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Photo of the day Heli-Skiing =No lift lines, no tracks, ahhhhhh http://ping.fm/1RX4h @cmhinc

Rooms still available this busy weekend in downtown Banff - starting from $99 inc breakfast - http://ow.ly/13uSG

5 Day Road Trip Itinerary for Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper

Banff Accommodation Reservations - banffinfo.com
Local Vacation Specialists for Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper

As a central reservations company helping visitors plan their vacations to the Canadian Rockies, we are constantly being asked, what are the Must Do's and See's in the Canadian Rockies (Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper) if I only have x amount of days?

Here is our recommended itinerary for those who have 5 days and are travelling independently - whether they have their own vehicle or a rental. We'll leave it up to you to add in the many activities in the area, hiking, horseback riding, whitewater rafting, etc, depending on your fitness and activity levels.

*GYPSY GUIDE
GyPSy Guide is a device that you can rent by the day that automatically plays professional tour guide commentary as you arrive at points of interest throughout the Rockies (+1500 points). Great way to remain independent, but hear interesting stories of history, geology, wildlife, past explorers and some quirky local tales, like you would on an organized tour.

Day 1. In and around Banff.
Begin your vacation by visiting the Tourist Information Centre on Banff Ave to pick up maps, brochures and check out what's on this week for events and nightlife. Then follow the GyPSy Guide*s tour around the townsite, stopping at Bow Falls, Surprise Corner (Fairmont Banff Springs viewpoint), the Hoodoos and Lake Minnewanka. If time allows, stop by the Vermillion Lakes. Don't forget to take your camera - the changing colours on Mt Rundle make for a great sunset photo.
Overnight Banff

Day 2. Banff and Johnston Canyon.
A ride to the top of Sulphur Mtn on the Banff Sightseeing Gondola is really a must and usually the clearest first thing in the morning. The boardwalk that continues from the Gondola Station to the Meteorological Station Peak is easy and great way for kids to burn off some energy. Continue the day spotting for wildlife on the Bow Valley Parkway 1A from Banff to Lake Louise. This is a wilderness corridor so keep the speed down and allow plenty of space if you do see wildlife. Hike the short trail into Johnston Canyon to view the lower and upper falls while enjoying the breathtaking gorge cut into the mountain rock. This is a great way to cool off if a hot day or to stretch the legs. On the way back to your hotel, stop in a the local supermarket or the deli and prepare a picnic lunch for tomorrow.
Overnight Banff.

Day 3. Banff - Icefields Parkway - Road to the Glaciers -
Jasper
Over 100 Glaciers line the spectacular Icefield Parkway, making it one of the most stunning drives in the world.

Drive north on the Icefields Parkway #93, stopping at the many viewpoints, all are spectacular. The GyPSy OnBoard Car Guide will entertain and inform you all along the way of the places not to miss like Bow Summit and Peyto Lake. Just before the Athabasca Glacier stop at Parker Ridge, you may want to take the picnic lunch we suggested, and after a short but steep trail (250m elevation gain), you will be rewarded with great views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Finally drive onto the Icefield Centre and enjoy the highlight of the Icefields, the Athabasca Glacier. At your leisure drive onto the townsite of Jasper.
Overnight Jasper.

Day 4. Jasper
An early start to the day, enjoy the scenic drive to Maligne Lake, whose beauty is legendary. On the way back to Jasper, stop over at Maligne Canyon (about 15 mins east of Jasper) and hike the 3.7 km interpretive trail with foot bridges over and around the canyon. If you have time to also drive out to Mt Edith Cavell, there is a chance to get up close to a glacier, or a hike in the wildflowers. End the evening by driving at dusk to the hot springs - great chance to spot for wildlife so drive slowly and carefully road.
Overnight Jasper.

Day 5. Jasper - Lake Louise.
There are many viewpoints along the Icefields Parkway, a morning to catch up on some of that you missed on the way up. You can avoid any crowds at popular Lake Louise by arriving late in the day. Walk the lakeshore trail to the end of the lake towards Victoria Glacier. A busier day could include the Yoho National Park (15min from Lake Louise) with stops at the Spiral Tunnels, Lake Minnewanka, Emerald Lake and Takkakaw Falls.
Overnight Lake Louise.

Day 6. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Drive out to Moraine Lake and enjoy the early morning calm on the lake - the best time for scenic reflections. A time to reflect and plan your next and longer vacation in the Canadian Rockies.

