My husband and I will be visiting the Banff/Jasper area for the first time next year. Could you tell me when there is apt to be more fog and mosquitos? Would 3 days at each of these cities cover the must sees? What is the mileage/driving time for each park, including Kootenay and Yoho? What are the must sees? When driving from Banff to Jasper, is it more scenic to go the Bow Valley Parkway or Trans-Canada Highway? If we only did one, how is Banff Gondola in comparison to Jasper Tramway? What shorter hikes do you recommend i.e. 2 to 3 miles roundtrip? Thanks so much for any input!
Banff/Jasper Advice for 60ish First-time Visitors!
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Not quite sure why you put Ontario and Northwest Terr. on your destination list. Where are you starting from?
It has been decades since I have been to Banff. I do remember a trip out onto the Athabasca Glacier.
I have been to Jasper 4 times in the last 11 years. I arrive in Jasper on the ViaRail Canadian. I don't think the lakes and mountains are any more beautiful at Banff than in the Jasper National Park.
As for a hike, I had my wife drop me off at the top of the trail down through Maligne Canyon. She hiked up from the parking area at the bottom until she met me. If you did not want to rent a car, you can also easily schedule a bus tour with Brewster. The Brewster ticket office is in the east half of the ViaRail station in Jasper. Several car rental agencies are within walking distance of the ViaRail station.
As for lodging I/we stay at the HI Hostel about 4 miles SW of town near the north end of the Icefield Parkway.
Been to Banff and lake Louise many times , both skiing and cycling. Not to Jasper.
This itinerary would work for you.
http://www.banffnationalpark.com/activities/summer-tours/banff-scenic-drives-from-banff-national-park-to-jasper.html
This is one of our favorite places to visit. Since you aren't travelling with children I would suggest that you travel the first or second week in September. We have never had mosquitoes then. The summer is very busy in Banff.
The Bow Valley Parkway is scenic, we take that rather than the highway, but it is between Banff and Lake Louise. You definitely want to drive the Icefields Parkway to Jasper. It is one of the most beautiful drives in N. America. There are many stops. It will take most of the day. You also want to drive back. Hope that you have clear weather for the drive.
Here is my trip report from our last visit. Too short but that was all the time we had. The area is a hikers paradise and there are a lot of hikes. The lakeside trails are always easy.
http://www.fodors.com/community/canada/canadian-rockies-trip-report.cfm?21