Glacier to Lake Louise Route?
Jun 8th, 2014, 05:47 PM
#1
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Glacier to Lake Louise Route?
My sister and I are doing a one week trip this July from Calgary to Glacier NP and then north to Lake Louise and Banff before flying out of Calgary. What do you recommend as our route from Glacier/ Waterton Lakes to Lake Louise? I saw an older post recommending route 22 north to route 40 as a scenic route. (We'll be driving route 2 south from Calgary to Glacier.) Is 22 to route 40 still recommended? What about taking 93 north from Glacier--any advantage to that? Any suggestions for places to stay along the way between Waterton Lakes and Lake Louise? Or places to stop to break up the drive? All suggestions for this second half of our trip would be most appreciated! (the first half, between Calgary and Glacier, is pretty much booked at this point) Thanks for any ideas you may have!
Jun 9th, 2014, 08:53 AM
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Have stayed in Canmore, just outside of Banff National Park and loved it. Rooms had a mini kitchen and great grocery a few blocks awayhttp://www.tripadvisor.ca/Tourism-g181727-Canmore_Kananaskis_Country_Alberta-Vacations.html
In Lake Louise I have stayed at the Lake Louise Inn. Pricey for what you get but there a very few hotels there so they charge what market will give. Banff offers way more hotels( hundreds) in all price ranges. July is very peak tourist season and not sure whats available - perhaps only more pricey Fairmonts or Post Hotel.http://www.posthotel.com/posthotel/index.html if money is no object. had a memorable dinner here.
In Lake Louise I have stayed at the Lake Louise Inn. Pricey for what you get but there a very few hotels there so they charge what market will give. Banff offers way more hotels( hundreds) in all price ranges. July is very peak tourist season and not sure whats available - perhaps only more pricey Fairmonts or Post Hotel.http://www.posthotel.com/posthotel/index.html if money is no object. had a memorable dinner here.
Jun 9th, 2014, 10:14 AM
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Rt 22 to 40 is the scenic route - it should all be open by July. You can either stay in Calgary or somewhere in the foothills like Cochrane - there are some nice guest ranches in that area.
However, if you only have one week for a Calgary-Glacier NP - Waterton- LL/Banff trip, it's going to be very, very tight to begin with. I'd tend to want to get from Waterton to Lake Louise in one day and skip the overnight. Otherwise you have very little time to explore Banff NP and Lake Louise. It's some of the most stunning scenery in Canada, so I would hesitate to take time away to stop on the drive there. It's generally suggested to allow at least 3-4 nights in Banff/Lake Louise, plus additional nights in Jasper to scratch the surface in the parks. Sounds like you'd only have 2-3 nights total.
Around LL/Banff you will want one full day to drive part way up the Icefields Parkway, then another for Lake Louise/Moraine Lake/Johnston Canyon, plus additional days to explore the Banff area and get over to YoHo.
Canmore is nice, but adds additional time to drive to Banff NP. If you only have a couple of days, I'd base yourself in Lake Louise or Banff. In Lake Louise, I like the Deer Lodge which is the only other hotel (besides the Chateau) actually within walking distance of the lake.
However, if you only have one week for a Calgary-Glacier NP - Waterton- LL/Banff trip, it's going to be very, very tight to begin with. I'd tend to want to get from Waterton to Lake Louise in one day and skip the overnight. Otherwise you have very little time to explore Banff NP and Lake Louise. It's some of the most stunning scenery in Canada, so I would hesitate to take time away to stop on the drive there. It's generally suggested to allow at least 3-4 nights in Banff/Lake Louise, plus additional nights in Jasper to scratch the surface in the parks. Sounds like you'd only have 2-3 nights total.
Around LL/Banff you will want one full day to drive part way up the Icefields Parkway, then another for Lake Louise/Moraine Lake/Johnston Canyon, plus additional days to explore the Banff area and get over to YoHo.
Canmore is nice, but adds additional time to drive to Banff NP. If you only have a couple of days, I'd base yourself in Lake Louise or Banff. In Lake Louise, I like the Deer Lodge which is the only other hotel (besides the Chateau) actually within walking distance of the lake.
Jun 9th, 2014, 11:43 AM
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Thank you! So are 93 and 22 to route 40 about equivalent in terms of quickness with which you reach Lake Louise? I think you're suggesting that whatever route we take we should not plan on an overnight stay in between Glacier / Waterton Lakes and Lake Louise. Is that correct?
Jun 9th, 2014, 07:31 PM
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I don't know about the time for each route - I'd check on Google Map to see how long they estimate.
But yes, with your very short time frame, I'd be booking it from Glacier up to Lake Louise. Otherwise you will be missing out on a lot in the Canadian Rockies.
BTW, if you are renting a car, make sure you are permitted by the contract to take it to the US. Often contracts limit you to staying in the same province or country unless you specifically request otherwise. If you don't have permission and anything happens, the insurance won't cover you. And they may add a surcharge to take the car to the US.
