5 Days in Banff/Jasper/Lake Louise - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

OilersBaby · 07-15-2008, 11:26 PM

Hello everyone,

So my best friend's parents (they are in their 60s) are going to fly into the Calgary airport in a couple of weeks. They are going to stay for 5 days. They want to see the sights in the Banff/Jasper/Lake Louise areas. They dont really want to do anything IN Calgary because they've seen it all before but didnt have a chance to go to Banff/Jasper/Lake Louise last time they were there......

They currently live in San Jose, California.

Things to consider:
- they are not in great health so hiking long distances or camping wont work (have lots of allergies etc). they need to stay in a hotel.
- they will be renting a car

Does anyone have any sort of a suggested itinerary on where to go first, what to see etc? I grew up in Alberta but i know im going to miss some stuff as I dont go there on a regular basis. I know I'd want them to see Columbia Icefields, Sulphur Mountain, the Banff Springs Hotel, but I cant even remember what there is to see/do in Lake Louise and the rest of the area. Is it worth it to go to Jasper?

How far from Banff to Jasper or Banff to LL?

Thanks!!!

habernac · 07-15-2008, 11:35 PM

Banff to Lake Louise is 45 minutes. Banff to Jasper is almost 4 hours on a very scenic road. Lots of hotels in all three areas, but prepare to pay as it's high season. Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are nice. Maligne Lake in Jasper is beautiful as well. 5 days isn;t very long, I might suggest them staying in the Banff area.

Dion · 07-15-2008, 11:37 PM

Lake Minnewanka boat tour - Short distance from Banff

http://www.minnewankaboattours.com/

Lake Minnewanka lies in the heart of the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park, just a short 15 minute drive from the town site.We operate three, 48 passenger tour boats on the lake, several times daily from mid May to mid October. This magnificent cruise consists of a 1.5 hour interpretive tour of Lake Minnewanka and surrounding area. Our experienced crew will guide you through this rugged paradise richly steeped in history, native folklore and geology. The narration is entertaining and informative. You will learn about the wildlife and vegetation that inhabit these mountains, the early explorers who named them and the tremendous forces that created them. The Lake Minnewanka valley offers some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies.

OilersBaby · 07-15-2008, 11:39 PM

Hmm i think they are going to be booking a timeshare there..so it sounds like Banff would be the best place to book it and then they can go to Lake Louise etc from there. Jasper sounds far. Whats in Jasper thats not in Banff or Lake Louise. Anything?

habernac · 07-15-2008, 11:43 PM

there's not a lot of difference. Jasper is a less crowded less commercialized Banff. It's quieter.

calculoso · 07-15-2008, 11:57 PM

If they want to see all of the nature, it's better to stay in Jasper. There's a lot in that area, but most is in between Jasper and Banff. The Columbia Ice Fields are great to see. Maligne Lake is amazing. There's lots of nature to see

T@T · 07-16-2008, 01:05 AM

I agree with habernac, if they only have 5 days Jasper may be a stretch for these "kids"

Personally I would suggest touring Banff/Lake louise for a day or so and then go 20 minutes west to Emerald lake lodge for a day or so....It's truly amazing.

OilersBaby · 07-16-2008, 02:04 AM

What's there to see in Banff? So far I have...
- Sulphur Mountain and the gondola's
- Main street so you can walk and see the shops
- Banff Springs hotel and its pretty grounds

What's there to see in Lake Louise?

How far away are the Columbia Ice Fields from Banff/Lake Louise?

If anyone can answer these questions, that would be great.

ShaolinFlame · 07-16-2008, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

What's there to see in Banff? So far I have...
- Sulphur Mountain and the gondola's
- Main street so you can walk and see the shops
- Banff Springs hotel and its pretty grounds

What's there to see in Lake Louise?

How far away are the Columbia Ice Fields from Banff/Lake Louise?

If anyone can answer these questions, that would be great.

Other things to see in Banff:
The lake accross the highway - lots of sheep if they like wildlife.
Good food if they like that.
Free driving range at the springs golf course.
Walk down the river
Hiking (maybe a little old)
The tourist Centre on Main street also has lots of great suggestions for activities.
Sunshine Village is great for easy hiking in the alpine plains - you can take the gondola up I think, or maybe the road?

Don't know much about Lake Lousie though, was always a sunshine boy.

Ice fields are about 2 hours give or take, and the route from Banff goes through Lake Louise if they wanted to see both in a day. It is very doable. There are also 3 or 4 very pretty lakes along the icefields parkway between lake louise and the ice fields. It is also a fairly quiet highway, especially on weekdays.

ScreamingEagle44 · 07-16-2008, 07:08 AM

Are there any beaches in Banff?

bigtmac19 · 07-16-2008, 07:25 AM

I would definitely agree they should make the drive to Jasper. It's not that far and so worth it.
They would probably love afternoon tea at the Banff springs or Chateau Lake Louise. When I was living out in Calgary, I took my Mom for tea and she still talks about it. She was in her 60's at the time.
The gondola, the hot springs. The walk just around the lake at Louise is okay for folks that age.
All kinds of things to see, I'm sure 5 days will go very quickly.

Boblobla · 07-16-2008, 07:58 AM

Don't accept any rides in the wee hours of the morning from homeless Indians in Banff.

