Travel Answers

Hey, My bf and I (28 and 24 years old) are planning to spend a week visiting Banff around this mid August (Aug 17-27 as planned for now). We will be flying from Montreal to Calgary and we plan to rent a car in there. We would like to have some recommendations on what the must-see places in there are that we could go in 1 week and the suggested route? We want to spend some time walking, not staying in the car all the time. Also we want to spend at least 1 day in Calgary city (we plan to do this before we fly from Calgary back to Montreal at the end of our trip). What do you suggest to do in Calgary within 1-2 days? Thanks in advance for any recommendation! 

Where is the nearest RV campground to Moraine Lake?

Hello there,
My husband and I are flying into Calgary on a Sunday in June and spending the next 7 days in the Banff area. We would like to see Lake Louise and possibly Jasper on top of Banff. Should we base our trip out of Banff (stay at the same place throughout the trip) and do day trips to these places? Or should we move around? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

If I have only 1 or 2 days to visit Banff then which attractions, park or lakes are best to visit in Banff

My husband and I are planning an anniversary trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper in mid-September. My husband wants to add a day to the trip. I'm willing to do so if necessary but 9 days away from my 2 year old is already a lot to ask! :) I've read a lot of posts on your Forum as well as Frommer's guide book. I've put together a potential itinerary but want to ensure that I'm not leaving something important out or that we aren't trying to do too much in one day. A little background...we are in our early 40's and pre-baby (3 years ago) we did a good amount of backpacking on the Appalachian Trail in TN and NC. We aren't in the shape we were then but from what I read I don't think I've picked any hikes that are out of our comfort zone. I would greatly appreciate any tips or insight you can offer. Thank you so much!

Sat arrive in Calgary ~ noon, drive to Banff / relax / Lodging in Banff

Sunday am leave early & drive to Lake Louise / hike Plain of 6 glaciers / Lake Moraine / Lodging in Banff

Monday am drive the Icefield Parkway to Jasper / Crowfoot Glacier / Bow Summit & Peto Lake / Sunwapta Pass / Athabasca Glacier (snow bus) / Tangle Falls / Lodging in Jasper

Tuesday am Wilcox Pass / Mt. Edith Cavell time permitting / Lodging in Jasper

Wednesday am Parker Ridge / Maline Lake / Lodging in jasper

Thursday am drive Icefield Parkway back to Banff / Johnston Canyon / Lake Minnewanka / Stewart Canyon / Lodging in Banff

Friday hit anything we missed around Banff / drive to Calgary for Lodging

Saturday depart Calgary for Tennessee

I am interested in a 4 night say in the Canadian Rockies. Fly into Calgary, then spend 4 nights in the mountains, then return to Calgary for a day at the Calgary Stampede. Traveling the first weekend in July. I am uncertain on how to spread out my 4 nights. I am interested in visiting Banff, Lake Louise, Banff, and all the attractions and sights in between. With 4 nights, where should we stay to maximize our visit? i.e. one night Banff, one night Jasper, one night Lake Lousie, one night back at one of the previous locations? Basically just doing a sighteseeing roadtrip, but want to be sure to see all the sights. What's the best itinerary to place ourselves each night in order to maximize our short visit and see as much as possible? Thanks for your itinerary suggestions.

