need advice for Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff

[aZnRYcEbOi]

Hi everyone,

I'm heading to the rockies in mid-July and wanted to get some opinions on what I should do. I'm into photography and hiking, but I don't plan on doing any overnight camping.

I have a vague idea of what things I want to see, but I'm not sure about the timing. I've listed a bunch of different things, and I was hoping you guys can let me know what I should eliminate, what I should add, or if I should just focus on certain things.

Thanks in advance!



July 20:
Drive from Vancouver to Kamloops
Overnight Kamloops

July 21:
Drive from Kamloops to Jasper
Stopover at Clearwater, Helmcken Falls, Mt. Robson
Overnight Jasper

July 22:
Hiking - Mount Edith Cavell Meadows OR Jasper Sulphur Skyline
If there's time, check out Maligne Lake, Pyramid Lake, and/or Patricia Lake
Overnight Jasper

July 23:
Drive Hwy 93 from Jasper towards Banff
Stop by various scenic points along the highway.
Check out Bow Lake, Athabasca Glacier
Overnight Banff

July 24:
Day-trip to Lake Louise
Hiking around Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and/or Peyto Lake
Tunnel Mountain and Marsh Loop trails???
Lake Louise Gondola???
Overnight Banff

July 25:
Sulphur Mountain gondola, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka drive
Overnight Banff

July 26:
Drive from Banff towards Calgary
Check out Canmore / Kananaskis Country??? What can I do in 1 day?
Catch flight at 6:10pm at YYC.

[Firebot]

If you are planning on staying in the Banff area for a few days, I'd suggest to make a hotel stay in Canmore rather then Banff. Much less commercial, much less expensive, and they have some really great bars and food (great for picking up chicks who are away from their home and just looking for a good time :D).

I take it you are planning on renting a car in vancouver and dropping it off in calgary?

[aZnRYcEbOi]

If you are planning on staying in the Banff area for a few days, I'd suggest to make a hotel stay in Canmore rather then Banff. Much less commercial, much less expensive, and they have some really great bars and food (great for picking up chicks who are away from their home and just looking for a good time :D).

I take it you are planning on renting a car in vancouver and dropping it off in calgary?

I'm renting an economy sized car for a week from National. Pick up at YVR and drop off at YYC, and it's coming out to $380 including taxes. From a quick google search, this seems quite reasonable, as there are no further one-way drop off fees.

As for accomodations, I'm staying in B&B's to minimize on cost. Hotels are just way too expensive during high season (even through priceline)

For Banff, I found one for $75/night for the dates I listed, which sound pretty good. However, I can't find any tripadvisor reviews...but due to the price I think I might just take the risk.

For Jasper, I found one at $65/night and one at $95/night. The $95/night is ranked #6 on tripadvisor B&B's in Jasper, so I think it should be ok.

Do you have any other B&B or Hotel recommendations (even in the Canmore area) that are around my price point?

What else is there to do in Canmore during my last day in Alberta?

Thanks!

[Talamasca]

Hi everyone,

I'm heading to the rockies in mid-July and wanted to get some opinions on what I should do. I'm into photography and hiking, but I don't plan on doing any overnight camping.

I have a vague idea of what things I want to see, but I'm not sure about the timing. I've listed a bunch of different things, and I was hoping you guys can let me know what I should eliminate, what I should add, or if I should just focus on certain things.

Thanks in advance!


July 22:
Hiking - Mount Edith Cavell Meadows OR Sulphur Sulphur Skyline
If there's time, check out Maligne Lake, Pyramid Lake, and/or Patricia Lake
Overnight Jasper

I hiked Mt. Edith Cavell Meadows when I was there last year. Beautiful trail but very popular. The drive up the mountain is pretty awesome too. I highly recommend taking a tour boat on Maligne Lake and Spirit Island. It's a bit of a drive from Jasper but absolutely worth it. Pyramid and Patricia Lakes are much closer to Jasper and can be easily visited.

July 23:
Drive Hwy 93 from Jasper towards Banff
Stop by various scenic points along the highway.
Check out Bow Lake, Athabasca Glacier
Overnight Banff

You absolutely must hike Wilcox Pass, just south of the Athabasca Glacier. It's a pretty easy hike but the views of the mountains and glaciers are phenomenal and there are mountain sheep up top that you can get right up to. Parker Ridge a little further south is a tougher (and muddier!) hike but also has incredible views up top.

July 24:
Day-trip to Lake Louise
Hiking around Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and/or Peyto Lake
Tunnel Mountain and Marsh Loop trails???
Lake Louise Gondola???
Overnight Banff

A friend of mine hiked Sentinel Pass, which is very tough but worth it. You usually have to do this hike in groups of 4 to minimize bear encounters.

