Songdoc

I just learned that I'll be presenting a workshop in Canmore, Alberta the end of July. I know NOTHING about this part of the world and would appreciate lots of suggestions.

DP and I have the flexibility to add time after the event (maybe 3 - 5 days) to explore and enjoy the area. The amount of time we spend will largely be determined by how much there is that we want to see and do. I'm assuming we'll fly into Calgary.

We love long nature walks (as opposed to intense, strenuous hikes)--but are not big on "adventure" activities (such as rafting).

What are the highlights?

Is there an ideal area to stay for access to the scenic beauty?

I don't even know enough to know what questions to ask. I'd usually do lots of research, but just learned about this trip a few minutes ago--and I knew where to get some good advice and suggestions.

Thanks!

Aramis

You' re wondering if there is enough to see and do to fill 5 days in the Alberta Rockies and Calgary?

Let me quash all doubt;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThFCg0tBDck

Songdoc

Thanks for posting the link to the video. GORGEOUS!!! Definitely looks like my kind of place.

So ... any suggestions for an area to stay -- and an itinerary for 4 - 5 days?

FYI, we tend to prefer self-catered cabins, lodges, or motels. DP doesn't like B & Bs.

krp329

Be aware that the long weekend from August 3 to 6 is the single busiest time of the summer tourist season, so book well in advance.

Canmore is literally on the doorstep of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. www.pc.gc.ca/banff

LindainOhio

This area is one of my favorites. If I were you, I would stay another week. There are so many fabulous walks, great scenery. We usually stay in Lake Louise since it is closer to trails we enjoy and easy to get to Moraine Lake, Lake O'Hara and Yoho. We have not stayed in Canmore but have stayed in Banff. Lake Louise is only a half hour from Banff. We enjoy staying at Paradise Lodge--they now offer Monday facebook specials. We booked their cheapest cabin-- 3 nt. hikers special. We have also stayed at Baker Creek and Emerald Lake Lodge.

You would enjoy driving the Icefields Parkway to Jasper--fabulous drive, short scenic walks. It takes most of the day.


My suggestion for a minimum stay, assuming you will check out the Banff Springs Hotel, and other Banff walks and sites when you have some free time while in Canmore:

2 nts Lake Louise--walk around the lake, drive to Moraine Lake, walk to the top of the rockpile, hike to Consolation Lakes--beautiful and easy, drive out to Emerald Lake for lunch, stop at Takakkaw Falls, possibly reserve a spot on the bus(must do 3 months ahead) to go to Lake O'Hara.

Drive the Icefields Parkway, stop at Peyto Lake and other scenic stops, picnic, stop at the Columbia Icefields Center, possibly take the snow coach or glacier walk (never done this).

Spend 2 nts Jasper. Walk part of Maligne Canyon, drive to Maligne Lake, drive up Mount Edith Cavell and walk out to Angel Glacier. We enjoyed staying at Patricia Lake Bungalows. We have also stayed at Beckers. Alpine Village is very nice but used to require a 3 nt stay.

Drive back down the Icefields Parkway, making stops you missed driving to Jasper.

Spend last night in Lake Louise or Banff before flying home.

Songdoc

That all sounds great--and I really appreciate the detailed info and suggestions.

FYI, we'll spend the first day in Calgary where I have a meeting. There will be no free time in Canmore--just work, work, work! So to see Banff I'll need additional nights. (There went all the money I'll be earning on the trip) ;-)

Sounds like after I'm through working I might want 2 nights in Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper. I tend to prefer having one home base--rather than constantly packing and moving--but it sounds like that might not be best for this trip.

Thanks again!

Since first posting, I've picked up a couple of travel guides. I was recently in beautiful Norway and some of the scenery looks quite similar. We hiked right up to the face of a gushing glacier. Spectacular!!!

Aramis

Try the Parks Canada site;

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/progs/pn-np/index.aspx

ans search "Jasper", "Banff", and "Yoho".

They list some specific hiking trails in each that you might find interesting.

One of my favourite places is Takakkaw Falls.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takakkaw_Falls
http://www.field.ca/yohonationalpark/waterfalls/


You can "hike" (it's more of a moderate nature walk) right up to the base of the waterfall, (Canada's second tallest) and I mean right up the rockfall as far as you can handle it. It's a pretty stunning sight and sound. The drive in form the highway has a spot where you can see the rivers as they join and show different colours because of glacial silt content. Walk a little along the river down stream and you can find some interesting spots through the trees to see the rushing water.

Technically, you will be hiking up to the face of another glacier because Takakkaw is the runoff from the Daly Glacier high up on the mountain

Borealis

Canmore is right on the edge of Banff National Park, and a 10 to 15 minute drive from Banff townsite, so you could easily make Canmore your home base for visiting the Banff-Canmore area as well as Lake Louise.

Canmore also has more suite type condo accommodation (one bedroom with full kitchen etc.) because lots of Albertans have vacation property there. One example:

http://www.blackstonecanmore.ca/

(we've stayed there and like it).

Canmore also has some fairly good restaurants.

http://www.canmorealberta.com/direct...s/restaurants/

The end of July / beginning of August is prime tourist season so expect prices to be higher, especially for accommodation.

Enjoy!!