Canada here we come
So we live in the bay area California and we want to do a 2 week trek next summer 2018 thru Oregon, Washington, Canada, Montana and back home. We already visited Crater Lake, Yellowstone and Grand Tet...
Forum Discussion
To each their own, but this is our thoughts based on past experiences of visiting. Living in Alberta we have taken our RV over to the island on the Ferry a couple of times and one thing that was very evident, we shouldn't have done so for the costs involved on short visits!!! Sure it was wonderful to experience the Boston Whaler trips out with the marine life of whales, seals, otters etc but ...... If we do it again we'll make sure we can stay on the island a minimum of 3 (ideally 6+ weeks) to thoroughly explore rather than just quick stops everywhere.
A couple of websites/forums that we found really really interesting and fun reading, on their trips to Canada National Parks on the BC/AB border were Emily Fagan of www.roadslesstraveled.us and Gonewiththewynns when they did their Alaska trip up through Banff, Jasper. You should search their website and read their writings I think you'll gain a lot from them on what does/doesn't appeal. You'll soon realize there are just so many parks other than Banff/Jasper that are worthy of exploring, and these guys picked some key areas to visit within.
As a side note, Cowboy Trail up to a cute town of Cochrane/Ghost Lake etc is nice. Also going into Kananaski's/Peter Lougheed (hwy 40), along Spray Lakes up to Canmore (take time here to walk along the river areas and townsite), before entering into Banff is a great route and you should see some awesome wildlife. On the further west side of Banff/Canmore entrance, Yoho Nat'l Park, out to Golden/Revelstoke is interesting. If you can see/kayak/hike at least some places can I suggest: Johnston Canyon Falls, Maligne, Emerald, Louise, Lakes and then heading up to the Columbia Icefields towards Jasper there's so much more. Worth popping in for an hour to both Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise if you are there to see.
With 2 weeks from California, you might find it prudent to either concentrate the majority of that time in Canada and the border States, exploring close to you neighbouring states on another trip or reconsider altogether saving the furthest North areas, for when you have maybe more time for a longer visit. Just a thought considering the costs/driving involved and how little you will physically be able to experience in such a short time.
Whatever you decide you'll have an awesome time. We love the Peace Parks as well: Waterton & Glacier National Parks for visiting. Tons of Bears in both in September time when berries around enmass!
Enjoy.
A couple of websites/forums that we found really really interesting and fun reading, on their trips to Canada National Parks on the BC/AB border were Emily Fagan of www.roadslesstraveled.us and Gonewiththewynns when they did their Alaska trip up through Banff, Jasper. You should search their website and read their writings I think you'll gain a lot from them on what does/doesn't appeal. You'll soon realize there are just so many parks other than Banff/Jasper that are worthy of exploring, and these guys picked some key areas to visit within.
As a side note, Cowboy Trail up to a cute town of Cochrane/Ghost Lake etc is nice. Also going into Kananaski's/Peter Lougheed (hwy 40), along Spray Lakes up to Canmore (take time here to walk along the river areas and townsite), before entering into Banff is a great route and you should see some awesome wildlife. On the further west side of Banff/Canmore entrance, Yoho Nat'l Park, out to Golden/Revelstoke is interesting. If you can see/kayak/hike at least some places can I suggest: Johnston Canyon Falls, Maligne, Emerald, Louise, Lakes and then heading up to the Columbia Icefields towards Jasper there's so much more. Worth popping in for an hour to both Banff Springs Hotel and Chateau Lake Louise if you are there to see.
With 2 weeks from California, you might find it prudent to either concentrate the majority of that time in Canada and the border States, exploring close to you neighbouring states on another trip or reconsider altogether saving the furthest North areas, for when you have maybe more time for a longer visit. Just a thought considering the costs/driving involved and how little you will physically be able to experience in such a short time.
Whatever you decide you'll have an awesome time. We love the Peace Parks as well: Waterton & Glacier National Parks for visiting. Tons of Bears in both in September time when berries around enmass!
Enjoy.