July 25:
Sulphur Mountain gondola, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka drive
Overnight Banff

The wildflowers in Sunshine Village should be out in July. The bus takes you straight up into the sub-alpine altitudes so you start the hike off at the top, more or less.

July 26:
Drive from Banff towards Calgary
Check out Canmore / Kananaskis Country??? What can I do in 1 day?
Catch flight at 6:10pm at YYC.

Might as well spend the day in Calgary itself. It might be nice to return to "civilization" after all that time in the mountains.

Not sure if you're travelling solo or in a group but have you thought about hostels? The Rockies have some really great ones where you can meet fellow travellers.

[aZnRYcEbOi]

Not sure if you're travelling solo or in a group but have you thought about hostels? The Rockies have some really great ones where you can meet fellow travellers.

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

We plan on staying at B&B's b/c I'm going with my gf, and she's not into hostels.

For the hikes (Mt. Edith Cavell Meadows, Wilcox Pass, Sentinel Pass), if I get a trail map are these relatively easy to follow? i.e. are there signs and a hiking trail to follow? Or should I join a trekking tour (http://www.overlandertrekking.com/day.html, they charge $70 for the Mt. Edith Cavell Meadows hike)?

Lastly, I would like to see some bears, moose, deer, sheep, etc...Are there certain spots or hikes that have a higher percentage chance of these sightings?

[cqdx]

Just a couple of suggestions to consider, since the Jasper area is my "home away from home" :razz:

July 22:
Hiking - Mount Edith Cavell Meadows OR Sulphur Sulphur Skyline
If there's time, check out Maligne Lake, Pyramid Lake, and/or Patricia Lake
Overnight Jasper

All good stuff here for a first visit! I would suggest Edith Cavell in the evening or late afternoon, after the crowds depart. The path up can be a zoo at mid-day and the road is just plain nuts when busy. Also it is being closed for a while this summer to be re-paved. Check with the park office or go online.

Sulfur Skyline is one of the best "ridge walks" in the rockies. Its a VERY steep climb up, but fairly short. It is in an area that can get some major nasty thunderstorms on short notice, so it is best hiked in the morning. If you can swing it you have to drive up to Maligne lake, but give yourself 3-4 hours. That road can be busy too, with busses and RV's.

July 23:
Drive Hwy 93 from Jasper towards Banff
Stop by various scenic points along the highway.

If you want a short, strenuous, but unbelievable hike, just past the icefields center you will see a sign for Parkers Ridge trail on the West side of the highway. Park and walk up a very steep switch back trail (about an hour, less if you are in great shape) for a stunning view of the Saskatchewan Glacier, which cannot be seen from the highway!

Have fun and stay safe! There are bears everywhere this year due to the very late spring. I have driven the parkway twice so far and seen grizzly's both times, which is VERY rare!

[aZnRYcEbOi]

Just a couple of suggestions to consider, since the Jasper area is my "home away from home" :razz:

July 22:
Hiking - Mount Edith Cavell Meadows OR Sulphur Sulphur Skyline
If there's time, check out Maligne Lake, Pyramid Lake, and/or Patricia Lake
Overnight Jasper

All good stuff here for a first visit! I would suggest Edith Cavell in the evening or late afternoon, after the crowds depart. The path up can be a zoo at mid-day and the road is just plain nuts when busy. Also it is being closed for a while this summer to be re-paved. Check with the park office or go online.

Sulfur Skyline is one of the best "ridge walks" in the rockies. Its a VERY steep climb up, but fairly short. It is in an area that can get some major nasty thunderstorms on short notice, so it is best hiked in the morning. If you can swing it you have to drive up to Maligne lake, but give yourself 3-4 hours. That road can be busy too, with busses and RV's.

July 23:
Drive Hwy 93 from Jasper towards Banff
Stop by various scenic points along the highway.

If you want a short, strenuous, but unbelievable hike, just past the icefields center you will see a sign for Parkers Ridge trail on the West side of the highway. Park and walk up a very steep switch back trail (about an hour, less if you are in great shape) for a stunning view of the Saskatchewan Glacier, which cannot be seen from the highway!

Have fun and stay safe! There are bears everywhere this year due to the very late spring. I have driven the parkway twice so far and seen grizzly's both times, which is VERY rare!

Since I'm not really sure where I'm going, would it be better if I do Mt. Edith Cavell Meadows during the day so at least we can follow some other ppl around? Also, since it's around 6-hr round trip, what time does it get dark?

Also, what's the weather like around July in this area? Would a windbreaker suffice, or do I need a sweater?