I will be traveling july 28-aug.9 2012 Flying into Calgary. I will post my itinerary and if anyone can give me some help on what to see and do within the time frame I would much appreciate it. July 28- fly into Calgary and drive to Lake Louise-after arriving mid afternoon possibly take a Gondola ride. July 29 - (Staying in Lake Louise)canoe at Chateu LL,walk around lake at Chateu LL,hike to tea house NOT SURE WHAT ELSE I CAN FIT INTO THIS DAY?? July 30- (staying in Lake Louise)go to YoHo to takkawaka falls,Emerald lake,Morraine Lake and Lake Ohara CAN THIS BE DONE ALL IN ONE DAY?? OR AM I MISSING SOMETHING ELSE INSTEAD?? July 31- (Drive to Jasper) along the way stop at Bow Lake,Peyto Lake,Icefields Aug.1-(JASPER) Boat trip on Maligne Lake/Spirit Island,walk on trails around Maligne Lake-ARE THERE ANY SPESIFIC EAST TRAILS TO CONSIDER?? Aug.2-(JASPER)Go to MT.Edith Cravel,Tram Ride,Athabasca Falls DON'T KNOW IF THESE THINGS ARE CLOSE BY TO EACH OTHER AND IF THEY CAN ALL BE DONE IN ONE DAY?? Aug.3-(JASPER)Sunwapta Falls,Horseback ride or take a Athabasca river raft trip? ANY OPINIONS?? Aug.4 (Leave Jasper drive to Banff) Go on tram ride in Banff,go into town. Aug.5-8 (BANFF) I NEED SUGGESTIONS FOR 3 1/2 FULL DAYS IN BANFF. These are some options that I was told- Waterfalls(but I don't know where or the names),Spray River loop hike,Bow Valley Float trip (in evening),hoodoos,Johnston Canyon,any small easy walks/hikes (I am afraid of the bears,is there a guide that I could hire?) Aug.8-Leave Banff in afternoon and drive to Calgary Airport Aug.9- fly home

After getting a better idea of trip duration from my dad and taking advice from my earlier thread into consideration, I think I know what I want to fit into two days, but I'm not exactly sure how to do it and where to stay. That's where I need some recommendations. We're departing from North Dakota probably on July 8 and driving up to Regina for a Roughriders game. After staying the night there, we plan on driving to Calgary (or Cochrane because hotel rates seem to be high because of the Calgary Stampede). From Calgary/Cochrane we would head into Banff National Park and spend two nights in the area. After the second night, we would drive to Waterton National Park, which leaves a bit of time that day to either do a couple more things in Banff or do something in Waterton. The following are the things I want to see in Banff (and Yoho): Banff area Johnston Canyon Takkakaw Falls (Yoho) Lake Louise Moraine Lake Peyto Lake Icefields Parkway up to Athabasca Glacier How would I best fit this into two full days plus maybe part of a third? And where should I stay the two nights in the park?

My family is considering heading up to the Canadian Rockies after spending time in Glacier (the American one)/Waterton. We'd probably spend a night at the Prince of Wales Hotel in Waterton and then head up to Banff. I need more details from my dad, but I'm assuming we'd spend about two days in the area. If that's the case, what's the best way to spend two days? Is it best to just stay in Banff National Park since it's a short amount of time, or would visiting Jasper, Yoho, or Kootenay be a good idea? What are some things that are must-see or must-do? No long, less-frequented trails because my dad freaks out about bears and refuses to allow it. Any shorter and more popular trails that we should take? Anything worth our time in Calgary? Sorry for all the questions. I'm pretty much researching this myself, and there is so much information to sort through.

My wife and I will be in Jackson, WY in mid-July to visit Yellowstone, and wanted to rent a car and drive up to Glacier NP and then to the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper), and return the car and fly back to NY from Calgary. I know it’s a bit of a drive to get all the way up there but we like driving! The problem is when I searched for rental cars (on hotwire.com etc) the prices they quote for a one-way between Jackson and Calgary are400 per *day* for the smallest car... I was hoping someone could perhaps offer advice on reasonable alternatives to get from Jackson to Banff… is the only way really to fly? Thanks!

We will be exploring the Banff and Jasper NP area for 8 days, from June 26 through July 3. We are hoping to tent/car camp each night and are wondering how crowded the campgrounds are during this time. We really prefer to travel with as open an itinerary as possible and so we would like to avoid making any reservations. Is this possible? We are not picky and are willing to stay at the less scenic/popular/serviced camgrounds if needed. Our concern is mainly that we'll end up either wasting far too many hours driving around trying to find an open camp site each day, or we'll get skunked and end up having to fork over alot of money for an expensive hotel room. We do know that showing up early before check-out time is the best strategy. Just looking for a little persepective from someone who's actually been there camping during this time. oh- also just relized we booked during Canada Day! How much does this affect the campgrounds in the area? Thanks!

