Banff - Jasper

[snow leopard27]

Trying to put together a trip up there this July and will likely have about 10 days total. To anybody who has been there: Is there any appreciable difference between the 2 parks? Is one worth more time than the other?
Our interests would inculde light hiking, fly fishing, wildlife viewing/photography.
Any good recommendations on places to stay or other things to do would be much appreciated as well.
Thanks in advance !

 

[iamtigerwoods]

Stayed at the Fairmont in Banff Springs this past June. Beautiful resort. Would highly recommend it. The golf course at the resort is very nice, as well.

Plenty of hiking trails all around the town of Banff that are well-marked. Maps are easiest to find, as well.

 

[KazooMan]

Both places are freaking cold, even in July. Be prepared for snow in the mountains. Dress warm! If you are used to Colorado summer hiking, plan on it being at least 20 degrees colder in Canada.

Personally, I think Jasper is a little prettier (better views on the hikes), but both are great, and there is not that much difference between the two sites. In general, prices are a little higher in Jasper (more of a tourist town), but bargains for lodging can be found in both locations if you do the necessary research.

Definitely hit both places. Hike to the tea house in Jasper. Stay away from the Banff Springs Hotel - "Historical" means small rooms, even after their remodeling. In Jasper, there are great horseback tours, if you like to ride. Take the glacier tour - really a neat experience. Plan on extra time for your drive between the parks (lots of lookouts with great views), and check out the internet trail info sites for up to date info on where to go to see wildlife, and where not to go (too many bears) - trailex.org is pretty good. Fly fishing sites are probably better around Banff - easier to get to, and I've caught more and bigger fish in that area. I suggest using a guide in either location until you know where to go on your own.

A great place to vacation - enjoy!

 

[txzen]

Might you mean the tea house in Lake Louise (and not Jasper)?

The driving distances there on the map are decieving - this is a mostly glacial valley, and the roads are remarkably straight and quick-driving. You can do both easily.

Hiking around and up and above Emerald Lake remains one of the greatest hikes of my life. Lots of bears, though. Be aware. FWIW, lodging at Emerald Lake Lodge is f-ing amazing. My kind of roughing it - 8 hour alpine hikes followed by a hot shower, elk steak, and BC wine.

And the weather can and will be a little bit of everything. In July, we had warm sunny days and cold, wet, break out the gore-tex ones.

Jasper is a town where everyone looks serious about hiking and enjoying the great outdoors. I wish I'd spent more time there.

 

[CanaTigers]

Stayed at the Chateau Lake Louise when I as in the 8th many years ago. It was rather impressive to me at that time. The skiing though I thought was/is better in New Mexico/Colorado.

 

[iamtigerwoods]

Hiking wise, Johnston Canyon is a must-do. It can be crowded, but is worth the effort.

 

[KazooMan]

In reply to:

---

---

 

[smwhorn]

If you do nothing else the entire trip, make the hike to the tea house at Lake Louise. You will really enjoy your trip. There is nothing more beautiful than Banff/Lake Louise in the summer. There are a few places AS beautiful, but none that are more.

 

[iamtigerwoods]

Good advice about the long days.

There is a great pub down the hill from the Banff Springs Hotel. It overlooks one of the tee boxes on the golf course and the valley it sits in. I think it is call Waldhaus.