Glenn

Hello All!<BR><BR>I'm planning a trip to the Banff area for late August (I know, I know... I should have done this earlier!) for me &amp; my girlfriend. Essentially, we're flying in to Calgary on noon on a Saturday and departing about the same time the next Saturday. We love long day hikes, and that's what we'll do for most of our stay.<BR><BR>A few questions: should we stay around the Lake Louise area most of the time? I've been looking at both the Post Hotel and Moraine Lake Lodge and they look pretty nice. We'll probably stay at both for a couple of nights. Should we try to stay in the Jasper area for a night or two, or is establishing a base around Lake Louise and driving part of the way north on the Icefields Pkwy "good enough"?<BR><BR>Weatherwise, is the last week of August significantly different than, say, the 2nd week of August?<BR><BR>Finally, can anyone recommend some REALLY nice hikes (anywhere from 6-14 miles)? We're not afraid of challenging terrain! <BR><BR>Thanks in advance!<BR>Glenn

Bob Brown

First, let me suggest that you get a copy of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson.<BR>Not only is it the best trail guide in English, but it is loaded with choices.<BR>The first hike that leaps into my mind is not where you might think it would be: it is in Yoho National Park.<BR>Take the route up to Twin Falls, climb the side of the valley, and walk the Whaleback Trail. Then head back to the trailhead near Takkakaw Falls.<BR>It is one of the most gorgeous hikes you will ever take, after you reach the top of the ridge above Twin Falls.<BR>Secondly, I don't think a part way drive on the Icefields Parkway is going to do it justice. Why not plan on a stay in Jasper for a night and drive it so you can enjoy it?<BR>

Glenn

Thanks for the quick reply, Bob!<BR><BR>I'll head on over to Amazon and get the book later today.<BR><BR>I'm leaning towards this itinerary:<BR><BR>Night 1: Banff-town area<BR>Night 2: Jasper area<BR>Night 3: Jasper area<BR>Night 4&amp;5: Post Hotel<BR>Night 6&amp;7: Lake Moraine Lodge<BR><BR>Any recommendations for the first 3 nights accomodation?<BR><BR>Our flight out is around 1:30pm. I imagine a drive from Lake Moraine Lodge to Calgary is pretty easy?<BR><BR>Thanks again,<BR>Glenn<BR><BR>

Clousie

Glenn,<BR><BR>Definitely think you should go all the way to Jasper. The parkway is too pretty to miss.<BR><BR>As for hikes, Bob already mentioned a great one. We also like Yoho Park, especially around Lake O'Hara. Be aware that you must make reservations for a bus to take you into the lake, but the hiking is superb.<BR><BR>Starting right at Lake Louise, is the trail to Big Beehive. At first, it has a lot of other people on the way to the Lake Agnes teahouse, but that soon thins out, and you'll have a gorgous view above Lake Louise. Obviously, it's a steep climb.<BR><BR>An easier walk along a series of waterfalls is the Stanley Falls trail--4 miles rt-- It starts 15.2 km north of the Icefields Centre.<BR><BR>All of these will be described in trail books from the area. We liked Canadian Rockies Access Guide by John Dodd and Gail Helgason. Not sure if it's still in print.<BR><BR>Another fun thing to do is to take the gondola up to Sunshine Ski area, north of Banff, and spend the day hiking there.<BR><BR>Enjoy; it's a beautiful area<BR><BR>

Glenn

Thanks for the great info, Clousie.<BR><BR>We've managed to talk another couple into going now, so it'll be 4 of us.<BR><BR>We're all excited!

Helen Welter

You are certainly going to the right place for hiking! We recently returned from a trip to the Banff/lake Louise area. We drove the Icefield Pkwy from Banff to 35 miles south of Jasper in a day but we did not hike along the way.<BR> A rather challenging hike is Sulphur Mountain in Banff but the reward when you reach the summit is incredible. (We didn't hike it but talked to some who did. We rode the gondola!But the view was the same.)Also, Tunnel Mt. in Banff would be a great experience. Go to Yoho Nat'l Park as there are some beautiful hiking trails there and lovely, really lovely scenery. Have fun!

Bob Brown

My only comment is that the Post Hotel and Moraine Lake are very close together. In fact, they share the same exit off of the Trans Canada.<BR><BR>I agree on Lake O'Hara, but it takes a reservation on the bus to get there and the seats for day hikers are restricted.<BR><BR>The drive from Banff to Calgary is easy because it is all interstate type driving. The road from Lake Louise to Banff usually moves right along.<BR><BR>The last time I was out there, the gondola to Sunshine village was out of action for the summer. I do not know if it has been reinstated.<BR><BR><BR>