Jasper National Park Travel Forum

Going to the Canadian Rockies for my honeymoon in late July and deciding on the Itinarary. We have 6 nights, are staying at some Fairmont Properties, and will take the Rocky Mountaineer train in from Vancouver. Will rent a car in the mountains. Some Questions:
1. Is the train ride worthwhile?
2. Stay 2 nights in Jasper or 4 nights in Jasper?
3. Is it worth staying in Lake Louise?
4. How long travel time between Jasper - LLouise and Banff?
Thanks alot!!

Yes, it is worthwhile staying in Lake Louise; Jasper to Lake Louise by car will approximately take 3 hours, and Lake Louise to Banff approximately 40 minutes. Travel times depend on how much you stop and traffic.

Hi
Firstly, congratulations on your impending nuptials, you have chosen a wonderful place to have your honeymoon.

I would not stay 4 nights in Jasper as I believe the Banff township has more to offer in terms of entertainment, restaurants and shopping. With only 6 nights, you will need to be very particular on what you want to see and do as there are a myriad of things to see.

You will drive the Icefields Parkway from Jasper to Banff which is spectacular and you should take your time driving (take all day). In Jasper, must sees are Miette hotsprings (about 60 klm from Jasper) Maligne canyon, Athabasca Falls and The Whistlers. You will need a car to get to these places and some will take a while to get to. When on the Icefields Parkway, stop at the Athabasca Glacier, they have an information centre there as well as tours on the glacier.

I think its worth staying a night at Lake Louise, especially if staying at the Fairmont as its most romantic with the lake in front of the hotel. A visit to Moraine lake is also recommended.

Banff township has, as mentioned before, most of the facilities (and can be very busy in July) but you can see sights from there on foot and they have a couple of Museums that are interesting.

However, you may just want to chill out and forgo most of the attractions.

Haven't done the train ride, always rent a car from Vancouver or Calgary. There are other parts of the combined park worth seeing, ie. Glacier National Park or Mt Revelstoke etc.

Have a great time,
John

The Rocky Mountanineer would be an absoluetly great way to go. There are two options to choose from as they have two types of rail cars. The conventional coach cars which are very nice, you are served your meals at your seat or the bi level all dome cars with meal service. Since this is your honeymoon and if you decide to take this train, definately choose the bi level all dome cars and treat yourself to a very memorable trip.