Jasper is MUCH nicer than Banff imo. You have simliar scenery w/o all the crowds and it is not much further away. If you guys are athletic or like hiking there are tons of trails in the area, just stop at a ranger/info station and grab a trail map.

redforever · 07-16-2008, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

Hmm i think they are going to be booking a timeshare there..so it sounds like Banff would be the best place to book it and then they can go to Lake Louise etc from there. Jasper sounds far. Whats in Jasper thats not in Banff or Lake Louise. Anything?

Hardly any tourists compared to Banff. Much more laid back. Not even close to any of the intense development that Banff has undergone. And the drive from Lake Louise to Jasper is called one of the 10 most scenic drives in the world. Breath taking scenery along the whole route.

Also, consider a trip to Emerald lake, very short driving distance from Lake Louise.

It would be absolutely great if they could get up to Lake Agnes Tea House by Lake Louise. You said they are not in the best of health and can't hike. Some outfit operates horse back rides up there if you think they could handle that. And you do not have to be an accomplished rider for that, in fact, you don't need to have any prior experience on a horse. If you could get them up there, they would never stop talking about it, simply stunning scenery up there. And if you can get them that far, then I think they could probably handle the little hike from the tea house to the old fire lookout. From that lookout, you have a 360 view of the world.

bluntus logicimus · 07-16-2008, 08:42 AM

My first suggestion is to avoid the Banff townsite, unless they want to swap elbows with throngs of tourist shoppers.
Lake Louise is a definite day trip. As the post above suggests, the tea house at Lake Agnes is one of those "forever" memories - they will talk about it back home. I have seen many, many seniors take that hike up so you should at least suggest it to them. The hike has tremendous views of Lake Louise and the Chateau along the way so several places to stop and catch their breath. About 2/3rds the way up, you have Mirror Lake which is fed by the falls off of Lake Agnes. Again, another great spot to stop for a bit. All in all, the hike would be a decent day trip. If your friend's parents are coming in on the long weekend however, I would avoid the place. Absolute swarms of people.
Similarly, the Lake Louise walk is nice. Flat and scenic. You can rent canoes, if interested. Great patio at the Chateau. Pricey mojitos and well, everything is pricey.
As suggested above, Jasper is a rewarding trip. Edith Cavell is a great hike for seniors. Short, not too much of an incline and the payoff is Angel Glacier. A sub route will also take you to a large glacier pool which I am sure they would enjoy sitting around for a while. Athabasca Falls is another relaxed "seniors-friendly" hike.
Jasper would be a very long day trip however, so they would need to book in a couple of days for this one.
In between, as mentioned above, is the Columbia Icefields. Highly recommended but again, if trying this on the long weekend, you should definitely book ahead if possible.
Jasper and Banff are connected by the Icefield Parkway (highway 93) and even if they just want to stay in their car and go for a drive in the mountains, the Parkway is head-turning scenic the entire way.

enthused · 07-16-2008, 09:38 AM

If they don't want to make drive out to Jasper and plan on staying in the Banff and Lake Louise area instead, I would suggest actually staying in Canmore. Personally I like it a LOT more than Banff. I find it a lot more laid back, and less touristy. There are several nice bed and breakfasts to stay at, beautiful scenery, and it's still close enough to Banff and Lake Louise, and all of the things they have to offer.

Russic · 07-16-2008, 09:47 AM

I love Jasper. The drive there is (in my opinion) the nicest in canada, and the crowds aren't as huge as in Banff. Hiking trails are numerous and awesome. Wouldn't do it in a day though ... 4.5 hours to get there is a little draining.

ShaolinFlame · 07-16-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScreamingEagle44

Are there any beaches in Banff?

yes at the lake across the highway (at the eastern exit). Unofrunately there are a lot of crackhead goats.

OilersBaby · 07-16-2008, 02:54 PM

wow thanks so much everyone, it sounds like Maligne lake, columbia ice fields, and jasper are MUST see along with the tea house. I will pass that along.

IM HOMESICK NOW. I wish I could visit too. My parents live in Tuscany which is soooo close to Banff, its a tease!

redforever · 07-16-2008, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OilersBaby

wow thanks so much everyone, it sounds like Maligne lake, columbia ice fields, and jasper are MUST see along with the tea house. I will pass that along.

IM HOMESICK NOW. I wish I could visit too. My parents live in Tuscany which is soooo close to Banff, its a tease!

If they go up to the teahouse, tell them to take along a quart or so of either granola or nuts and seeds. The little chipmunks and ground squirrels eat right out of your hands.

And for people food, they should try either the blueberry or blackberry tea along with fresh made scones.

Jagger · 07-16-2008, 06:46 PM

Just got back from 4 days in Jasper and Banff. I prefer Jasper as it's so much quieter and less intense. As you drove down the parkway you could sense the change once you crossed into Banff National Park. After saying that though, Banff and Lake Louise seemed much less crowded than in previous years. US economy, gas prices? Who knows but it's not as busy as it once was. Banff this morning was really nice actually. I'd actually recommend that they stay in the Banff area too, given their circumstances but the Jasper area is incredible. We saw five black bears on our travels this extended weekend! Lake Louise is worth a visit for sure. Morraine Lake, in the Louise area, is a stunningly beautiful lake. Hope they have a good time.