India, Aug. 17 -- Two refusals for a Canadian visa in as many years had dampened our spirits. We longed to visit our son, who had settled in Canada. Fortunately, our third attempt proved successful, and my wife and I were finally granted the long-awaited visitor visa.

We began preparing for the trip well in advance. On our son's advice, we packed both summer and winter clothing, as Alberta's weather can change dramatically within hours. Having lived there for eight years, he had meticulously planned an itinerary to help us explore as much of the province as possible.

Our first destination was Waterton National Park. The pristine Waterton Lake, nestled amid majestic hills, shares its shoreline with the United States. A two-hour cruise ac...