Lachlan RennieMultimedia Journalist, Newstalk ZB·NZ Herald·17 Jul, 2026 07:00 PM4 mins to read‌As an alternative to Banff and its over-famous lakes, head to Waterton Lakes National Park, the least-known of the Rockies' parks. Photo / Getty ImagesWildlife encounters in the Canadian Rockies come thick and fast for Lachlan Rennie.

Wildlife was what I was most looking forward to in Canada. Coming from the land of the birds, the idea of encountering bears, elk and mountain goats in their natural habitat felt incredible. The Canadian Rockies span