Banff and Jasper

[RodLyle]

Got reservations at both.......posters were correct filled fast.

Spending 4-5 days in each. Have a general idea of what we want to do.

Any suggestions from past experiences in the parks would be great.

Correct me if I'am wrong, exploring the Lake Louise area from Banff

and the Icefields from Jasper?

thanks again

[hedge]

http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/ar-sr/lpac-ppri/faq.aspx

You can buy online or at the gates. You'll have to figure out if you need a yearly pass, depends on how many parks you're going to visit and for how many days.

The pass is nice to have though as you quite often get waived past so that can save some time.

[GGeorge]

Where do you get or how do you get a Icefield Parkway pass?

Thank you

GGeorge

[AKsilvereagle]

Don't know why a GPS would want to divert anyone from taking on the Icefields Parkway, I would certainly ignore it.

As others have noted, the route is prohibited to commercial traffic such as semi's and such - however you will have a number of motorcoach and tour buses on the route....class A RV's are permitted.

A valid park pass is required for permitted entry on the Icefields Parkway.

Out of all the routes I driven on, this roadway to me is the most scenic and majestic in all of North America....Driven it in 2011, 2012, and 2013 and would have driven it in 2014 and 2015 if it weren't for turning around on the way there due to mechanical issues and minor health issues in 2014 and just mechanical issues in 2015 (5 days behind schedule as that would take all the extra time to spend in the Canadian Rockies to enjoy).

Do NOT miss this gorgeous roadway and if possible drive it in both directions upon your visit !

[mabynack]

trigley wrote:

mabynack wrote:
My GPS wants to divert me around Ice fields Parkway. Is there some reason that RVs shouldn't be on it? I've tried to manually include it in the route, but the GPS is pretty adamant that I not take that road.

Commercial traffic is not allowed on that road. I don't know if that would impact your GPS. It is a drive you definitely want to take.

Thanks. I'm looking forward to it.

[trigley]

mabynack wrote:
My GPS wants to divert me around Ice fields Parkway. Is there some reason that RVs shouldn't be on it? I've tried to manually include it in the route, but the GPS is pretty adamant that I not take that road.

Commercial traffic is not allowed on that road. I don't know if that would impact your GPS. It is a drive you definitely want to take.

[mabynack]

profdant139 wrote:
You absolutely can take your RV on the Parkway, no matter how big your rig. It is not too steep or twisty at all. There are plenty of pullouts. You can park overnight at the Icefields. There is a great campground near there (Wilcox), but it is very tight.

Leave lots of time for the Parkway, especially if you hike. It is one of the most spectacular roads in the world.

Thank you. Now I just need to convince my GPS. ;o)

[profdant139]

You absolutely can take your RV on the Parkway, no matter how big your rig. It is not too steep or twisty at all. There are plenty of pullouts. You can park overnight at the Icefields. There is a great campground near there (Wilcox), but it is very tight.

Leave lots of time for the Parkway, especially if you hike. It is one of the most spectacular roads in the world.

[mabynack]

My GPS wants to divert me around Ice fields Parkway. Is there some reason that RVs shouldn't be on it? I've tried to manually include it in the route, but the GPS is pretty adamant that I not take that road.

[sue_t]

TubaPete wrote:
Don't bother with the hot springs at Banff. Little more than a warm swimming pool.

When we last visited I was surprised how much it has changed in the past few decades. Not at all similar to how it was in the past. You're right...just a warm swimming pool now.

[Harvey51]

We went through last October. Always a pleasure. This time we took time to walk to the far end of Lake Louise in light rain. Recommended!

I love Miette Hot Springs. It is a real pleasure to take a short walk on the boardwalk to the old pool and springs, a long hike, or a climb - then relax in the pools before driving down to the Pocahantis campsite. Also well worth the modest price of the motel or cabins to enjoy overnighting up high and mingling with the wildlife evening and morning. The whole place is a real bargain for families.

[retiredtravele1]

I'm late to this posting.

If you're into hiking, and want some hiking suggestions, please let me know. Wife and I have been hiking the Rockies for 40 years, including some month-long camping/hiking trips staying in Banff and Jasper. We go to this area regularly.
As a pure opinion, we prefer hiking in Yoho (another poster mentioned this) and Lake Louise area along with hikes on the parkway. We don't care for the hikes around Banff as much.
Can't help with other activities. We don't do restaurants, bars, hot springs, tourist stuff. If we have a rain-out day to the point it's not safe to hike, we'll walk around Banff.

[Aly]

We lived in Jasper for many years. It really is a hidden gem. If you ‘blow through’ it and only stay at a CG or two you will likely miss most of what it has to offer. Try to hook up with someone who knows the area and depending on what you like to do, you should find it there. From mountaineering to diving to belly boat fly fishing to bird, grizzly, sheep, goats, elk, moose, wolves watching, etc. Jasper really is a special place. Maybe just me, but Banff and Lake Louise just couldn’t hold a candle to Jasper National Park.

[Heap64]

When in Jasper drive to Maligne Lake and take the boat ride to Spirit Island. Pretty special place.



We really enjoyed the Canadian Rockies, Peyto Lake is a nice stop too.

[2gypsies1]

Side trips from the Banff area we enjoyed were to the Kicking Horse Falls - a neat area and over to Radium Hot Springs for a few hours of soaking. 🙂

Everyone is different but we really enjoyed the Jasper area better than Banff. It's more low-key and the hiking was great.