Going to Alberta today - questions

[spdztr]

Hey guys,

The wife and I are going out to Albeta this afternoon for 5 days. We'll be staying in Kananaskis, and will have 1 day in Calgary tomorrow.

What are the "must-see" things in Calgary, and how far is the drive to Kananaskis, and from there, how far is Banff and Lake Louise?

I know it's late to post this topic, but I'm hoping I can get some good points before 1:30 EST.

Thanks!

[bionicbadger]

Calgary to Banff is an hour drive. Kananaskis is in between the 2, but to get to the lodge you have to drive a bit after the turn off.

[spdztr]

Thanks,

How about getting to Lake Louise?

Calgary to Banff is an hour drive. Kananaskis is in between the 2, but to get to the lodge you have to drive a bit after the turn off.

[HoTiCE_]

mapquest is your friend

[Sewert]

Thanks,

How about getting to Lake Louise?

Lake Louise is another 30 - 45 mins past Banff.

If you are staying in Kananaskis, you will be about 30 mins from Banff and about 45 - 1 hr from Calgary.

Enjoy your visit!!

[spdztr]

Thanks for the info guys.

Is there anything noteworthy to do/see in Calgary?

[T-Bone]

Hey guys,

The wife and I are going out to Albeta this afternoon for 5 days. We'll be staying in Kananaskis, and will have 1 day in Calgary tomorrow.

What are the "must-see" things in Calgary, and how far is the drive to Kananaskis, and from there, how far is Banff and Lake Louise?

I know it's late to post this topic, but I'm hoping I can get some good points before 1:30 EST.

Thanks!


I'd give yourself 1 hour to get to Kananaskis, to get to Banff it's about 30-40 min, then to Lake Louise another 30-40 min. There may be construction delays near Lake Louise on the Transcanada, as they are twinning the highway. You might want to take the scenic route and turn right onto the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy# 1A) and visit Johnson Canyon and stop at a few of the other sights along the way. It’s much slower going but, you have a better chance of spotting some wildlife. This road will also take you all the way to Lake Louise.

Anyway, things to checkout in Calgary depend on your tastes. If you only have one day, try just to enjoy a few things rather then everything:


1. Take a walk down 17th Ave SW – “The Red Mile” – starting from the C-Train stop near McLeod trail (at Victoria park/Stampede) west to 14th ST (Lots of unique stores and busy pubs & bars), then turn right, walk down to the Bow river then turn right and follow the bow river pathway east back to downtown. Following the pathway, you will hit Au Claire Market & Prince’s Island Park. On the way, you may want to walk around the Kensington area for more unique stores and pubs, cross the 10th Street bridge and have a look around.
2. You might want to checkout Stephan Ave. There is lots of shopping and places to have a lunch and a beer. This place is very busy at lunch with the business crowd.
3. The Calgary tower is downtown if you want to get a good view of the city and the mountains. You can also walk on glass at the top. It’s a bit expensive, but a touristy thing to do.
4. The Zoo is really fun for kids and adults alike.
5. If you are into the bar scene, you must go to “Cowboys”, just say you have been there. Prepare to pay premium prices, but it’s worth it to watch the line dancing break out later in the evening.
6. If you are an active person, you should checkout Canada Olympic Park, there is always something going there. Just google the website.

[spdztr]

THANKS T-BONE!!!
I really appreciate the write-up!

I'd give yourself 1 hour to get to Kananaskis, to get to Banff it's about 30-40 min, then to Lake Louise another 30-40 min. There may be construction delays near Lake Louise on the Transcanada, as they are twinning the highway. You might want to take the scenic route and turn right onto the Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy# 1A) and visit Johnson Canyon and stop at a few of the other sights along the way. It’s much slower going but, you have a better chance of spotting some wildlife. This road will also take you all the way to Lake Louise.

Anyway, things to checkout in Calgary depend on your tastes. If you only have one day, try just to enjoy a few things rather then everything:


1. Take a walk down 17th Ave SW – “The Red Mile” – starting from the C-Train stop near McLeod trail (at Victoria park/Stampede) west to 14th ST (Lots of unique stores and busy pubs & bars), then turn right, walk down to the Bow river then turn right and follow the bow river pathway east back to downtown. Following the pathway, you will hit Au Claire Market & Prince’s Island Park. On the way, you may want to walk around the Kensington area for more unique stores and pubs, cross the 10th Street bridge and have a look around.
2. You might want to checkout Stephan Ave. There is lots of shopping and places to have a lunch and a beer. This place is very busy at lunch with the business crowd.
3. The Calgary tower is downtown if you want to get a good view of the city and the mountains. You can also walk on glass at the top. It’s a bit expensive, but a touristy thing to do.
4. The Zoo is really fun for kids and adults alike.
5. If you are into the bar scene, you must go to “Cowboys”, just say you have been there. Prepare to pay premium prices, but it’s worth it to watch the line dancing break out later in the evening.
6. If you are an active person, you should checkout Canada Olympic Park, there is always something going there. Just google the website.

[bubs]

I would recommend the Calgary Zoo and the Calgary Tower. There is a Gondola in Banff. It is a bit expensive but I enjoyed it last year. You can find some discount coupons on www.visaperks.ca if you pay with Visa.

[spdztr]

Thanks bubs for the link!