Province of Alberta Travel Forum

Hi all,

I have a conference in Edmonton in July and I have three days to kill beforehand. In this time, I'd like to visit Banff and Jasper, as well as the Dinosaur Museum in Druhmheller (not enough time, I know, but the only three days I envision being in Alberta anytime soon). I don't mind long days of driving, so this isn't an issue for me.

I intend to get up early on Day 1 to drive from Edmonton to Jasper, arriving at about lunchtime. If my intent is to spend night #2 in Banff (or Calgary), where should I spend night #1? Are there places to stay on Icefields Parkway between Banff and Lake Louise?

If I spend Day 1 in the area immediately adjacent to Jasper, I worry that I'll have to cram too many things (and a longer drive) into Day 2.

Your thoughts?

If you don't mind long days of driving it is doable. We did almost the same and it wasn't that bad at all.

If you arrive about lunchtime in Jasper you easily could visit wonderful Lake Maligne.

We drove along Icefields Parkway in just 1 day and saw (almost) all the sights, including a trip through a side road to Mt Edith Cavell.
You could stay about halfway between Jasper and Banff in Saskatchewan River Crossing; see for more info: http://www.thecrossingresort.com

Also consider staying in Canmore, 20 km's from Banff.

(The Dinosaur Museum in Druhmheller is fantastic !!).

happy travels
Jaap

hi there buddy!! spend a night in Jasper is great and visit lakes around and hike to Whistlers Mountain just above is terrific and time enough in Julyu when days are longer
Icefield parkway towards lake louise aint a long way .. i took around 4 or 5 hours stopping in the main icefield and looking at waterfalls and some other lakes..so spend the second night in Lake louise is absolutelly suggestable, taking a look to morain lake and lake louise or agnes lake.. its really beautifull.. depends on your time i wouldnt go southwards if u have to come back to Edmonton !!
take care !!
happy trails