I am still trying to figure out our itinerary for July 2012. We are spending two nights and three days in Many Glacier in GNP (US). We will be spending time in the Banff, Icefield Pkwy, Jasper when we leave. I would like your opinions whether we should leave MG and exit out the park on the west side and drive to Canada up Hwy 93...or should we drive the Sun Rd through the loop and then double back and leave GNP on the east side and travel up Hwy 22 to 40 on the eastern side?? Which is more efficient, scenic, etc route to take?? I can do either right now. I have all day to travel the sun rd and explore. What do you think?? Am also willing to go slower and find a place to stay prior to Banff if needed.

Where do you want to spend your 3rd night? I hope you are not driving all night through Canada. Why not spend a night and morning in Waterton Lakes NP and then head for Banff at noon?
You can bypass most of Calgary if you use 6 north, 3 west and 22 north to the Trans Canada to get to Banff.
I hope you are not planning on renting a car in the US and dropping it off in Canada-not gonna happen.

No driving our own car. Plan to spend the night in US and cross over next day. Just didnt know if better route up through Eureka Mt or better to go up through Waterton. Heard best way is through foothills but didnt know which direction to go. Thanks.

Both the 93 and 22/40 are beautiful drives, but since you're planning on driving the Icefields Parkway, I suggest taking 22/40 as it will offer different type of terrain/views.

It's also one of my favourite routes (just came back on it Thursday from a week in Waterton) with it's beautiful foothill landscapes and mountains viewable to the west.

Along the 3, shortly before the turn off to the 22, you'll see dozens and dozens of wind turbines that generate electricity which I find a pretty impressive sight.

Have done the route up through Kalispell and Cranbrook

to Banff stayed at either the Fairmont or Rimrock

based on budget booking.com otel.com under 6 hours

like 300 miles amazing views might consider that

classic.mapquest.com Kalispell MT to Banff AB

Happy Journey,

Best? hmmm
Fastest from MG would be east side via 22/40. But once you factor in the Going To The Sun road and doubling back, the west side via 93 would likely be faster.

My personal favorite would be the east side via 22/40 ... and if I had time I'd include Waterton Lakes NP and Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo-Jump provincial park ... one of nicest interpretive centers I've ever seen.

I agree with ShelliDawn - The east side will definitely give you much more variety. The drive from Whitefish to Radium is relatively long and comparatively boring.