ahofstrand

I am currently in the mids of planning a surprise trip for my hubby and I and I am having a hard time deciding itinerary plans....We are flying out in January and will be flying into Calgary (and out of Calgary as well as we are going to be renting a car).
My initial thought was to land in Calgary, drive to Lake Louise, stay (1 or 2 nights), then drive to Jasper (1 or 2 nights), then drive to Banff from there (2 nights) and then drive through canmore to get to Calgary for our final night.
I don't know if it is better for us to stay the 2 nights in Lake Louise or Jasper?
I'd love some planning tips and help for travelling that time of year!

Eric101

Winter is also a great time to visit the Canadian Rockies. While most of the visitors do come for some world class skiing amidst stunning landscapes but the Rockies overall is simply beautiful that time of the year !!!

- Personally I feel one night in Lake Louise will be enough, unless you plan lots of activities around the Lake Louise - Although I have to say the place is so magical 3 nights and you would still want to stay longer. Some time the Chateau/Hotel plans lots of activities or has packages indoor and outdoors for two days.
You have to consider though depending how long is the flight you may need 2 night's rest for the first pit-stop.

- Staying in Banff for the first two nights is also not a bad idea as well.

Overall there will be so much to do, I would bet you'll say so much to do so little time.

- When driving through the icefield parkway, I would suggest to leave a few activities on the way back - be it the lookouts, ice walks, etc......

- Overall Banff is bit more "commercial" and busier than Jasper - Banff has better dining options, Jasper quieter - Both towns have their won charm though.


Overall I would say, the place is so beautiful you simply cannot go wrong.

ShelliDawn

What type of activities are you planning on doing? That may help decide how nights to spend in a given place.

Do you have experience driving in the winter? Personally, I only drive in the mountains in winter with winter tires on my car and you won't be able to get a rental car with those.

Calgary to Banff and Lake Louise is usually pretty good all year round because there's so much traffic on the roads (but it can be tricky during/after a big snowfall), but between Lake Louise and Jasper the highway can be a bit more challenging. There's often packed snow/ice on the road and you need to adjust your driving accordingly.

ahofstrand

Thanks Eric101
Our flight is about 4-5 hours and so really, I am sure we can make lake Louise for our first stop!
I've never been to the area myself, so I truly can't wait.
I'd love any further input (as to what to do!) if you have anything to offer!

ShelliDawn
In the time we are there, I'd like at least a part day of skiing. But I'm more interested in hikes and other activities!
My hubby and I are both quite experienced with winter driving-- more so him but in any case, I do feel like we will be covered!
Have you spent much time throughout those areas in the winter? Any tips as to "what not to miss''?
Thank you!

Myer

If your return flight is fairly early, there's a Delta Hotel in the Calgary airport right beside the car rentals.

You give the car back the night before and walk across the street into the terminal. In winter there's a tunnel one floor up so you don't have to go outside.

amer_can

It is not a tunnel!!! It is a walkway or as we call it up here "a Plus 15". The Delta is a very nice and convenient hotel but there are others with shuttles to and from the airport after you turn in your car if that is what you plan to do.

Myer

amer-can,
Thank you for your useless correction. When I responded with my helpful information I was still jet-lagged from a return from Italy and didn't think of the correct "walkway" word. I'm sure the OP could get the jist of what I was writing.

Yes, there are other motels/hotels in the area with shuttles. However, there's nothing like walking out of your room and being checked-in in 10 minutes. No waiting for a shuttle. No hassles.

amer_can

Sorry, Myer, I couldn't resist!!!And I envy you the occasion of being jet lagged. Oh for the opportunity!!! I was only commenting on other accom. due to the fact that Delta can get a little pricy!! Otherwise Aofstrand you will be welcome in our land of the maple leaf! Come on up!!!

Myer

amer-can,

I'm a dual citizen. Born and raised in Montreal. Moved to South Florida 20 years ago.

Yes, Delta can get a little pricey. I get a bit of a break with a senior discount.

