Overview:
Starting on the fringe of the Great Plains and
climbing through the incomparable mountain scenery of Banff
and Jasper
National Parks, this magnificent drive is one of the crown jewels of western
Canada which combines exhilarating vistas of forest, crag, and glacier.
The route begins near Calgary, heads west 84 miles
(135 kilometers) to the border of Banff, then goes 36 miles (58 kilometers) to
the northwest through the heart of Banff to Lake Louise. For 144 miles (232
kilometers), the route follows the Icefields Parkway, one of the world's most
stunning roadways, farther north to Jasper. Along the way, look for elk, bears,
and other wild creatures; stop to take guided hikes, tour historic buildings,
and attend a campfire chat.
One could spend entire life enjoying beauty in these
rocky mountains. This blog is
based on my own trip with family. i am sharing this to give you a flavour or what you could do during a week long trip. If you have even less time in Banff and Jasper then you can focus on the best spots. With unpredictable mother nature, you will be bound to adjust as you go but if you are aware of your route than you can quickly adjust and get the most out of your trip. I hope you will find this blog useful.
Be prepared to experience what I experienced when it was least expected.
- How long was this trip?
1 week. I wished I had more time but I could spend months here. 1 week is reasonable amount of time for this trip.
- Where to stay in Banff and Jasper?
We stayed on route so that we could spend longer time at attractions on the way. This requires you to travel light as you will have to keep changing hotels. If you prefer to stay few nights at the same hotels, you could try the following.
- Jasper: Try places listed here. Jasper has very limited accomodations so book several weeks in advance. Jasper is an amazing town. Don't miss the opportunity to stay here and feel the beauty. Accommodations will be costly in summer though.
- Banff and Lake Louise: Banff has plenty of accomodation. We stayed in Rimrock and it was amazing. We also stayed in Lake Louise on the way to Jasper. You can find a lot of options here.
- I booked my flight but I can't find hotels esp in Jasper? Do I need to cancel my trip?
Hopefully not. If you try to look for multiple days hotel in one search then chances are less likely that you will not see any hotel in search results. Jasper is too busy in summers. If you search for hotel 1 day at a time, you will have better luck finding hotels right in Banff and Jasper. You may have to switch hotels but that's probably not that bad as you will be able to get different views from your rooms. Also, many people do multiple bookings and do cancellations 2-3 weeks before their trip, hence, don't loose your heart and keep trying.
- How is weather in summers? Do I need jackets?
Weather is very unpredictable, hence, be prepared for lots of rain which makes morning and evening bit cold (10-15 C). Also, if you plan to go to glaciers then you can expect freezing temperatures. You may need rain, spring and light winter jackets. You could manage with just one decent spring jacket and umbrella though. Plan more carefully if you have young kids though. Afternoons are pretty nice most of the days in summer.
- I am a vegetarian. What options do I have for food? Do I need to pack some food?
There are not many options for food when you are not at the major attractions. Keeping some snacks esp if you have kids is highly suggested as you may not find any food joint for 2-3 hours sometimes. Trail mix from costco was very handy. My family is vegetarian, hence, we booked hotels with kitchen option wherever possible. We carried some easy to cook items. Generally, I was surprised with good quality of food even at the remote places. You should be fine even if you are vegetarian and fine to manage with limited options.
- Any other thing to consider?
Expect lots of mosquitos so keep mosquito repellent handy. Also, you could see bears and other wildlife multiple times. If you are with many people and cars around then probably there is less risk but if you are planing to explore in less visited areas then using bear spray may be a good idea. Please do some due diligence to get yourself prepared to deal with wild life. Respect wild life and don't underestimate their power. Visit here for more details.
- Do you have more questions?
Please post your comments in this blog or on my video on youtube. I will try my best to help you. I will keep refining this blog to make it even more useful, hence, your feedback is welcomed.
Day 1: Calgary to Banff
Hwy 1 (alternatively take Hwy 1 a.k.a. Vow Valley Parkway) —> Lanke
Minnewanka Scenic Drive
- Cascade Ponds: Cascade Pond is a day use area that has fire pits, picnic tables and toilets. There is usually wood for a fire, but this is not always the case. You can walk around the pond and have a little picnic with your friends and family. There are 2 shelters in the event of rain, but they are first come, first serve.
- Johnson Lake: Walking in a counter-clockwise direction, the trail winds through a lush montane forest before emerging at the far end of Johnson Lake. From this point, views extend across the water to the distinctive profile of Cascade Mountain. To complete the circuit around the lake, the trail crosses open slopes, passes some of Alberta’s oldest Douglas fir trees, and detours around a shallow bay where waterfowl are often sighted.