Is it possible to do both Wilcox Pass and Parker's Ridge in the same day?

[cqdx]

Since I'm not really sure where I'm going, would it be better if I do Mt. Edith Cavell Meadows during the day so at least we can follow some other ppl around? Also, since it's around 6-hr round trip, what time does it get dark?


Not too easy to get lost on the Edith Cavell meadow's loop. The park really wants you to stay on the trail and it's well posted and heavily worn. In July you will have light until almost 10:00 pm in Jasper. Not sure where you heard 6 hours. It takes about a half an hour to drive from town to the base of the road and about another half an our to drive up if there is not too much traffic. the trail itself depends on your conditioning as it a very high altitude. I am not in the best of shape, but have no issues doing this loop in about 3 hours. The park's assesment here http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/EdithCvl.pdf is a good guide for this trail. When we do it, we have an early supper and head up about 5 pm, do the loop, and return well before dark, with few crowds to be seen.

Also, what's the weather like around July in this area? Would a windbreaker suffice, or do I need a sweater?

That's a tough one, with the wierd weather we've had out west this year! In 2006 and 2007 July was a heat wave, with 30+ days for most of the month. Last year was more "normal", cool mornings (often single digits), but warming to mid 20's by afternoon. Take gortex rain gear (jacket and pants) if you want to be prepared to enjoy any weather. Toss in a fleece to go under the shell and you should be good. Expect high winds and possible sub zero temps at the icefields!

Is it possible to do both Wilcox Pass and Parker's Ridge in the same day?

Absolutely! In fact, that's the way we like to do it. Go up Wilcox (east side of parkway, trailhead at the Wilcox Creek Campground) in the morning for the best light and view of the Athabasca Glacier. Come down, have lunch at the icefields, or somewhere else and do Parker's in the afternoon. Neither of these walks is very long, but both are strenuous!

Have fun!

[SiuBun]

Not sure if you're into it. But you can add Hot Spring into your itenary since u'll be spending some time around Jasper/Banff area. Its amazing!

[Talamasca]

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

We plan on staying at B&B's b/c I'm going with my gf, and she's not into hostels.

For the hikes (Mt. Edith Cavell Meadows, Wilcox Pass, Sentinel Pass), if I get a trail map are these relatively easy to follow? i.e. are there signs and a hiking trail to follow? Or should I join a trekking tour (http://www.overlandertrekking.com/day.html, they charge $70 for the Mt. Edith Cavell Meadows hike)?

Lastly, I would like to see some bears, moose, deer, sheep, etc...Are there certain spots or hikes that have a higher percentage chance of these sightings?

All the trails are well marked with coloured blazes so you won't need to buy any maps unless you're doing the hardcore multi-day hikes.

Wild animals are plentiful throughout the parks. A lot of them tend to congregate by the roadside. Seeing a bear while on a hike would probably be one of the scariest things ever but seeing one from your car would be fine. Buy bear spray if you'll be going hiking in bear country. You have to buy it locally though as you can't transport it on a plane at all.

Definitely bring a windbreaker as it is pretty windy and cool at the top. Wilcox Pass and Parkers Ridge can be done in the same day (I did this). I prefer Wilcox though as it's prettier overall (plus there's sheep!). Most of Parker Ridge is a very steep, muddy and seemingly endless zig-zag up and up with an awesome view at the end as your reward.

There are three gondolas in Jasper, Lake Louise, and Banff that will take you very close to the top of the mountains. I did the one in Jasper and hiked the final couple of kilometres to the summit. Best view I've ever seen in my life.

[raptorfan]

can you fit this in? My family and I can't wait to go one day!:cheesygri

http://tpr.alberta.ca/parks/dinosaur/location.asp and the Tyrell Museum

[aZnRYcEbOi]

Since I'm not really sure where I'm going, would it be better if I do Mt. Edith Cavell Meadows during the day so at least we can follow some other ppl around? Also, since it's around 6-hr round trip, what time does it get dark?


Not too easy to get lost on the Edith Cavell meadow's loop. The park really wants you to stay on the trail and it's well posted and heavily worn. In July you will have light until almost 10:00 pm in Jasper. Not sure where you heard 6 hours. It takes about a half an hour to drive from town to the base of the road and about another half an our to drive up if there is not too much traffic. the trail itself depends on your conditioning as it a very high altitude. I am not in the best of shape, but have no issues doing this loop in about 3 hours. The park's assesment here http://www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/activ/EdithCvl.pdf is a good guide for this trail. When we do it, we have an early supper and head up about 5 pm, do the loop, and return well before dark, with few crowds to be seen.

