Lake Louise/Jasper trip report

Old Oct 4th, 2014, 05:32 AM
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Lake Louise/Jasper trip report

Day 1---Saturday arrive in Calgary---eat lunch in Canmore—cute little mountain town—reminded me of Breckenridge
*saw large moose running along Bow River for several miles
*check into Num Ti Jah Lodge----the most beautiful scenery—like Many Glacier right out of our window--asked for a view--all rooms don't have one--great place for one night
*hiked Bow Falls around the lake--
*had elk burger—mmmmm so good

Day 2---Sunday drive Columbia Icefields--what a drive! changing of colors
*hiked to Bow Summit and Peyto Lake—beautiful turquoise color
*hiked Sumptawa falls lower and upper
*ate at lodge--good stop on way to Jasper
Arrived and checked into Alpine Resort—beautiful cottage—king bed—wrap around deck facing forrest—so peaceful—very comfortable room--I highly recommend this property--ask for forrest view rather than river as much more quiet away from road---had a wrap around deck facing forest--we loved it---also had wood burning fireplace----
*cougar was sighted last week down the road—picture in office—plus a mother grizzly and 2 cubs took up residence here last two weeks---disappointed that we didn’t see---must have moved on
*dinner at Evil Dave’s--i highly recommend--great food
*Went to hot tub—big 12 person—lovely and HOT
*Elk on side of road

Day 3---Monday woke up to Elk bugleing---male and female right outside our cabin
*breakfast at Becker’s chalet—beautiful view of river and mountain--we considered staying there----would have been good choice, too but Alpine is still #1 IMO
*went to Lake Annette—hiked it –listened to another elk bugleing and saw female come right down to path infront of us
*took White Water Rafting Trip down Athalbasca River--river too low--not fast enough for us-
*ate downtown at Kimchi—korean restaurant—very good----
*the went to Whistlers sports bar to watch the Bears WIN

Day 4 – Tuesday
*breakfast at O’Shea’s very good
*drive Maligne Rd.
*hiked Maligne Canyon for a couple of bridges, fast moving and very scenic
*reached Maligne Lake—
*hiked both loops---saw moose
*saw a whole family of 9-10 mountain goats on way back by medicine lake—crossed road right infront of us
*brought sandwiches back from town and ate on deck—so peaceful--then went to hot tub on property--what a bonus

Day 5—Wednesday
*headed to Mt. Edith Cavell in morning—beautiful drive and small hike--the 2K hike up there had avalanche last week and covered most of path---thankfully it occurred at night when nobody was walking path---
Hiked partly around Lake Beaufort--by golf course--DH was going to play golf but got rained out
*on way back found Bull Elk right near pathway—we sort of followed him right to parking lot

Day 6 Thursday
Had breakfast at Becker’s again, then headed up Icefields Parkway
*Stopped at Athabasca Falls—hiked to falls---definitely worth the stop
*checked in at Paradise Lodge in Lake Louise—not a good view good location, walking distance to Lake Louise resort)--but do NOT stay in units 50 or 51--or the units below them--what they call a mountain view is a little view of mountains---but if you look the other way there is a huge telephone pole wrapped with layers and layers of cords--electrical, etc. viewgirl did NOT like that---other units faced the woods with breathtaking views of mountains---I wish I would have known to ask for one of those---no more $$
*Went on short hike behind property along Lake Louise Creek
*Ate at Outpost in post hotel---very
good

Day 6—Friday
*Took Lake Moraine Valley of the Larch Hike—beautiful—a 4-5 hr. hike up up up---through rain, sun, snow, and sleet and a rainbow--almost surreal up there---so beautiful at top yellow conifers--
*Dinner at the Station cute place—romantic, cozy, good food saw train coming by--nice bar, too