- Two Jack Lake: Located 15 minutes north of the Town of Banff and close to Lake Minnewanka, this rustic, no-service campground is beautifully situated on the shores of Two Jack Lake. It is perfect for tents or small RVs and offers lakefront sites, mountain views, wildlife viewing and access to the lake for fishing and non-motorized boating. Evening interpretive programs are offered during the summer season.
- Lake Minnewanka (opportunity to take a cruise):
- Bankhead: Bankhead, Alberta was a small coal mining town that existed in the early twentieth century, in Banff National Park, near the town of Banff, Alberta. The mine was located at Cascade Mountain, which contains high grade anthracite coal deposits. The Bankhead coal mine was operated by the Pacific Coal Company, a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway, which needed the coalto fuel its steam engines. The mine began operations in 1903 and was the first anthracite mine in Canada.
Mount Norquay (rd): Mt. Norquay is a mountain and ski
resort in Banff National Park, Canada that
lies directly northwest of the Town
of Banff. The regular ski season starts early December and ends
mid-April. Mount Norquay is one of three major ski resorts located in the Banff
National Park. To access the Green Spot, follow the signs from town for the
Mount Norquay ski area and then watch for a rock wall on your right-hand side
as you ascend the winding road towards the ski hill. If you make it
as far as the ski area parking lots, you`ve gone about half a kilometer too
far.
Vermilion Lakes: A special place where centuries ago aboriginal people hunted bighorn
sheep and bison. 5 minutes west of the Banff townsite on the Vermilion
Lakes drive. This year-round 4.3 kilometre scenic road, offers wildlife
viewing opportunities and breathtaking scenery. Sit back, relax on the docks
and benches, and soak up the sun as you gaze at the impressive Mount Rundle -
one of Banff's most recognizeable mountains. Take some time to learn about the
natural wonders and cultural richness of the area through self guided
interpretive panels. Vermilion Lakes Drive is also part of the 26 km Banff Legacy Trail.
Day 2: Banff to Lake Louise (via Bow Valley Parkway a.k.a Hwy 1A)
Sunshine Meadows - The Sunshine Meadows are known by many as the most
stunning alpine setting in the Canadian Rockies. Situated at an average
elevation of 2220m (7,300'), the meadows straddle the Continental Divide and
the boundary between Alberta and British Columbia. Surrounded by some of the
Rockies' highest peaks, the unobstructed views are beyond compare. Wildlife
abound in the meadows, and the brilliance of the summer flowers and autumn
larches guarantees spectacular scenery on every visit.
Johnston Canyon - The trail to the waterfalls of Johnston Canyon has to be the busiest in
the Canadian Rockies. Nearly every day throughout the summer, hundreds of
hikers follow its canyon-clinging catwalks and cliff-mounting staircases to the
gorge’s Lower and Upper Falls. While the canyon and its unique trail are
certainly worthy of a visit, you’ll have to do the hike in the evening or very
early in the morning to avoid the hordes.
Morant’s Curve - Morant’s Curve is located on the western end of the Bow Valley Parkway near
Lake Louise. It’s a beautiful spot that the railway passes through. The
location was made famous by Nicholas Morant, a staff photographer for the
Canadian Pacific Railway. He took photographs for the company during the middle
of the 20th century.
Moraine Lake: Moraine Lake is only half the size of its nearby neighbour Lake Louise,
but perhaps even more scenic. It’s a glacier-fed lake situated in the beautiful
Valley Of The Ten Peaks in Banff National Park.
The Rockpile Trail Offers The Best View Of The Moraine Lake: The
Rockpile is a short trail of less than half a kilometer with minimal elevation
gain. The trail switchbacks along the back of the moraine bringing you to the
top of the rocks where there are fantastic views overlooking the lake.
Moraine Lakeshore Trail Will Leave The Crowds Behind, Even On Busy Days.
Starting near the canoe docks there is an easy walk that works its way along
the shoreline to the back of the lake. As the trail weaves its way in and out
of the trees there are views of the water and mountains. stunning views of the
lake and mountains.
Length: 1.5 km one way
Hiking time: 45 minute round trip
Elevation gain: minimal
Trailhead: Drive 14 km from Lake Louise along the
Moraine Lake Road. Begin just beyond the Moraine Lake Lodge.
Description: This stroll allows visitors of all
abilities to explore Moraine Lake. Along the trail you will gain a magnificent
view of Mount Fay and the Fay Glacier.
