travel4fun_

Hello,
We need so much help! We are going to Edmonton//Jasper//and then Banff. We will be departing from Vancouver. We will be driving but we will stop at Kelowna on our way to edmonton. How long is it from Vancouver to Edmonton? and then Edmonton to Banff? Does anyone have any good hotels for Jasper? We will be staying at the Douglous fir and chalets when we are in Banff. But we haven't decided on a hotel in edmonton. The candiates are: Holiday inn the palace, Mayfield inn and suites and Best western westwood. Which would you guys pick? We are going to go to west edmonton mall, so it has to be close to the mall. If you could really help, that would be great. Thank-you!

BAK

You can get from Edmonton to Banff three ways.

Edmonton to Jasper, turn south through the mountains.

Edmonton towards the foothills, on an angle, to Banff.

And Edmonton south toe Calgray, turn right/west and go to Banff.

So at the heart of your trip is thr route you take to Edmonton. If you've already gone through Jasper, there's no real point in turning around and going back.

But you might go Vancouver -- Banff -- Lake Louise -- Jasper -- Edmonton -- Calgary. It's got the leat doubleing back.

BAK

Percy

When you are in Kelowna,why not drive to Banff and then from Banff..go Jasper via the Columbia Icefields
...there is only one main highway from Banff to Jasper,and you can also see Lake Louise which is 30 miles past Banff on your way to Jasper.

Then from Jasper to Edmonton.

In Edmonton,for you maybe the Mayfirled Inn would be best because it is not far to West Edmonton Mall .
As you are coming from Jasper down the Yellowhead Trail , just exit to your right at 170 street exit.

Then as you are going down 170 Street( south), make a left hand turn on 107 Avenue,and you should wind up at the Mayfield Inn !!!

Then when you are going back home....take the Calgary Trail to Calgary ( of course),it is now called Gateway Blvd , for the part that is within the City limits.

Just keep on driving and as you are now heading south on Highway 2 ,this take you to Calgary...from Calgary go to Banff and then wind your way back to Vancouver.
I am sure you have a good map

Percy

Judy_in_Calgary

Hello Travel4fun,

You can get driving directions, estimated driving times and maps by using a combination of www.mapquest.com and www.freetrip.com .

I used to use Map Quest, but its time estimates are conservative, i.e., usually a bit too long. It does have the advantage of showing a map of the suggested route, however.

Recently someone here recommended Free Trip for its more realistic driving times. As far as I can tell, though, it doesn't display maps.

Keep in mind that the given driving times are based on non-stop driving. In reality a route like the Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper, to mention only one example, has several scenic lookout points that are very worthwhile stopping to see.

travel4fun_

Thanks for all your superb ideas! They will make our trip even better! thank-you!