Topic Wiki

List of TR's:

Kosher Food/ Restaurants:
The local supermarkets (e.g. Nesters or IGA in Banff) have many kosher shelf products.

There's frozen chicken and some meat products here, also a kosher aisle of dry foods: Safeway Glenmore Landing - 1600 90 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2V 5A8, Canada

Synagogue:
None, though check GoDaven for temporary minyanim

Things to Do:

Download the GuideAlong app (formerly known as GyPSy Guide) and purchase the package for the Canadian Rockies Tours for $24.99. This self-paced guided audio tour covers Banff National Park, Lake Louise, Yoho National Park, Jasper National Park and more. It's an incredibly useful and informative app.

Banff
Johnston Canyon hike, Upper Falls recommended, 2 hr round trip.
Banff Gondola, take boardwalk (15 min, spread out stairs) to peak for amazing views
Mountain Biking - e.g. Tunnel Bench Loop (moderate, lots of fun with great views)
Bow Falls and Bow River
Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake loop drive - boat cruise tour and speedboat rentals available

Lake Louise (45 min drive from Banff)
Shoreline trail walk
Canoe rentals
Lake Agnes teahouse hike (moderate, 2.5 hrs round-trip, can continue to Little Beehive or Big Beehive)
Plain of 6 Glaciers hike (moderate, 5-6 hrs round trip, Tea House along the way)
Lake Louise gondola


Moraine Lake (30 min drive south from LL)
2023 Update: Access by personal vehicle to Morraine Lake is no longer allowed. The only options to get to Morraine Lake are by Canada Parks Shuttle, private Lake Morraine bussing companies, and maybe a private tour bus. Local Banff bus service (Roam) may also have a shuttle to Morraine in addition to their service to Lake Louise. Reservations for busses get booked up early, so plan at least 3-4 days ahead. [Parking is extremely limited, arrive very early or later in the day, road is closed when parking is full.]
Walk along lake
Canoe rentals sometimes available
Rockpile climb to great viewpoint

Athabasca Glacier Adventure (90 min drive from Lake Louise or Jasper)
Early arrival recommended (first tour is at 10:30am, book online in advance)
2 hour duration, bring bottle to drink glacier water
Wear layers, temperature is unpredictable
Skywalk is a tourist trap, you can skip it and stay on bus to return to parking lot

Icefields Parkway drive from Athabasca Glacier to Banff with scenic stops:
Parker Ridge trail 2-hour round-trip hike (medium difficulty, uphill climb)
Peyto Lake viewed from Bow Summit (cars must park in lower lot and walk 10 min, but later in the day the upper lot can be used)
Mistaya Canyon (beautiful pull-off hike along Icefields Pkwy. Hike is about 10 minutes down to a powerful river rushing through a canyon with waterfalls)
Bow Lake (quick pullout stop)

Jasper

Yoho National Park
Takakkaw Falls
Emerald Lake
Natural Bridge


Hotels:

Getting Around:
A car is basically a must, though there are shuttles from Banff to the major attractions.
The nearest commercial airport is Calgary (YYC), a 90 min drive from Banff.

Notes:


Author Topic: Banff and Jasper Master Thread  (Read 155068 times)

Offline how

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1878
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #20 on: June 03, 2011, 05:28:38 AM »
There are some nice trails that can be managed with a stroller. In general you should be fine. Most of the trip is driving and stopping to look so if your kids get edgy from not doing much expect to look for ways to keep them busy.

Offline YudiG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 2351
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #21 on: July 07, 2011, 12:39:03 PM »
Looking for a recommendation for budget hotel in the Banff area for Aug. 14-16 for 6 people...any suggestions?

Offline yissie

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Jul 2010
  • Posts: 111
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: Queens, NY
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #22 on: July 07, 2011, 02:01:15 PM »
Looking for a recommendation for budget hotel in the Banff area for Aug. 14-16 for 6 people...any suggestions?


Banff Park Lodge was reasonable when I went a couple years back
KTH

Offline YudiG

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 2351
  • Total likes: 7
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #23 on: July 07, 2011, 02:56:30 PM »
it's $340 CAD per night

Offline sky121

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 11511
  • Total likes: 167
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #24 on: August 04, 2011, 09:52:52 PM »
Any new tips for banff?  Lodging?  Low difficulty activities?  Good drives?  Heading there for a quick 3 day trip and any tips would be great!   Should we take a day to drive to Jasper?? 

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline AsherO

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 30K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 30501
  • Total likes: 7806
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 79
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #25 on: August 04, 2011, 11:23:31 PM »
  Should we take a day to drive to Jasper?? 

