willit

Back in April, I thought I was coming out to Canada and asked a few questions. People were very helpful, but before anything could come to fruition, circumstances changed, and I thought I had lost the opportunity. Now things have altered yet again, and It seems I can come afterall, but I now have less than a month to plan anything.

I have a provisional trip planned, but in vague terms and would appreciate suggestions /websites to research or possible guidebook recommendations.

My wife has a conference in Banff in September. I am joining her the following week and have a week booked in Banff itself. On the kind suggestions made on an earlier thread, I intend to hire a car and drive to Jasper where I am provisionally booked for three nights.

This gives me two days and one night left over until my departure from Calgary.

So more specifically: I am in Banff from Saturday to departure Friday for Jasper. How would people recommend spending the time? Is it worth hiking and exploring around town itself for the first few days, then hiring a car to go further afield ? (thinking day trips to Lake Louise/Morraine lake ? Canmore) any recommendations appreciated.

Once I have a car, leaving Friday is it worth stopping between Banff and Jasper or make the trip a slow day, but spend 3 days in Jasper - what would Fodorites suggest?

Finally, on leaving Jasper, I am thinking of going straight to Calgary and spending our last 24 hours there (we have an evening flight) - again any recommendations?

Thank you for any help - I realise I am still very under researched here.

LindainOhio

I would rent the car for the entire time you are visiting. You will want to drive to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake--and many other places that are all worth seeing.

There are a lot of really beautiful hikes in the area. I hope you enjoy hiking--there are also some easy walks to take.

We drove the Icefields Parkway, stopping along the way at viewpoints, waterfalls, for a picnic, and to hike but we did it in one day. I would love to spend 3 nights in Jasper. We really like Jasper.

We have visited twice in Sept. I have a trip report that might help you a bit. Click on my name and scroll back to Sept. 2008.

I have not visited Calgary because our visits are always short and we want to spend our time in the mountains. The Canadian Rockies are one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited. After Jasper, I would just head back down and stay in Lake Louise or Banff. I enjoy driving the Icefields Parkway both up to Jasper and when we return back to Banff. The drive is spectacular both directions--and you have a better chance of having good weather on one of those days.
One time we drove the Parkway in bad weather, we couldn't even see the mountains--very disappointing.

dmspetry

Have you ever been to Alaska. My in-laws just came from Alaska and said Jasper was much more beautiful.

krp329

The websites for each of the national parks have a lot of good info of things to do and see. Go to www.pc.gc.ca and choose the park you want info for - Banff, Jasper, Yoho, Kootenay.

rlk679

Jasper townsite is a really nice place to visit and the beauty of the surrounding area is stunning. Maligne canyon is a great hike. Athabasca falls are beautiful. I would also recommend stopping at Edith Cavell Trail and Angel Glacier. The Jasper tramway is always fun. Driving out to Mount Robson by the BC border is also a nice drive. You will have no problem filling 3 days there.

willit

Thank you for all the replies. I am really looking forward to the trip.

jent103

Do you plan on hiking at all? I just got back from the Banff area, and one of the best things we did was hike the Plain of Six Glaciers hike from Lake Louise. We're not huge hikers and were okay, especially since we stopped a lot to take pictures! Great views.

Absolutely make your drive from Banff to Jasper a slow day. We only made it to the Columbia Icefields Centre in one day (which was fine since we were staying at the hotel there) - we could have made it to Jasper that night and seen Athabasca Falls, etc from Jasper, but my point is that there is a lot to stop and see. You won't drive straight through.

willit

jent103 - Yes, I will be taking my boots and am planning a few moderate walks (hikes would be exaggerating) around 5-10 miles (depending on the hilliness).

Regarding the Banff, Jasper drive, I was very much planning slow up, slow back and try and see as many things as possible.