Anyone familiar with Banff, questions from a visitor

[cyndiloveswalt]

My DH and I will be in Banff in June and I had a couple of questions. Thought maybe some of my Canadian Dis friends could help out.
We are going with a company that our store represents so it will be a large group. They have a few day trips planned that you pay for out of pocket. We signed up for a gondola ride. I have heard from people who have been to make sure we see Lake Louise. They have a day trip planned but it is basically transportation and lunch and its $118 pp. We are staying at the Fairmont Springs. Is this something we would be better to do on our own? Should we just take a taxi or the bus and do our own thing?
Any other recommendations on what shouldn't be missed?
Thanks for any info!
Cyndi

 

[xlxo]

Hmm...

Sulphur Mountain is 8 minutes from Banff...
https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Banf...51793406db1a2!2m2!1d-115.5555555!2d51.1236111

Lake Louise is 40 minutes from Banff
https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Banf...73c7b6365bce6!2m2!1d-116.1773193!2d51.4253851

Columbia Icefields is 4 hours away if you want to check that out too pre or post event.
https://www.google.ca/maps/dir/Banf...73c7b6365bce6!2m2!1d-116.1773193!2d51.4253851

 

[kuhltiffany]

We did Banff on our Alberta trip last summer. The hot springs are nice to visit too! My kids are into dogs right now, so we went and visited a Sled Dog outfit in nearby Canmore...

 

[momof2gr8kids]

OMG that would be my dream to stay at the Banff Springs Hotel! You will love it. We went to Banff a couple of years ago with our trailer. But we did a walk through the hotel on our way to the springs.

Sorry - can't offer advice on Lake Louise. Perhaps you can rent a car from there and do your own day trip? Lots of great spots along the way to stop and hike.

If you are going on the gondola that's close to where you are staying, that's got some pretty amazing views. There's a trail you can walk up or down if you prefer (lol - we didn't)

The Tunnel Mountain trail is close to town and easy and has awesome views. The town is neat to walk through too. It's hard to find things though because they don't have big signs for the grocery stores or restaurants, etc. All part of the quaintness. Oh, and fyi, the worlds best icecream shop wasn't worth the wait in line in my kids opinion.

Enjoy.

 

[ABCanada]

The road from Banff to Lake Louise can be busy and parking at Lake Louise tight. While $118 pp seems high a taxi would likely cost more. Renting a car is likely the only way to do it easily yourself.

The only reason I would not take the bus tour is if it did not allow enough time at Lake Louise.
Lake Louise is a must do. If you have time while you are at Lake Louise hike up to Lake Agnes Tea House http://www.lakeagnesteahouse.com/. The views back over Lake Louise are lovely.

There is also a nice easy hike that starts at the Banff Springs Hotel (I think the golf course) called the Spray Lake River Loop.
http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/randonee-hiking/banff.aspx
https://www.banff.ca/index.aspx?NID=655

As mentioned above the Upper Hot Springs is also a must do. I would do it in the evening.

We always have a car so I cannot comment on public transport. There is bus service now but I am not certain how good it is. Distances tend to be far so a taxi could be expensive.

Johnston Canyon is also an easy and impressive hike. It is between Banff and Lake Louise so your bus trip might stop there.

Have a wonderful trip.

 

[mort1331]

I would second renting your own car. I lived in Lake Louise for 2 years and the drive between the two is great. If its open, and I cant see why it wouldn't be, take the 1A. It is the old highway between the two, you will see a lot more and you can stop at the ink pots which is at Johnston Canyon http://johnstoncanyon.com/johnston-canyon-trail-info/ .
Depends on how much time you have.
At Lake Louise you can also go across the highway to the ski hill and ride to the top there for some great views. The rode up to Lake Louise there is Moraine Lake, also known as the valley of the ten peaks (look on the back of an old $20 and that's the pic.
As PP said the Lake Agnes Tea House is very nice too.
Lots to do, just have to see how much time you have.