But yes, with your very short time frame, I'd be booking it from Glacier up to Lake Louise. Otherwise you will be missing out on a lot in the Canadian Rockies.
BTW, if you are renting a car, make sure you are permitted by the contract to take it to the US. Often contracts limit you to staying in the same province or country unless you specifically request otherwise. If you don't have permission and anything happens, the insurance won't cover you. And they may add a surcharge to take the car to the US.
Jun 17th, 2014, 05:08 PM
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Given your short time frame, you can't afford to spend time in the 'lesser' spectacular areas, in my view.
Do the Glacier and Waterton high points, then quickly move on to Banff and Jasper, catch a bit of Yoho Park too, but skip Kootenay Park, this trip.
It's impossible to see all 'the good stuff' in the mountain parks, in only a week, but you will be amazed!
Do the Glacier and Waterton high points, then quickly move on to Banff and Jasper, catch a bit of Yoho Park too, but skip Kootenay Park, this trip.
It's impossible to see all 'the good stuff' in the mountain parks, in only a week, but you will be amazed!
Jun 22nd, 2014, 10:16 AM
#7
Last year I went to Banff & Jasper for 2 1/2 days after a week in Glacier NP (MT). The plan was to scope out Banff & Jasper to see if I wanted a longer trip there.
You can do a lot in a short period of time if you plan well.
I'm taking my daughter back to Banff & Jasper in early August this year.
Lake Louise has very little lodging so it's expensive.
The drive from Banff Townsite to Lake Louise is about 45 minutes. So staying in Canmore is not the place to be if you're trying to maximize your time.
The drive up 22, skirting Calgary to the south on Rt 8 and then the Trans Canada to Banff take about 4 1/2 hours. Maybe slightly more. No reason to stay over anywhere.
On our trip last year we did a lot in a short 2 1/2 days.
Got to Banff about 2PM. Drove to Johnston Canyon and did the hike to both waterfalls. Then drove Lake Minnewanka scenic road looking for bighorn sheep. Saw females (ewes).
Drove up to Lake Louis area. Went to the beautiful Moraine Lake but a little late as it was getting dim.
Back to Banff for dinner.
Next morning went to Lake Minnewanka, Cascade Pond for some early morning photos, saw more ewes on the L.M. road. Drove up to Lake Louise and went to Moraine Lake (beautiful) and Lake Louise (fogged in).
Started driving up the Icefields Parkway. Stpped at Bow Summit and hiked to the Peyto Lake overlook (spectacular but many people).
Continued up the Parkway and stops at the Icefields Center (this time we'll do the Toe of the Glacier hike). A lot of roadside scenery in these parks so several stops along the way.
Hiked to Lower Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls.
Got to Jasper and drove over to Maligne Road (this year we'll hike Maligne Canyon). Saw a black bear but it was getting dim and he didn't cooperate.
Slept over in Jasper.
Early morning went back to Maligne Rd and hit the jackpot. A mother black bear and 3 cubs. Took lots of photos. When I reviewed them I kind of wondered what I was thinking that close. But . . . .
Had breakfast and started the long drive back to Calgary.
Stopped and hiked the Path of the Glacier trail at the end of Edith Cavell Rd. Spectacular and shouldn't be missed.
Stop at the Icefields Center again for more photos.
Missed Tangle Falls on the way up so was careful on the way down. Beautiful roadside falls.
Saw a black bear up a little hill from the road so stopped for more photos.
Went back to Lake Louise. Fog gone but no comparison to Moraine Lake.
Stopped in Banff. Quick drive over to the Banff Falls (actually rapids). However, on the way back to Banff Ave for dinner a deer walk by us along the road. Hew posed for pictures and started to eat grass along the side of the road.
On the way out of Banff went down Lake Minnewanka Rd and even though it was very, very dim saw several Bighorn sheep (finally). The photos required major surgery due to the low level of light but still . . .
Got to Calgary airport close to 11PM. Gave back the car and slept at the Delta hotel in Calgary Airport.
Early morning flight back home.
= = = = = = =
This year I expect to spend a good part of a day in Yoho NP, add the Maligne Canyon, Toe of the Athabasca Glacier and several others along the Icefield Parkway as well as the Lake Agnes Teahouse in Lake Louise.
I can get a lot done it 5 days and enjoy myself.
As I wrote above. Banff & Jasper have a lot of roadside scenery. It's easy to pull over and enjoy it without getting too far from the car.
You can do a lot in a short period of time if you plan well.
I'm taking my daughter back to Banff & Jasper in early August this year.
Lake Louise has very little lodging so it's expensive.
The drive from Banff Townsite to Lake Louise is about 45 minutes. So staying in Canmore is not the place to be if you're trying to maximize your time.
