Jim

We are considering going to the Canadian Rockies at the end of the month. We have never visited that part of Canada but are excited about the possibility. Now for the confusion. Having never been there we hardly know where to start. We have the flexibility of staying from 5 to 10 days. Would we be better to settle in to one place or move during the stay? One thought would be to stay 3-4 days in Banff...what about the Buffalo Mountain Lodge? Does anyone have an opinion on that choice? Then how about 4 or 5 days in Jasper...Jasper Park Lodge? Is it worth the money...it will be about $700/night for the two rooms we will need. Do you have other suggestions for the area. We want it to be a memorable trip for our kids...they are older teenagers. Any other thoughts on lodging would be appreciated. Thanks in advance for the help.

Bob Brown

The Canadian Rockies are lovely. I have enjoyed them many times. I think all of us have our own approach to the visit. <BR>I have not spent much time over night in Banff, so I cannot advise you on motels. <BR>Lake Louise is also beautiful, but motels there are expensive, but if you can afford $700 a night Candian, you should be able to afford the Post Hotel, or even Chateau Lake Louise. <BR>If you want something a little cheaper in Jasper, Beckers Roaring River Chalets and Jasper House Bungalows are nice. <BR>I have stayed at Jasper House and they have two bed room type units, with a sitting area and small kitchen. We found them fully acceptable. But, it is a very popular place and often booked solid in the summer. <BR>I am not sure you will find enough to do in Jasper for 5 nights. I would plan on staying along the Icefields Parkway to take in the sights at several places you will find enroute. The Num ti Jah Lodge is one place that comes to mind. <BR>I think it would run you about $400 Canadian per night for two rooms. <BR>There is also the Columbia Icefields Chalet that runs about $200 C double per night. But is small -- 32 rooms. <BR>It has the advantage of being close to the ice coach ride onto the Athabasca Glacier. This late in the season, however, you may have trouble finding rooms for August. <BR> <BR>It is possible to find cheaper accommodations in Jasper, but given that you are budgeting $500 US per night, they probably would not appeal to you. <BR>

Nadine

Hi Jim: You should spend some time in Banff because although it is more crowded and "touristy" it has a lot to offer in the way of scenery, activities, dining choices. Buffalo Mountain Lodge is a great choice. I stayed there last summer and was very pleased. Jasper Park Lodge is certainly lovely but very pricey. I agree with Bob about Becker's Chalets. The distance between Banff and Jasper is too great to try and see them both from one location so you are wise to split your stay. I also agree with Bob about the Post Hotel. You will have a great time!!!

Judy

My husband and I went to Banff two years ago. Our favorite part of the trip was staying at the Shadow Lake Lodge. It is located in Banff National Park, but the only access to it is via a 9 mile trail. You stay in a heated cabin. There are outdoor toilets and there is hot water available for sponge baths. The cabins are nice rustic. The food and scenery are wonderful. I recommend that you look into staying there 2-3 nights. There are opportunities for day hikes and fishing during the day. Web link: http://www.brewsteradventures.com/ShadowLake/

Paul

Hey Jim, My wife and I recently returned from a 5 day trip to Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper (see posting "Banff to Jasper : Too Much For 5 Days"). Our trip was fantastic. There is little, if anything, I'd do differently other than send twice as much time there. As both Bob and Nadine have suggested, Beckers in Jasper is great. We spent two nights there. The rate was around $110 US per night (living room w/ pullout and 1 bedroom with a double). About a 10 to 15 minute drive outside L. Louise is a great place called Bakers. They also have individual cabins in the same price range. We stayed one night at Buffalo Mountain and loved it. The price, while higher than the cabins in Jasper and LL $200 Canadian, included tax, a great breakfast and picnic lunch. Ask for their hikers package. I also agree on the Icefields. We spent six hours driving from Banff to Jasper (stopping constantly) and four hours from Jasper back to L. Louise. I also agree with Bob on the 5 nights in Jasper. You may want to consider a couple on nights in the LL area. The kids will enjoy Banff, where they'll experience a great many peer encounters. <BR> <BR>Most helpful for my planning, and you may have already done this, was to read through past posting over the past 12 to 18 months. I gathered a great number on ideas, from hikes in the L. Louise area to the the 3 area hot springs, driving the Bow Valley Pkwy to a round of golf at Jasper Park Lodge. I hope your trip is as wonderful as ours...Paul

a mark

Just returned from 14 days in Alberta with 7 days in Banff/Jasper. Could have easily spent longer in Banff/Jasper esp. if you like hiking. We did 3 days in Banff/Canmore, 2 days in L. Louise, 2 days in Jasper. Wish we could have had a day more in LL and Jasper areas. Banff and LL are fairly close but still 40 minutes. Highlights were hiking Plain of Six Glaciers (starts at Chateau L. Louise), driving Icefields Pkwy. In terms of accomod., prior suggestions are good. Suggest you stay in a full service place (ie large with facilities) and a smaller/quieter place for chage of pace. Add a third place if visiting longer. Also depends on what your children want/need. Cheers!!