My husband & I have been to the Rockies once before, almost a decade ago. Saw Yoho, Jasper & Banff. Are returning late Sept. & wondering whether to forego some of the beautiful spots we so enjoyed last time, in favor of some new. <BR><BR>Since vacation time is limited, I can't see how we can add much 'new' & still do all of the 'mainstay' spots. (We'll probably have 11 days.) Could really use your help in weighing our options.<BR><BR>So, please *do* advise of how places like Kootenay, Revelstoke, Glacier, & Wells Gray & Robson provincial parks compare to the more commonly visited parks. (We know if we'd choose to check out Wells Gray, for instance, that that would greatly affect our driving route.) <BR><BR>We *had* planned on flying in & out Calgary.<BR>(Last time, we only drove through Revelstoke & Glacier during a long day's drive from Kamloops & Vancouver. Didn't take any roads of the main highway, or anything due to time constraints in getting to Yoho.) Perhaps all of these parks are best done in high summer to see their wildflowers? (not autumn?) <BR><BR>Please lend your experience, if you can compare the options facing us. Thanks so much!

I just got back from my umpteenth trip up and down the Icefields Parkway as well as a return to other favorite places. <BR>A few years ago, I detoured by Mount Revelstoke. I don't know why. It is a poor use of time unless you just happen to be going that way. Glacier NP Canada is worth seeing, even taking a hike or two if your legs are up to some of the steepest trails in the Rockies.<BR>I cannot comment on Wells Grey, but it is not in the high Rockies.<BR>Kootenay is pretty. But it depends on your hiking desire. Robson is a beautiful park. But, you have to walk to Berg Lake, which is an overnight trek with camping gear. We stopped there for this year for a view, and it was gorgous, and then some.<BR><BR>But I would not trade Angel Glacier in Jasper, the Whistler, the Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake, some of the water falls, Parker Ridge, Bow Glacier, etc. for any of the lesser parks. <BR><BR>If you are going to Calgary, like we just did, I think you could do justice to Jasper, the Icefields Parkway, Yoho, Banff, and Waterton.<BR><BR>Rather than drive west of Yoho, why not include Peter Lougheed Provincial Park.<BR>It is a beautiful park that is mainly known to the Calgarians it seems.<BR>I want to go back there when I can stay longer. The approach drive is eye catching. <BR>And Waterton has some nice sights, even if the hikes at the Gaunt Haunt end of the lake are barred. The US is scared Osama might slip in off the boat down there, hike through the woods, and blow up something.<BR>And if you run out of things to do, drive over to Drumheller and visit the Royal Tyrrell Museum. It was jammed with people when I was there.<BR>That T-Rex display is enougn to scare you. I told the museum educational staff member that I would not want that thing showing up in my backyard. <BR>

Just a P.S. to Bob Brown's comments on the Berg Lake hike in Mt. Robson Prov. Park - there was an avalanche at approximately km.1 of that trail - huge slope of snow still on the trail late June, making that segment of the trail very precarious to cross. It was speculated that the snow might not disappear all summer. I don't know if the B.C. government has or plans to do anything about it, as Parks maintenance is not a huge priority with their budget problems.

Thanks to both of you for your *very* helpful input & advice! <BR><BR>I really appreciate it, as it's not easy picking & choosing among so many spectacular spots. <BR><BR>Your recommendations/info will *definitely* help guide us. Since we would like to see Robson this time, we probably will just get some views from the visitor center area & not do any major hiking, though. <BR><BR>The only other thought we had as far as "adding" a new area was to explore a few days driving from Kootenay, to Nelson & then back up towards Revelstoke/Glacier with maybe staying at the Mulvehill Creek Inn, which I've read so much about. (May do a new posting to ask if people recommend Nelson & that lake region at all.)<BR><BR>We happily saw a bit of Waterton just a few years ago, while touring Glacier Nat'l Park in Montana, so won't try to take that in this trip, with our limited time. <BR><BR>Thanks again so much for your timely help!<BR><BR>

I don't think you can go wrong. There are just various degrees of rightness!<BR>So have a good trip.<BR>

mtm:<BR><BR> I would highly recommend the hiking guide book: "Don't Waste Your Time in the Canadian Rockies". It's highly opinionated, but it clearly ranks the various day hikes, with a definite preference for hikes on or near the Continental Divide.<BR><BR> My recommendation would be to spend some time at the Lake O'Hara Lodge. It has a perfect location, with many wonderful hikes nearby, and the food is first rate. Failing that, stay in the Lake Louise area, as there are many wonderful hikes nearby. The closer you are to the Continental Divide, the more spectacular the views.