Rockie plans
Sep 11th, 2006, 02:59 PM
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Rockie plans
We arrive at 3pm in Calgary. Our first night is at the Mountaineer so it would be about 6pm that we get there. Should we stop in on the way and take in some sight? Otherwise is there anything to do in the evening if we are up to speed from traveling?
The second day in LL I see us visiting Emerald Lake, LL and M Lake.
The third day I see driving to Jasper but taking in the sights on the Icefield. Sunwapta Falls, Peyto and Athabasca. What more should we see on the way there?
The fouth day The Tram if the weather is clear, Maligne canyon and lske. again what else?
The fifth day I see Mt Edith and maybe the Hot Springs.
Do I try to see Mt Robson or is that on the other side?
the sixth day I see driving back down the Icefield. Do I stop at different places or some of the same places? Do I try to go to Johnston Canyon or is this too much? We are staying at Falcon Crest in Canmore. It sounded nice. Is it?
The seventh day Lake Miniwaki and whatever. Do I need to go back to the LL area and catch something there?
Day 8 I thought Grassi Lake and Bragg Creek area.
Day 9 I could stop someplace on the way to Calgary or see a little of Calgary.
Day 10 fly home
Please review and let me know what I might be missing or doing on the wrong day.
thank you,
Gloria
Your information has been very helpful. Hope I spelled things close to correct.
The second day in LL I see us visiting Emerald Lake, LL and M Lake.
The third day I see driving to Jasper but taking in the sights on the Icefield. Sunwapta Falls, Peyto and Athabasca. What more should we see on the way there?
The fouth day The Tram if the weather is clear, Maligne canyon and lske. again what else?
The fifth day I see Mt Edith and maybe the Hot Springs.
Do I try to see Mt Robson or is that on the other side?
the sixth day I see driving back down the Icefield. Do I stop at different places or some of the same places? Do I try to go to Johnston Canyon or is this too much? We are staying at Falcon Crest in Canmore. It sounded nice. Is it?
The seventh day Lake Miniwaki and whatever. Do I need to go back to the LL area and catch something there?
Day 8 I thought Grassi Lake and Bragg Creek area.
Day 9 I could stop someplace on the way to Calgary or see a little of Calgary.
Day 10 fly home
Please review and let me know what I might be missing or doing on the wrong day.
thank you,
Gloria
Your information has been very helpful. Hope I spelled things close to correct.
Sep 11th, 2006, 05:46 PM
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>>>>>>We arrive at 3pm in Calgary. Our first night is at the Mountaineer so it would be about 6pm that we get there.<<<<<<
I expect it'll be more like 7 pm. It takes about an hour to clear immigration and customs at the airport. I also recommend that you draw Canadian cash from an ATM at the airport by the way. That will cover incidental expenses even if you pay for major purchases by credit card.
Then the drive from Calgary Airport to Lake Louise takes approximately 3 hours. It takes about half an hour to cross from the airport in the northeast quadrant of Calgary to the western city limit. It may even take a little longer than that, since you'll probably catch the early part of rush hour traffic.
From the western city limits it's at least 2.25 hours to Lake Louise.
>>>>>>Should we stop in on the way and take in some sight?<<<<<<
No, unless you find you're hungry when you reach Banff and you want to stop there for dinner. If you do that, carry your identification documents, credit cards, money and camera with you, and leave your luggage in the locked trunk of your car.
>>>>>>Otherwise is there anything to do in the evening if we are up to speed from traveling?<<<<<<
No. I forget when you're coming to the area. In the middle of September, sunset in Banff is around 8.00 p.m. I'm sure it'll be past 8.00 p.m. by the time you've had dinner and checked into your hotel. But I suspect that, after your flight and the drive, you won't be averse to an early night.
More ...........
I expect it'll be more like 7 pm. It takes about an hour to clear immigration and customs at the airport. I also recommend that you draw Canadian cash from an ATM at the airport by the way. That will cover incidental expenses even if you pay for major purchases by credit card.
Then the drive from Calgary Airport to Lake Louise takes approximately 3 hours. It takes about half an hour to cross from the airport in the northeast quadrant of Calgary to the western city limit. It may even take a little longer than that, since you'll probably catch the early part of rush hour traffic.
From the western city limits it's at least 2.25 hours to Lake Louise.
>>>>>>Should we stop in on the way and take in some sight?<<<<<<
No, unless you find you're hungry when you reach Banff and you want to stop there for dinner. If you do that, carry your identification documents, credit cards, money and camera with you, and leave your luggage in the locked trunk of your car.
