Camping in Banff/Jasper/Yoho
Jul 15th, 2005, 06:32 PM
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Camping in Banff/Jasper/Yoho
My family will soon be traveling to the beautiful Canadian Rockies. We have decided to tent camp and would appreciate any advice you have on the best campgrounds and things to expect.
I've been reading about Mosquito Creek and Waterfowl and thought we might like to stay here on our drive north along the Icefield Parkway. We also hope to camp at Takakkaw Falls in Yoho. We prefer not to be surrounded by large RVs if we can help it.
Where is the best place to tent camp near Jasper?
Thanks so much,
Karen
I've been reading about Mosquito Creek and Waterfowl and thought we might like to stay here on our drive north along the Icefield Parkway. We also hope to camp at Takakkaw Falls in Yoho. We prefer not to be surrounded by large RVs if we can help it.
Where is the best place to tent camp near Jasper?
Thanks so much,
Karen
Jul 15th, 2005, 07:11 PM
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The Takkakaw Falls camground is well away from the main parking area for the falls and it is a walk-in set up. Last year, there were carts to help wheel your stuff in, but they seemed very popular and there were seemingly too few of them.
The camping area itself is flat and on the floor of the valley close to a glacial outwash plain. The water source is a pump. I saw mostly tents because you cannot drive a vehicle legally into the camping area.
The Waterfowl ground is a good one. I have not camped there, but we did beg the use of one of the food shelters from the warden after we got drowned on a hike and needed to change to dry clothes. (That was the day I swore I would never use a poncho again and bought a Goretex rain suit shortly thereafter.)
Mosquito looks ok from the road, but I am told that it fills fast.
I cannot help you with Jasper. But the one area I saw had a full sign by early afternoon.
The camping area itself is flat and on the floor of the valley close to a glacial outwash plain. The water source is a pump. I saw mostly tents because you cannot drive a vehicle legally into the camping area.
The Waterfowl ground is a good one. I have not camped there, but we did beg the use of one of the food shelters from the warden after we got drowned on a hike and needed to change to dry clothes. (That was the day I swore I would never use a poncho again and bought a Goretex rain suit shortly thereafter.)
Mosquito looks ok from the road, but I am told that it fills fast.
I cannot help you with Jasper. But the one area I saw had a full sign by early afternoon.
Jul 16th, 2005, 08:34 AM
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Thanks for sharing this helpful information. We will be driving from Spokane next Sunday morning. Do you think the Takakkaw Falls Campground will be full at 8:00pm? We may need to get a hotel in Golden if needed.
Karen
Karen
Jul 16th, 2005, 12:37 PM
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I think there is a good chance the Takkakaw Falls campground will be full that late in the evening. The area close to the Trans Canada fills fast and is often full by 5 pm. The tenters then overflow to Takkakaw which is a short drive away over the switchbacks - so severe that buses back up one leg of them.
I would call Yoho Park Headquarters and ask them what the average fill time is for Takkakaw Falls, but pending their report, I would plan on stopping earlier.
From which way are you approaching?
From Rodgers Pass in Glacier NP or from the south through Radium Hot Springs?
If you are approaching from Revelstoke, you might consider camping in Glacier.
The Illecillewaet ground is secluded and can be cool, but probably not in July or early August.
If you come up route 93, you might consider turning off into Kootenay NP and camping there. McLeod Meadows is spacious and right on the Kootenay River. I have not camped there, but I did take a look at it last year when we hiked to Dog Lake. (not one I would repeat).
Then the next day contine the drive north along route 93 over the pass to the Trans Canada, then take go over Kicking Horse Pass to the turn to Takkakaw Falls.
Once at Takkakaw you can claim your spot and go exploring.
The Iceline Trail departs from the valley very close to the Whiskey Jack Hostel, which is about half a mile from the campground. The trail begins with a steep ascent, but flattens out on the shelf of the valley. The ice of the Emerald Glacier has shrunk, but you can still have a cool spot for lunch!
If you want a flatter walk, continue up stream to Laughing Falls where the Little Yoho River comes down out of the hills.
And if you want a real loop out of it, turn up the Little Yoho and ascend via Celeste Lake, hike along the Iceline and return to the valley at Whiskey Jack.
Or go back to Lake Louise which is not that far away and have a look. Moraine Lake is a little more to the south, but accessed from the same exit from the Trans Canada to Lake Louise Village.
Let me suggest that you get your supplies before you get there. The town of Field has little shopping - actually very little. The grocery store in Lake Louise Village is grim. Not much to offer in my opinion.
The closest real stores for food are in either Golden or Banff.
We usually stop in Canmore and stock up.
But you are coming from the other way.
I would call Yoho Park Headquarters and ask them what the average fill time is for Takkakaw Falls, but pending their report, I would plan on stopping earlier.
From which way are you approaching?
From Rodgers Pass in Glacier NP or from the south through Radium Hot Springs?
If you are approaching from Revelstoke, you might consider camping in Glacier.
The Illecillewaet ground is secluded and can be cool, but probably not in July or early August.
