Christina

I want to visit the Canadian Rockies and have no idea where to begin. When is the best time to go? Any hotel recommendations? For hotels, I'd prefer not to pay more than $250/night. What's the best way to see the region: train tour, bus tour, on my own with rental car? I'm interested in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. How many days would be enough to get a feel of the region? Is the best time to visit in the summer, or is springtime a good time too.
Any advice on past experiences, etc. would be much appreceiated.

x

sounds like you don't know much. you should pick up a book and do some reading.
but, some opinions, a car is the best way to see the area so you have flexibility. the second choice if you don't like to drive would be a bus tour - brewsters bus tours.
$250/night - how many people, how many rooms, is a pool important.
3 nights in banff, 2 in lake louise and 3 in jasper. mid may - mid june or september (after long weekend) would be my recommendatons.

Christina

You're right . . . I don't know THAT much. That's why I'm placing a general question here in the forums.
This would be for 2 people / 1 room / pool is important.
Thanks,
Christina

April

Lake Louise was still frozen when we were there in early June this year. Late summer or early fall might be nice. Your own transportation would be best.

Al Godon

If you are talking $250 a night USD, just book into Chateau Lake Louise and wallow in luxury. I think rooms there are about$500 C, which converts to
about $325. But the difference is trivial. Go anytime after June 20 and something should be thawed out.
Well, after 1 December something will be frozen again.
But ski season is great.

April

We spent a week in the Canadian Rockies and if you do not hike, that should be enough. I would recommend 2 nights in Jasper. Lake Louise and Banff are close enough together that you could stay at one place to see those two towns. We went in fall and the weather was beautiful. Stayed at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise, but I know there are some less expensive places closeby. If you go in fall after high season, you can get some really good deals.

Susan

My husband and I just came back for a 12 day vacation to that area. It was incredible!! We flew into Calgary and stayed there for two days. There's a few things to do there, but I wouldn't spend alot of time there. We then drove (you pretty much have to rent a car) to Banff. It takes about 1 1/2 hours. If you can spend the money, look at Banff Springs Hotel - gorgeous. We spent 3 days in Banff where we went on a gondola ride, hiking, white water rafting (which actually left from Lake Louise which is only about 45 min. drive). I loved Banff - 3 days is good. We then drove to Lake Louise and only stayed 1 night, but I'd recommend 2 nights. IF you can afford it...the Post Hotel is nice and so is Chateau Lake Louise. We stayed at Deer Lodge which was nice. Two MUST sees in LL are Moraine Lake - my absolute favorite and Lake Louise itself - gorgeous. We hiked to a glacier around that area. Then we drove about 3 hours to Jasper. I think 2 days is plenty there. The town is much smaller than Banff. Jasper Park Lodge is supposed to be one of the best hotels. We went hiking and sightseeing. Hope some of this was helpful. I would recommend July - Sept. maybe Oct. to go. The weather was really nice in mid july.

Aarti

Hi. I visited Banff suring the winter season to beat the heat and get away from the humidity and rain which come with living in a tropical country. Banff was beautiful (everything was white!) and it has been one of my most memorable trips ever! I stayed at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel. Decent place but the rooms were a little cramped (considering what you pay for them!). The concierge was very very helpful in planning some exciting activities...ice-walking, dog sledding, toboganning etc. Lake louise, a short distance away, was beautiful and all decked with ice sculptures. Such a treat to the eyes! Also did the Gondola, rented a car drove around...

If you want to do something very touristy, hop on the 'Rocky Mountaineer' rail tour. They take you everywhere. Some people i know took it, and though not the best to way to see the rockies, they said it was worth their while.

G'Luck!
Aarti

kkj

Why not go with a professional and take a tour. There are tons of reputable and excellent companies that offer tours of the area. That way you can let others do the planning and driving. Big tour operators (Tauck, Collette, Mayflower, Globus etc.) have negotiating power and many of them stay at places like the Banff Springs and Chateau Lake Louise. (Or perhaps you might want to look at their web sites and see if you can duplicate the trip yourself.)

The time of year depends on whether you want to enjoy the winter or sightsee. In the tour industry the season is late May/June through September. Other than winter you'll find the highest rates then as that is the prime tourist season.

It is a beautiful area and you will absolutely love it if you enjoy scenery.

Stuart

Christina:

I live here. I am amused with some of the replys, but generally the information you have been given is good. Susan covered it the best.

September is my favourite month.

If you are taking $250.00 U.S. funds, stay at the Banff Springs and the Chateau Lake Louise. If not, there are tons of more econmical places. You need to check out some web sites. Try banfflakelouise.com

Stuart