Whistler or Banff or Both?
 

Love all the feedback everyone gives...any help on this one?
For our honeymoon in mid-July, 6-8 days, I am stuck between choosing Whistler/Vancouver or Banff/Jasper.

My fiance and I would love to hike, kayak, bike, and take in the wondrous views Canada offers...and of course have the comforts of village dining and lodging (it is the honeymoon!).

I think either one would be a win-win choice, but is one preferred over the other? Suggestions? .

My vote:

First choice: Whistler / Vancouver (mountains AND sea)

Second choice: Banff / Jasper (beautiful, to be sure, but mountains only)

Under no circumstances do I recommend trying to visit Whistler/Vancouver AND Banff/Jasper in 6-8 days.

Only the second answer and already it's an opposing opinion. Me, I'd take the Rockies any day. I thought Whistler was a bit of a letdown.

It is interesting to note though that Judy in Alberta would rather go to the coast while I, on the coast, would rather go to the Rockies. So maybe it's more a matter of wanting to spend vacations in different surroundings. I agree that neither is a bad choice.

Rather than Banff/Jasper..take a look at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise. It is close to Banff and also accessable to the Icefields Parkway and Yoho parks. The hotel and the restaurant are both wonderful. We stayed in Banff for a couple of days and Lake Louise for a few before heading up to Jasper. I would not recommend adding Jasper given the short time that you have.

Much is up to your idea of what is best. Vancouver is lovely but it is a big city. Given the thing you say you want to do I think you might be happier in the Rockies.

Whistler is very expensive and somewhat over rated.

Thanks all for your responses--much appreciated.