Rockies trip in June.
Mar 3rd, 2014, 03:01 AM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Rockies trip in June.
Hello everyone !
Have booked a 2 week holiday in June arriving & departing from Calgary for my girlfriend & me.Very excited,coming from England.We have booked overnight accomadation at Calgary airport & booked 2 week Campervan hire.
This area & Campervan holiday are both new to us ! We have booked a Truck/Camper vehicle.
Looking for advice for itinery; EG Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper Is this enough for 13 day trip or do we need to expand it a little ? We are both 50 but fit/healthy & would like to do some walking/activities but not rush around,prfer to take things leisurely !
Also any advice on Camp sites/Parks would be great.
Thanking you so much in anticipation for any help you can give us !
Simon H
Have booked a 2 week holiday in June arriving & departing from Calgary for my girlfriend & me.Very excited,coming from England.We have booked overnight accomadation at Calgary airport & booked 2 week Campervan hire.
This area & Campervan holiday are both new to us ! We have booked a Truck/Camper vehicle.
Looking for advice for itinery; EG Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper Is this enough for 13 day trip or do we need to expand it a little ? We are both 50 but fit/healthy & would like to do some walking/activities but not rush around,prfer to take things leisurely !
Also any advice on Camp sites/Parks would be great.
Thanking you so much in anticipation for any help you can give us !
Simon H
Mar 4th, 2014, 05:50 AM
#2
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,784
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tourists often aim for the mountains but there is plenty of interest east of the foothills and south of Calgary. The Drumheller region contains widespread dinosaur remains and the archeological projects are accompanied by several museums.
Or you could keep driving west through the rugged mountains to the Okanagan Valley, chic and renowned for its wineries.
Or you could keep driving west through the rugged mountains to the Okanagan Valley, chic and renowned for its wineries.
Mar 4th, 2014, 02:44 PM
#3
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Love your itinerary. Should be very doable in 13 days. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/voyage-travel/reserve.aspx
at this link you will see the list of National parks and campsites which can be reserved ahead.
at this link you will see the list of National parks and campsites which can be reserved ahead.
Mar 4th, 2014, 02:49 PM
#4
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 268
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Canmore, just outside the Banff NP is also a great place to see.http://www.bowvalleycampgrounds.com/ shows another campsite,. I am sure if you search around using your proposed itinerary. you will find many more campsites because it is hugely popular there.
Mar 7th, 2014, 11:26 PM
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 2,466
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
for banff and jasper, look at the national park website for a list of their campgrounds. with 13 days, i'd consider banff, jasper and a short trip into the okanagan valley (penticton maybe). in jasper, i like snaring river campground. no services, so not a lot of rv's, but nice campsites. in banff, tunnel mountain is popular. the advantage to that is you can walk to town or there is a bus if you don't want to drive one night.
Mar 10th, 2014, 07:54 AM
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Oh thank you all for your comments; You all make good points and we will be packing our raingear !Will look at the National Park Website.Am trying to phone up later to book Lake O Hara !
Mar 10th, 2014, 07:40 PM
#9
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree that it's a great itinerary.
In case you aren't aware, Lake O'Hara can only be accessed by the pre-booked shuttle bus or walking up the road. So you'd need to make it a day trip or making a booking at a (tent) campsite. Since the bus reservations are quite limited, you should only book if you intend to be there for a full day.
For the length of your trip, it would be well worth getting a year pass for the national parks ($120 vs. $10 per day).
In case you aren't aware, Lake O'Hara can only be accessed by the pre-booked shuttle bus or walking up the road. So you'd need to make it a day trip or making a booking at a (tent) campsite. Since the bus reservations are quite limited, you should only book if you intend to be there for a full day.
For the length of your trip, it would be well worth getting a year pass for the national parks ($120 vs. $10 per day).
Mar 18th, 2014, 04:17 PM
#10
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
First, an advance early welcome to this part of the world, you will love it.