My wife and I are planning a trip by car to the Canadian Rockies in mid-June (hopefully to beat some of the summer rush) and would like advice as to how to do this in the most logical manner (geographically speaking) on an east to west basis. SPecifically we want to know where the best "sumping off" airport would be to start the car trip; a suggested route and stopping off points; and where to wind up so that we can catch a flight to Seattle. How many days would we need for this (we're not hikers)? Any advice will be appreciated.

Hi- My wife and I will be driving our 30 ft motor home from West Glacier, MT to Banff next week. My GPS wants to suggest routes that I know won't work(such as through Glacier National Park up and over). Can someone please give me "real world" advice as to the best route to drive my RV and the estimated drive time? THANKS!!

I've got an updated itinerary - taking into consideration some suggestions that were offered earlier. Please let me know if this makes sense travel-wise and all. There are a few questions intermingled I still have in the planning, please help out if you can. THANKS! Day 1: Arrive Calgary Day 2: Drive to Banff - bow lake/gondola. Stay at 2 Jack Lake Day 3: Banff - L Minnewanka, Whyte Museum. Stay 2 Jack Lake Day 4: Day trip to Kootenay - either stay there at hot springs or back in Banff? Is it too far to drive there & back in one day? Day 5: Drive to LL along Bow Valley Parkway. Stay at LL tent site Day 6: L Louise - either Agnes Tea house hike or 6 glaciers hike (which is better???) canoe on the lake. Stay LL tent. Day 7: Yoho - tak falls, natural bridge, etc. stay @ tak falls tent Day 8: Lake Ohara (is that possible? Am I too late?) Or hoodoos hike. Stay Tak falls tent. Day 9: Ice fields parkway. Bow lake/Peyto Lake. Stay Num Ti Jah Lodge Day 10: Columbia Ice fields in AM, Wilcox pass in PM. Stay at wilcox creek tent camping. Day 11: to Jasper - athabasca falls/Mt Edith Cavall. Stay in a hotel in Jasper Day 12: Maligne canyon/lake/cruise. Stay in same hotel. Day 13: Day trip to Mt Robson park or stay in Mt Robson & camp? Is it worth a day trip if we don't hike all the way to Berg Lake? We could walk to Kinney Lake. Day 14: Drive back to Calgary (should we drive back through Banff or through Edmonton?) THANKS ALL CAN'T WAIT.

My wife and a friend are planning to spend 2 weeks hiking in the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Jasper, Kootnay, Yoho and Waterton Lake National Parks) in mid-June. What are the biting and stinging insects (mosquitos, black flies, etc.) like at that time of year?

Need suggestions for family meals on our Christmas trip to Banff, Lake Louise & Jasper - while several fancy meals are included in our package - we have several meals open - & while the Fairmont hotel restaurants are wonderful (&$$) - we're wanting some other options for good food that is kid friendly, less expensive & less formal. Should we stick with the hotels for breakfast? Are the buffets worth it? Should we dine at the Post Hotel in Lake Louise for dinner? They have a better Zagats rating - but...

Hi, We are planning a visit to the Banff/Jasper National Park area for 10 days in August. Can you please help us plan our itinerary for must-see locations? We are traveling with 2 kids (6 and 4 yrs. old) and prefer some good easy hikes. Thanks.

We are staying in Banff,Lake Louise and Jasper for 3 days each. Looking for activities other than hiking in these areas. For example canoeing,horseback riding or bike rentals. Any suggestions? Where is best place to rent canoes?

In August, we will be roadtripping and stopping by banff. We will be coming from Glacier National Park and will probably arrive late afternoon on Day 0, and then have 2 full days (Days 1 and 2), and then leave morning the day after. So would two full days be enough? Here are my potential itinerary ideas: Day 1: lake louise village moraine lake lake louise fairview lookout hike rent canoes lake louise gondola vermillion lakes bankhead lake minnewanka johnson lake day 2: icefields parkway- crowfoot glacier bow passa and peyto lake viewpoint mistaya canyon sasakatechewan crossign and viewpoint columbia icefield How is the itinerary? Are we missing something we must do in the park or town? Any recommendations? Thanks!

