Spedprof

With some input from here, two young senior couples have arranged about a week in the Canadian Rockies in early September. After a flight to Seattle and a train ride to Vancouver, we rent a car to go East. First night in Salmon Arm (train due in Vancouver at 11:45AM) and then onto Lake Louise (2 nights), to Jasper (3 nights), to Canmore (2 nights) and to Calgary (1 night) for our flight home. With that set, looking for input on stops along the way for sights and good food. Assume we must take the Icefields Parkway from Lake Louise to Jasper and then back again on the way to Canmore. Gathering ideas specifics on the way.

Thanks in advance.

tomfuller

Is there a big drop fee renting in Vancouver dropping in Calgary? I would price out taking the ViaRail Canadian from Vancouver to Jasper and renting a car there.

kgsneds

I suspect the OP has booked through a company like Canadian Affair which doesn't have drop off fees. ViaRail is nice, but it only runs 3x per week and at this late in the game, arranging a cost effective rental to/from Jasper is likely to be very difficult. And shifting accommodations bookings around probably is close to impossible.

It is going to be a busy trip - especially the first day, which is a LONG drive. But doable, and I think much more practical that doing ViaRail. And more scenic.

And yes, the Icefields Parkway is the only road from Jasper to Lake Louise. But absolutely worth seeing twice!

Spedprof

Folks,

Thanks for the input... we looked into the train to Jasper but, for a few reasons, $$, train accommodations, decided to drive it... we realize the first day is long but have a few drivers.

Planning is underway for what to see after we get to Lake Louise, onto Jasper, and then to Banff. Not interested in much strenuous hiking but I think there is enuf for us to see via car and tours. Hope the weather is acceptable for boat tours, short outdoor walks, etc. Also interested in good food along the way.

I know this is very general but any list of must dos for us?

Thanks

kgsneds

Very briefly...

In Jasper: Maligne Lake, Maligne Canyon, Edith Cavell Meadows

Lake Louise/Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Johnston Canyon

Yoho NP: Emerald Lake, Takkakaw Falls

I'm not much help in terms of food in Banff, other than liking the St James Gate for good solid pub food and drinks. In Jasper, Bears Paw cafe is great for baked goods as well as the Other Paw for a wider variety of lunch type foods.

In Lake Louise, any of the restaurants in the Chateau Lake Louise have excellent food. Chateau guests get priority. The main restaurant at the Post Hotel has an excellent, albeit meat heavy menu. The Outpost Pub in the basement has a great, varied menu and is much less formal/expensive. Deer Lodge has good food - best to eat in the bar/informal area where you can order off the informal menu and the restaurant menu. Laggans is great for baked goods/lunches, while the other deli place has better coffee. The Mountaineer (Mountain?) Restaurant and the restaurant at the old train station get good reviews. Bill Peyto's at the hostel has the cheapest food, and is quite good for basics.