MORAINE LAKE SHORELINE / ROCK PILE
Distance: 3 km return
Elevation Gain: 0 m
Time Required: 45 min
Difficulty: Easy
Trailhead: Moraine Lake Parking Lot
The hike around the Moraine Lake Shoreline is the
easiest way to appreciate the beauty of this famous alpine lake. A flat, easy
trail weaves its way through shoreline trees and offers extraordinary views of
the Ten Peaks, a series of encircling summits all over 10,000 feet. Hike up the
Rock Pile for an alternative view of these turquoise waters and the nearby
Tower of Babel.
Lake Louise:
LAKE AGNES TEAHOUSE Trail
Distance: 6.8 km return
Elevation Gain: 385 m
Time Required: 2.5 - 3 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trailhead: The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
The hike to Lake Agnes and the historic teahouse on
its shores is a relatively easy hike through forest. A beautiful waterfall
flows out of Lake Agnes just below the teahouse, where you can enjoy a cup of
tea and fresh piece of pie. Continue 1.6 km around the far end of Lake Agnes
and up switchbacks to the shelter at the top of the Big Beehive for views of
the Bow Valley and Lake Louise.
Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail
Length: 2 km one way
Hiking time: 1 hour
Elevation gain: minimal
Trailhead: Upper Lake Louise parking area, 4 km from
the village of Lake Louise.
Description: This accessible stroll allows visitors of
all abilities to explore Lake Louise. At the end of the lake you’ll discover
the milky creek that gives the lake its magical colour.
Fairview Lookout
Length: 1 km one way
Hiking time: 45 minute round trip
Elevation gain: 100 m
Trailhead: Upper Lake Louise parking area, 4 km from
the village of Lake Louise.
Description: Leaving from the boathouse on Lake
Louise, this short, uphill hike offers you a unique look at both the lake and
the historic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
Day 3: Lake Louise to Jasper (via Icefileds Parkway a.k.a. Hwy 93)
Peyto Lake - Peyto Lake is a glacier-fed lake located in Banff National Park in the
Canadian Rockies. The lake itself is easily accessed from the Icefields
Parkway.
Bow Summit (close to Peyto lake): Bow Summit is the highest point on the parkway,
at 2088 m above sea level. You are near treeline here, surrounded by alpine
meadow. A short walk from the parking area leads to a viewpoint overlooking the
blue-green Peyto Lake and, in July and August, an astonishing array of alpine
flowers.
Bow Lake and Num-ti-jah Lodge.
The Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre (try to reach by 11am): This
once-in-a-lifetime excursion will leave you feeling exhilarated and inspired,
with an amazing ride on a massive Ice Explorer to trek onto the surface of the
Athabasca Glacier. Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored
Glacier Skywalk at the cliff’s edge.
Day 4: Jasper
Jasper Down town:
Pyramid Lake
PYRAMID LAKE LOOP
Time: 5-7 hrs Distance: 17.4 km (11 miles) Elevation Gain: 70m (217 feet)
Difficulty: Moderate
Starting Points: Jasper Activity Centre parking lot (in town, near
start of Pyramid Lake Road), Cottonwood Slough parking lot (2 km up Pyramid
Lake Road), Pyramid Stables (3.5 km) or Pyramid Lake (end of road).
Trail Description: The Pyramid Lake Loop offers one of the most beautiful
views of the Athabasca Valley. Every footstep is worth the view from Pyramid
Bench, the destination of many hikers in Jasper National Park.
Patricia Lake
Jasper SkyTram —> The Whistlers (open 8am–9pm Jun - Sep)
Maligne Canyon: The Maligne River plunges 23 m into a steep-walled gorge of limestone
bedrock. A self-guiding trail takes you over six different footbridges,
providing spectacular views of the canyon en route. teahouse is located
adjacent to the parking area.
MALIGNE CANYON Trail (FROM THE 6th BRIDGE)
Time: 3 hours Distance: 7 km (return) Elevation Gain: 110 m (328 feet)
Difficulty: Easy
Starting Point: Sixth Bridge, 10 km east of Jasper via Highway 16 and the Maligne
Road.
Trail Decscription: From the Sixth Bridge, cross the bridge over the Maligne River and turn
right onto the trail, which runs upstream along the Maligne River towards the
canyon. Once you arrive at the fifth bridge stay on your left, and keep going
straight ahead up the canyon trail. From this point the sharp canyon walls
start to form and the trail now has a steel guard rail. Keep working your way
up the canyon and cross the lookout bridges 4, 3, 2 and 1. The upper trail
offers outstanding views of crystal clear pools that have eroded into the rock,
several waterfalls, canyon walls and the canyon bottom.
