Myer

I realize this is in the wrong forum but the activity in the Alberta, Canada forum is rather sparse.

I will be in Banff & Jasper in early August.

I've set aside part of a day (3-5 hours) for a Lake Louise area hike.

Originally I figured the obvious choice would be Lake Agnes. Now I'm not so sure as it doesn't appear to have much of that spectacular scenery. Maybe I'm wrong.

The Plain of Six Glaciers is about a mile longer in total but appears to have by far the more spectacular scenery. Is this really the case?

jent103

I can't compare them, as I've only done Plain of Six Glaciers, but I loved it. Here are the pictures I took that day if it would help.

https://www.flickr.com/photos/jentho...7624649026183/

Myer

Thanks. That helps. Great scenery.

I see you mixed in some of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise.

Fodorite018

We have done the entire look, including Lake Agnes, Big Beehive and then onto the Plain of Six Glaciers. I would suggest doing either Lake Agnes with the Big Beehive, or the Plain of Six Glaciers, with your limited time. The views up at Big Beehive are really good! You only get snow around the Plain of Six Glaciers though, plus the benefit of fewer people since most people do what is closest and easiest

Enjoy, it is beautiful!!!

Fodorite018

Loop, not look.

jent103

We did, Myer - hard to not see Lake Louise , but we only had a little bit of time at Moraine. That's maybe my one disappointment of the trip; it started pouring rain when we got back to the last flat 2km along Lake Louise, and only let up long enough to be around Moraine a little while (plus we were ravenous for dinner at that point). I'd have loved to do a hike around there as well on another day, but we just didn't have the time.

Myer

Maybe I'll add this here as well.

I'm looking at Maligne Canyon as one of the hikes for our day in the Jasper town area.

I notice that between the 5th and 1st bridges there appear to be 3 parallel trail. I believe they're #7, #7f & #7H. There might even be a #7g.

Anybody know what the difference is between them?

funtravlr

We have done Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. As much as I loved Lake Louise and that's what I went for, we LOVED Moraine Lake, as well, You can climb easily up on the rocks and overlook from height. Easy walking around both lakes, flat! You have got to see both, and they are close. Don't miss them! Didn't do Agnes. You will be glad to see both these lakes. enjoy!

funtravlr

We have done Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. As much as I loved Lake Louise and that's what I went for, we LOVED Moraine Lake, as well, You can climb easily up on the rocks and overlook from height. Easy walking around both lakes, flat! You have got to see both, and they are close. Don't miss them! Didn't do Agnes. You will be glad to see both these lakes. enjoy!

Myer

I've been to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake twice.

However, I'm going back this August with my daughter (who hasn't been) and while we'll have more time there, I'm not sure we have enough time for both Lake Agnes and Plain of Six Glaciers. Possibly both together might work.

I've got to get to Moraine Lake and probably hike Johnston Canyon (been there myself as well) that day as well. Otherwise I'll have to make some adjustments.

Fodorite018

I agree with the others, Moraine Lake is really nice too.

Myer--Yes, you can do both Lake Agness and Plain of Six Glaciers all in one loop. That is what we did and absolutely loved it!!!

Johnston Canyon is nice too, especially if you keep going up to the ink pots. Once the trail starts for that you immediately lose the crowds.

Myer

mms,
I remember losing the crowds once we went past the Lower Falls.

In my opinion Moraine Lake is way nicer than Lake Louise. But it's a farther drive and you have to climb the Rock Pile. Both of those lose people.

But the parking lot is also smaller. Sometimes a problem.

monpetit

Hie Myer,
when are you in Banff/Jasper ?
We will be in Calgary, part of our 3 weeks Glacier/Waterton August 5 and 6 .On evening of the 5th we have a concert butanother day or meal ??
Erik

Fodorite018

Myer--The first time we went to Moraine lake was on our honeymoon in mid September. We were the only people there, so it was really nice! I got a great pic of Dh up on the rocks there

Myer

Erik,

That's funny.

We arrive in Calgary 6PM on August 5th and after we pick up the car and a quick stop for some supplies we'll drive right to Banff. Our plan is to stay there for 2 or 3 nights and then 2 nights in Jasper.

Our evenings will be:
Aug 5 (Banff town)
Aug 6 (Banff town)
Aug 7 (probably Banff but possible we'll switch to Lake Louise)
Aug 8 (Jasper town)
Aug 9 (Jasper town)
Aug 10 (Calgary airport probably quite late)