The drive up 22, skirting Calgary to the south on Rt 8 and then the Trans Canada to Banff take about 4 1/2 hours. Maybe slightly more. No reason to stay over anywhere.
On our trip last year we did a lot in a short 2 1/2 days.
Got to Banff about 2PM. Drove to Johnston Canyon and did the hike to both waterfalls. Then drove Lake Minnewanka scenic road looking for bighorn sheep. Saw females (ewes).
Drove up to Lake Louis area. Went to the beautiful Moraine Lake but a little late as it was getting dim.
Back to Banff for dinner.
Next morning went to Lake Minnewanka, Cascade Pond for some early morning photos, saw more ewes on the L.M. road. Drove up to Lake Louise and went to Moraine Lake (beautiful) and Lake Louise (fogged in).
Started driving up the Icefields Parkway. Stpped at Bow Summit and hiked to the Peyto Lake overlook (spectacular but many people).
Continued up the Parkway and stops at the Icefields Center (this time we'll do the Toe of the Glacier hike). A lot of roadside scenery in these parks so several stops along the way.
Hiked to Lower Sunwapta and Athabasca Falls.
Got to Jasper and drove over to Maligne Road (this year we'll hike Maligne Canyon). Saw a black bear but it was getting dim and he didn't cooperate.
Slept over in Jasper.
Early morning went back to Maligne Rd and hit the jackpot. A mother black bear and 3 cubs. Took lots of photos. When I reviewed them I kind of wondered what I was thinking that close. But . . . .
Had breakfast and started the long drive back to Calgary.
Stopped and hiked the Path of the Glacier trail at the end of Edith Cavell Rd. Spectacular and shouldn't be missed.
Stop at the Icefields Center again for more photos.
Missed Tangle Falls on the way up so was careful on the way down. Beautiful roadside falls.
Saw a black bear up a little hill from the road so stopped for more photos.
Went back to Lake Louise. Fog gone but no comparison to Moraine Lake.
Stopped in Banff. Quick drive over to the Banff Falls (actually rapids). However, on the way back to Banff Ave for dinner a deer walk by us along the road. Hew posed for pictures and started to eat grass along the side of the road.
On the way out of Banff went down Lake Minnewanka Rd and even though it was very, very dim saw several Bighorn sheep (finally). The photos required major surgery due to the low level of light but still . . .
Got to Calgary airport close to 11PM. Gave back the car and slept at the Delta hotel in Calgary Airport.
Early morning flight back home.
= = = = = = =
This year I expect to spend a good part of a day in Yoho NP, add the Maligne Canyon, Toe of the Athabasca Glacier and several others along the Icefield Parkway as well as the Lake Agnes Teahouse in Lake Louise.
I can get a lot done it 5 days and enjoy myself.
As I wrote above. Banff & Jasper have a lot of roadside scenery. It's easy to pull over and enjoy it without getting too far from the car.
Jun 26th, 2014, 07:56 AM
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Thanks for all the suggestions and first-hand experiences! We are looking forward to this trip as it gets closer (we leave Boston July 4)! We fly into Calgary, pick up the car and head south for Montana. We have a red bus tour of Glacier booked and one night at the Lake MacDonald Lodge and then will be heading straight for Lake Louise and Banff as people have suggested. We started planning early so we have accommodations booked for each night--we heeded the warning that things book up fast for this time of year. Thanks so much for your help!
Jun 26th, 2014, 02:39 PM
#9
By reading your last post it appears you're spending one night in Glacier and that's at Lake MacDonald Lodge.
Having been to Glacier NP twice, there's no way I'd spend my one night at Lake MacDonald Lodge. In my opinion that's the least desirable part of the park and furthest from the road leading to Banff.
The good thing about now and only needing one night is you have a possibility of getting a cancellation at Rising Sun or in Many Glacier.
You may enjoy the Red Bus Tour. I'm not a bus tour person so I wouldn't do it. But that's me.
I don't know what time you're booked for the bus tour and how long it takes.
Before I make some more drastic suggestions (such as trying to spend a good part of a day in Many Glacier as that's wildlife central and spectacular scenery) I'd have to know exactly how much time is available.
Also, Many Glacier is on the way up to Banff. Sorry to cause so much trouble.
Having been to Glacier NP twice, there's no way I'd spend my one night at Lake MacDonald Lodge. In my opinion that's the least desirable part of the park and furthest from the road leading to Banff.
The good thing about now and only needing one night is you have a possibility of getting a cancellation at Rising Sun or in Many Glacier.
You may enjoy the Red Bus Tour. I'm not a bus tour person so I wouldn't do it. But that's me.
I don't know what time you're booked for the bus tour and how long it takes.
Before I make some more drastic suggestions (such as trying to spend a good part of a day in Many Glacier as that's wildlife central and spectacular scenery) I'd have to know exactly how much time is available.
Also, Many Glacier is on the way up to Banff. Sorry to cause so much trouble.
