Trip to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper: advice?
We are planning a trip to Banff, Lake Louise, and Jasper traveling from the Northwest USA. Looking for the best time to visit and places to stay. It also sounds like it would be best to get a an...
Forum Discussion
A few thoughts.
There is a bus that goes right to the entrance of Tunnel Mountain Campground. It is downhill all the way to Banff Village, but you may find riding bikes back up the hill at that altitude to be challenging.
I prefer the campsites at Tunnel Mountain that do not have hook-ups, but allow you to have a fire. The hook-up sites, are just parking spot beside the road with a picnic table.
We have stayed in both.
The campground at Lake Louise is in the village, a long uphill walk to the Lake. It is also close to the train tracks and the trains run all night long. If you stay there make sure you have ear plugs. As much as we love Lake Louise we do not camp there.
The walk to the back of Lake Louise is mostly level and well maintained. It is about 4 km round trip. Well worth taking the time to go to the back of the lake. If you are fit and want a longer walk, hike up to the Tea House.
It is worth a walk through the Chateau Lake Louise. Everything there is expensive, but a drink over looking the Lake is a must.
You can rent canoes on the Lake or hire a horse and guide to take you up into the mountains.
Lake Moraine (turn left off the road to Lake Louise) is beautiful, there is some RV parking there. It is only accessible 2-3 months of the year. There is a nice walk along the side of the Lake there too.
For a big splurge, have dinner at the Post Hotel.
On my to do list is to go up to Sunshine Meadows when the wild flowers are blooming. You park at the base of the ski hill and take an old school bus up the mountain.
In Banff the Gondola is well worth the $$, make sure you are wearing good solid footwear and a warm jacket.
We have had snow on top of us while sitting in the outdoor pool at the Banff Hotsprings in June. Be prepared for any type of weather.
We have not camped in Jasper, so I will leave suggestions about it to others.
There is a bus that goes right to the entrance of Tunnel Mountain Campground. It is downhill all the way to Banff Village, but you may find riding bikes back up the hill at that altitude to be challenging.
I prefer the campsites at Tunnel Mountain that do not have hook-ups, but allow you to have a fire. The hook-up sites, are just parking spot beside the road with a picnic table.
We have stayed in both.
The campground at Lake Louise is in the village, a long uphill walk to the Lake. It is also close to the train tracks and the trains run all night long. If you stay there make sure you have ear plugs. As much as we love Lake Louise we do not camp there.
The walk to the back of Lake Louise is mostly level and well maintained. It is about 4 km round trip. Well worth taking the time to go to the back of the lake. If you are fit and want a longer walk, hike up to the Tea House.
It is worth a walk through the Chateau Lake Louise. Everything there is expensive, but a drink over looking the Lake is a must.
You can rent canoes on the Lake or hire a horse and guide to take you up into the mountains.
Lake Moraine (turn left off the road to Lake Louise) is beautiful, there is some RV parking there. It is only accessible 2-3 months of the year. There is a nice walk along the side of the Lake there too.
For a big splurge, have dinner at the Post Hotel.
On my to do list is to go up to Sunshine Meadows when the wild flowers are blooming. You park at the base of the ski hill and take an old school bus up the mountain.
In Banff the Gondola is well worth the $$, make sure you are wearing good solid footwear and a warm jacket.
We have had snow on top of us while sitting in the outdoor pool at the Banff Hotsprings in June. Be prepared for any type of weather.
We have not camped in Jasper, so I will leave suggestions about it to others.
