Alaska vs Canadian Rockies
Nov 28th, 2006, 06:00 AM
#1
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Alaska vs Canadian Rockies
Dear friends,
Time to plan for 2007. I need your votes on the following subject:
I am asking only those who have been to BOTH Alaska & Can.Rockies to please help me choose between the fourth visit to Alaska or the first visit to Canadian Rockies.
I just can't stop going to Alaska and I heard the opinions that after Alaska everything else in (Pacific) Northwest will be just OK.
This message is posted on both Alaska and Alberta forums.
I appreciate your votes.
Time to plan for 2007. I need your votes on the following subject:
I am asking only those who have been to BOTH Alaska & Can.Rockies to please help me choose between the fourth visit to Alaska or the first visit to Canadian Rockies.
I just can't stop going to Alaska and I heard the opinions that after Alaska everything else in (Pacific) Northwest will be just OK.
This message is posted on both Alaska and Alberta forums.
I appreciate your votes.
Nov 28th, 2006, 06:35 AM
#2
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Last year we did an Alaskan cruise that ended in Vancouver. We rented a car and drove from Vancouver to Lake Louise through the most beautiful scenery we have ever seen. Hands down, the Canadian Rockies make the US version look puny. They are quite simply magnificent and the drive to Lake Louise is awesome.
I would vote for the Rockies. You will not regret it. Not in the least.
I would vote for the Rockies. You will not regret it. Not in the least.
Nov 28th, 2006, 07:53 AM
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This is an easier choice, at least for me, than being asked to choose between one or the other for a first visit to each. Since you have been to Alaska several times and not to the Canadian Rockies, I would head for Canada. The area surrounding Banff/Jasper/Lake Louise is simply spectacular.
I would not ever say Alaska is better than the CR or vice-versa - they are just different but both are superb destinations. I suggest you visit the Canadian section of this forum and search on the Rockies and on some of the mentioned locations and you'll get a wealth of information.
Have a great trip!
I would not ever say Alaska is better than the CR or vice-versa - they are just different but both are superb destinations. I suggest you visit the Canadian section of this forum and search on the Rockies and on some of the mentioned locations and you'll get a wealth of information.
Have a great trip!
Nov 28th, 2006, 08:23 AM
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Both are beautiful but different.
A lot depends on your activities. Canadian Rockies have a much less wild feel to them.
If you're mainly looking for vistas from a car window or mild hikes, you won't be disappointed in Canada. The other experiences are a little less varied there (although the golf is better, I'm sure.)
A lot depends on your activities. Canadian Rockies have a much less wild feel to them.
If you're mainly looking for vistas from a car window or mild hikes, you won't be disappointed in Canada. The other experiences are a little less varied there (although the golf is better, I'm sure.)
Nov 28th, 2006, 08:39 AM
#5
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Curt,
I heard that scenery on the road you described is very good. But how does it compare to Seward Hwy and/or to Denali Park road?
Please keep the votes coming. I appreciate your help.
I heard that scenery on the road you described is very good. But how does it compare to Seward Hwy and/or to Denali Park road?
Please keep the votes coming. I appreciate your help.
Nov 28th, 2006, 08:44 AM
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I have not been to Alaska but would love to go.
We have been to the Canadian Rockies and fell in love with the area. We are hikers and loved the fabulous scenery we experienced in the area.
My thoughts:
If we had 2-3 weeks for vacation, I would go to Alaska. If I only had a week, I would go to Canada--though, as hikers, we could easily spend 2 weeks there.
We have been to the Canadian Rockies and fell in love with the area. We are hikers and loved the fabulous scenery we experienced in the area.
My thoughts:
If we had 2-3 weeks for vacation, I would go to Alaska. If I only had a week, I would go to Canada--though, as hikers, we could easily spend 2 weeks there.
Nov 28th, 2006, 09:11 AM
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I have lived in Alaska (many years ago), and vacationed in the Canadian Rockies recently. I'm thinking the road Curt took from Vancuover to Lake Louise would be Canada Hwy. 1. Comparing that to the road into Denali, I would say the views are much more varied on the Canadian road. Denali has those braod, sweeping vistas across tundra, with the Alaska Range off to the south, but not too close. In the Canadian Rockies, you are much closer to the actual mountains, even on the main highway. And there are some gorgeous jade-green glacial lakes, and the Columbia Icefield, to add to the scenery. Of course, there are a lot more people there, as well. But I can't imagine finding the Rockies "just OK" in comparison to Alaska.
It depends on what you want to do, I think. I go to the mountains for hiking, and for that I definitely prefer the Rockies. But Alaska has kayaking, wildlife viewing, etc. in addition, as you already know.
It depends on what you want to do, I think. I go to the mountains for hiking, and for that I definitely prefer the Rockies. But Alaska has kayaking, wildlife viewing, etc. in addition, as you already know.
Nov 28th, 2006, 10:00 AM
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enzian -
You input was very valuable because you live in Alaska. The wildlife viewing is important, and to tell you the truth I was afraid that after living with bears in Katmai (Hallo Bay), spending about a week in Denali, cruising to Kenai Fiords and staying in Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge - wildlife in Canadian Rockies will be "just OK". As to the hikes - I love hiking and photographing mountain scenery. Again, I would have to weigh pluses and minuses here.
You input was very valuable because you live in Alaska. The wildlife viewing is important, and to tell you the truth I was afraid that after living with bears in Katmai (Hallo Bay), spending about a week in Denali, cruising to Kenai Fiords and staying in Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge - wildlife in Canadian Rockies will be "just OK". As to the hikes - I love hiking and photographing mountain scenery. Again, I would have to weigh pluses and minuses here.
