Canadian Rockies questions..

[Smee]

We are vacationing in the Canadian Rockies this July for 2 1/2 weeks.
Does anyone have any suggestions for good restaurants? ----fun stuff to do? -------things not to be missed? ------great stores? ------etc,etc,etc?
Thanks in advance!

 

[bev r.]

I assume you are going to Banff and Jasper. If you are, Banff is your typical mountain tourist town. It is extremely busy in the summer, and somewhat overpriced. There are some neat shops to browse through if you can stand the crowds. Jasper is pretty much the same as Banff, but not quite as touristy.

A visit to the either the Upper Hotsprings in Banff or Miette Hot springs in Jasper is a must. I prefer Miette. There are a lot of hikes around Jasper that are easy to get to.

The Banff Springs Hotel, Chateau Lake Louise and Jasper Park Lodge are all nice to wander through. There are also some nice hikes in the Lake Louise area.

A stop at the Athabaska Glacier is also interesting. It is along the Icefields Parkway, the highway between Banff and Jasper. The Athabaska Falls are also nice. There are numerous picnic areas, to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

A hike through Maligne Canyon in Jasper is also interesting.

To view wildlife, we have had a lot success in Jasper. Over the years we have seen numerous deer, elk, mountain sheep, mountain goats, and the occasional black bear. Remember to use common sense when viewing wildlife. Never try to approach these animals, remember they are WILD and extremely unpredictable. I can't count the number of times I have seen people, chasing these animals to get a picture.

I hope this helps.

Enjoy your vacation.

 

[JennyP]

I lived in Calgary for a short period and frequently visited banff. I would have to agree that it is overpriced but for the scenery it is worth it. The Hotsprings and Lake Louise were great to visit.

And you will be sure to see wildlife, as one of my favorite memories of banff come to mind, some locals playing frisbee on a playfield(on the main st.) and an elk relaxing in the shade at the other end!!

enjoy your visit!!

 

[Smee]

Thanks, JennyP!
We are really looking forward to the beauty up there!

P.S. We love elk and would really find an experience like yours memorable.

 

[MikeJ]

Depending when and where you'll be in the Rockies, you might want to check out the Calgary Stampede. Calgary's only a hour from Banff. Granted, it's not for everybody, and I haven't been there in quite a few years now (although I do have relatives in Calgary) but I really enjoyed visiting the stampede as a child.

- Mike