Day 7 Saturday
*drove to Yoho National Park to Emerald Lake Lodge
*hiked around entire lodge 5.2k---first part beautiful---2nd half really muddy and rocky--if anyone goes I would HIGHLy recommend hiking clockwise, going halfway around to open area, then turning around retracing first half---this part is a much easier path and much better views right around lake--if you continue on loop back to beginning the path is really hard to navigate with slippery rocks, mud and roots
*had a good lunch in the lodge overlooking lake
*went to Lake Louise & walked lake
*dinner at Bill Peyto’s, which is a hostel--the recommendations were correct--very good food, then went to a bonfire after dinner and met lots of interesting people---this was fun
*wish we had time to go to Hot Springs—heard they were well worth it

Day 8---Drove to Banff Springs Golf Club to see Elk---did not disappoint then had a great breakfast at Melissa’s the best eggs benedict ever! --managed to fly out of Calgary to Chicago during the terrible air traffic control issues-----a great trip

Advice to those those who may go---Lake Louise and Moraine were beautiful and some great hikes in that area---but if I went again, I think I would stay in Jasper (definitely at Alpine Resort) and Banff---DH has some knee issues and one good hike a day is enough for him---then not much else to do in LL----
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Old Oct 7th, 2014, 06:13 PM
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Thanks for your trip report. We're thinking of a trip to this area next year so this was some very good info.
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Old Oct 11th, 2014, 01:13 PM
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I have planned all of our trips from the great ideas and suggestions from this forum. Hope I can the same for you and others. Please feel free to contact me with any ?
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Old Oct 12th, 2014, 06:27 AM
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I just spent 5 days in Banff & Jasper with my daughter in very early August. We're both photographers so a common interest.

We stayed at Becker's for 2 nights. The first the heat was off and they corrected it for the 2nd. They only had one room left when I booked and it was tiny with 2 Queen beds. Would stay again but go for larger room.

Your report brings back memories.

We didn't see as much wildlife as I've seen in the past. I thought it might be because of the recent wildfires. Maybe not.

Any chance of seeing photos anywhere?
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Old Oct 12th, 2014, 10:39 AM
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I"ve never posted photos---guess I should learn how to do that. They are currently in my phone & computer. That is one thing YOU have done a fantastic job with. Many of my vacation ideas have come from you--been so inspired by your pictures, too. Not sure where we're going next--maybe Yosemite early next May, but I noticed that it was your least favorite --- all of the congestion of tourists. We may combine it with a few days in Napa. We are also trying to plan a trip to Italy with friends--but having a hard time with satisfying everybody's requirements as to places to visit.
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Old Oct 17th, 2014, 01:24 PM
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So awesome! A great read, thanks for the report Looking forward to trying to walk in a few of your footsteps!
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Old Oct 17th, 2014, 04:18 PM
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Thanks for an interesting report.
Very nice to follow your footsteps.
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Old Oct 21st, 2014, 10:22 AM
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Love travelling to the Canadian Rockies. Thanks for reporting back. Sounds like you had a great trip.
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Old Oct 23rd, 2014, 10:36 AM
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viewgirl,

We never got to Tioga Rd as it was just opening.

I was a bit disappointed with Marisposa Grove. Either I thought it might have had more large trees or the hassle of getting from the parking lot to the Grove soured me.

The Valley and Glacier Road are definitely beautiful.

My problem with the park is more about how they run the park than anything else. Since I have no problem with any other parks, I have to feel it must be them.

If you look at some of my comments on other threads and make sure to avoid those issues you would have a great time.

Just off the top of my head. If you stay at Yosemite Lodge at the Falls, either don't stay in the building opposite the office or make sure they've changed their policy of parking in YOUR lot during the day. When you go to Glacier Point make sure you go early in the morning as the parking lot is amazingly small for such a popular place. There were others but you can check my posts.

About Italy. Italy is our favorite country (Paris is our favorite city). You can see photos of these on my web site - www.travelwalks.com

About photos. I have my own web site but most people don't. I believe there are a good number of sites for posting photos that are either free or close to it. Maybe some others could give you comments on their experiences posting photos.

Lastly. I'm glad my comments and photos have helped you with your trips.
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