kmanzine

My family and I are driving from Ontario to Saskatchewan and then continuing on through Jasper to Kamloops. Since my youngest son's name is Jasper, we have decided to stay in Jasper a night. Any suggestions on accommodations that would give us the full "mountain" experience? As well, what are the driving conditions this time of year? Thanks so much for any input!

Eschew

Many options for hotels in Jasper, depending on your budget and what type of setting you like. Jasper Park Lodge would be #1 but is expensive. Pyramid Lake Resort would be good and more afordable. Athabasca Hotel would be "rustic" and in town.

Any time between Labour day and Victoria Day, have winters tires on the ready. All seasons tires are okay on the shoulder season but real winter tires for November to March for sure. What tires to use depends on how much risk you want to take.

October could be sunny and offer good driving condition. It may also snow. Weather is very unpredictable. You can check road condition on-line.

tomfuller

My favorite in the Jasper area is the HI Hostel about 3 mi SW of town not far from the north end of the Icefield Highway.
They have private rooms as well as the dorms.
The building was designed as a ski lodge with a good kitchen and nice commons room with fireplace.

mominburbs

We stayed at Becker's. Great for a family!

amer_can

Becker's is good as is Tekara Lodge. Both are outside the town site and on the river. Quiet and usually plentiful wildlife. Jasper Park Lodge is as stated $$ but they do often have good specials and you are apparently out of the tourist season. Check out Fairmont hotels web site for any deals..Roads may be very good or not so hot to very bad but forge on as the scenery will overcome any inconveniences.

amer_can

Just got an email re: rates @ Jasper Park Lodge..$169 Can. If you are interested and are not a member of Presidents Club..Join..It is worth the effort and is free..Dates are on their website. Other locations also!!

krp329

I'm not sure what you mean by the "full mountain experience" but for less expensive accommodation and contact with locals, you might be interested in private home accommodation. Some are two or three bedroom suites, so well suited to a family. www.stayinjasper.com

There has already been snowfall at higher elevations along the Icefields Parkway (#93N between Lake Louise and Jasper), but winter tires are not yet necessary. They will be, though, by the end of the month. If your route is completely via highway 16, it's all lower elevation and you'll be fine without them... although they are legally required in BC after Oct. 1 (or you must have chains). You can check www.drivebc.com You may be fine without them, but there are occasional checkstops.