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 Banffand the Icefields from Jasper?thanks again

I'm planning a trip there in 2017 could you please tell me which CGs you reserved?Thanks

May be going there this spring, following post.

Lake Louise is near Banff. The parkway can be explored from either. During our previous visit we dedicated a day each way between the two towns to explore the parkway. We'll be up there at the end of the summer and plan on doing the exploring on the way back down from Jasper as we'll have a bit of a time constraint when we land upon arrival.

Between Banff and Lake Louise, drive hwy 1A. If you get lucky you might see some of these. We came upon a herd right beside the road with four bulls this size.

Pack a picnic lunch and do a tour of the Athabasca and Sunwapta Falls.Take the huge tour truck up and on the Columbia Glacier. Maligne Canyon and Lake are beautiful.In Lake Louise, of course Lake Louise and take a hike to the tea house. Sit in the Chauteau and have lunch by the window overlooking the lake.There is also Lake Moraine which is just as beautiful in my opinion.Banff...shop shop shop. Plus Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka, Banff Gondola, Cave a basin is fun. One thing we enjoyed and will probably do again this year is the Banff Cowboy cookout. They take you by covered wagon out for a cowboy dinner.There really is so much to do.My husband and I will usually pack a picnic and drive and tour or have lunch at a out of the way place with atmoshpere.Also in Calgary is the Calgary Stampede. We have tickets for this also this year.Have fun, Maybe we will see you there.Janet

Banff and Jasper | Good Sam Community

hedge
Explorer
Mar 24, 2016
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
Explorer
Mar 23, 2016
Where do you get or how do you get a Icefield Parkway pass?

Thank you

GGeorge
AKsilvereagle
Explorer II
Mar 06, 2016
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
Explorer II
Mar 01, 2016
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
Explorer
Mar 01, 2016
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
Explorer II
Feb 29, 2016
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
Explorer II
Feb 29, 2016
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
Explorer II
Feb 29, 2016
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
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
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
Explorer
Feb 29, 2016
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.