Banff Accommodation Reservations - banffinfo.comLocal 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 -
Ja
sper 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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