Calgary Travel Forum

Hi
I am visiting Calgary, Banff and Jasper over the July 4 weekend. First 2 nights in Banff , then 2 nights in jasper and then on the way back last nite stay again in Banff. Can you please let me know which are the MUST SEE places in these 2 areas. IWe plan to see all the famous places/lakes but dont know if will need to hike to get to these places or are they accessible by car. will be coming with a 1 year old and husband and another couple. Can we manage with a stroller or should we get a child carrier instead?Also hows the weather like in July 4th weekendand should we carry clothes for extreme heat- shorts /t shirts etc and a light jacket.Any other tips about visitng that place with a 1 yr old.
Lastly if we have 1 afternoon available for Calgary whats the ebst thing to see in calgary or in the famous stampede.

A quick response will be highly appreciated as I only have few days to plan?
thnaks in advance?

- For Banff Nat. P.:
www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/index_E.asp

- For Jasper Nat. P.:
www.visit-jasper.com
www.discoverjasper.com/TravelEssentials/TownCityInformation

- For Calgary:
www1.travelalberta.com/content/citiestowns/calgary.cfm (no, it's not a mistake, type exactely what I wrote: www1. ).

Hopefully you have booked your accommodations already. You are travelling in high season. With a one year old, you will primarily be sight seeing - driving from place to place - going to check out the views, back into the car to the next place.

There are many many such highlights in the Rockies. Places that people remember about Banff and Jasper. I don't know how one chooses which places to go to. Perhaps check out the web pages that Redang directed you to. Certainly people like to walk around Banff - it has enough souvenir stores to last for a day. I would visit Lake Louise and perhaps Lake Moraine. One of the only hikes you take a stroller on is the Johnson Canyon Lower Falls hike on the way from Banff to Lake Louise - a lovely hike along a river deep below.

The trip from Banff to Jasper (the Icefields parkway) should take you all day. Stop at the view points and admire the views. I love the Peyto Lake viewpoint which I think is at the beginning of that drive. Of course you have to see the Columbia ice fields in the middle of that drive. Spend a couple days around Banff, the third whole day to get to Jasper, the fourth day around Jasper (check out Athabasca Falls south of Jasper) and fifth day back seeing the Icefields parkway from north to south. Personally I wouldn't bother spending time with the Stampede (you've seen one horse, you've seen them all). Spend more time in Banff - there are so many roads to try and places to discover.

Have a nice trip.