Hi everyone - we're planning 2+ week trip to the Rockies this summer (likely July). I've been through all the posts and there is some great advice. General plan is to fly into Calgary, hire a car and stop in the usuals up to Jasper doing day hikes in most places, and then splurge and take the Rocky Moutaineer train to Vancouver.
I was wondering if any of you could help with the following:
1 - has anyone done one-way car hire from Calgary to Jasper? Is this super pricey?? Or even possible?
2 - we're planning to splurge and take the Rocky Mountaineer from either Jasper or Banff to Vancouver - they both travel slightly different routes to Kamloops - is there a difference between the two? will we feel like we're missing out if we choose one over the other?
3 - how much can you plan when it comes to day hikes? we have that hiking advice book (sorry.. name escapes me at the moment) but are we going to have to check with the parks office for each route before we go? is it worth planning exactly what hikes we want to do?
Thanks so much!!
1) This is possible however there is usually quite a large premium attached to it. I might suggest driving back to calgary and catching the Rocky Mountaineer from Calgary. That leads into #2
2) Either or, they are both spectacular and I have never heard a bad thing of either of them. The Canadian Rockies are a splendid experience no matter where you are.
3) Most (99%) hikes will be open and available. I would fly by the seat of my pants on this one and take them as you feel. Some people might suggest calling for bear reports but I found that if you let them know you are in the area they will leave you alone.
All the best to you and enjoy your experience!
BC's Yoho park features fabulous Lake O'Hara. We have a thing for fotoing pretty lakes and this one ranks right near the top. The Japanese guy next to us as we got off the entrance bus let out a HUGE howl. We knew exactly how he felt. Truly awesome. * Of the several hikes from Lk O'Hara itself, we favour the 'Lake Oesa' (Cree for 'ice') trail---moderate with world-class views. Frankly, its the most picturesque hike we've ever done. Those other hikes from this lake sometimes are closed coz this is prime grizzly habitat.
trusted partner