I haven't been to Jasper, but from what I heard it's worth the trip.
100% of Likes will be donated to support our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael

Offline sky121

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 11511
  • Total likes: 167
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #26 on: August 08, 2011, 07:16:46 PM »
Hows the drive from the calgary airport to banff?

Sent from my LS670 using Tapatalk
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline how

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1878
  • Total likes: 62
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
    • View Profile
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #27 on: August 10, 2011, 05:51:56 AM »
very easy and nice - it takes a little more than an hour and a half

Offline sawlw

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1323
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Banff - Canada
« Reply #28 on: August 11, 2011, 11:30:04 PM »
is the Banff gondola ride worth it or its just another tourist waste of money?

+1

Wherever you go the view is breathtaking. For a start lake Louise, lake moraine, Ice fields, Gondola at Banff, Bow lake, Takkawa falls, Lake minnawanka loop.
How long r u staying? It will be very cold there right after pesach

Offline sawlw

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Oct 2010
  • Posts: 1323
  • Total likes: 0
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #29 on: August 11, 2011, 11:37:02 PM »
Looking for a recommendation for budget hotel in the Banff area for Aug. 14-16 for 6 people...any suggestions?

try canmore its 25 min from Banff .Grand Rocky  Resorts

Offline ZCN

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 350
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: Ohio
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #30 on: May 23, 2012, 12:51:43 AM »
I'm planning a trip for mid June.

  I'm trying to get an idea of how much time I will need to see everything. I will have 2 and a half days, I mainly want to drive and see the scenery, maybe a little hiking. I'm willing to drive up to ten hours a day total, preferably about 6-7. Given the above, will I be able to start from Calgary and go all the way to Jasper, or is that too much?

Offline Fan of Dan

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 3029
  • Total likes: 8
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #31 on: May 23, 2012, 12:55:20 AM »
If you really wanna drive alot, and the drive is stunning it is possible but it will be a long drive in each direction. What do you want to do in Jasper the ice field?

Offline ZCN

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 350
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: Ohio
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #32 on: May 23, 2012, 02:34:26 PM »
If you really wanna drive alot, and the drive is stunning it is possible but it will be a long drive in each direction. What do you want to do in Jasper the ice field?

Not sure what I want to do in Jasper.... I just thought it would make sense to drive up to Edmonton and see different things on the road, rather than turn around and go back to Calgary and see the same scenery again.


Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67555
  • Total likes: 16846
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #33 on: July 22, 2012, 11:21:54 PM »
Any more reports of doing Banff with small children?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline AsherO

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 30K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 30501
  • Total likes: 7806
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 79
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #34 on: July 22, 2012, 11:31:39 PM »
Any more reports of doing Banff with small children?

Do you plan on going on hikes? If you're driving around in a car and going to observation areas, it shouldn't be hard on your kids, but they might be bored.
100% of Likes will be donated to support our brothers and sisters in Eretz Yisrael

Offline ZCN

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite
  • ****
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 350
  • Total likes: 5
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: Ohio
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #35 on: July 22, 2012, 11:39:13 PM »
Do you plan on going on hikes? If you're driving around in a car and going to observation areas, it shouldn't be hard on your kids, but they might be bored.

+1. There's a lot of driving depending on how much you want to see. I haven't had a chance to write up a trip report but feel free to PM me if you want more detailed info on what to see etc.

BTW the whole area is gorgeous, nicer in my opinion than Switzerland.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67555
  • Total likes: 16846
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #36 on: July 22, 2012, 11:43:17 PM »
Is it a place where we will miss out on incredible hikes/views due to having an infant in a stroller or would we be able to accomplish a lot regardless of that?

A few hours of driving is perfectly doable.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Ergel

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 12818
  • Total likes: 905
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
Re: Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #37 on: July 23, 2012, 12:30:33 AM »
Is it a place where we will miss out on incredible hikes/views due to having an infant in a stroller or would we be able to accomplish a lot regardless of that?

A few hours of driving is perfectly doable.
Not willing to put the kid in a carrier/hiking knapsack?
Life isn't about checking the boxes. Nobody cares.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67555
  • Total likes: 16846
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #38 on: July 23, 2012, 12:55:16 AM »
Not willing to put the kid in a carrier/hiking knapsack?
Never really tried, is that practical at 23 pounds?
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline sky121

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 11511
  • Total likes: 167
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Re: Banff Master Thread
« Reply #39 on: July 23, 2012, 12:58:39 AM »
Never really tried, is that practical at 23 pounds?

I've done it for easier hikes for a maximum hour at a time. Wasn't bad. I got a little achey here and there.
"Not all who wander are lost"