Banff/Canmore/Jasper
 

Hi Fodor Folks,

My family of five (ages 23, 25, 27) is traveling to the Banff area August 11-19 to celebrate my 60th birthday. We are flying into Calgary, renting a car and driving to Lake Louise for 2 nights, then driving to Jasper for 3 nights, and finally to Canmore for 3 nights. What are some most do activities in each of these areas? We would like to either kayak or canoe, obviously do some moderate hiking, and take in all the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Do we need to preorder any tickets for, say, Glacier Ice Walk tour? I've researched a bit, but looking for any specific recommendations. Thanks!

Your travel dates are just around the corner - so just a few suggestions. If you don't already have one, you will need a Park Pass, which you can buty at the gates as you enter Banff National Park.
Lake Louise: you will likely want to go the iconic lakeside, but be forewarned - parking has become atrocious there and for Moraine Lake. Consider taking the free shuttle, or arrive by 8am.
Louise to Jasper: stop at Peyto Lake, another busy but very worthwhile sight; Columbia Icefield tours are maybe more than you have time for as you drive the parkway but if you stop be ready with some warm jackets and decent shoes. The wind comes right off the glaciers. =) If time allows, depending on if Columbia Icefields was a longer stop, pull into Sunwapta Falls as you move northward... about 50 km from Jasper townsite. BTW... personally I would not bother paying for the Glacier Skywalk.
Jasper and area: easy hiking trail is Valley of the Five Lakes. For more rugged scenery, make the drive up along Maligne Canyon and stop at one of Bridges 1 to 4. If you drive on to Maligne Lake, then do seriously consider the boat tour. Magnificent scenery in any weather, although sunshine is preferable for most of us. Alternatively, perhaps lunch at the Chalet would be an option; I would recommend taking the gondola in Banff instead of the Skytram in Jasper; unfortunately Edith Cavell Meadows is not open this year due to road work.
Jasper to Banff/Canmore: stop at Athabasca Falls and follow the various trail viewpoints; at Lake Louise take the 1A (old highway) that runs slower than the #1 but an interesting drive. Near Castle Mountain junction, you can stop at Johnston Canyon or drive back during your stay in Banff. The trail into the Canyon is paved and gorgeous - and consequently very popular. Later in the day it is usually less so... or if it's raining. ;-)
Canmore and area: the Banff Gondola is a great option, although not a cheap experience. Views on a good day are spectacular, the info centre, walks and ride are also great; consider driving back to Johnston Canyon if it didn't happen on your Jasper-Banff drive; Banff is more crowded but with more amenities and shopping if you like that - Canmore has some shopping as well; hiking around Canmore is wonderful, visit Quarry Lake (reclaimed coal strip mining site) and Grassi Lakes. And in the summer, no visit to Canmore is complete without a walk along Policeman's Creek on the boardwalk, from town centre towards the iconic Three Sisters peaks.
For any mountain time, bring along layers to add or shed as temperatures fluctuate, camera, binoculars and decent shoes - no hiking in flip flops! And be bear aware - please don't feed any animals, however cute. And lastly - enjoy your vacation time in this wonderful part of the world we call home. =)

Ah thank you for your detailed response and suggestions. This will be most helpful as we navigate the area! Once again, thanks for the reply, appreciate it greatly!

for a simple but pleasurable canoe opportunity, try Lake Beauvert where the jasper Fairmont hotel is located.

Thank you, will do!