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 annual NP pass at $136.40 rather than the daily pass. Don't know if they have senior rates on the annual pass.When leaving the park is it better to go back to Lake Louise and take Hwy 1 to BC or use Hwy 16 from Jasper to Hwy 5 to BC. Hwy 5 seems like a much less traveled and narrower road????Driving a 26ft motorhome without a toad and would like places near the points of interest where we could catch bus transportation or ride a bicycle. We have locations at Glacier and Waterton and are considering the following other locations:1. Banff: 2 nights at Tunnel Mt II campground (walk to town)2. Lake Louise: 2 nights at Lake Louise Trailer Park3. Jasper: 2 nights at Whistlers campground4. Ice Field Center: 1 nightAny suggestions are appreciated.

The two times we have visited there, we used two of the campgrounds in The Banff National Park can't recall the names (not walking to Banff close). One was on a lake, we had a canoe with us at the time. And one in Jasper (only been there once). Also one in Waterton (the Town Site CG).Check on the getting a Park Pass, helps with day fees & maybe camping fees & when we had one it had many coupons for sites & sights. We used it at Jasper, Banff & Waterton Nat'l Parks. Several Campgrounds in the Banff area, one near Lake Louise, too. Also Jasper, etc. Might still be Skiing? http://www.onthesnow.com/calgary/ski-resorts.htmlCalculate the cost to see if it would be a good deal with the number of days staying, etc.Down by the US Border near Waterton Nat'l Park (Glacier Nat'l PK in US), Fort Macleod, Alberta, the first RCMP made an appearence. It was in the general area of a neat site, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Really neat place to see. http://history.alberta.ca/headsmashedin/ Ft. Macleod was interesting http://www.fortmacleod.com/visiting/Check the Other Government of Alberta History and Heritage Links in the above site^.There is a hot spring resort in the Jasper area, very nice. The ride onto the icefields between Jasper & Baniff is neat. Icefield :::::::::::: Hot Springs

There's nothing wrong with leaving Jasper via BC5 (to Kamloops). It's a major highway, following a large river (Thompson) all the way.Hwy 1 west from Lake Louise is a busier highway with a lot of divided (twined) sections, but it also climbs a major pass (Rogers). But 93 from Jasper to Lake Louise is slower. You would have seen its sights on the way north, but there's nothing wrong with seeing them again in the other direction.If taking Hwy 5, consider a day or two in Wells Gray Prov. Park. But if taking Hwy 1, take time to see sights in Yoho and Glacier. There are a number of short day hikes along the highway west of Rogers Pass.To complicate things I'd also recommend leaving (or entering) via Radium Hot Springs (BC93), or via Hwy 3 (Crowsnest), AB22, 40 and Kananaskis Country. Obviously you can't do all of these in one trip, but none are bad choices.

You might consider renting a car in Banff as the attractions are not within walking distance of Tunnel Mtn. CG. Same at Jasper, you will need a car. I would stay 3 nights at Banff, 1 at Icefields, & 3 at Jasper. Lake Louise could be done the day you drive from Banff to Icefields, thus saving you some changing of CGs.

Oh yes - if you have a toad - TAKE IT. There are just too many places around Banff, around Lake Louis and around Jasper that you will miss without whels other than your MH.If you want suggestions on any of these PM me and I will fill you in. Many years ago I had a stint as a Park Warden in the Parks - and actuallyu grew up before then exploring - Especially Banff NP and adjacent areas.

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.

Trip to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper: advice? | Good Sam Community

IDman
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
You might consider renting a car in Banff as the attractions are not within walking distance of Tunnel Mtn. CG. Same at Jasper, you will need a car. I would stay 3 nights at Banff, 1 at Icefields, & 3 at Jasper. Lake Louise could be done the day you drive from Banff to Icefields, thus saving you some changing of CGs.
paulj
Explorer II
Apr 30, 2013
There's nothing wrong with leaving Jasper via BC5 (to Kamloops). It's a major highway, following a large river (Thompson) all the way.

Hwy 1 west from Lake Louise is a busier highway with a lot of divided (twined) sections, but it also climbs a major pass (Rogers). But 93 from Jasper to Lake Louise is slower. You would have seen its sights on the way north, but there's nothing wrong with seeing them again in the other direction.

If taking Hwy 5, consider a day or two in Wells Gray Prov. Park. But if taking Hwy 1, take time to see sights in Yoho and Glacier. There are a number of short day hikes along the highway west of Rogers Pass.

To complicate things I'd also recommend leaving (or entering) via Radium Hot Springs (BC93), or via Hwy 3 (Crowsnest), AB22, 40 and Kananaskis Country. Obviously you can't do all of these in one trip, but none are bad choices.
DesertHawk
Explorer
Apr 30, 2013
The two times we have visited there, we used two of the campgrounds in The Banff National Park can't recall the names (not walking to Banff close). One was on a lake, we had a canoe with us at the time. And one in Jasper (only been there once). Also one in Waterton (the Town Site CG).

Check on the getting a Park Pass, helps with day fees & maybe camping fees & when we had one it had many coupons for sites & sights. We used it at Jasper, Banff & Waterton Nat'l Parks.

Several Campgrounds in the Banff area, one near Lake Louise, too. Also Jasper, etc.

Might still be Skiing? http://www.onthesnow.com/calgary/ski-resorts.html

Calculate the cost to see if it would be a good deal with the number of days staying, etc.

Down by the US Border near Waterton Nat'l Park (Glacier Nat'l PK in US), Fort Macleod, Alberta, the first RCMP made an appearence. It was in the general area of a neat site, Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Really neat place to see. http://history.alberta.ca/headsmashedin/ Ft. Macleod was interesting http://www.fortmacleod.com/visiting/

Check the Other Government of Alberta History and Heritage Links in the above site^.

There is a hot spring resort in the Jasper area, very nice. The ride onto the icefields between Jasper & Baniff is neat. Icefield :::::::::::: Hot Springs

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Trip to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper: advice?

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