Looks like we may finally go to Banff this summer !! Just getting started on planning because i was waiting to see how the covid situation would be so I feel like i want to book a place to stay asap even though I only have a general plan in place. We will fly into Calgary and then have at least 5 (maybe one or two more)days, we want to go Banff, jasper, ice fields and lake Louise,(and more, as I said just at beginning of planning) For now my big question is can we stay in Canmore the whole time? It would also be great if someone could share an itinerary. We are really looking forward to walking on the glaciers and also enjoy hiking and seeing animals. Thanks

Canmore is a good base for seeing Banff and Lake Louise. For Jasper, you will want to stay in Jasper. Plan on a full day each way to drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. As for walking on the glacier - I'm assuming you mean Athabaska glacier on the Icefields Parkway? Last I heard, this now requires buying the combo ticket with the skywalk along with the snowcat ride up onto the glacier. Rather pricey and not worth the time and money, IMO (we went before the skywalk was part of it). But if you do, that will be a rather long day on the way to Jasper, so plan accordingly.

You should plan on at least 2 night in Jasper. If you can add on those 2 days and make it a full week, this will be doable.

Have fun. It's a beautiful area, and the Icefields Parkway will have you pulling off often for pictures and scenic walks.

Thanks for your help. I was coming here to edit my post as i realized we needed to stay in jasper because of how far it is from banff. I guess 'ill have to look into walking on the glacier-people make it sound really exciting but I will have to see how much time we have and how much it costs. What are the must sees/hikes in the area- i know there are endless places to pull off and hike. We are in pretty good shape and up to some long hikes to see nature especially waterfalls. thanks

[QUOTE As for walking on the glacier - I'm assuming you mean Athabaska glacier on the Icefields Parkway? Last I heard, this now requires buying the combo ticket with the skywalk along with the snowcat ride up onto the glacier.

i am very interested in everyone’s opinion about this. Is it worth it to take the time to go on bus snd then walk on the glacier? It always seems exciting when I’ve heard people talking about walking on glaciers ( mostly in Alaska)
if we don’t do this is there other places or ways to do something similar? Isn’t going to get up close to glaciers part of why I’m going? ( let’s face I’m not gonna see a bear-given up on that since I didn’t see any yet in any of the National parts we went to)

also as I plan my itinerary what else are must sees.