Although not asked specifically, please keep in mind that there will still be areas of snow in the mountains in June, less toward the end of June. Pack clothes that can be layered, adding or removing depending on what each day/evening brings. Good closed-toe footwear will be your best choice, but sports sandals will also be appropriate, depending on the altitude. Also pack warm gloves or mittens and a warm hat as well as one for sun. There are lots of stores to sell you all kinds of gear at just about any stop along the way, so you could wait and easily pick up something like a hoodie that proclaims your holiday whenever you wear it. =)
I note that you are interested in a leisurely pace, and for that reason, I would suggest you stay with your plan to see the mountains, as interesting as other areas can be.
From Calgary, you are most likely taking Hwy 1, aka the TransCanada. Check ahead on road conditions for the following suggestions, especially as this is a new experience for you - and what fun!
Consider exiting the TransCanada at Hwy 40, into Kananaskis Country, where there will be lots of camping options... altho not as many as in the past as we experienced a huge area of flooding late last June. The remnants of that are everywhere, and although sad in many respects, it is part of nature in progress. See www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country.aspx
From within K Country, take the Smith-Dorian Road which will take you through glorious back country on a decent road, bringing you to Canmore. From there you can explore Banff National Park, you will need to purchase a park pass (good for all the Parks). By taking HiWay 93 South off the the TransCanada, you can go to Radium Hot Springs/Kootenay National Park, a very interesting side trip with different terrain.
From 93 South, catch the TransCanada again at Golden and on to Field, which takes you to the area for Lake O'Hara. From there, continue to Lake Louise -- another amazing area, with a large campground close to the townsite. You will want to visit Lake Louise, there is an easy walk to the end of the lake; for more elevation and veiw, hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House... pricey but certainly picturesque and memorable! www.lakeagnesteahouse.com Consider going into Moraine Lake, some consider it even more beautiful than L. Louise.
From Lake Louise, head north to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, another section of Hwy 93, as in Hwy 93 North. Be prepared for cool winds off the glaciers, hopefully you will have time to stop and look at the Columbia Ice Fields even if you don't take a tour. explorerockies.com/columbia-icefield/ Again you will find campgrounds along the way, and you will move into Jasper National Park.
I would recommend you take the tramway just outside Jasper, it gives an amazing view in all directions on a clear day. (Bring a coat and binoculars, maybe even gloves/mittens and a hat, which we call a toque). jasperskytram.com/
Heading back to Calgary, you'll see the sights in reverse, with a change in perspective that easily merits repeating the drive, in my opinion. Going east past Lake Louise, take the Bow Valley Parkway, aka the 1A. There are some road restrictions during June, but nothing that cannot be easily managed and well worth the accommodation it makes for wildlife. It is the old highway, the speed is slower and the route is quaint and lovely. One might even say leisurely! =)
I would be happy to recommend some specific campgrounds and fantastic trails if you are interested. Of course all of the above is per my opinion, and others will likely have more to add... or disagree with me! This is long enough. ;0 But I almost forgot... www.pc.gc.ca/eng/progs/pn-np/index.aspx
Although not asked specifically, please keep in mind that there will still be areas of snow in the mountains in June, less toward the end of June. Pack clothes that can be layered, adding or removing depending on what each day/evening brings. Good closed-toe footwear will be your best choice, but sports sandals will also be appropriate, depending on the altitude. Also pack warm gloves or mittens and a warm hat as well as one for sun. There are lots of stores to sell you all kinds of gear at just about any stop along the way, so you could wait and easily pick up something like a hoodie that proclaims your holiday whenever you wear it. =)
I note that you are interested in a leisurely pace, and for that reason, I would suggest you stay with your plan to see the mountains, as interesting as other areas can be.
From Calgary, you are most likely taking Hwy 1, aka the TransCanada. Check ahead on road conditions for the following suggestions, especially as this is a new experience for you - and what fun!
Consider exiting the TransCanada at Hwy 40, into Kananaskis Country, where there will be lots of camping options... altho not as many as in the past as we experienced a huge area of flooding late last June. The remnants of that are everywhere, and although sad in many respects, it is part of nature in progress. See www.albertaparks.ca/kananaskis-country.aspx
From within K Country, take the Smith-Dorian Road which will take you through glorious back country on a decent road, bringing you to Canmore. From there you can explore Banff National Park, you will need to purchase a park pass (good for all the Parks). By taking HiWay 93 South off the the TransCanada, you can go to Radium Hot Springs/Kootenay National Park, a very interesting side trip with different terrain.
