sachinta

Hello Everyone,
We are a couple planning a 9-days vacation in the Canadian Rockies in August mid.
We arriving in Calgary and Returning from Vancouver by Flight. So it will be a One way travel across Alberta to BC (To save Time).
Probably we would be travelling from Jasper to Vancouver by VIA rail.
Since it operates only 2 days a week, it leaves us with 2 options
I) 6 Nights in Alberta ( Banff & Jasper Area) & 2 Nights in BC (Vancouver Area)
II) 3 Nights in Alberta ( Banff & Jasper Area) & 5 Nights in BC (Vancouver Area)

We want to cover Banff, Jasper, Vancouver, Whistler.

We are not sure which should we go for.
What are the must to visit places near by these areas?

We will appreciate your feedback and suggestion regarding our itinerary.

NorthwestMale

Given those two alternatives, and assuming no others, "5 nights in BC" is probably the most sensible option.

Anyone caused to <I>have to</i> spend more and more time in the greater Vancouver area can <b><u>always</u></b> find new and interesting things to do. Furthermore, as one is running out of things to do, he/she would be better off situated near to a bustling metropolis like Vancouver vs. being in the mountains during summer.

If I had to <I>ideally space</i> time in Banff, Jasper, and Vancouver, yes indeed I would probably go for 2 nights in each of the first two, one night in transit, and 4 nights in Vancouver, <b>but as that isn't an option for you</b> then it makes <I>the most sense</i> to have 5 nights in Vancouver.

Look into a bus trip to Whistler, and another day trip to nearby Grouse Mountain <I>(straddle sunset there, so as to see day and night views)</i>.

Vancouver has so much to see, and plenty of shopping as well, that you'll blink your eyes and the other 3 or 4 days will be gone before you know it.

Hope this gets you started...

sachinta

Thanks a lot.
May be I will think of driving from Jasper to Vancouver since it will give me enough time in Banff as well.
Please suggest me scenic places near by Vancouver.
I have few in mind,
1 Day - Whistler.
1 Day - Nanaimo
1 Day - Victoria Island

LindainOhio

I don't think it is really possible to do Banff and Jasper in 3 days. The drive on the Icefields Parkway takes almost a full day.

Here are some thoughts:

Day 1: If your plane arrives in the AM, I would drive to Banff, stop for lunch, walk around Banff, stop at the Banff Springs Hotel and then head to Lake Louise, about 40 minutes away. Spend the night in Lake Louise. Possibly Paradise Lodge or Baker Creek.

Day 2: Make stops at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, go to the top of the rockpile, have lunch at Emerald Lake, stop at Takkakaw Falls on the way back. Spend night in Lake Louise.

Day 3: Pick up lunch supplies and then drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. Make stops along the way--Bow Summit/Peyto Lake, Columbia Icefields Center, Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls, have a picnic along the way. Pray for a clear day. Stay in Jasper.

Day 4: Drive to Maligne Lake, Angel Glacier, stay in Jasper.

Day 5: Drive or train to Vancouver

Spend the rest of the time in Vancouver. Vancouver is on our bucket list but we haven't been there. I think I would skip Whistler since you have just been to Banff and Jasper.

You will love this trip. Have fun planning your stay.

sachinta

Thanks "LindainOhio".
I can spend 4 days only if I decide to drive to Vancouver.
As I mentioned, VIA rail operates only on TUE & FRI.
I will arrive Calgary at 9 AM on SAT.
So if I decide to travel by VIA rail from Jasper (2 PM), It gives me almost 4 days and 3 nights.
Will it be good enough?
I agree with you about skipping Whistler.
Rather I can spend that time on Victoria Islands.

LindainOhio

You would have to combine Day 1 and 2 and then you could do Option 1.

I prefer being in the mountains to city visits so if it were me, I would probably choose your second option. Eveyone loves Vancouver, so it seems to me you will enjoy your visit no matter what you decide.