DJCV

We're going to Banff/Jasper NP in September. We will be hiking/exploring Banff NP, Yoho, and driving to Jasper for 2 to 3 days. And if time, Glacier NP.

I've read a lot of postings that recommend staying at Baker Creek Chalet. One plus is they have a kitchen, over one of the resort hotels. Except the Marriott Residence Inn in Canmore, which is less expensive, however, I'm assuming may be less convenient than Baker Creek as far as driving to the NP's. I would appreciate any comments from anyone that's stayed there.

I also read on a posting not to stay in certain locations (east entrance of Banff NP) as it's too far away and more driving. Baker Creek is located on Bow Valley Parkway. Is this a good central location to stay for 4 days?

If anyone can recommend where to stay in Jasper as well.

Thanks for you help!

LindainOhio

We also visited in September and thoroughly enjoyed hiking in the area. We stayed at Baker Creek in a jacuzzi suite, which was nice-- We had hiked to the Lake Agnes Teahouse,Beehive, and Plain Of Six Glaciers that day.

We actually never used the kitchen--we enjoyed their restaurant for breakfast and dinner.

We made our reservations though quite late and could not find a room in Lake Louise when we first arrived--it was the US Labor Day weekend. It was the best thing that could have happened. We got a reservation at Emerald Lake Lodge--they drop their rates in Sept. We had the least expensive room, which is small, but Emerald Lake Lodge has an absolutely beautiful location. We also liked our little room--it had been updated, nice bathroom, woodburning fireplace, small deck with a peek a boo view of the lake. We enjoyed both restaurants there. It was about a 25 minute drive from Lake Louise but we loved the drive--it was beautiful. Emerald Lake Lodge is one of our all time favorite places to stay.

We stayed at Beckers in Jasper. It also had a kitchen. Be sure to hike Parker Ridge on your way to Jasper--when you get to the top walk to the left for a spectacular "on top of the world" view.

Fodorite018

We have stayed at Baker Creek several times and really enjoy it. The cabins do have the kitchens, and we brought along a small gas grill to use on the patio. The Bistro there is very good, but we do not like to eat out often so it was nice to have the kitchen at our disposal. There is a little store in Lake Louise, but it is very small so I would suggest purchasing food in either Canmore or Banff instead. The location of Baker Creek is nice. A pretty quiet road, a creek that runs by it and just a really relaxing atmosphere.

We did the same hike as Linda mentioned, the Plain of Six Glaciers/Big Beehive/Lake Agnes and absolutely loved it! Also have stayed at Emerald Lake Lodge years ago and that was very nice.

Borealis

Baker Creek is a nice relaxing "get-away-from-it-all" type of place; it's in the woods by a babbling creek, and is an 8 to 10 minute drive from Lake Louise village, and a 40 minute (approximately) drive from Banff (i.e. - in-between Banff and Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Parkway). We have stayed there on a number of occasions (winter, autumn and summer), and have loved it every season.

We like to stay in places with kitchens too, mainly because it's much more relaxing to have breakfasts and the occasional dinners "in" - especially breakfast - don't have to dress up and can sit on the deck sipping hot coffee while enjoying the sounds of the breeze in the tall pine trees and the gurgle of the babbling brook!!!

mms is right - better to purchase your food supplies in Canmore than in Lake Louise. Canmore has two large grocery stores just off the Trans Canada highway, with a large variety of fresh produce, meats and even a deli section - you'll find everything you need. Canmore is a 10 to 12 minute drive east of Banff townsite, is in the eastern chain of the Rocky Mountains although not in Banff National Park, and is the gateway to Kananskis country and the picturesque Spray Lakes trail (road) that has hiking etc. too.

Enjoy!!!!

DJCV

Thank you so much for such great responses - this is extremely helpful. I cannot wait until September! I am compiling such a long list of things to do that I don't know how we'll fit it all into 7 days.

I too would like to eat out some of the time but the problem is a fatal peanut / peanut oil allergy and risky eating out, thus the need for a kitchen.

Thanks again for all the suggestions/advice!