Jp

My wife and myself will be traveling to the <BR>Banff and Jasper areas next July and really <BR>want to see as much as possible.We will be <BR>staying in Banff for 4 nites as well as Jasper for 4 nites.We have never been to the Rockies before and want to make the best of <BR>our trip and time.One of our highlights would be able to see and photo (hopefully) <BR>a Moose and or Bear.We are not the type to go <BR>"deep" in the hiking trails ,so any advice would be great.I have also read up on Yoho, <BR>Kootenay and would hope they are not to far from Banff to enjoy.One last thing we are also interested in going into the badland area possibly Drumheller or Dinosaur Prov.Park. Any hot spots for great viewing of the Hoodoos & other terrain ?Thnx in advance-Jp <BR>

Robyn

My family was last there in August 93. In nearby Jasper on our way to a horse ranch, we spotted several black bears from the side of the road. Be sure you know exactly what you're getting into when you want to "find bears" to photograph. <BR> <BR>Perhaps read this site: <BR> <BR>http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/exp...rs/bearsaf.htm <BR> <BR>Saying that, we never saw any moose as I don't think the live in mountainous regions such as the Rockies, but moreso low lakeland areas of Ontario... (I could be wrong however), but there will be plenty of elk wandering around, definitely in the Jasper region moreso than Banff. At least that was my experience!

dnorrie

I live in Southern Alberta, close to the Rockies. Some years ago while riding our motorcyles to Drumheller (Badlands) we encountered a huge moose on the prairie. You just never know where you might see them but they do tend to stay away from populated areas. You will see lots of elk in Banff/Jasper and be very, very careful. They are extremely dangerous at times so don't approach. Also, be on guard for other wildlife such as cougers as there have been some recent attacks in that area. The main thing to keep in mind in use caution and common sense as I am sure you will do. The badlands are quite something but it will be very hot at that time of year. Cooler in the mountains. Those of us who live here tend to stay away from Banff and Jasper but since you have never seen the Rockies, you will love the spectacular views. It really is beautiful but touristy. <BR> <BR>I hope you enjoy Alberta and if I can be of further assistance don't hesitate to email me. <BR> <BR>Cheers. Denise

Bob Brown

Alberta is a great province to visit. <BR>There is so much to see and so much to do that I find it a very special place to visit. Since 1986 we have been there <BR>7 times and hope to go back again soon. <BR>The Royal Tyrrell Museum at Drumheller is an absolutely fabulous place to visit for paleontology. I spent a whole day there in utter fascination. <BR>The staff of the museum includes some of the best known geologists and paleontologists in the world. <BR>There is a virtual tour of the museum available on the WWW, so check it out. <BR>Banff and Jasper are beautiful, but you should include Lake Louise and Moraine Lake as well. The drive from Lake Louise to Jasper is along the Icefield Parkway. It is the most beautiful drive in North America, outside of Alaska. <BR>My suggestion is to allow a whole day for the trip. You might even want to drive it both ways because there is so much to see that you will not have time for everything on one trip. I have driven it 5 or 6 times in both directions and would happily do it again. <BR> <BR>Also in that area, don't forget that Banff is hardly the whole show. There are two other parks that you did not even mention that are highly spectacular in their own way. In fact, my favorite destination is none of what you describe!! <BR>I would certainly drive over Kicking Horse Pass and visit Takkakaw Falls. <BR>Also, why not cut one day off of Jasper and spend a night along the Icefields Parkway? After seeing the Angel Glacier, going up to the Whistler on the Luftseilbahn, and perhaps taking a boat ride on Malign Lake, there is not much right in Jasper. Be sure to see Athabasca Falls, and you might want to take a float ride on the river. <BR>I have not done one, but the people who do seem to be having a good time. <BR>

rich

JP, have been a tour guide in the area for 12 years and here are my suggestions. The chance to see wildlife is all 'being in the right place at the right time'. Moose very rare the last few years, but always a possibility in the right areas - Vermilion Lakes just outside Banff townsite in early morn and late evening - some parts of Yoho Nat. Park along TransCanada after the Natural bridge and down to Emerald Lake Lodge - North of Sask. River Crossing going north to Jasper. Bear - anywhere along the road esp. if the dandelions are out. The best areas to see wildlife is to stay off the main roads if poss., take the 1A from Banff to Lake Louise, 93A from Athabasca Falls to Jasper. On 1A last summer always saw elk in a fire burn out area, one 12 pt. and one 14 pt. and THE best grizzles that I have ever seen, but very rare sighting. <BR>Some great walks, easy by anyones standards in the area, books ava. from books stores or on-line. Great area, enjoy, if you need more help email anytime <BR> <BR> <BR>Drumheller is a must, if only for the museum, outstanding!!!!

WM

I am from the Edmonton area and go to the Rockies (Jasper/Banff area) 4 or 5 times a year. If you are going to really see the wildlife the best times to go are in the late spring, early fall as this is the quietest time of year and the best time to see wildlife (see bears and moose often thjis time of year). I personally do not care much for the badlands region. One would be better off spending time touring in the two cities of Edmonton and Calgary.

April

It depends on who "one" is I guess. I'd take the hoodoos over Calgary or Edmonton any day!

dnorrie

We have an acreage in the Crowsnest Pass and bears have been out "a plenty" this spring. The rangers just trapped two in our area last week and moved them. Also, my husband saw a couple of moose back in the forestry on his last hike. It has been a dry spring and it seems as though the wildlike moves a little closer to civilization when it is really dry. Take care though and don't think that you can approach them - use caution at all times, even with deer. Their little hooves are like razor blades and they can really hurt you. Stay back from them and don't feed any of the wildlife. Let's keep them semi wild.

Jp

Thanks for all of the replies,just a few weeks until we leave,my wife and myself are so excited we can't wait.We have actually extended our trip to Tofino and Victoria on VI.Canada looks <BR>so amazing.Still making final arrange- <BR>ments.Secured a seat on the bus to Lake <BR>Ohara in Yoho.Trying to figure out the <BR>money issue,but the many threads are helpful.Bob Brown,Dnorrie,April thanks for your helpful suggestions-they are great,it amazes me that all the questions that are asked you all take the time to respond.Thanks again and my <BR>wife and I are looking forward to leaving the Atlanta heat for awhile-Jp <BR>ps-nice thread on the backpack/bear <BR>hope I can photo one.....

Mike

There is a guide which is specifically dedicated to wildlife watching in the Canadian Rockies. In addition to descriptions of all the major animals, it has a rundown of the best places to view each of them, and what to look for at various points along the Icefields Parkway and other routes. I don't know the name of this book offhand, but it has an orange cover and is quite new.

April

I don't think I've been to the Banff/Jasper region without seeing at least one bear on the side of the road, usually with somebody outside of their car photographing or feeding them! I've seen several bears while horseback riding in Manning Park but haven't spotted a moose in a long time.

Helen Welter

We recently visited the Rockies and stayed in Banff. On our travels through Banff, Yoho, Jasper, Kootenay Nat'l Parks we saw black bear, grizzly bears, elk, deer, mountain goats, and longhorn sheep, all from the major highways! We learned that moose are nocturnal animals and are rarely seen during the day. Best chance is early AM and early evening. However, a waitress told of seeing a moose in the town of Banff!