After contemplating for a year, I have booked a trip to see Banff next week over American Thanksigiving. It is too late in the year for many of the local tours, and too early in the season for the winter tours. I will be flying into Calgary Wednesday afternoon and leave Saturday night and will have a car. I am not sure what I will be able to see this time of the year...would I be able to drive into the national park at all? If yes, I was thinking one day at Banff NP and one day at Lake Louise. For the third day, should I try half day at Calgary (to see the fort)? I heard the ski slopes will be open but I'm only a beginner skiier.

Churchill is still on my list...will get there one day.

The town of Banff is actually inside the park boundaries. And, the Trans Canada Highway goes directly through the park. So yes, things will be wide open, and there's lots more to do/see there than just skiing.

I suggest you just stay in Banff, as Lake Louis is really only about 40 minutes away. It's only an hour or so to get to Banff from Calgary, so you can stay Wednesday - Friday nights.

Thanks for the additional info, sludick.

I just came back from my trip and had a great time. There were just enough to do for four days between Banff, Lake Louise, and Kootenay, without driving up to Jasper or having a lot of tour options. I snowshoed for the first time and loved it. No unexpected driving issues. Didn't see aurora borealis though, even though I checked the forecast everyday.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your trip! Hope the lack of northern lights wasn't too big of a disappointment, though.