Banff / Kootenay National Park

J

Joel Stave

Joined
Oct 10, 1998
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Folks, my wife and I are planning a trip to Banff and the Kootenay National Park in Alberta, Canada -- she's wanted to see this part of the world ever since finding a bunch of old postcards from the area at a used bookstore.

Anyway, we're planning on going in late August for a week or so. There's a huge amount of info on line, but of course, it's all very self-promoting. I was wondering if anyone from that part of the world (or who has been there) has any suggestions about any must-sees or must-avoids.

Thanks for any tips anyone can give.
 
i haven't been there since i was a young lad but i do remember a little.

all i can say is WOW when i looked over old family photos from that trip to banff.

its a great place to go i am sure u will not be disappointed.

there are a few forumites here who live in alberta so i'm sure they could tell you better.

but hey while ur in alberta why not come over to bc for a while? maybe u'll fall in love with the place and move here :)

cheers
 
I don't live there but I've traveled there a few years ago and will do so again in late August like you. I would say a must-see is Lake Louise. No doubt your wife has seen pics on postcards. It really is such an amazing color, it has to be seen to be believed. We did a hike all the way around the lake and then up to a Tea House several miles up in the mountains. They sell hot soup and sandwiches and generally overcharge you but it's worth it. Plus the Lake Louise Hotel is a sight to see.
 
jca21 said:
but hey while ur in alberta why not come over to bc for a while? maybe u'll fall in love with the place and move here :)
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Funny you should mention that. The decision was between Banff and Vancouver (Island and City). We decided to do Vancouver next time, earlier in the summer to avoid the rain.
 
lol... at ANY given point it will rain in vancouver.. regarldess of the time of year.. heck even in winter we get rain instead of snow :grumpy:

but ya only a few hours drive to get over here :)

enjoy your trip to banff

cheers :)
 
Lots of grizzlies. Kootenay is less scenic than Banff. But Banff has a relatively commercial town associated with it. Taylor Lake is a great hike. The lake is gorgeous and you can do some trout fishing if you like. Johnson Creek is another good place to go, it is pretty at the top. Both of these are in Banff. If you are going to go to Banff, spend a couple extra hours and go to Jasper, it is great as well. Hope this helps.
 
for the sake of your lady you should hit up the banff hot springs. Theres plenty of trails around you can ride or walk on. if i remember there is a white water rafting outfitter there, that is an experiance you will never forget. Oh OH OH and the candy store !!!!!(not recommeneded if you have kids, they will forever want to go back there)
 
As long as you're in the area, check out Moraine Lake. Beautiful place.

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Oh! And if you're driving around, the drive through Kananaskis Country is beautiful. Try to hit Highwood Pass... it's the highest paved road in Canada. http://www.moon.com/planner/canadian_rockies/mustsees/highwoodpass.html My wife and I drove through the area with my best man the day after our wedding... saw a grizzly grazing on dandelions just off the side of the road.

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Edited to add: Be SURE to bring a light jacket with you and keep it in the car whenever you're out. Canada can get surprisingly chilly, even in the summer. If you take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, take the jacket with you.
 
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+1 for visiting Chateau Lake Louise



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OR, you could drive 20 mins out from Banff and play a round at Silvertip golf course, in Canmore.



You could then:

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Drive up to see Spray Lakes, and go for a hike up the back side of:



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Ha Ling Peak.


Or, you could blow it all off, leave the wife at home, and come Sturgeon fishing in Mission, just up the road from Van City! :thumbup:


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Whichever way, you can't go wrong. Just pick up a parks and rec guide when you get into town and you'll get plenty of ideas!

Have a great trip , you made an awesome choice, you'll love it!
 
campacker said:
Lots of grizzlies. Kootenay is less scenic than Banff. But Banff has a relatively commercial town associated with it. Taylor Lake is a great hike. The lake is gorgeous and you can do some trout fishing if you like. Johnson Creek is another good place to go, it is pretty at the top. Both of these are in Banff. If you are going to go to Banff, spend a couple extra hours and go to Jasper, it is great as well. Hope this helps.
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The tea house above Lake Louise that comoha mentioned is really nice - highest tea house in Canada, I believe. I had a blast running back down the trail.

I agree with campacker - go farther north to Jasper. It's a bit less crowded. I spent my honeymoon backpacking around there and it was awesome. A bit north of Jasper are the Miette hot springs which are nice.

My wife and I spent four days on Fiddle River and didn't see a soul:

http://www.out-there.com/jasper.htm

"Fiddler River Trail: Expert, 25km one way, linear. The trailhead for this route is behind the old pool at Miette Hotsprings, which is about 60 km northeast of the town of Jasper. From Jasper take highway 16 north and turn south on the road to Miette Hotsprings. The trail is isn't as well developed as you move away from Miette, so expect to do some river fording. There are three wilderness camping areas on route at Utopia Creek (5.7km), Slide Creek (13.0km, hikers and horsepackers) and at Whitehorse Pass (24.6km). Once you've reached the last campground, pitch your tent and hike the rest of the way to Whitehorse Pass (Fiddlers Pass) for some nice views of the valley. It should take at least 4 days to complete this route out and back.The elevation gain that you can expect on this trail is 1025 meters and the maximum elevation will be 2120 meters. Contact the park for details, maps and backcountry permits. Backcountry campsites, pit privies, and fire boxes (where fires are permitted). Check with the park regarding bear poles at the campsites. The trail is best hiked during the dryer months. This is a multi-use trail. Maps: 1:50,000 83 F/4 (the trail is not marked on the map). A special wall sized topo of Jasper is available at a scale of 1:200,000."
 
Thanks to everyone for the information and pictures -- maybe I'll have a few of my own to post when we get back.

One other question -- can anyone give me an idea of how bad the bugs are in that part of the world in late August?

Thanks again.
 
Just watch your speed at twilight and during the night. As you already know, there is a variety of large wild animals (bears/elk/sheep etc) in this region that can smash your car to hell, if hit. I had some friends go through Banff at night and they hit an Elk. No major injuries but car was a write off.
 
Last year while my girlfriend was at a conference in Banff I was hiking some maintianed trails and about 500 meters away on a different trail a man was killed by a bear. While I am not paranoid about bears it is a good idea to remember to be aware of your surroundings at all times as you are still in a wilderness area.
Have fun enjoying the beautiful scenery and check back after your trip with an update.
 
Mosquitoes are not as bad as Alaska but they can be pretty fierce. Buy some DEET when you get there or some Natrapel if you don't like DEET. Hope this helps.
 
The tea house above Lake Louise is a classic hike, and the views of the lake are unmatchable.

Its also the location of my alltime biggest hiking snafu: my wife and I are on this hike about 10 years ago without any idea there is a teahouse. We hike through beautiful scenery for several hours and come to the teahouse. My wife is thrilled -- lemonade or some other refreshing drink:thumbup: Only there is one small problem -- I don't have any money; in fact, I don't even have my wallet. Why would I carry a wallet, I'm in the woods right. So even though there is this wonderful teahouse, no refreshments for us. Ever since then my wife asks me before hiking any unknown trail whether I have money with me.

So stick a $10 in your PSK:)
 
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