Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper

K_and_I wrote:

agesilaus wrote:
We drove it going to Johnson Falls which you should visit. I don't know what you plan to spend multiple days doing at Lake Louise tho. The trail around the lake takes a few hours unless you head up into the back country where you could spend weeks. Other than that there is the hotel and a few small shops. If you have extra days drive up the Icefield Pkwy and see some of that.

I think you got it. Our intention was a day at Lake Louise, a day at Moraine Lake, and a trip west to see the spiral tunnels and Takkakaw Falls. Maybe we don't need all that time. Then head up the Icefield Pkwy and a couple of nights in Jasper. I am leaning more toward staying at Banff instead of moving to LL. I guess we'll deal with what we have which ever way we plan it. In any case, I need to decide within a month to hit the reservation window opening.
Thanks again to all who responded.

I think it depends on the individual, are you content to drive up and see the art gallery or would you prefer to go inside and view the paintings.
In my opinion the Takakkaw Falls, Emerald Lake area is a must. Also the Lake Agnes Trail and Plain of Six Glacier trail from Lake Louise
both far exceed the Lakeside Trail. The Larch Valley, Sentinel Pass Trail from Moraine Lake is my favorite but sometimes must be done in groups because of bear activity. These are moderate well used trails, I wouldn't call them back country. There are others as well.
I understand the issue of where to park the trailer but unless you are partial to resort towns (Banff) I wouldn't short my time in the Lake Louise area even if it does mean driving back and forth. To my thinking the fact there is limited development just makes it that much better.
If you are not into moderate hiking the Lake Louise Ski lift opens in the summer.