>>>>>>Otherwise is there anything to do in the evening if we are up to speed from traveling?<<<<<<
No. I forget when you're coming to the area. In the middle of September, sunset in Banff is around 8.00 p.m. I'm sure it'll be past 8.00 p.m. by the time you've had dinner and checked into your hotel. But I suspect that, after your flight and the drive, you won't be averse to an early night.
More ...........
Sep 11th, 2006, 06:03 PM
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>>>>>>The second day in LL I see us visiting Emerald Lake, LL and M Lake.<<<<<<
Fine. It would make sense to include Takakkaw Falls, since the turn off to it is on the way to Emerald Lake.
>>>>>>The third day I see driving to Jasper but taking in the sights on the Icefield. Sunwapta Falls, Peyto and Athabasca. What more should we see on the way there?<<<<<<
The Columbia Icefields. The Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier may or may not appeal to you. But, regardless of whether you do that or not, the Visitor Centre's free display that explains how glaciers are formed is interesting.
If you arrive in Jasper early and run out of things to do before dinner, you might consider driving to Patricia and Pyramid Lakes a short distance outside of town.
>>>>>>The fouth day The Tram if the weather is clear, Maligne canyon and lske. again what else?<<<<<<
That's probably enough for one day.
>>>>>>The fifth day I see Mt Edith and maybe the Hot Springs.<<<<<<
Fine.
>>>>>>Do I try to see Mt Robson or is that on the other side?<<<<<<
Well all these things are on the other side in relation to each other. Mount Edith Cavell is south of Jasper, whereas Miette Hot Springs are northeast of Jasper. Mount Robson is west of Jasper.
Maligne Lake is southeast of Jasper.
The only two attractions that logically belong together are Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake. They are quite far from each other, but once you've reached Maligne Canyon you're on the road towards Maligne Lake, so you may as well keep going.
The order in which you see the tramway and Maligne Canyon are not enormously important in the sense that they are quite close to Jasper townsite. So it's not a big investment of time to drive to them.
Mount Edith Cavell, Mount Robson, Miette Hot Springs and Maligne Lake involve fairly substantial investments of time.
I think you're better off visiting Mount Robson Provincial Park and Miette Hot Springs on the fifth day. You can save Mount Edith Cavell till the sixth day. Since it's south of Jasper, you could fit it into your return journey to Lake Louise and Banff.
>>>>>>the sixth day I see driving back down the Icefield. Do I stop at different places or some of the same places?<<<<<<
Different places. As I said before, you could include Mount Edith Cavell on this drive.
>>>>>>Do I try to go to Johnston Canyon or is this too much?<<<<<<
It's not too much. However, they're talking of controlled forest burns in the vicinity of Johnston Canyon any day now. If you want to visit a canyon on the way from Jasper to Banff, you'd probably be better off visiting Mistaya Canyon, which is off the Icefields Parkway. If you're driving southwards, you'll reach the turn off to it soon after Saskatchewan Crossing.
>>>>>>We are staying at Falcon Crest in Canmore. It sounded nice. Is it?<<<<<<
I don't have a clue.
More .............
Fine. It would make sense to include Takakkaw Falls, since the turn off to it is on the way to Emerald Lake.
>>>>>>The third day I see driving to Jasper but taking in the sights on the Icefield. Sunwapta Falls, Peyto and Athabasca. What more should we see on the way there?<<<<<<
The Columbia Icefields. The Ice Explorer ride onto the Athabasca Glacier may or may not appeal to you. But, regardless of whether you do that or not, the Visitor Centre's free display that explains how glaciers are formed is interesting.
If you arrive in Jasper early and run out of things to do before dinner, you might consider driving to Patricia and Pyramid Lakes a short distance outside of town.
>>>>>>The fouth day The Tram if the weather is clear, Maligne canyon and lske. again what else?<<<<<<
That's probably enough for one day.
>>>>>>The fifth day I see Mt Edith and maybe the Hot Springs.<<<<<<
Fine.
>>>>>>Do I try to see Mt Robson or is that on the other side?<<<<<<
Well all these things are on the other side in relation to each other. Mount Edith Cavell is south of Jasper, whereas Miette Hot Springs are northeast of Jasper. Mount Robson is west of Jasper.
Maligne Lake is southeast of Jasper.