Medicine Lake: A most peculiar lake. The Maligne River flows in but there is no surface
outlet. Instead, the water flows underground for many kilometres, emerging in
such places as Maligne Canyon and Lac Beauvert. Look for an interpretive plaque
describing this phenomenon at the first lakeshore viewpoint on your way up the
Maligne Valley.
Maligne Lake: Largest Jasper lake (22 km long) and the deepest (97 m). Renowned for
its scenery and its fishing, the area also offers exceptional hiking
opportunities. A concession provides cruises on the lake, rowboat rentals, fish
guiding and restaurant service.
Miette Hotsprings: A winding mountain road leads you up the scenic
Fiddle Valley to the hottest mineral springs in the Canadian Rockies! Along the
way, stop at the Pocahontas Interpretive. Trail just off Highway 16 on the
Miette Road to learn about the history of coal mining in thearea. Pocahontas
Campground is 3 km up the road. Further along, look for a viewpoint facing the
impressive limestone slabs of Ashlar Ridge. Facilities at the springs include:
Parks Canada soaking pools, a cool pool, a food concession, an interpretive
trail, a picnic area, some outstanding day hikes and a privately-owned
facilities are open mid-May to mid-October.
Day 5: Jasper to Banff
Parkway 93A (7 km From Jasper): An a lternate r oute between J asper town site a nd
A thabasca Fa lls, following the old highway. Several scenic picnic areas with
names like Otto’s Cache and Meeting of the Waters are found along the way. The
Mt. Edith Cave ll road be gins at km 2.5 . Wabasso Campground is located at km
4.5. Access the Moab Lake fire road at km 10.
Mount Edith Cavell (29 km from Jasper): Edith Cavell was a heroine of World Wa r I. A
switchback road (no vehicles >7m) climbs 14.5 km to a picnic area under the
mountain’s spectacular north face. Exce llent views of the Angel Glacier and a
self-guidi ng trail. A busy place with limited parking, try to visit before 10
am or after Road is open June 25 to October 15 (snow dependent).
VALLEY OF THE FIVE LAKES
Time: 1.5-3 hrs Distance: 4.3 km return Elevation Gain: 80 metres (262 feet)
Difficulty: Easy Map
Starting Point: Along the Icefields Parkway, 9 km south of the traffic lights at
Jasper.
Trail Description: This popular hike begins in a forest of lodgepole pine and crosses a
footbridge over Wabasso Creek. Beyond, the trail climbs across a flowery meadow
to a junction. The trail has markers leading to each of the five small lakes,
which are the highlights of this outing, each a different depth and thus a
different hue of blue and jade. This is a popular area to spot wildlife.
Athabasca Falls (30 km from Jasper): The Athabasca River pours into a narrow canyon cut
in a very hard, quartz-rich rock. A thundering spectacle with a bridge and
platforms at the better vantage points. Picnicking. Junction with parkway 93A.
Sunwapta Falls (55 km from Jasper) : A short access road next
to the motel takes you to the parking area. The falls tumble into a
limestone gorge rather like Maligne Canyon. open May to October.
Parker Ridge: Enjoy this ideal opportunity to experience the alpine
zone. Sweeping mountain vistas, an outstanding view of the Saskatchewan
Glacier, alpine flowers, and the chance to see ptarmigan and goats, are some of
the attractions for those who take this steep (250 m elevation gain), but short
(2.4 km round trip) hike. Please stay on the trail, and bring along warm
clothing.
Mistaya Canyon: Only ten minutes by trail from the road, the Mistaya
River narrows into a twisting canyon. Look for rounded potholes and a natural
arch on the canyon sides.
Bow Lake and Num-ti-jah Lodge
Crowfoot Glacier
The Sunshine Meadows are known by many as the most stunning alpine
setting in the Canadian Rockies. Situated at an average elevation of 2220m
(7,300'), the meadows straddle the Continental Divide and the boundary between
Alberta and British Columbia. Surrounded by some of the Rockies' highest peaks,
the unobstructed views are beyond compare. Wildlife abound in the meadows, and
the brilliance of the summer flowers and autumn larches guarantees spectacular
scenery on every visit.
Day 6: Banff to Calgary
- Banff Gondola (open 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM during the summer season)
- Upper Hot Springs (open 9 am to 11 pm during the summer season)
- Bow Falls
- Surprise Corner
- Back to Calgary
Thank you for sharing this! It's very helpful :)
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