ONLINE TRIP QUOTE
Visit our website, banffinfo.com and create your own perfect vacation, choose different accommodation levels; maybe a Superior hotel in Banff, a cabin in Jasper and splurge a night on the lake in Lake Louise. Add in discounted activities for each area, car rental or shuttle transportation. Call or email us for real local support and advice.

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Need some help planning a ski trip to Banff Lake Louise? Free ski vacation guide from locals - http://ow.ly/130Sk

Skiing in Banff Lake Louise - A Winter Holiday Guide

Skiing in the Canadian Rockies for the first time?

From wide open bowls and tree lined glades covered with fresh, dry powder, to meticulous groomed slopes, visitors enjoy unspoiled scenery, short lift lines and friendly hospitality. Canadian Rocky ski resorts enjoy long winter and spring skiing into May, with consistent and reliable light dry snow.

Skiers can easily experience a number of resorts within the same vacation, including the tri area of Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Banff Mt Norquay (on an interchangeable lift ticket), and another 3 resorts Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Panorama Resort and Nakiska as day trips. Jasper’s Marmot Basin is approx a 3hr drive north of Lake Louise on a highway, but driving conditions can be weather dependent.

The following info will assist you in the planning process, but if you would like some personal assistance please feel free to contact us (1877 226 3348 or mail@banffinfo.com) Our agents are friendly, knowledgeable locals (but don’t expect them to share their secret powder spots…)

Where do I stay?

Banff is a townsite with a wide range of accommodation choices and evening entertainment. A main street full of restaurants, bar/lounges, shopping, art galleries, museums, movie theatre etc.

Downtown (within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bar/lounges) is mainly hotel/motel style accommodation (room with one or two beds). A limited number of condo style (multi bedroom+kitchen+fireplace units) accommodations are located on Tunnel Mountain. Tunnel Mountain is a ridge that overlooks the downtown area, is NOT a comfortable walking distance, but is serviced by the town shuttle, ski resort shuttles or a short 3min drive or taxi.

Lake Louise is a small mountain village 45 min drive west of Banff with accommodation limited to ~5 properties that remain open during the winter. Great for those preferring a quieter pace, or wanting to be close (10mins) to the Lake Louise Ski Area. Nightlife is limited to facilities within those properties. A small mall with grocery store, gift store, gas station and sports store is located in the village ~10mins from the lake. Activities on and around the lake include sleigh rides, dog sledding, cross country skiing and ice climbing.

Golden is home to the new, dynamic and rapidly developing mountain resort Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. 1.5hrs west of Banff, with a huge vertical of 4,133ft on ex heliski terrain. New ski in /out accommodation (hotel, condo, lodge or private vacation homes). More moderate accommodation choices are available in the Town of Golden ~15min drive away. Nightlife on mountain is limited at this stage of development, but new bars and restaurants are opening each year. The Town of Golden, approx 15mins drive from the ski resort area offers authentic logging town pubs and bars.

Canmore is a beautiful mountain town located 20min east of Banff, outside the National Park. A main street with shopping, many new restaurants, art galleries and its own brew pub. Many choices of new and moderately priced hotel and condo (self contained) style accommodation. Many of the winter activities in the Bow Valley are located in and around Canmore including dog sledding and outstanding cross country skiing at the Nordic Centre.

How far are the ski resorts?

From Banff, Banff Norquay is ~10mins, Sunshine Village ~ 20mins and Lake Louise ~40mins. From Lake Louise, Banff Norquay is ~40mins, Sunshine Village ~40mins.

Both areas are serviced by an extensive ski shuttle system, departing approx every 40mins.

What about ski in/out accommodation?

Sunshine Village Inn offers the only slope side accommodation in the Banff/Lake Louise area. Accessible only by gondola during operating hours (and after hours by oversnow vehicle by special arrangement), the Sunshine Inn offers packages that include skiing at Sunshine Village only. Great if you love the ski in/out convenience but limits your options for Banff nightlife.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort in Golden now offers a range of on mountain and ski in/out accommodation including hotels, condos, lodges and private vacation homes.

How do I buy lift tickets?

Lake Louise, Sunshine Village and Banff Mt Norquay offer one interchangeable “tri area lift ticket”. This ticket includes use of all lifts, complimentary use of transportation from Banff or Lake Louise hotels and one free Friday night skiing at Banff Mt Norquay. Minimum number of days purchase is 3. However they do not have to be used consecutively (for eg. 3 out of 4 days, 5 out of 7 days, etc). You can increase the number of days, but not decrease (without penalty).

