Banff/Lake Louise/Jasper
It's time for me to start bugging you kind folks again. The DW and I plan to try for Alaska this summer, and hope to spend some time in the Banff to Jasper area on the way. It's hard to narrow down th...
Forum Discussion
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.
Hopefully this isn't too much information. I've read a number of trip reports, etc and listed the things we would like to do or possibly like to do:
Want to Do:
Southern End (Banff)
1. Hike Old Fort Point
2. Gondola ride?
3. Bow Falls
4. Lake Minnewanka
5. Drive Bow Valley Parkway (Hwy 1a) toward Lake Louise
a. Johnson’s Canyon- hike to waterfalls
Middle (Lake Louise)
1. Lake Louise
a. Hike along side the lake
b. Hike to tea house?
2. Moraine Lake
a. Hike to the left around the big rock pile
b. Hike up to Paradise Valley- can turn around at the saddle point
3. Spiral Tunnel (Yoho)
4. Takkakaw Falls (Yoho)
5. Peyto Lake
6. Columbia Icefields
North End (Jasper)
1. Mount Edith Cavel- Angel Glacier?
2. Jasper Sky Tram
3. Maligne Lake and canyon
4. Athabasca Falls
My DW and I like to hike, but don't go as far and as high as we used to due to physical limitations that have come with age and body part replacements ;)
We would like to stay longer, but still have Alaska to do after this, and don't have an unlimited amount of time (DW says she already misses the grandkids and we haven't even left yet). We are open to further comments, and certainly do appreciate all of the input you kind folks have contributed.
