Whether you limit your road trips to a couple of hours or can't imagine life without at least a couple of weeks on the road each year, every road trip is a chance to keep the destination in mind while being flexible enough to explore and enjoy the things you discover along the way.
Cirque Peak via Helen Lake trail is a challenging day hike along the Icefields Parkway in Banff National Park. It's not for everyone: there are a couple of scrambly bits, there is a bit of exposure to stree drop-offs and it's very steep. But for those with the experience and skills to summit the views of Bow Lake, Bow Glacier and Dolomite Peak are absolutely stunning. The summit is small and the hike is popular, so leave early to beat the crowds.