ShelliDawn

ahofstrand,

There's not much hiking to be had in January. However, you can do some snow-shoeing or cross country skiing. There's also sled dog tours which may be of interest.

amer_can

Good thing you are in Florida, Myer.That way you only pay one tax!!! Uncle Sam will seek you out where ever you are..He is relentless! And Ahofstrand Jan. can be a crap shoot weatherwise in Banff and surrounds..Beautiful but often very unpredictable. Not to say you won't be awestruck with the beauty. Hot tubs, mulled wine, Irish coffees, hot springs and multi vista!!!

Eric101

Johnston Canyon or lake louise ice walk in winter - its different that time of the year.

krp329

Be sure to rent a car with winter tires for driving on the Icefields Parkway, and to check on the weather forecast and road conditions before heading out. You will want to make the drive in daylight hours, since the road is lightly travelled in winter, and not patrolled after 4 pm. I don't mean to scare you, but it is a high elevation mountain highway (although there is not much in the way of winding or curvy areas) but since it is a parkway and not a through-highway, it is not ploughed down to bare concrete and is usually snowy/icy, in at least some spots, in winter. It is rarely in "good" winter driving condition (they have signs at either end), usually "fair" and often "poor"... of course, this doesn't mean the entire drive will be that way, it's usually only one of the higher areas that will have poor conditions. (Bow Summit and Sunwapta Pass/Columbia Icefields are both in about 6500 to 7000 feet asl.)

If you decide you would rather not drive it yourself, Sundog Tours runs a daily shuttle.

Ice walk tours are offered in Maligne Canyon here in Jasper NP - you are equipped with appropriate footwear and spikes, and walk into the canyon on the frozen river... spectacular!

kgsneds

krp329's advice is good, though I personally would suggest thinking about a different route from Jasper to Lake Louise.

Turn offs won't be plowed much, and without a good deal of experience and significant equipment, winter hiking is not an option. Plus, the good places for xc-skiing and snowshoeing are near/in Jasper, Lake Louise & Banff.

Snow tires or chains are REQUIRED on the Icefields Highway from November 1 to March 31. Regardless of your vehicle, conditions can be dicey during the winter, and turn nasty very quickly. Plus the days are quite short, so any delay can mean driving in the dark.

As krp329 notes, the highway is not completely plowed or salted - you will be driving on packed snow for at least part of the trip. Note that there are no gas stations or any other services available along the highway between November and March. Toilet facilities are shut down after Canadian Thanksgiving, so they will be either locked or have no TP/soap/running water and there is no place to buy any supplies. Cell phone services is also patchy at best. Also, it's not unusual for part or all of the highway to be closed down temporarily if conditions get bad.

As such, if you are not very comfortable driving on snow, and prepared for not having cell coverage/facilities in case of a breakdown, I would opt for an alternate route, especially if you are intended to go to Jasper and back. Rt. 16 can be equally hairy in the winter, so I think your best best is to go through Edmonton and via there to Canmore/Banff Lake Louise. It's actually faster to from Edmonton to Banff via Calgary than through the park. Even if you opt for the Icefields, you should have a back-up plan in case the highway is closed so you don't miss out on any reservations.

(See http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jas...-ipwinter.aspx for official information on winter driving in the park).

LindainOhio

We have only been to the Rockies once in the winter--in March for skiing. If I was going in January, I think I would spend the whole week in Banff. I would not drive all the way to Jasper but would spend a day driving on the Icefields Parkway on a clear sunny day.

Lake Louise does not have a town--it is more a collection of hotels. We like staying there in the summer because it is closer to the trails we enjoy hiking. Banff is a nice ski town. We enjoyed it in the winter.

For hiking. Look at the Parks Canada website. They have a list of cross country trails, snowshoeing trails and a few foot trails. There is a visitor center in Banff where you will be able to get more current information when you stop in. We have Yaktrax that fit over our boots for winter hiking.

I would think it will be really cold in January--be prepared with ski type outerwear.

We loved skiing Sunshine and Lake Louise.

A drive out to Emerald Lake Lodge for lunch one day is enjoyable. We loved staying there one stay when they offered a special rate.