From 93 South, catch the TransCanada again at Golden and on to Field, which takes you to the area for Lake O'Hara. From there, continue to Lake Louise -- another amazing area, with a large campground close to the townsite. You will want to visit Lake Louise, there is an easy walk to the end of the lake; for more elevation and veiw, hike up to the Lake Agnes Tea House... pricey but certainly picturesque and memorable! www.lakeagnesteahouse.com Consider going into Moraine Lake, some consider it even more beautiful than L. Louise.
From Lake Louise, head north to Jasper via the Icefields Parkway, another section of Hwy 93, as in Hwy 93 North. Be prepared for cool winds off the glaciers, hopefully you will have time to stop and look at the Columbia Ice Fields even if you don't take a tour. explorerockies.com/columbia-icefield/ Again you will find campgrounds along the way, and you will move into Jasper National Park.
I would recommend you take the tramway just outside Jasper, it gives an amazing view in all directions on a clear day. (Bring a coat and binoculars, maybe even gloves/mittens and a hat, which we call a toque). jasperskytram.com/
Heading back to Calgary, you'll see the sights in reverse, with a change in perspective that easily merits repeating the drive, in my opinion. Going east past Lake Louise, take the Bow Valley Parkway, aka the 1A. There are some road restrictions during June, but nothing that cannot be easily managed and well worth the accommodation it makes for wildlife. It is the old highway, the speed is slower and the route is quaint and lovely. One might even say leisurely! =)
I would be happy to recommend some specific campgrounds and fantastic trails if you are interested. Of course all of the above is per my opinion, and others will likely have more to add... or disagree with me! This is long enough. ;0 But I almost forgot... www.pc.gc.ca/eng/progs/pn-np/index.aspx
Mar 20th, 2014, 02:31 AM
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Wow out_and_ about ! Looks like you have our trip all organised for us ! Sounds fantastic. Are you sure you dont want to come along & be our personal guide ! Sounds like you are very familiar & passionate about this area.
Oh and kgsneds I cant book the Lake O hara day until the office opens on April 1st Tried to phone but closed until then. UNLESS anyone knows if I can book it online now ? Once again,thank you all so much for your help & advice.
Oh and kgsneds I cant book the Lake O hara day until the office opens on April 1st Tried to phone but closed until then. UNLESS anyone knows if I can book it online now ? Once again,thank you all so much for your help & advice.
Mar 20th, 2014, 08:34 AM
#12
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The only way to book Lake O'Hara is by phone - it's a single line, so you have to keep calling until you get through. I think it's probably semi-intentionally kept that way as a method of weeding out people who aren't serious about hiking or camping up there.
The Bow Valley Parkway is closed between Lake Louise and near Johnston Cayon (I think) from about 5pm to 9am each day. It's now a formal closure, so you do have to make sure you are off the road by the closure time or risk a fine. It means you do have to ensure you finish any activities along that stretch in time, but it's easy to schedule around.
The Bow Valley Parkway is closed between Lake Louise and near Johnston Cayon (I think) from about 5pm to 9am each day. It's now a formal closure, so you do have to make sure you are off the road by the closure time or risk a fine. It means you do have to ensure you finish any activities along that stretch in time, but it's easy to schedule around.
Mar 20th, 2014, 11:10 AM
#13
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Check indeed on the times for the Bow Valley Parkway... I think it's closed from 8pm to 8 am, I get updates per Banff National Parks' facebook. =) And it's part of that road that is restricted, not the whole length.
Thanks, simonh, I do love this area.... and would love to be your guide, I've met many wonderful folks on various trails who come from all over the world to our beautiful corner.
Thanks, simonh, I do love this area.... and would love to be your guide, I've met many wonderful folks on various trails who come from all over the world to our beautiful corner.
