Canadian Rockies August 2017 Trip

<p>Greetings, My wife and I are planning on taking a 10 day or so trip to the Canadian Rockies in August 2017. We would like to see the Jasper, Banff and Lake Louise areas. Any suggestions on how to split our time in these areas, best locations for Photo ops, etc. We are not heavy duty hikers, but can handle 3-4 mile medium hikes if needed. Best times to avoid crowds would be nice as well. Also, we plan on using credit cards for most expenses but can we use American dollars if needed? Thanks in advance to all that take the time to reply back.</p>

 

<p>Drive Icefields Parkway and make frequent stops to enjoy the beauty around you. Make sure your rental has a GPS unit and search for 'interesting sites.' Other must-see/must-do: Athabasca Glacier, Enjoy the hot springs, Moraine Lake, etc... Have fun!</p>

<p>Moraine Lake<br>

<img src="http://www.leonin.net/img/s/v-2/p557113177-4.jpg" alt="" /></p>

<p>Given your direct question I'd plan to spend 2/3 days around Banff; 3 days around Lake Louise, and 4 days in Jasper with a day to drive back from Jasper. <br>

That aside, you have picked the busiest time of year whilst seeking to avoid crowds! There will be coach trips a plenty along most of the major stops/locations along the Icefields Parkway. You'll need plenty of insect repellent too- I went there some years ago in late July and was pretty much eaten alive. How to avoid crowds? Well getting up and out really early might help, but a lot of the tourism up there is Chinese/Korean/Japanese and they are well aware of the need to do that. Hiking off the beaten track might help too, but that's sometimes a bit arduous for someone who doesn't set out to be a real hiking type ( neither do I btw).<br>

Can't answer your question about US$ but there's not a lot of harm in exchanging some for Canadian so your first question every time you want a coffee isn't "do you accept US$?" <br>

Keith's picture above is nice but doesn't look like midsummer. Moraine Lake doesn't look quite like that in summer. </p>

<p>When I was last there, about 10 years ago, my US credit cards would not work at gas stations. They did work at hotels and restaurants. Why not, i could never determine. <br /> I would spend about 2 days in Banff, 2 in Lake Louise and the rest in Jasper/Icefields parkway. Our favorite hike was the Larch Valley trail near Moraine Lake and some of the smaller trails off the Icefields parkway. You must visit Mount Edith Cavell near Jasper.<br>

https://www.banfflakelouise.com/hiking/lake-louise-area-trails<br>

http://icefieldsparkway.com/highlights/best-hikes<br>

<br /> http://hikingwithbarry.com/2014/06/30/bow-glacier-falls-banff-np-hiking-alberta<br>

<br /> Buy the e books by Darwin Wigett. They are the best source of photo info I know of.<br>

<br /> http://www.darwinwiggett.com/ebooks/<br>

<br /> And his blog: <br /> http://www.oopoomoo.com/blog/</p>

<p>Joe</p>

<p>August is still in the prime summer season, so people are everywhere. However early and late are the best for shooting and the times that bus tours are elsewhere and families are dealing with kid-things. Today's sunrise was at 6:12 and sunset will be at 9:24; six weeks ago it was much earlier and later. If you're from the southern US you'll be surprised how slow sunrise and sunset are. Remember that mountains throw pretty big shadows! Depending on the weather I'd be tempted to do indoor things at mid-day (Whyte Museum, interiors of the Banff Springs Hotel or Chateau Lake Louise). Most stores will take US cash, but at a slightly worse rate than banks. US credit cards are accepted everywhere except for the Discover card. Charges will be posted in Canadian dollars; your issuer will use the daily rate which changes ... daily! Most gas pumps now take a US card; otherwise it's easy to arrange with the staff. Telephoto locations: top of Tunnel Mountain (Buffalo Mountain, Sleeping Buffalo Mountain), The outdoor patio at the Juniper Hotel, the Banff Gondola (expensive, but available with many card bonus plans - Air Miles, Aeroplan etc). Check out Morant's Curve on the old highway for train shots with a coffee break or meal at the Baker Creek Motel. Enjoy the views and the wildlife and remember - I don't have to outrun the bear, I have to outrun you!</p>

<p>I love Jasper, and just got back a week ago. Everyone has their favorite place, mine is Mt Edith Cavel. It's the Pikas, Marmots, alpine wildflowers (about a two mile hike each way) and great views.</p>

<p>There will be a total solar eclipse August 21 2017. The rather narrow path of totality stretches from Oregon to S Carolina. From Canada, the eclipse will appear partial. Idaho and Wyoming are the nearest states to Alberta where the eclipse will be total. You might want to take this into account, especially if driving from further south. Also be aware that there are plenty of eclipse junkies who will snap up hotels and campgrounds in the area pretty fast. Google for more information.</p>

<p>I was in the Canadian Rockies in 2009 and had the privilege to visit the Tsuu t'ina Nation Powwow. Even though this is a not tourist event, I would suggest to inform at some of the Canadian First Nations if any of their wonderful traditional events can be visited.</p>

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