Due to the distances between ski resorts it is not feasible to ski two different resorts in the one day.

Prepurchasing your lift tickets within a package saves money and provides you with complimentary use of the ski shuttle system.

You can also buy a day trip (ticket + transportation) to other ski resorts in the area Kicking Horse Mtn Resort, and Panorama Mtn Resort.

How do I get there?

Flying into the Calgary Airport – YYC will give you the easiest access to Banff, Lake Louise, Golden or Panorama. If skiing Marmot Basin (Jasper) you would be best to fly into Edmonton YEG. Two Canadian airlines, Air Canada and WestJet, as well as a number of international airlines, American Airlines, Horizon Airlines, KLM, Lufthansa, Northwest and United Airlines (United and Lufthansa serve Calgary only) serve these airports.

Driving from Vancouver or the United States border? It's about a 10hr drive (in good winter weather from Vancouver or a 5-6 hr drive from the border entry points, directly south of Banff. Allow plenty of time to drive through mountain passes and winter driving conditions.

How do I get around?

You can choose to either rent a vehicle from the Calgary Airport, or use a combination of shuttles.

Calgary Airport shuttles to Banff/Lake Louise hotels, run approx every 2hr hours until 10pm.

Ski Resort Shuttles pick up from most hotels in Banff and run throughout the day.

Town of Banff shuttles run a circuit throughout town, servicing the Tunnel Mountain area, Banff Springs Hotel and Rimrock + Upper Hot Springs. Many visitors elect to a combination of car rental and the complimentary ski shuttles. It’s especially handy on the days you don’t want to drive due to road conditions, or want to enjoy a few après skis to end the day, or a member of the group wants to sleep in or return back to the hottub early. As demands on the parking areas at the ski resorts continue, it’s becoming a preferred mode of travel to get to the slopes.

What is the best ski resort?

Each mountain offers something different for everyone from Lake Louise's steep back bowls, Sunshine Villages’ natural powder, Norquay's fun Friday night skiing and Kicking Horse's huge vertical.

Can I snowboard?

Absolutely! Snowboarding is allowed at all resorts within the Canadian Rockies. In fact the three ski areas of Sunshine, Lake Louise and Norquay have extensive terrain parks and Kicking Horse has fabulous freeriding options.

When is the best time to come?

Christmas/NYE and the powder season months of Feb/Mar are the busiest months to ski the Canadian Rockies, so reservations must be made well in advance for these dates. Our season continues into late May, so spring skiing in April is warmer, sunnier with big snow bases, but usually lower season rates. Jan can be the coldest month of the year, but great deals will lure hardier folks.

What options are there for lessons & daycare?

Each of the resorts offer qualified instructors to help you improve your style while still having fun! Group, private and skill drills are available for adults, children (generally 3-6) and youths (7-12). Only the Lake Louise Resort is qualified to daycare children under 19 months.

Club Ski/Snowboard is a program to explore the best of all three resorts; a fun 3 day program, one day at each resort. Meet at a different mountain each day. The program follows a schedule of 3 hours ski instruction in the morning, a break together with all groups for lunch, then guiding around the mountain in the afternoon. Also includes a group photo, optional social function and video analysis. Available for all ability levels.

Where do I rent equipment?

Save yourself the time and hassle of transporting ski and board equipment from home. The Ski Stop Ski VIP Program provides;

* experienced long term staff for fittings
* free taxi to store (downtown Bear St location)
* swap between different equipment
* credit your rental fee towards purchase of new skiis
* 15% discount for clothing and accessories
* drop your equipment at your hotel at end of rental

I don't ski, what can I do?

Lots! Shopping, soak in the natural hot springs, visit museums (including the Canadian Ski Museum), go to the movie theatre, visit the Banff Centre for Culture, go snowshoeing, cross country skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice canyon walks, horsedrawn sleigh rides, sightseeing gondola, heliskiing, ice skating, go for a spa treatment, and much more. And don’t forget about wildlife watching tours; you might even spot an elk or a bighorn sheep during your adventures!

How much will a ski holiday cost?

Quote a Canadian Rockies Banff Lake Louise ski package with our online vacation planner, or always feel free to call our friendly knowledgeable locals on the toll free number (if we don’t answer, leave a message, we may have called a powder day...)