I just posted a message on the Canada site. My vaction is coming up rather quickly and I wanted to travel to Montana's Glacier National Park- never been there. But now, I'm reading about Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada and wondering if I shouldn't go there instead. I will have 7-12 days but don't want to spend my time rushing around. Any input on which one I should NOT miss. Also, should I wait until Sep vice late August. Will that make a difference in the crowds?

Debra:

Make it Banff. Larger mountains, stronger $ value! Beautiful scenery everywhere!
JOHN

I second the Canadian choice if you go to just one area. We took about 2 weeks, traveled through Glacier Pk. and then to Banff, Jasper etc. It was an unforgettable trip. Both areas are beautiful, but Canadian Rockies are truly magnificent.

Thanks so much for the reply. Looks like you guys agree on this. Thanks again.

I'm in agreement with John and Carla. Definitely check out the Canadian Rockies. The crowds should be lesser in September once kids are back in school.

I'm putting in my vote for Jasper & Banff too. Glacier is beautiful but there is so much more in Jasper and Banff and try to make a side trip to Yolo.

Things not to miss. Lake Louise, Columiba Glacier, Icefield Parkway, Athabasca Falls, & Mount Edith Cavell.

You will encounter much more wild life like moose and bears in Canada than in Glacier.

I would think the earlier in the year would be better weatherwise. I've never been in Aug. or Sept. so I don't know for sure.

Utahtea

I just returned from both Banff and Jasper. The trip was fantastic, and you can easily do it in the time you have alloted. I drove up from Spokane but I understand that including Glacier is easy to do. By all means drive the scenic and beautiful Icelands Parkway between Banff and Jasper. It will take 3-5 hours with a few stops, longer if you stop alot. Also suggest you ride the trams in Jasper and Banff and go to one or more of the hot springs for a dip. Lots of neat things to see and the exchange rate is good right now. Hope you enjoy your trip as much as I did mine.

My partner and I have a family vaction home on Flathead Lake, MT so we are partial to Glacier, but must say that last summer we drove through Glacier and went up to the Canadian side. Stayed in Waterton one night and then on to Banff and Lake Louise. In the time that you have alloted I would suggest doing it all. We did our trip in 5 days and had plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery. It is true, the Rockies in Canada are truly amazing!! The best mountain scenery I have seen anywhere in the world. We didn't get as far as Jasper, but would have if we had had the time. Look into including Waterton and then come on down to Glacier - "Going to the Sun Road" is practically worth the trip. Be sure to get out and do some hiking in Banff - we went on an incredible 5 hour hike that gave us amazing views!!
Have fun - you can't go wrong with either destination.

banff - jasper
come in september, the crowds will be less. our $ is very poor against the american so it should be good value. however, hotels are expensive in these areas. lots of good camping spots but the mornings may be a little chilly.

With the number of days you have to travel,you can do all of these places.I have driven the Icefields parkway from Banff to Jasper and it is gorgeous but the most scenic road in North America is Going to the Sun in Glacier National Park,MT. The Canadian Parks have a more civilized feel to them, while Glacier tends toward a wilder experience. Whatever you decide, you can't go wrong on either side of the border.

Gary,
Can Debra do all of the parks?
I'd planned on allowing 3 weeks to do a loop from Seattle and Olympic National Park - Banff-Jasper - back to Seattle, but was warned against this plan. I was told that the Banff area is an absolute zoo in the summer!

Another vote for Canada. Banff was wonderful, and Lake Louise truly a jewel in the rough.

I went in the month of August. It was perfect weatherwise, but there were a LOT of people around.

Checking back in today. Thanks everyone for the input. This is a great place to get help. Thanks again.

I've been to both areas, and am in the minority in that I absolutely love Glacier Park. We love staying at West Glacier, Many Glaciers and Waterton on the Canada side. Lake trips, horseback riding, hiking and just doing nothing while looking at the incredible scenery is amoung our favorite things to do there. My family has been twice and fell in love with it too. The Going to the Sun highway is spectacular. We went in early Spetember one year. The weather was overall pretty good, but had some chilly days and some of the shops were closing up for the season. On the other hand, no crowds! You'll love wherever you go, and my parent-in laws-have done the whole loop, including Banff and Jasper, in one trip.

Definately Canada!!!! Great savings on your exchange and the sights are specticular. The train trip is nice too! Have fun!

The weather in the Canmore, Banff, Jasper area is traditionally just terrible. As I write this on Friday, August 16th, it is snowing outside our hotel in Banff and the winds are gusting with fog blocking the mountain views. It has been cold and damp for the last three days, ever since we arrived.

We were in Banff 4 years ago in late July and exactly the same thing happened to us. So much rain, fog and wind that it was impossible to see the mountains and go outside. In July and August.

I have had better experience with the weather in Montana!

I agree with Jill that the weather has been terrible this year but it is just as bad in Montana with predictions for snow at higher elevations in both areas.

That is not to say that September won't be nice. Generally that is "Indian Summer" and hopefully we will get a reprieve from the rain and chilliness.

yeah, it's a lousy week to be visiting banff but i was there two weeks ago and it was hot, sunny & beautiful. going again next week and hope this bad weather is gone by then.

Just back from Glacier in Montana(8/31/02). Had rain on two days but the park is even more stunning due to a reasonably wet summer. This was my sixth trip(yes, I'm hooked)but I had not seen bear grass in bloom until this year. Many wildlife sightings including moose and calf with calf playing in the water at Fishercap Lake in Many Glacier area. Park is more crouded at this time than I am used to but certainly less so than Banff. Overall an extremely good trip(camping)and I look forward to next trip.

We have been in Glacier and Banff on many different July trips.

The first time we were in Glacier it was cloudy and raining for one whole week. We ended up leaving a day early and headed south to find some nice weather. We never really saw the park that year.

We've been there twice since that first time and had very nice weather.

Our first time to Banff and Jasper area we had wonderful weather in July. The next time we had so much snow that they had to close the Icefield Parkway. This was JULY!

What I'm trying to say is you won't know what the weather will be like until you get there.

Utahtea