We had a fab trip to Canada about 13 years ago doing virtually the same trip as you!!
We started in Calgary and ended in Vancouver going via Banff, Lake Louise,Jasper, Vancouver Island and Whistler.
We stayed at Deer Lodge too!
We stayed at a nice place in Jasper but the place itself was dead so we didn't really venture out. We loved Banff and the whole atmosphere there. I would definitely recommend just an overnight stop in Jasper and a few days in Banff.
Have fun!!!
If you need anymore info we did make a diary about everywhere we stayed so could tell you more if necessary.
Chloe, I'd love to hear more about your trip. I am doing loads of research but always good to hear from someone who has actually been to the places I am going. I will pm you my e mail address if you don't want to post it all here.
My Aunt lives a couple of hours south of Calgary in Lethbridge. It's years since I've been out there now, but I loved the hill walking we did in the rocky mountains and I always remember a place called Medicine Hat (I thought that was a funny place name). We went to the Calgary Stampede. I remember eating a bison burger.
My cousin lives in Vancouver now, but I've never travelled any further west than Alberta.
Very envious of your trip, sounds like my ideal type of holiday.
My nephew moved to Vancouver 10 years ago - family and two lovely kids now. We went out in 2007 I think did everything on the itiniary he made up - very extensive
We hired a 4 x 4 and did the L O N G drive from Vancouver to Banff - for 3/4 days - long but gorgeous - with only the warning of two of three bad roads (which was true) but amazing drive nonetheless. Banff was beautiful - poured with rain all the time we were there and it made no difference and the sulphur pool was even better in the rain Try and get to that. We didn't stay over at Lake Louise but it was heaven...........and knowing all about the absolute abundance of wildlife, we trawled the countryside (in car I would add) but didn't see ONE THING apart from little gopher things at Rogers Pass
The places to see from the Vancouver base were wonderful: did whale watching, favourite shopping experience - Granville Island, Whistler Mountain for few days which was gorgeous where we experienced white water rafting! Vancouver itself has the amazing Stanley Park which is like a small 'country' so wherever you go there is absolutely loads to see.
Nephew lives Port Moody and we regularly saw notices put up next to his house saying "bear sighted with cubs" with the time at say an hour earlier! but did we see any???? Not a one.
You will have a wonderful birthday and its the trip of a lifetime - not cheap by any means, but well worth every penny. Have a great time
Whatever you do,do not miss the parkway road between Banff and Jasper...it's stunning.At that time of year you can expect high banks of snow beside the road.I've bicycled between Banff and Jasper(both ways) several times(once on my way up to Alaska from San Francisco!!!Yes,I'm mad!! ).
I envy you!! it's truly stunningly beautiful.It will go beyond your wildest dreams.Get out of the car at every opportunity...hope you get to see a few Brown Bears!!
Don't miss Miracle Lake near Jasper...stunning!!!
You'll need to take spare batteries for your camera!!! You're sure to be taking hundreds of Photos.
Don't miss the GIANT MUFFINS in the lodge near Lake Louise!!!
You will feel like a 20 yr old when you get back...not 40!!!
Have a fantastic trip,and just soak up the splendor of it all
____________ Lots of labby licks,Julian and Kenko
"The loneliness of deception" Chimpanzee study 2011
Thanks for the recent updates to this thread. Now Christmas is over we are on our countdown - 16 weeks to go. Still haven't booked the hotels for the last 6 days, just can't make my mind up but we are definitely visiting Lake Louise, definitely doing the drive to Jasper and definitely staying in Banff Will be devestated if we don't see a bear though.
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Try and get to that. We didn't stay over at Lake Louise but it was heaven...........and knowing all about the absolute abundance of wildlife, we trawled the countryside (in car I would add) but didn't see ONE THING apart from little gopher things at Rogers Pass 