If you come up route 93, you might consider turning off into Kootenay NP and camping there. McLeod Meadows is spacious and right on the Kootenay River. I have not camped there, but I did take a look at it last year when we hiked to Dog Lake. (not one I would repeat).
Then the next day contine the drive north along route 93 over the pass to the Trans Canada, then take go over Kicking Horse Pass to the turn to Takkakaw Falls.
Once at Takkakaw you can claim your spot and go exploring.
The Iceline Trail departs from the valley very close to the Whiskey Jack Hostel, which is about half a mile from the campground. The trail begins with a steep ascent, but flattens out on the shelf of the valley. The ice of the Emerald Glacier has shrunk, but you can still have a cool spot for lunch!
If you want a flatter walk, continue up stream to Laughing Falls where the Little Yoho River comes down out of the hills.
And if you want a real loop out of it, turn up the Little Yoho and ascend via Celeste Lake, hike along the Iceline and return to the valley at Whiskey Jack.
Or go back to Lake Louise which is not that far away and have a look. Moraine Lake is a little more to the south, but accessed from the same exit from the Trans Canada to Lake Louise Village.
Let me suggest that you get your supplies before you get there. The town of Field has little shopping - actually very little. The grocery store in Lake Louise Village is grim. Not much to offer in my opinion.
The closest real stores for food are in either Golden or Banff.
We usually stop in Canmore and stock up.
But you are coming from the other way.
Jul 16th, 2005, 06:06 PM
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Out of curiosity, I checked on camping at Yoho. Two of the campgrounds are closed all season.
This situation will shift campers to Takkakaw, but it is tents only according to the web site. Trailers have a tough time being pulled up the switchbacks.
The area is relatively small with only 35 sites, and a couple of those are not ones I would select.
Given the closures and the time of year, I think you should consider getting there before noon. Claim your spot and then explore.
It is first come, first grab.
This situation will shift campers to Takkakaw, but it is tents only according to the web site. Trailers have a tough time being pulled up the switchbacks.
The area is relatively small with only 35 sites, and a couple of those are not ones I would select.
Given the closures and the time of year, I think you should consider getting there before noon. Claim your spot and then explore.
It is first come, first grab.
Jul 17th, 2005, 05:49 PM
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Thanks again for this excellent advice! We've been studying the maps and decided that we will take our time driving from spokane and stop in radium hot springs that afternoon. We will try to camp at Mcleod Meadows that evening as you recommended and then get to Takakkaw early to claim a spot Monday morning. This should work and will require less rushing.
Karen
Karen
Jul 17th, 2005, 07:01 PM
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Given that those mountain parks attract half of Calgary on weekends, not a bad idea.
You are wise to plan your camping mid week.
Jasper is 200 miles from Edmonton, but that does not seem to be a barrier.
Waterfowl is a good spot as I recall. It is well treed and off the parkway.
takkakaw Falls camp ground is semi shaded. The wall of the valley should cut off the afternoon sun a little early.
The outwash plain is to your north and it is barren except for young growth.
When you first see Takkakaw, keep your eye on the road! You will see it better closer up. We don't want to lose valuable company.
When will you be there. I am scheduled to walk through the campground on the morning of August 24 and early afternoon on August 26. (We are headed up to Twin Falls Chalet and back.)
You are wise to plan your camping mid week.
Jasper is 200 miles from Edmonton, but that does not seem to be a barrier.
Waterfowl is a good spot as I recall. It is well treed and off the parkway.
takkakaw Falls camp ground is semi shaded. The wall of the valley should cut off the afternoon sun a little early.
The outwash plain is to your north and it is barren except for young growth.
When you first see Takkakaw, keep your eye on the road! You will see it better closer up. We don't want to lose valuable company.
When will you be there. I am scheduled to walk through the campground on the morning of August 24 and early afternoon on August 26. (We are headed up to Twin Falls Chalet and back.)
Jul 18th, 2005, 06:50 AM
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tunnel mountain in banff has a nice tent area. also convenient that they have a bus shuttle to town if you don't want to drive or if your kids are old enough to venture out on their own. clean bathrooms and showers.
in jasper, i like snaring river campground. but, itdoes not have power and only pit toilets (but clean). i like it cause it's in a nice setting and there are usually only tenters.
in jasper, i like snaring river campground. but, itdoes not have power and only pit toilets (but clean). i like it cause it's in a nice setting and there are usually only tenters.
Jul 19th, 2005, 10:41 AM
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Sounds like mostly sunny with highs in the seventies and lows in the forties.
Showers to happen, however.
At least you will not be sweltering in 94 degree temperatures like I am, if I go outside that is.
Showers to happen, however.
At least you will not be sweltering in 94 degree temperatures like I am, if I go outside that is.
Jul 19th, 2005, 11:34 AM
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When in Jasper, I think the best place to tent is a Snaring River Campground, just east of town. They have a number of walk in (tent only sites) along the river. Jasper has some mammoth campgounds. Snaring is a nice smaller size, still close enough to the townsite to go for dinner. Jasper has been testing a reservation system. You can reserve campsites at some of their campgrounds, you may want to check into that.
Have a great trip!
Have a great trip!