My wife and I (50's) are planning a trip to Banff June 13th - 19th. We are looking for recommendations to stay. We could budget about200/day. We are interested in beginner type hikes to waterfalls and photography. We would like some place that is within a reasonable drive of the Lake Louise attractions, clean and with a nice setting would be perfect. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Best regards, Doug

My husband and I (in our late 50s) are taking the Rocky Mountaineer to Banff in mid Sept, then 5 days to explore before boarding ViaRail in Jasper heading to Toronto. We will be renting a car in Banff. Will there be any issues with driving (weather related)? Suggestions for what we should be sure not to miss in our visit? Is renting a car a good idea?

My wife and I will be going to Banff and Jasper national parks this summer; we will be camping, hiking, etc. I'm trying to plan the dates and would like to know how crowded Banff is around July 1 (Canada Day) and July 4? We are planning to be in the two parks about 2 weeks. Thanks.

Hello, I plan an RV tour on August leaving from Calgary. (12 days ending in Vancouver) However, after two days i need to pick up aditional family member back in Calgary.....Any good idea how to plan it ? Is 2 days in Banff Park enough ? Is there kind of bus from Calgary to the park ? Other thing to do in these 2 days and than to go to Banff ? Many thanks

Hi. My husband and I are planning a trip to Jasper, Banff and Glacier N.P. this summer. We plan to fly into Calgary and rent a car for our stay in Canada. We would like to take the rental car to GNP and drop it off when we fly out of Kalispell, but we were told by a rental car company that it's not possible. Does anyone have alternate travel suggestions for getting from Banff to GNP? We can fly, but thought it might be fun to maybe take a train, if possible.

Thinking of a trip to Banff area in January 2010. First off are there car rental places in Banff, and if rented in January; do they come with any snow tires, studs, chains?

Just this weekend I booked air/car from Boston to Seattle without too much forethought. The plan is to travel to Vancouver for a few days, then east to the Banff area (Lake Louise?) I'm also thinking about travelling south from there to Montana Glacier National Park, then travelling back to Seattle to fly home on the 15th day. We are retirees, and not into hiking, but want to see see interesting sights in cities plus lovely scenery, so I think that two weeks should be OK for this trip. I took several books from the library today, plus two AAA guides, so I'm trying to plan an itinerary, making reservations. Here's the issue: My husband thinks we should "wing" it- except for Vancouver and Seattle. He has a cousin who travelled cross country during June and July and found inexpensive (less than75) motels wherever she went. Do you think this will be possible in the Banff/ Glacier NP areas? Are there lots of motels/ B and Bs in the area? How far away could we stay and still go to the park several days? Any specific suggestions for places, in case he agrees to advanced planning? Thanks for your help.....

We will be staying 5 nights in Banff, we have 3 kids (14,12 and 8). We´d like 6 mi. (round) hikes. I wonder if white-water rafting or a boat trip would be better than a hike. Also, shall we take sometime to go to Jasper or just stay in Banff? What are the absolute must see´s once in Banff / Jasper? (and, how is the weather in late July?) THANKS!

Hi, Im planning on heading out west this summer, just to do some camping, and hiking.. Just wondering if anyone can recommend any nice camp sites? Like something up in the mountains, quiet.. nice scenery.. no obnoxious motorhomes.. ? any suggestions would be great! thanks. r.

We saw a service on the Internet 'Caravan.com' that served our vacation needs from Glacier National Park to Baniff and Jasper. It was about1000 per person for 9 days including coach transportation and lodging and 1/2 the meals. Sounds like a good deal but I don't know anything about the company. Has anyone heard or used their services before?

We are planning an early September hiking vacation in Banff. We will be staying in town. Is a car necessary to get to trailheads or are there organized guided hikes and/or public transportation? We will only be in Banff 1 week.