Calgary-Banff-Jasper trip

[Badknees104]

Planning a July '26 trip to Calgary stampede for a couple days , rent a car then head N to Banff and Jasper with the wife. looking for advice for 'don't miss' attractions in Calgary and also along the route to Jasper. Easy to Moderate hikes, waterfalls, lakes where we could rent a boat and do a little fishing, etc. and are there any lingering effects from the fires from a couple years ago? any areas we need to steer clear of? thanks in advance

 

[Rainer]

So there's not much fishing or boat rentals once you get past Canmore and into the national parks. Keep in mind that July is peak tourism and in the national parks if you want to see places like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake you have to reserve a parking spot, you might also need to book a shuttle to. Unless you're staying at the Fairmont. If you want some nice lookouts Take Hwy 1A instead of Hwy 1 once you leave Banff. It runs parallel to it but has way less traffic and theirs some nice photo opportunities.

If you have a couple hours to hike, Fairview mountain is pretty easy and so is little Beehive/Lake Agnes

 

[Wildabeest]

Riding Banff Gondola to the top of Sulfur Mountain provides some great views and some easy hiking once you’re up there. Restaurant and a nice interpretive center up there as well. You need to make reservations. Best to park at the main train station and take the bus to the Gondola.

 

[TexanSam]

Better brush up on your Australian if you want to understand the folks in Banff

 

[Badknees104]

thanks guys. exactly the info I am looking for.

 

[ovis2]

If this is your 1st time you absolutely have to do Lake Louise and Moraine Lake - even if you take the shuttle, really no big deal. The mountains and the waters are beyond amazing. Then hike around the lakes or take kayak or canoe out on the water. I am not much of an artist, but Lake Louise actually motivated me to attempt a painting . There are several waterfalls in the area, a nice hike is to Johnson Canyon Falls. Also, most people rightly recommend the various Fairmont Hot Springs, but the wife and I like Radium Hot Springs (on the road between Alberta and BC, between the parks) - just a cool vibe, carved into the cliffsides, although like all of them can get crowded.