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Washington, D.C.: I want to see the Rockies in the summer with my husband, who's never been, and our baby of 17 months. I need suggestions for a home base with nice surroundings during baby naptime and some EASY hiking trails. I was thinking of a rental cabin in the Estes Park area, am I missing out by not considering another, less popular town? P.S. I also like to fly-fish.

Brian Patton: Estes Park is in Colorado, not Canada, but if you do make it to the Canadian Rockies, the towns of both Banff and Jasper are well suited for families with young children.

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Surprise, Ariz.: Outside of distance and watching for animals what else do we need to consider when driving in AB and BC? We understand that it is beautiful and we look forward to visiting this summer.

—Alden

Brian Patton: The two elements you mention are the most important. The best way to avoid the latter is by not driving at dawn, dusk, or night. Also remember posted distances and speeds are in kilometers (not miles). And keep the gas tank full when driving in northern regions.

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Chapel Hill, N.C.: We are an active retired couple wanting to see the Canadian Rockies on a limited budget. How can we spend two weeks there, (last week of August and first week of September would be best, if the weather is usually good at that time)? We like gourmet cooking and luxury, but at an affordable price. Otherwise we can rough it. Thanks.

Brian Patton: You could rent a campervan in Calgary (from Cruise Canada or similar), cook your own meals, and camp for around $30 per night, although you may find prices lower in September than August. Mountain View B&B in Banff is an apartment rather than a bed and breakfast and has its own cooking facilities at weekly reasonable prices.

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Corona de Tucson, AZ (near Tucson): My husband and I would like to travel to the Canadian Rockies—Banff, Lake Louise, etc. as well as Glacier National Park in the USA. We are planning on doing this in 2009. We are open as to what time of year. Most of what I have read talks about taking the train from Vancouver to the area and then back or flying back from Calgary or Edmonton. We don't mind renting a car, but understand you cannot rent a car in Canada and take it across the border to the USA. What would be the best way to accomplish this? We would enjoy spending a few days in Vancover again (its been 12 years since out last tirp) and then are open to whatever you would suggest. We are in our 50's, not afraid of a little adventure, but not in shape for mountain climbing. We can take 2-3 weeks for this trip.