The only two attractions that logically belong together are Maligne Canyon and Maligne Lake. They are quite far from each other, but once you've reached Maligne Canyon you're on the road towards Maligne Lake, so you may as well keep going.
The order in which you see the tramway and Maligne Canyon are not enormously important in the sense that they are quite close to Jasper townsite. So it's not a big investment of time to drive to them.
Mount Edith Cavell, Mount Robson, Miette Hot Springs and Maligne Lake involve fairly substantial investments of time.
I think you're better off visiting Mount Robson Provincial Park and Miette Hot Springs on the fifth day. You can save Mount Edith Cavell till the sixth day. Since it's south of Jasper, you could fit it into your return journey to Lake Louise and Banff.
>>>>>>the sixth day I see driving back down the Icefield. Do I stop at different places or some of the same places?<<<<<<
Different places. As I said before, you could include Mount Edith Cavell on this drive.
>>>>>>Do I try to go to Johnston Canyon or is this too much?<<<<<<
It's not too much. However, they're talking of controlled forest burns in the vicinity of Johnston Canyon any day now. If you want to visit a canyon on the way from Jasper to Banff, you'd probably be better off visiting Mistaya Canyon, which is off the Icefields Parkway. If you're driving southwards, you'll reach the turn off to it soon after Saskatchewan Crossing.
>>>>>>We are staying at Falcon Crest in Canmore. It sounded nice. Is it?<<<<<<
I don't have a clue.
More .............
Sep 11th, 2006, 06:09 PM
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>>>>>>The seventh day Lake Miniwaki and whatever.<<<<<<
Fine. In addition to driving the Minnewanka Loop, you may want to do the easy walk to Stewart Canyon and ride the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. You could visit the Cave & Basin historic site, or visit one of Banff's museums. There is no shortage of things to do in and around Banff townsite.
>>>>>>Do I need to go back to the LL area and catch something there?<<<<<<
No.
>>>>>>Day 8 I thought Grassi Lake and Bragg Creek area.<<<<<<
I think Bragg Creek is a bit far. On this day you could consider sticking to the part of Kananaskis Country that is closer to Canmore.
>>>>>>Day 9 I could stop someplace on the way to Calgary or see a little of Calgary.<<<<<<
This would be a suitable day on which to see Bragg Creek. You could get there via Hwy #40 and the beautiful Highwood Pass.
Good luck.
Fine. In addition to driving the Minnewanka Loop, you may want to do the easy walk to Stewart Canyon and ride the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. You could visit the Cave & Basin historic site, or visit one of Banff's museums. There is no shortage of things to do in and around Banff townsite.
>>>>>>Do I need to go back to the LL area and catch something there?<<<<<<
No.
>>>>>>Day 8 I thought Grassi Lake and Bragg Creek area.<<<<<<
I think Bragg Creek is a bit far. On this day you could consider sticking to the part of Kananaskis Country that is closer to Canmore.
>>>>>>Day 9 I could stop someplace on the way to Calgary or see a little of Calgary.<<<<<<
This would be a suitable day on which to see Bragg Creek. You could get there via Hwy #40 and the beautiful Highwood Pass.
Good luck.
Sep 11th, 2006, 06:22 PM
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On second thoughts, I think you should try to press on till you reach Lake Louise on your first evening. It would be better not to stop in Banff. I fear that if you stop in Banff you'll end up driving to Lake Louise in the dark. Not only will you miss the beautiful scenery, but there also will be an increased chance of wildlife activity on the road. Animals are most active at dawn and dusk. If you do drive at night, you REALLY have to keep an eye out for wildlife. If you are not used to driving in the wilderness and watching out for animals and if, on top of that, you are a bit tired from a flight, I don't think your reflexes will be as sharp as would be ideal.
Sep 12th, 2006, 09:50 AM
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Gloria, if you are not prepared to go outdoors in any kind of weather, you have no business planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies (in my opinion). The Scandinavians have a saying that is applicable to the C.R. There is no such thing as bad weather, only inappropriate clothing.
Mountain weather is very changeable. Weather forecasts for this area are unreliable. Regardless of what the weather forecast says, you could experience temperatures anywhere from the mid 20s C (80 F) to a few degrees below freezing. Mountain weather can change from one hour to the next, from one valley to the next. Never, never expect conditions to be the same at the end of a hike as they are at the beginning of that hike. If you set out in sunshine, you could end up in rain or snow.
