First visit to Canadian Rockies
 

We're checking off an item on DH's bucket list this year, and taking the train across Canada, Toronto to Vancouver with a few days in the Canadian Rockies.

Train arrives - if on time - at Jasper on Sunday afternoon, and we're back on the train heading to Vancouver on Friday afternoon. Limited time, but enough for a short exploration. We'll rent a car in Jasper, but have no idea how to allocate our time. We'll drive from Jasper to Banff with a stop at Lake Louise, and back to Jasper to get back on the train. There won't be hiking - knees too dodgy for that. ;-)

We're two seniors, experienced travelers - we've "trained" around the US on Amtrak, and across Australia on the Indian Pacific, among other memorable explorations.

All suggestions/itineraries/places to stay are welcome!

Welcome to Fodors, SB25!

You will likely hear more from those knowledgeable in the train schedule. When do you need to be back in Jasper?

Thought: The drive is a straight-through perhaps 4 hours between Jasper and Lake Louise/Banff. However, it is almost an odd waste to do that to one of the most beautiful drives I've seen. Allow time for stops.

Sunday afternoon: Sunday night and Monday night in Jasper.

Tuesday: Spend the day traveling to Banff, stopping along the Icefields Parkway. (Hikes/vistas to come.)

Tuesday/Wednesday nights: At Banff or Lake Louise.

Thursday: Depending on what you want to do on the trip back to Jasper will determine your leaving time. Hopefully you can spend the morning, then drive straight through back to Jasper.

Friday: Board train.

+1 to the advice, though I'd probably allocate more time to Banff/Lake Louise than Jasper.

Also, when is this trip? Timing is important, in terms of what will be accessible and length of day, as well as holidays/weekends. I'd book as soon as you can - it's looking to very, very busy in the parks this summer and availability is already limited in places.

One challenge you may encounter is finding a place to stay for one night in Jasper. It will probably have to be a hotel as PHAs (B&Bs Jasper style) generally have a 2 or 3 night minimum.

With that in mind, I'm suggesting going to Banff/LL first as it may be easier to get a one night on a Sunday night rather than a Thursday night.

I'd allow yourself time at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - even if you aren't hiking, you'll want to walk around (lakeside trail at LL, lake area at Moraine Lake) to see the stunning sights. And two long days to see the Icefields Parkway - waterfalls, glaciers, viewpoints, lakes etc.

Sunday - Jasper, stay in Jasper
Monday - drive to LL/Banff on the Icefields Parkway, stay in Banff
Tuesday - day to explore Banff/LL area, stay in Banff
Wednesday - drive back to to Jasper, stay in Jasper
Thursday - Jasper, stay in Jasper
Friday - a bit of Jasper, on the train

Thanks for your helpful suggestions. We'll arrive in Jasper June 5, leave on June 10.

In early June, you should be fine in terms of accommodation & crowds, though I'd book as soon as you fix your itinerary so you have the widest range of options.

By that time, most seasonal roads will be open, other than Little Yoho Valley Rd up to Takkakaw Falls. The lakes will also be thawed, though there may be remnants of snow in places like Lake Louise. Have solid walking shoes that will keep your feet warm & dry.

It can be a rainier month & still cool to cold in the mornings, so have a good rain jacket & warm layers, but don't worry. It rarely ever rains a whole day - usually afternoon showers, so starting early is often a good plan. The early bird gets the gorgeous morning light and beats the tour traffic!

I like kgsneds' itinerary better. That way you don't have to rush back to Jasper.

If you haven't booked your Jasper reservations yet, you might want to check out http://www.parkplaceinn.com/. We've reserved one night there. And, I've had a couple good phone conversations with the reservations/front desk staff.