Help with Banff & Jasper
Aug 27th, 2012, 06:23 PM
#1
Original Poster
Help with Banff & Jasper
Last year I spent several days in the Banff, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake area.
Next year I'll be going to Glacier NP in Montana for about 7-8 days.
Since I'll be flying into and out of Calgary I'm thinking I'd like to try a short trip to Banff & Jasper. Very short and only short one-hour or so hikes to try and see the highlights.
I'd like some help with a 3 day itinerary if that's possible.
On one side I'm thinking that's a lot of driving for such a short amount of time. On the other side I'm thiking why not that it might be worth it.
Thanks for any help.
Next year I'll be going to Glacier NP in Montana for about 7-8 days.
Since I'll be flying into and out of Calgary I'm thinking I'd like to try a short trip to Banff & Jasper. Very short and only short one-hour or so hikes to try and see the highlights.
I'd like some help with a 3 day itinerary if that's possible.
On one side I'm thinking that's a lot of driving for such a short amount of time. On the other side I'm thiking why not that it might be worth it.
Thanks for any help.
Aug 28th, 2012, 04:55 AM
#2
Original Poster
Actually, I can take care of the part between Banff Townsite and Peyto Lake.
Where I need help is north of there.
Really tring to see the highlights in a very short amount of time. I know and agree this is not the way to do this but it's an add-on.
Where I need help is north of there.
Really tring to see the highlights in a very short amount of time. I know and agree this is not the way to do this but it's an add-on.
Aug 28th, 2012, 06:06 AM
#3
Where are you coming from and what month?
The last 3 times I've been to Jasper I came on the Canadian train. To avoid a lot of driving you could also fly to Spokane and take the overnight Empire Builder to Whitefish and drive a rental car through Glacier and Waterton. Kalispell also has an airport.
It's all beautiful so don't think you have to see every town.
The last 3 times I've been to Jasper I came on the Canadian train. To avoid a lot of driving you could also fly to Spokane and take the overnight Empire Builder to Whitefish and drive a rental car through Glacier and Waterton. Kalispell also has an airport.
It's all beautiful so don't think you have to see every town.
Aug 28th, 2012, 07:20 AM
#4
Original Poster
tomfuller,
I'll be in Glacier (Mt). Have lodging booked nights of Aug 5-13.
I was there for 4 days this year and used Calgary both ways. Very convenient and good choice of flights.
So would be nice to try and get in some Jasper. Was in Banff last year for sevberal days.
I'll be in Glacier (Mt). Have lodging booked nights of Aug 5-13.
I was there for 4 days this year and used Calgary both ways. Very convenient and good choice of flights.
So would be nice to try and get in some Jasper. Was in Banff last year for sevberal days.
Aug 28th, 2012, 06:36 PM
#5
Are you talking about West Glacier/Apgar or East Glacier Park?
The Amtrak fare from Spokane to West Glacier is only $47 per person. The train arrives before 9AM in West Glacier.
Renting the car in Canada means you have to go back to Calgary to turn it in.
IMO go to either Jasper NP and the Maligne Valley or go to Glacier NP and perhaps Waterton Lakes.
It's been at least 40 years since I've been to Banff. I've been to Jasper 3 times on the Canadian (ViaRail) in the last 11 years.
The Amtrak fare from Spokane to West Glacier is only $47 per person. The train arrives before 9AM in West Glacier.
Renting the car in Canada means you have to go back to Calgary to turn it in.
IMO go to either Jasper NP and the Maligne Valley or go to Glacier NP and perhaps Waterton Lakes.
It's been at least 40 years since I've been to Banff. I've been to Jasper 3 times on the Canadian (ViaRail) in the last 11 years.
Aug 28th, 2012, 07:34 PM
#6
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With three days, I would spend day one driving to Jasper, spend two nights in Jasper, exploring a little of Jasper on the second day and drive back on the third day.
It's a three hour drive between Lake Louise and Jasper without stopping. However, on the two driving days, you can take your time and stop at the viewpoints, do some short hikes and visit Columbia Icefields and tour the Athabasca Glacier. You can go at a relaxing pace and really enjoy the scenery.
Here's some links you may find helpful:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jas...t/visit14.aspx
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jas...-trails/d.aspx
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jas...t/visit32.aspx
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jas...ndon-hike.aspx
http://www.explorerockies.com/columbia-icefield/
http://www.icefieldsparkway.ca/index.html (NOTE: still under construction, but has some good info).
It's a three hour drive between Lake Louise and Jasper without stopping. However, on the two driving days, you can take your time and stop at the viewpoints, do some short hikes and visit Columbia Icefields and tour the Athabasca Glacier. You can go at a relaxing pace and really enjoy the scenery.
Here's some links you may find helpful:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jas...t/visit14.aspx
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jas...-trails/d.aspx
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jas...t/visit32.aspx
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jas...ndon-hike.aspx
http://www.explorerockies.com/columbia-icefield/
http://www.icefieldsparkway.ca/index.html (NOTE: still under construction, but has some good info).