To cover all of these eventualities you need layers, layers, layers:
* sturdy socks
* running shoes or, better still, hiking boots
* long pants (if you happen to have the kind with zip-on / zip-off legs, bring them, as they are very versatile)
* rain pants (waterproof pants that fit over your regular pants – optional, but very nice to have)
* lightweight long underwear (optional, but I recommend it)
* short-sleeved shirts (T-shirts work well for layering)
* long-sleeved shirts (turtlenecks work well for layering)
* lightweight wool sweater
* thick fleece jacket
* hooded, waterproof jacket to serve as an outer shell
* cap with which to keep your head warm
* gloves
* neck warmer
* sunglasses
* water bottle (refill it from your hotel tap; do not drink untreated water from lakes, rivers and streams)
* lip balm
* moisturizing lotion
* camera
* daypack in which to carry your water bottle, camera, spare jackets, sunglasses and lip balm
All restaurants in the mountains are casual at lunch time. That is, it is common to see people wearing hiking boots into restaurants during the day. Moderately priced restaurants also are casual at dinner time. Expensive restaurants, on the other hand, are smart casual in the evenings.
Hope that helps.
Mountain weather is very changeable. Weather forecasts for this area are unreliable. Regardless of what the weather forecast says, you could experience temperatures anywhere from the mid 20s C (80 F) to a few degrees below freezing. Mountain weather can change from one hour to the next, from one valley to the next. Never, never expect conditions to be the same at the end of a hike as they are at the beginning of that hike. If you set out in sunshine, you could end up in rain or snow.
To cover all of these eventualities you need layers, layers, layers:
* sturdy socks
* running shoes or, better still, hiking boots
* long pants (if you happen to have the kind with zip-on / zip-off legs, bring them, as they are very versatile)
* rain pants (waterproof pants that fit over your regular pants – optional, but very nice to have)
* lightweight long underwear (optional, but I recommend it)
* short-sleeved shirts (T-shirts work well for layering)
* long-sleeved shirts (turtlenecks work well for layering)
* lightweight wool sweater
* thick fleece jacket
* hooded, waterproof jacket to serve as an outer shell
* cap with which to keep your head warm
* gloves
* neck warmer
* sunglasses
* water bottle (refill it from your hotel tap; do not drink untreated water from lakes, rivers and streams)
* lip balm
* moisturizing lotion
* camera
* daypack in which to carry your water bottle, camera, spare jackets, sunglasses and lip balm
All restaurants in the mountains are casual at lunch time. That is, it is common to see people wearing hiking boots into restaurants during the day. Moderately priced restaurants also are casual at dinner time. Expensive restaurants, on the other hand, are smart casual in the evenings.
Hope that helps.
Sep 12th, 2006, 03:23 PM
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Judy in Calgary has great advice, as always!
Don't be too adamant about tracking the weather. I was in Banff/Jasper/Yoho Nat'l Park area for 10 days and guess what? Rain was forecasted for every day. It ended up being mainly cloudy, some drizzle, and we had exactly one sunny day. We had a fabulous time and saw everything we wanted to. The only thing I feel like we missed was while driving the Icefields Parkway, as everything was fogged in. Trust me, the weather will not cramp your holiday at all.
Don't be too adamant about tracking the weather. I was in Banff/Jasper/Yoho Nat'l Park area for 10 days and guess what? Rain was forecasted for every day. It ended up being mainly cloudy, some drizzle, and we had exactly one sunny day. We had a fabulous time and saw everything we wanted to. The only thing I feel like we missed was while driving the Icefields Parkway, as everything was fogged in. Trust me, the weather will not cramp your holiday at all.
Sep 14th, 2006, 02:36 PM
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Do try to get over to see Lake Louise very early in the morning (before the tourist bussess arrive)to see & photograph it. The light is just right then and there will not be a bunch of people in your photos. Beautiful - we went over about 6:30 am Enjoy your trip.
Sep 14th, 2006, 03:38 PM
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>>>>>>we went over about 6:30 am<<<<<<
Your trip was in June, as I recall, TAW. Today the sun rose at 7.15 a.m. in Banff. At Christmas it'll be around 8.45 a.m.
Your trip was in June, as I recall, TAW. Today the sun rose at 7.15 a.m. in Banff. At Christmas it'll be around 8.45 a.m.
Sep 15th, 2006, 10:38 AM
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>>>>>>We got some pictures where if you rotate it you can't tell which is the reflection!<<<<<<
I <b>love</b> those pictures. My husband has taken some wonderful ones like that too.
I <b>love</b> those pictures. My husband has taken some wonderful ones like that too.
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