Also, what's the weather like around July in this area? Would a windbreaker suffice, or do I need a sweater?

That's a tough one, with the wierd weather we've had out west this year! In 2006 and 2007 July was a heat wave, with 30+ days for most of the month. Last year was more "normal", cool mornings (often single digits), but warming to mid 20's by afternoon. Take gortex rain gear (jacket and pants) if you want to be prepared to enjoy any weather. Toss in a fleece to go under the shell and you should be good. Expect high winds and possible sub zero temps at the icefields!

Is it possible to do both Wilcox Pass and Parker's Ridge in the same day?

Absolutely! In fact, that's the way we like to do it. Go up Wilcox (east side of parkway, trailhead at the Wilcox Creek Campground) in the morning for the best light and view of the Athabasca Glacier. Come down, have lunch at the icefields, or somewhere else and do Parker's in the afternoon. Neither of these walks is very long, but both are strenuous!

Have fun!

Oh, you're talking about just the Path of the Glaciers loop.

The one I'm thinking of is the 3rd one in this link, and there seems to be several companies offering variations of this 6 hr hike: http://www.overlandertrekking.com/day.html
Do you know if this one is worth it, or if it can be done independently?


Great, I'll try to do Wilcox Pass and Parker's Ridge in the same day then! Thanks!

[aZnRYcEbOi]

Not sure if you're into it. But you can add Hot Spring into your itenary since u'll be spending some time around Jasper/Banff area. Its amazing!

Is there a particular hot spring that you recommend? There seems to be quite a few in the area?

[frogger]

Thats a pretty good agenda. I'm jealous, I wish I could go every year.

[cqdx]

Oh, you're talking about just the Path of the Glaciers loop.

The one I'm thinking of is the 3rd one in this link, and there seems to be several companies offering variations of this 6 hr hike: http://www.overlandertrekking.com/day.html
Do you know if this one is worth it, or if it can be done independently?

FWIW I was referring to the Cavell Meadows Trail Loop. Last time I did this it took my wife and I about 3.5 to 4 hours & we did spend time enjoying the scenery at the top. I guess we are in better shape than most if all the brochures say give it 6 :!: . Maybe it depends on how much time you spend taking in the meadows. IMHO a 6 hour hike is almost a full day & there is no way that Cavell meadows is a full day. It is only 8.5 km round trip. YMMV however and you could very easily spend the entire day there if you wanted.

You do not need a tour guide for Edith Cavell. The trail is very well marked with interpretive signage. if you can find a copy of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson, buy it, it's the "bible" for all the hikes and trails in the area. I think the eighth edition (2007) is the most current but there may be a new one: http://www.canrockbooks.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=738&CLSN_553=12463873175534936dfe870a17b36110 If you want to get it when you get there, go to the Friends Of Jasper National Park shop in the main park office in Jasper. They will have it for sure!


Cheers!

[aZnRYcEbOi]

Oh, you're talking about just the Path of the Glaciers loop.

The one I'm thinking of is the 3rd one in this link, and there seems to be several companies offering variations of this 6 hr hike: http://www.overlandertrekking.com/day.html
Do you know if this one is worth it, or if it can be done independently?

FWIW I was referring to the Cavell Meadows Trail Loop. Last time I did this it took my wife and I about 3.5 to 4 hours & we did spend time enjoying the scenery at the top. I guess we are in better shape than most if all the brochures say give it 6 :!: . Maybe it depends on how much time you spend taking in the meadows. IMHO a 6 hour hike is almost a full day & there is no way that Cavell meadows is a full day. It is only 8.5 km round trip. YMMV however and you could very easily spend the entire day there if you wanted.

You do not need a tour guide for Edith Cavell. The trail is very well marked with interpretive signage. if you can find a copy of the Canadian Rockies Trail Guide by Brian Patton and Bart Robinson, buy it, it's the "bible" for all the hikes and trails in the area. I think the eighth edition (2007) is the most current but there may be a new one: http://www.canrockbooks.com/?page=shop/flypage&product_id=738&CLSN_553=12463873175534936dfe870a17b36110 If you want to get it when you get there, go to the Friends Of Jasper National Park shop in the main park office in Jasper. They will have it for sure!


Cheers!

Thanks - you just saved me the $70pp for the tour! lol
I just spoke to the guy that owns the Jasper B&B that i will be staying at...he also said Cavell shouldn't take 6 hours.

I will definitely pick up the guides you mentioned, thanks!

[Talamasca]

Another guidebook I like is "Don't Waste Your Time in the Canadian Rockies", a very opinionated book that does not hesitate to say which hikes are amazing and which ones SUCK.