Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary ITINERARY
Apr 26th, 2017, 07:18 AM
#1
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Banff, Jasper, Lake Louise, Calgary ITINERARY
Hi,
I am planning to spend time with the spouse in the area between May 27th - June 4th. Since this is my first time there, I would like to know how best to plan my time there in terms of places to hit i.e must not miss. Also, I am not sure what would be an economical way to cover for my stay (i.e. decent hotels) along the way. What else could I consider besides the cities that I have mentioned above? Would appreciate tips from the local community and fellow traveler community who have been there/done that.
Thank You
I am planning to spend time with the spouse in the area between May 27th - June 4th. Since this is my first time there, I would like to know how best to plan my time there in terms of places to hit i.e must not miss. Also, I am not sure what would be an economical way to cover for my stay (i.e. decent hotels) along the way. What else could I consider besides the cities that I have mentioned above? Would appreciate tips from the local community and fellow traveler community who have been there/done that.
Thank You
Apr 27th, 2017, 05:26 PM
#2
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Assuming you and your spouse are arriving into Calgary/YYC, and that you are renting a car ... you will want to drive straight out to Canmore/Banff. Book your accommodations for your entire stay as soon as you can, weekends especially will be filling up for "decent hotels."
Suggest 3-4 nights in the area. Grassi Lakes near Canmore is an easy 4 km hike that is lovely. Down the road is Banff, consider renting a bike, weather permitting. There are hikes/walks along the Bow River, Bow Falls is a popular spot up by the Banff Springs Hotel (Fairmont group). The Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain for terrific views of the area, but that will of course depend on visibility per clouds, rain, snow etc. Dress in layers since you never know what mountain weather will suddenly present. I would also recommend the half hour drive via the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon, the approx 2.5 km trail is open year-round but check for trail conditions - there will still be snow/ice, and wet sections. It is "paved."
Moving onward, there is Lake Louise which is iconic. Again, weather conditions will dictate what is accessible at the end of May/early June, but the trail to the end of the Lake is always open if maybe wet. There are some great places to stay in the area besides Chateau Lake Louise but they all fill up quickly. You could stop for a night there en route to Jasper, or maybe on the way back, depending on your travel schedules.
Beyond Lake Louise, catch Hwy 93N, aka the Icefields Parkway... and a stairway to heaven. These highlights can be saved for the return drive. Bow Lake with Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is a photo op along the road or a snack/lunch break at this historic lodge. The lake will no doubt have remaining ice. Stop in at Peyto Lake, a short walk to an incredible view at Bow Summit. The Columbia Icefields have an interpretive centre, with tours out onto the glacier that are world-class. Glacier = ice/snow = jackets and mitts and hoodies, etc. North again, we like stopping at both Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls, choose the latter if you have to choose one.
Two nights in Jasper will give you a full day in the area, the Jasper Tram might seem a bit redundant after the Banff Gondola, but consider it anyway. There are various lovely hikes in the area, but again, trail conditions will need to be checked.
There will likely be wildlife, ie not tame, around with higher elevations still snowy. Bring binoculars, for closer looks.
Enjoy your time, I'm sure you will!
Suggest 3-4 nights in the area. Grassi Lakes near Canmore is an easy 4 km hike that is lovely. Down the road is Banff, consider renting a bike, weather permitting. There are hikes/walks along the Bow River, Bow Falls is a popular spot up by the Banff Springs Hotel (Fairmont group). The Banff Gondola takes you up Sulphur Mountain for terrific views of the area, but that will of course depend on visibility per clouds, rain, snow etc. Dress in layers since you never know what mountain weather will suddenly present. I would also recommend the half hour drive via the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon, the approx 2.5 km trail is open year-round but check for trail conditions - there will still be snow/ice, and wet sections. It is "paved."
Moving onward, there is Lake Louise which is iconic. Again, weather conditions will dictate what is accessible at the end of May/early June, but the trail to the end of the Lake is always open if maybe wet. There are some great places to stay in the area besides Chateau Lake Louise but they all fill up quickly. You could stop for a night there en route to Jasper, or maybe on the way back, depending on your travel schedules.
Beyond Lake Louise, catch Hwy 93N, aka the Icefields Parkway... and a stairway to heaven. These highlights can be saved for the return drive. Bow Lake with Num-Ti-Jah Lodge is a photo op along the road or a snack/lunch break at this historic lodge. The lake will no doubt have remaining ice. Stop in at Peyto Lake, a short walk to an incredible view at Bow Summit. The Columbia Icefields have an interpretive centre, with tours out onto the glacier that are world-class. Glacier = ice/snow = jackets and mitts and hoodies, etc. North again, we like stopping at both Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls, choose the latter if you have to choose one.
Two nights in Jasper will give you a full day in the area, the Jasper Tram might seem a bit redundant after the Banff Gondola, but consider it anyway. There are various lovely hikes in the area, but again, trail conditions will need to be checked.
There will likely be wildlife, ie not tame, around with higher elevations still snowy. Bring binoculars, for closer looks.
Enjoy your time, I'm sure you will!
Apr 28th, 2017, 04:53 AM
#3
Join Date: May 2015
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I posted my itinerary along with my trip at http://winenchocolate.com/9-day-itin...louise-jasper/
Have a good time as Cananda is beautiful.
Have a good time as Cananda is beautiful.