Nov 28th, 2006, 10:21 AM
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We have done both, Alaska being more recent, Canadian Rockies for our honeymoon, 24 yrs ago. If I could pick one right now it would be the Rockies. When we look at the photos we took, it still takes our breath away! Maybe because we did more hiking and backpacking then versus more riding in cars just sight seeing in Alaska? Both are very beautiful, but very different in each way as described by others. I felt CR are more intimate & user friendly. If you have been to Alaska 3 times already, then my vote is for CR! The Icefields Pkwy. should not be missed in anyones lifetime. We drove the entire length and came back into the States thru Waterton/Glacier Parks. Another beautiful area....Lordy, I need another honeymoon trip!
Nov 28th, 2006, 11:17 AM
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Bottom line: you can have a great trip in either. But if you opt for AK, try to go someplace out of the ordinary. Hit Gates of the Arctic NP or raft the Charley River. Check out Valley of the 10,000 Smokes or get deep into Wrangell-St. Elias NP. Visit Kodiak or Lake Clark.
If wild stuff is what you'd like, those will give you stuff you won't find in the Canadian Rockies.
If wild stuff is what you'd like, those will give you stuff you won't find in the Canadian Rockies.
Nov 28th, 2006, 12:17 PM
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repete -
That is exactly what I'll have in mind if, as a result of the vote, I opt for the 4th Alaska visit. There are places in Alaska I haven't been to.
I am yet to drive Glenn Hwy to Valdez. I would be glad to find a rental company that would allow me to drive Denali Hwy. I haven't been to Wrangell-St.Elias at all - never mind 'deep'. My Talkeetna McKinley flight was cancelled due to weather last August - another 'debt'. You mention Valley of 10000 smokes and I am thinking of doing 2 days at Brooks Camp to combine the Valley and salmon-hunting bruins. Lakes Illiama & Clark are also very attractive. If this is not enough - there's Aleutian Range (how the hell do I get there?!)
There's a reason a put it to vote...
That is exactly what I'll have in mind if, as a result of the vote, I opt for the 4th Alaska visit. There are places in Alaska I haven't been to.
I am yet to drive Glenn Hwy to Valdez. I would be glad to find a rental company that would allow me to drive Denali Hwy. I haven't been to Wrangell-St.Elias at all - never mind 'deep'. My Talkeetna McKinley flight was cancelled due to weather last August - another 'debt'. You mention Valley of 10000 smokes and I am thinking of doing 2 days at Brooks Camp to combine the Valley and salmon-hunting bruins. Lakes Illiama & Clark are also very attractive. If this is not enough - there's Aleutian Range (how the hell do I get there?!)
There's a reason a put it to vote...
Nov 28th, 2006, 04:16 PM
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The Canadian Rockies are the most beautiful spot in NA. Fly to Calgary, rent a car and drive to Banff or Lake Louise. Be sure to stay at the Fairmont resorts in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. I visited all three. The parks and countryside around Banff and Jasper are beautiful. Good luck.
Nov 29th, 2006, 07:24 AM
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I've been to both one time each. If I had to go back to one, it would be Alaska hands down b/c it is SO WILD. We got off the bus in the Denali and just hiked all over. We took back country hikes on the Kenai Peninsula, hiking back to little lakes so my husband could do fresh water fishing.
That said, since you have never been to the Canadian Rockies, I would encourage you to go. It's simply stunning. There's nothing like Lake Louise in Alaska - it's unique. Will it be Alaska? No. But it will be beautiful and you will have tons of hiking and photography opportunities.
I love traveling to new places, though. So that is part of what I would factor into my decision.
That said, since you have never been to the Canadian Rockies, I would encourage you to go. It's simply stunning. There's nothing like Lake Louise in Alaska - it's unique. Will it be Alaska? No. But it will be beautiful and you will have tons of hiking and photography opportunities.
I love traveling to new places, though. So that is part of what I would factor into my decision.
Nov 29th, 2006, 08:50 AM
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I began my preliminary research on Canadian Rockies. One thing that worries me a lot: CROWDS.
Please forgive me, I am NOT anti-social. I just spend 99% of my year commuting to work in crowded trains, my office is in crowded Manhattan, I live in densly-populated area of Brooklyn.
This is why I prefer to spend my cherished vacation time away from it all. Alaska is perfect in this respect.
Both beatiful and uncrowded. It is where I don't have to sacrifice going in good months(July,August) just to avoid crowds!
Please forgive me, I am NOT anti-social. I just spend 99% of my year commuting to work in crowded trains, my office is in crowded Manhattan, I live in densly-populated area of Brooklyn.
This is why I prefer to spend my cherished vacation time away from it all. Alaska is perfect in this respect.
Both beatiful and uncrowded. It is where I don't have to sacrifice going in good months(July,August) just to avoid crowds!
Nov 29th, 2006, 11:08 AM
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We had been to the Canadian Rockies several times and always found them simply breathtaking when we finally went to Alaska in 2001 --driving through the Canadian Rockies and spending a month IN Alaska. Don't get me wrong, parts of Alaska were beautiful, some even breathtaking, particularly from the ferry coming down the inner passage, but the prettiest part of our trip was still the trip THROUGH the Canadian Rockies and lower Yukon gettin TO Alaska.
Nov 29th, 2006, 11:41 AM
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We were there in September 2001 and it was much colder than I expected and we had quite a few cloudy days. The crowds though weren't bad at all except when the tour buses full of Japanese tourists arrived. But, they just take a bunch of pictures and then get on the bus and head to the next "attraction". I have never seen such well-dressed tourists in all my life!
The area really is beautiful and I can't imagine anyone would ever think it was just OK.
The area really is beautiful and I can't imagine anyone would ever think it was just OK.
Nov 29th, 2006, 01:32 PM
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