ckramer

I will be in Calgary in october for a seminar with my wife and 4 yr. old daughter.After my seminar I have 3 and a half free days from friday night to tuesday late afternoon(from oct16th to oct 20th) .I flyback to california tuesday evening.
I would like suggestions on what to to in that time in and around lake banff,jasper etc.
I will be renting a small car

Thanks

ckramer

Thanks. I would also appreciate if folks could share tips on a possible itenary for the 3 and half days

dfr4848

Assuming you drive to Banff on Fri evening:

Day 1 - explore Banff, including Bow Falls. If you're not staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (which I highly recommend) walk up there and enjoy magnificent views from the rear balcony.

Day 2 - drive to Lake Louise and Yoho National Park. Hike around Lake Louise.

Day 3 - Drive Icefields Parkway up to Columbia Icefield and visit Athabasca Glacier. Take the ice buggy ride on the Glacier (some people think it's overrated, but it's a unique experience if you've never done it before). Vist Peyto Lake and Mistaya Lake on way up or back.

If the weather's nice, pack a picnic. Lots of places to stop and eat and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Should see lots of wildlife along the way, so don't expect to be rushed. We've seen deer, elk, wolves, fox, bear, giant owls, etc

Day 4 - go back to anyplace you enjoyed before returning to Calgary.

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful drives anywhere, so when you have a nice day take it and alter the schedule.

ckramer

Thanks dfr4848.so you think including Jasper in this trip might be an overkill ?
Thanks for your suggestions

dfr4848

Not overkill but I think going all the way to Jasper on a day trip might be pushing it, although we really enjoy Jasper. I would say if it turns out you've got the time and you've got good weather, I'd certainly consider it - that drive really is beautiful. And you do get different views up and back so it's not very redundant.

Borealis

The snowcoaches (buses) that travel onto the Columbia Glacier are open only until October 18th (weather permitting) this year (2009)- check it out here:

http://www.explorerockies.com/columb...urs-rates.aspx

krp329

It might be overkill to drive up to Jasper with a four year old. Kids don't usually have the same tolerance for hours and hours of driving and seeing pretty scenery go past the windows that adults do. The Icefield Parkway drive is spectacularly beautiful, in both directions, so you might want to drive part of it, but there is also plenty in the Banff/Lake Louise areas to keep you occupied for three days.

onemoneygirl

My kids enjoyed ice skating at the indoor rink and eating at the Grizzly Paw in the nearby town of Canmore. We were there in the winter and were able to go dogsledding and on a sleigh ride. Try Brewster's for what can be done at that time of year... maybe just a horse ride.

Have a wonderful time!

ckramer

Thanks to all for replying.business travel didn't let me get back to you sooner.

I have decided to skip Jasper.
2.5 days in Banff & 1 day in lake Louise it will be.
This is my high level plan :
1. Start driving from calgary to Banff Friday night at 8 Pm (Oct. 16th). - is this wise ? My seminar doesn't get finish before that.
2. Spend sat'day & sunday in & around Banff(including a trip icefields parkway)
3. Monday - lake Louise
4. tuesday afternoon drive back to calgary for evening 5PM flight

Borealis

Yes, driving to Banff from Calgary after 8 p.m. is fine, although you will be driving after dark and won't get the full value of the view as you near the Rocky Mountains. In our experience, after you leave Calgary western city limits it doesn't take much more than an hour to reach Banff.

You'll know who the Alberta drivers are because they will be speeding past you even if you are driving above the posted speed limits !!!

You'll drive past Canmore and Banff National Park gates about 10 to 15 minutes before reaching the Banff exit. I don't remember if the park gates (where you usually purchase a park pass) are open in the evenings in October, but you should be able to purchase one at the park centre in town. There will be a sign at the gates advising you what to do if there is no-one sitting in the booth.

ckramer

Thanks Borealis.I guess I shall catch up on the views on my way back on tuesday .
Should I finish Lake Louise first and then spend the last 2 days in Banff or other way around since Banff is closer to calgary than Banff.This way I can also catch a ride closer from Lake louise to the columbia icefileds since their snowcoaches stop on sunday