Of course everyone has a different opinion and all that you mention you must see someday so it all depends on what you want to do this time. Glacier is beautiful and the mountains there are similar to what you would see in Banff but the scenery and lakes in Canada are amazing not to mention the Ice Fields parkway lined with glaciers and the Ice Fields tour that you can take. We went in 2005 all the way up to Jasper then came back through Terry Fox Provincial Park and Revelstoke. We saw so much but not enough. It is a trip that to us might just be once in a lifetime but I'd love to go back. We've also been to Waterton and that is not to be missed either. The Prince of Wales Hotel on the point should be toured too. If you decide to go to Waterton, take the extra time and go to Cameron Lake. It looks much like Lake Louise. Here is a link of a short blog of our travels there Campgrounds of the Banff area Good luck in your decision.
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I did all the aras mentioned in 2004. I would do it only because it isn't getting any cheaper. Mt Robson is a short trip from Jasper as well. The Provencial parks need to be there in early afternoon to get a good or large spot.
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I have done Yellowstone, Tetons, Glacier, Banff/ Jasper before in one trip. Initially had Yellowstone, Tetons, and Glacier planned - saw a picture of Peyto Lake in my AAA travel agency and that was all it took. The same day, a friend mentioned including Banff/ Jasper to my husband - we figured it was a sign so we bit the bullet and did it all in one trip. It does make for a very busy trip as there is so much to see and do but it really was that memorable of a vacation for both of us.
We are really glad that we did the whole thing, each place is different and has special places/ things to see and do. Be sure to include Waterton Lakes and stop in Yoho National Park while in the Banff/ Lake Louise area. We enjoyed it so much, that we went back the following year - left off Yellowstone/ Tetons and included Mt Ranier/ Cascades/ Olympic and went to Glacier/ Banff/ Jasper again. Plans to go again in the next 2 years - it was fabulous. Yellowstone and Tetons were also wonderful - we went back to visit that area in the wintertime.
Have to agree with just about everything everyone else has said. We've been to all the areas above and while each and every one is spectacular with its own unique qualities, I must admit that the Icefields Parkway is my favorite for breathtaking scenery. The drive up to Jasper is long and slow. I would recommend it as an overnighter and back, but pack it into a day trip if you have to. Do not miss it. I remember seeing a few nice rv parks near Lake Louise, but couldn't tell you what/where. You may want to consider Canmore if you're not into Banff. While we like Banff, it was a bit too touristy for us. Canmore (ten minutes east)is smaller, has a more "local vibe" and is far less touristy. It is also where you would enter the Kananaskis loop road, also worth the time.
Must agree with many posters that you could easily make any of the areas into one trip and that packing it all into one could be a bit much, but you're so close when you're up that way, it seems a shame to miss it. Even if you're pushing it on time, gas, etc. I don't think you'd regret making the extra journey just a little more northward.
Day trip to Jasper is a bit much. Besides, there's a great campground there - Whistler's. Of all the places, we both liked Jasper a lot. It's a town you can easily walk around in and not as busy as Banff, very quaint.
I had the same question last September while at Glacier. Decided to head on up and it was the highlight of the trip. Stayed at Banff and did the icefield parkway to Jasper. We did it in a day, but it was a long day. The Canadian Rockies are amazing and don't think twice about going up there.
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