I am planning a trip in July from So Cal to Tetons, YNP, and Glacier. Is it worth the gas money and time to go up to Banff from there. Is it different from YNP/Glacier or very similar Valley/Mountains/lakes. Would I be better off spending some time elsewhere or should I head up to Canada. If I do Banff, what about going all the way to Jasper or is Lake Louise far enough. We love mountains, I am just not sure if we would be better off spending time at Arches or Zion or save them for another trip and do Banff while up there.
Jeff, Lori, Capri & Jacob
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If you have never been to Banff/Jasper/Lake Louise and have the opportunity it would be a shame to miss it. You live in the SW, Arches and Zion should be easily available to you, that's another trip. Just my opinion.
The last time I was at Lake Louise I was remarking about how far people travel to get there (Japan/Europe etc.). They all seemed to think it was worth it. I don't think it looks like Yellowstone or the Grand Tetons at all. If you love mountains you can't go wrong.
That's a good question. We did them all together but didn't get to Jasper because of time constraints and I'm sorry we didn't. I doubt that we will get back and by then the icefields will probably be melted Yellowstone is very different from Glacier and while the Banff area is similar, it's different too. Another area in Alberta worth seeing, and easily done, is Kananaskis. Since you will be in Glacier, you're kind of right there in Canada.
Or, you could go west from Glacier and head over towards Seattle and do the Cascades and/or the Olympic peninsula and then down the Oregon coast towards home. Also good. Mt. Rainier is my favorite view of life (since Denali was not visible when we were there, or that might be my favorite.)
The Arches and Zion are worth seeing too. I'm not being much help, but whatever you choose, I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Have a great trip.
Pat
May the road rise with you, the wind be always at your back.
Another vote for going up the Icefields Parkway. This is a beautiful drive. You can take a Snow Bus tour right on the Glacier. This was great. Whistlers Campground at Jasper NP was wonderful. Elk running all over the camp. We saw a couple of Bears on the way in. The town of Jasper is fun to shop and grab a bite to eat. Lake Louise is one of the most beautiful Lakes we have seen. Beautiful Tourquoise color with Glaciers around it. Do get reservations asap however. Some sites at Whistlers have full hook-ups but you need reservations.
We loved it up there. We are in Yellowstone now and heading to Tetons Sat. It is wonderful here, in spite of the snow, but different from Jasper and Banff.
It's a short life....experience as much as you can. Janet
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YNP and Glacier are two very different places, not at all alike, not sure about the reference of YNP/Glacier together to compare to the Canadian Rockies. Yellowstone is in a caldera and not at all like the glaciated terrain of GNP. If I had to compare, Glacier would be closer to the area near Banff. The East side of GNP would be closer in comparison to the mountains near Banff.
Banff is a very touristy town, but once you get away from it, it is very wild and beautiful. The Canadian Rockies are spectacular and really cannot be compared to anything here in the States. The farther North you go, like Jasper, the more spectacular.
I think it is well worth the trip if you have the time, just incredible scenery in that part of Alberta.
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We have done Banff and Glacier 4 times each and love them. (We were in Banff on 9/11 - hard to forget that one!) They are very different. The Canadian Rockies have a majesty of the own that is wonderful.
We stay at Tunnel Mtn at Banff - great place. The Icefields Parkway is wonderful and, as you head north of Banff, stop at Peyto Lake. When we first went there in the late 70's there was hardly a path to the lookout area and you stood on a rock and were amazed at the beauty. That shot is on many calendars. Now there are two parking lots and a platform!
Other than Rocky Mountain (hey, we lived in Estes 1995-2003), we probably love Glacier next best. And we have been to many NP's.
To see some photos of both Glacier and a shot of Peyto Lake check our website www.laurenbarbara.com and look at 2007-2006 trips.
Stay safe.
Enjoy.
Lauren - DW Barbara - "Aussie" Terrier, Sadie
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Would it work to base out of Lake Louise area and day trip the Icefields Pkway since it is only 140 miles to Jasper. Is there a lot to do and see right at Jasper or is it the drive to Jasper that is great.
There is some provincial parks north of Lake Louise. the 140 miles is slow going depending on wildlife, traffic, site seeing stops, and road conditions. Going alittle farhter north would make shorter days.
I agree - daytrip to Jasper is a bit much. You can do Peyto Lake and Icefields in a daytrip I would think. I have not been to Jasper since the last 70's but have been to the other places twice in last 6 or so years. I am not a good source for jasper as such.
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Yellowstone is very different from Glacier and while the Banff area is similar, it's different too. Another area in Alberta worth seeing, and easily done, is Kananaskis. Since you will be in Glacier, you're kind of right there in Canada.
