Aramis

I did not think your post was too helpful because it was not accurate.

This makes you need to take a drink to calm down?

When it's everyone else - it's you.

krp329

The village/hamlet of Lake Louise is located at about 5000 feet elevation (Banff is at about 4500ft, further down the Bow River valley) at the confluence of the Bow River and the Pipestone River. From the village, you drive about 2 or 3 km, and up about 600 feet, to the lake (which is in a "hanging valley" above the Bow River valley), where the Fairmont Chateau LL and Deer Lodge are. The village itself is clustered around the Samson Mall and the Post Hotel. There are a few shops, a bakery, a couple of restaurants, a gas station, the Parks Canada information centre, a couple of hotels and a hostel. Accommodation in/near LL is limited and in high demand, therefore more expensive than Banff. Whether you stay in both, or just in one, is a matter of preference - they are only a 45 minute drive apart, so you can visit one from a base in the other. The Bow Valley Parkway is the older, windier highway between the two and I recommend driving it - it's not much slower than the TransCanada highway, especially with construction going on, and there is a better chance of seeing wildlife.

All the accommodation options in Banff National Park are listed at www.banfflakelouise.com .

Staying in Canmore, outside the park to the east, or Field, BC, a small village in neighbouring Yoho National Park, are also options. Canmore has a lot of B&Bs and vacation rentals/timeshares. Field has some guest houses.

Hope this helps.

Orcas

When we were there, the Deer Lodge was substantially less expensive to stay at than the Chateau Lake Louise or the Banff Springs Hotel. We enjoyed our time at Deer Lodge far more than our time at Banff (the town, lest someone confuse the town with the park itself). We spent our time visiting the beautiful lakes and mountains in the park. We would return fairly late every night and sit in the hot tub that was on the roof of the lodge (don't know if it is there anymore). We would talk with other visitors in the hot tub, share our news of the day, watch the steam rise, look at the stars, and one night we watched as snow fell (and it was in August, so watch out). We loved staying at Deer Lodge at Lake Louise. I count that vacation as one of the highlights of my life, truly, with very warm memories.

And that is all I have to say about that. Aramis, it is not everyone else. Others may disagree with my perceptions of what it means to be "in the mountains" but they did not get rude and offensive like you did. I just wonder if you have even been to Banff AND to Lake Louise (the lake itself).

Orcas

hmm hmm. From a website:

"Experience The Beauty And Wonder Of Banff Lake Louise
Banff Lake Louise two communities in one of the most beautiful and pristine national parks in the world.

Banff is the busier of the two -- known for its shopping, variety of restaurants, and abundant accommodations.

Lake Louise is an authentic alpine experience located in the heart of Banff National Park. Lake Louise offers glaciers, grizzlies, tea-houses and a world class ski area. No other mountain destination has all of these experiences within close proximity to the world's finest accommodations..."

http://www.banfflakelouise.com/place...ff-lake-louise

Hmm. Remember 45 minutes one way to get between Banff, to the south, and L. Louise. That's 1 1/2 hrs round trip....Hmmm. Must sees in the park besides Lake Louise, include Morraine Lake, which is right near L. Louise, Emerald Lake, to the north, and the Columbia Icefield to the north. If your wife is willing to walk on a series of switchback (good path, not too long, but a lot of elevation), the view from Parker Ridge is to die for.

Like I said, Banff to shop and go to restaurants. Plus you can drive and see the park. Or Lake Louise (near the lake) for alpine beauty right outside your door and nearer other sites that you will be driving to. Depends on what you want to do.

Orcas

Haha! Have looked at the internet photos of Banff. It is NOT what we experienced when we were there! So what happened? I had not thought of this, but it was overcast the entire time we were actually in Banff. We would leave in the morning and drive to the sights in the park and return near nightfall and we never saw the mountains while in Banff itself. So, my imporession was that it was not in the mountains!

