Camping in Banff

We stayed at Tunnel Mountain last summer. It has well spaced sited in the woods with FHU and easy access to Banff itself. You can easily bike to Banff from there and there are several trails close by.

It is a good central location for further exploration of the area. Lake Louise isn't far off for example.

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One thing, bring lots of money. A bell pepper was 5.00 each, for example (that was 4.00 in US dollars at the time). Everything is extremely expensive compared to the US. I had to buy a brake part for example that cost 200 dollars up there and the same part was 60 dollars in the US.

But the scenery was fantastic and I'm thinking of a return trip.

Last time I camped there I was in a tent. We are heading back at the end of the summer, but flying this time. The two parks are roughly 4.5 hours apart and it would be a shame if you drove all that way and only saw one. You don't say how much time you have but if at all possible I would do both. Lots of hiking, wildlife viewing, boating and such in the parks/area.

I'm in the infant stages of planning right now, so alot is up in the air right now. It would be a hard 3 days drive each way, so that is gonna be my biggest obstacle in getting my wife to get on board with my plan.

FHU hookups at the federal park in Jasper, Whistler's I think it's called? Park is super popular, and there's only a few FHU sites, so reserve now or ASAP. Very short walk to the actual town of Jasper, as well as tons of nearby trails connecting to the campground.

There's plenty of scenery at any campground you choose. Jasper and Banff are really quite different.

Near Banff, the Lake Louise federal campground is very nice, and located very close to two of the most beautiful lakes you'll ever see, Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Although it's electric only or no-hookup. (Free, heated showers and restrooms on prem)

Just curious, why is FHU a requirement for you? It's been my experience most FHU campgrounds are just trailer parks that also allow transients (short term campers).

Hi,

Travel west in USA until you reach Glacier National Parks then turn north. On the Canadian side the park is called waterton national park. From there head to the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump (a world heritage site). Next stop at Lundbreck falls which is just off the highway. Continue west to Frank's Slide Interpretive center.

Next stop Fernie BC, then north towards Radium Hotsprings. Wonderful pool and day spa.

Next stop Lake Louise (electric sites at campground).

My choice then would be to head north to the Columbia Ice Fields and then to Jasper.

Banff is lovely but it is a "tourist trap". Make it a day trip from Lake Louise.

FHU isn't a requirement, but I would like to have a park that at least has easy water access and clean restrooms. We were in Colorado a couple of years ago and the state parks we were at had nice bathroom/shower facilities available in addition to a sink area to clean cooking supplies since it was in bear country and we were advised to not leave anything out that had a scent.

If I'm gonna at least start looking, I'll start with my ideal campground and work down there.

How long do you have for the trip?

We like both Banff - full hook-ups at Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court - and Jasper - some full hook-ups at Whistler. Although we always visit both, we prefer Jasper, which is less "touristy."

If time is a problem, then you should do Banff. The trip to Jasper and back will add a day of driving - about 180 miles one-way.

Tom

We have stayed at Thunder Mountain twice. Once, with a reservation, we were able to get FHU. The other time, without a reservation, we got electric only.

pianotuna wrote:
How long do you have for the trip?

17-20 days, including 6 days for driving....uuuggghhh