much-revered and active grandson Justin was ready for just about everything but funny-looking food. After considering half the locations on the planet, we decided on a luxe blowout in the Canadian Rockies: three days of feasting, sightseeing, and relaxation in Banff and Lake Louise, followed by five days in the nearby busy hamlet of Canmore for a more value- and nature-oriented change of venue. In other words, the best of both worlds.