Icefields Parkway Security/Safety

Gary, no not worried in Calgary because we are staying in a hotel with a secured parking facility plus all gear will go into the room. Concern is parking lots because that's where we got ripped off in Seattle last year. Assumed there would be the normal public parking lot issues (smash and grabs happen everywhere) but just trying to ease my mind there isn't a huge problem.

I want to say...Are you kidding me? Worrying about that stuff on the Parkway? However..sadly, it doesn't matter where we are, there are thieves who will grab and run just because they are low-lifes. The way I read your post tho..it seems like you are expressing concern about your overnight in Calgary...no? If so, then yup, take your expensive gear into your room. If you are talking about during the drive? and you are going to be out of the car hiking or whatever? Do the usual stuff...don't park, then go to the back and put in your camera gear, cover it with a blanket and hope for the best. Have done that part before you get to the parking lot. And I truly truly dislike having to say this stuff....but...it is like that everywhere.


Gary Haupt

Take it into your hotel room.

Can't do that feasibly. Please see original post. Just looking for red flags, which there don't seem to be any. Even covered gear is at risk. Thieves now have readers that scan the rental car bar codes so they know it's a rental. Not taking laptops, only iPad this time and camera gear will be with us. It will frustrate me to lose my underwear again but if that's all I lose if fate shines very unfavorably upon us then that's better than last year!

Just back from a week of hiking in the Lake Louise/ Banff/Jasper corridor. Trailhead parking areas are busy as is the whole region. Left TC many times for all day hikes. No problems. Only problem I saw was some aggressive driving on the Parkway by non tourist types being impatient with slow driving,ogling tourists as there is higher than usual volumes of traffic.

Dave

DO NOT leave your gear visible in your rental car. Don`t tempt someone. A break in would be a terrible way to start your holiday...and an expensive one.Take it into your hotel room.

There is a certain risk but no worse there than anywhere else. Relax, take normal precautions, and enjoy the trip.

No problems of any kind. Do remember the speed limit is lower on that highway--so allow extra time.