I would still stay at Lake Louise (the lake, not the town) if I were to return, for the location and the things I am interested in doing but I see how you say Banff is in the mountains! It certainly is.

sf7307

That's pretty funny. I thought you were going to say it wasn't what you experienced, so it must have been photoshopped !!

willit

I got back from Banff last Wednesday. I am glad Orcas posted their last post, because I thought I might have been in the wrong place!

As to what to see without walking too far. In Banff itself I would suggest taking the Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The views are quite incredible. You can drive to the base of the Bow River falls near the Fairmont hotel. The short and gentle walk from Banff along the Bow river to Surprise point is well worth it (although there is a car park there as well). The Tunnel mountain drive is short and gives good views across the Town.

It doesn't really help the OP because to me, the hiking and views found from the walks were the highlight of my trip. In particular Moraine Lake and surroundings which were beyond beautiful. From the Car Park at the lake you can take a short walk up onto the rockpile (10 minutes easy) which gives very good views.

Lake Louise (the lake) is also stunning, but I wish I'd seen it first because it paled next to Moraine lake.

I have posted the link to about 30 photos of Banff and Jasper National parks elsewhere, but here it is again if interested.

http://picasaweb.google.com/williamstj/Banff#

NWWanderer

i just stayed 3 nights in banff and hardly spent any time in town at all. there is *lots* to do in and around banff that doesn't involve shopping or restaurants. i stayed at moraine lake and lake louise also and while i loved both, i would have been sorry not to stay in banff also. i'm now up in jasper which i think i might like best of all...but the whole area is amazing.

orcas, the hot tub is still on the roof at deer lodge. it's amazing to me that you got the impression banff wasn't in the mountains, it most definitely is! too bad you didn't have any clear days, the mountains ringing the town are quite incredible.

Myer

Willit,
Great photos!!! Thanks for sharing.

While not yet set in stone the trip is starting to look as follows:

4 days in Banff NP. Not sure about the division between Banff and Lake Louise but will spend time in both areas.

Fly to Victoria. Spend one complete day in Victoria (2 nights) and take the bus/ferry/bus to Vancouver the next morning (why does it take 4 hours?).

Spend 3 1/2 days in Vancouver before returning home to South Florida.

At this point in time I can still add another day somewhere if there are any compelling reasons to do so.

Thanks for the comments so far.

sludick

Myer - it does take awhile to get from Victoria to Vancouver. You will need to board a ferry to cross the water. That crossing in itself takes close to 2 hours. Then add on time for getting on your bus, travel to the ferry terminal, lining up in the staging area to board, getting off at the destination, travel to Vancouver in traffic, etc. When we travel by car we normally arrive an hour in advance of departure at least; not sure how much time is required for the buses.

However - the ride across is usually gorgeous, and worth the trip in itself. Enjoy. You'll be able to get off the bus to walk the ferry, enjoy the view, eat, shop, relax in a comfortable seat, etc.

Aramis

I presume your admission that you weren't even really aware of your surroundings and that Banff certainly is in the mountains puts this issue to bed, Orcas.

I am puzzled about your speculation that I may have never even been to Banff and Lake Louse - especially considering my information was all accurate and yours was not. I don't really feel the need to defend my position based on that but since it was an obvious attempt you to take some sort of shot in at me, I will enjoy pointing out that I was born and raised in Calgary and have visited the area dozens of times. I give advice on what I know.

Sometimes it's better to just stop digging.

Orcas

Aramis

If only you had decided to do that earlier.

rncheryl

Just back from Banff a couple of weeks ago. Willit, your photos are fabulous! We had a heat wave, up to 20+C during the day. I am an out of shape 60+, and enjoyed walking along the Bow River in town, the marsh loop, the walk around 2Jack Lake, up Johnston Canyon and to Peyto lake.

Check out this GPS that gives historical, geographical and ecological information based on your location:

http://www.gypsyguide.com/canada/index.php This is especially informative on the route up to the Icefields.

Its an easy drive to Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. We had tea at Chateau Lake Louise, and there is a guided tour of Hotel Banff Springs Tue-Sat at 3pm for the history of this old jewel.

rncheryl

Forgot to tell you, we were told that Banff in July is super crowded with tourists. Add that to your things to consider.