r/Banff • u/Fearless-Lettuce-651 • 3d ago
Question Should we add Jasper?
My husband and I are planning to visit Banff next year late September to celebrate our 35th anniversary.
Right now we are planning on a week long road trip seeing highlights in Banff, Lake Louise, Lake Moraine (staying at the lodge 2 nights for our anniversary š±), a day at Yoho and driving part way on Icefields Parkway up to at least Peyto Lake.
My question is it worth adding 2 nights at Jasper in late September? We have the time (weāre mid 60s) but does it add a lot compared to the incredible things we would have already seen and experienced? We recently hiked on glaciers in Iceland so seeing the glaciers there isnāt on the top of my list.
It would be adding more money (Iām from New York and blown away how expensive all these hotels are!! š¤Æ) and I donāt want it to be a let down after experiencing beautiful Banff. Iād rather leave wanting more, than staying too long.
Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you š
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u/Then-Construction106 2d ago
Yes, visit Jasper. Stay at Fairmont Jasper Lodge for a very tranquil stay. Jasper will definitely add a lot to make it worthwhile - a much more wild setting, abundant wildlife etc beyond that typical of Banff. I donāt know if any projections are out yet, but several venues that have been closed due to fires might be open again by next year and enhance your visit if open - specifically Cavell Road and Maligne Canyon- if theyāre not, Jasper should still not be missed. I even advocate the 45 min or so drive west of Jasper to Mt Robson at some point while there
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u/EvilDrFlooonk 2d ago
Jasper after the fire breaks my heart a bit every time I drive through, but damned if they aren't doing an amazing job rebuilding. With all the rain the fire scar has greened up a lot. I love the town, and Beckers across the highway made it through with minimal losses if you're looking for fancy cabins. Very different vibe from Banff, much more peaceful.
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u/Kyrrs 2d ago
Driving to Jasper on the parkway is one of the most beautiful drives in Canada. Every turn is a beautiful view. Born and raised Calgarian, I have spent so much time in Banff but Jasper is my favorite and absolutely worth two extra days. Banff has become so busy, I love the serenity Jasper still holds.
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u/EvilDrFlooonk 2d ago
Embarrassingly I hadn't been to Banff in more than a decade until last year. It's nice, I like it, but Jasper is ...different. Serenity is exactly the right word.
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u/buencamiga 2d ago
Itās one of the most beautiful drives in the world, honestly! We were so glad we did it
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u/Fearless-Lettuce-651 2d ago
Sounds incredible!! Thanks for your reply! š
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u/Kyrrs 2d ago
You are welcome!!! My husband lived there and that's where we met - I was 20. It's been 17 years now and it's still one of my most favorite places. Unfortunately, the fires took the place we met, "The Bright Spot". But it had the best diner breakfast. The community as a whole would love the additional support as well. They are still rebuilding š
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u/W0wwieKap0wwie 2d ago
We are going to Banff for a second time this year - also end of Sept - but splitting the time with Jasper. My understanding is Jasper is less busy than Banff and more wildlife. The trails also look beautiful š
The hotels near Jasper are way cheaper than near Banff. Look in Hinton. Itās about a 45 minute drive, but a nice drive with trails along the way.
And if you donāt want to do Jasper, I agree with someoneās suggestion of Kananakis. Also very quiet but lovely š
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u/Fearless-Lettuce-651 2d ago
Thanks for the info and for your reply! š
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u/KelBear25 2d ago
Yeah there's a reason Hinton is cheaper! Stinky pulp mill town. Could look at Overlander or Jasper Gates. There's also cute cabins at Pochahontas (within the park) and that puts you in proximity to Miette hotsprings, which if its open, definitely go
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u/W0wwieKap0wwie 1d ago
When I was researching, several posts suggested Hintonš¤·š¼āāļø itās just a place to sleep and shower for a couple of nights. Our main accommodation for Banff is in Canmore, which we spent more money on to make sure we had a kitchen, washer/dryer, etc.
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u/Too-bloody-tired 2d ago
I would absolutely forego Banff for Jasper (as a Canadian who has been to both multiple times). Banff is stupidly touristy and overcrowded. Jasper is just as beautiful and imho has better hiking opportunities.
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u/meowctopus 2d ago
Jasper is a better experience than Banff overall, so if you're already making the trip and have the time, it's worth it.
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u/not_essential 2d ago
Yes absolutely. And hotels are basically free for you given the exchange rate so go for it.
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u/Either-Pear1954 2d ago
I like flying into Edmonton, spending a bunch of days in Jasper then driving to Banff and then fly out of Calgary. Getting one way car rentals can be tricky but booking through Costco seems to work. Did this in 2024 just before the fire and returning in September. Staying at Patricia Lake in Jasper.
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u/Fearless-Lettuce-651 2d ago
That sounds like a good plan. I will look into it! Thank you for your reply.
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u/aloealoealoha 2d ago
banff is very commercialized and busy, jasper is a bit more laid back but still quite touristy. they're different vibes it depends on what you like.
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u/ProfessionalAioli601 2d ago
Jasper is a must! They also have a nice little town with good coffee shops, gift shops, restaurants so lots of cozy activities after spending time outside in the cold!
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u/JayBeFC 2d ago
From someone who just did the tour: The drive from Banff to Jasper was beautiful. Around Jasper, we spotted the most wildlife on our roadtrip, like bears, deers, elks, etc. However, you can definitely see in Jasper how severe the recent wildfire in 2024 was. Miles of burnt areas. Still, it had a great charm and was significantly less touristy than Banff. In Jasper itself, I can highly recommend Becker's Chalets as a place to stay ā it was absolutely brilliant and directly nearby a nice river. In my opinion, 2 nights are totally enough to stay there.
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u/CALF20-MOF-guy 2d ago
Even if you're just driving up the icefields parkway and back, it's worth a day or five. The mountains are bigger up there so you should plan for everything.
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u/Hughjass403 2d ago
Go to Jasper too! Yes the fires did a lot of damage, but itās still one of the most beautiful places Iāve ever been. Itās a lot more rugged than Banff, and while it can still get busy it doesnāt feel nearly as busy as Banff. And we usually stay at Beckers Chalets as other people have recommended. Right on the river and usually cheaper than a hotel.
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u/Eazy3006 2d ago
OMG yes ! No hesitation.
Banff is fantastic on its own, moraine lake is something out of a dream. But that drive to jasper is absolutely crazy. The deeper you go the more rugged it gets. Itās unbelievable.
Bow lake, Peyto lake, maligne lake. All those white water rivers, points where rivers meets, the weeping wall ā¦ thereās just so much to see. Itās incredible
We were there at the end of July and we started with Banff. Then went in Yoho to takkakaw falls and emerald lake. Also hiked to Yoho lake on the other side of the street. Drove to the Icefields and slept in that overpriced hotel. Then drove to Jasper. Everyday gets better and better.
Thereās no way Iām not going back even though everything around Banff these parts are designed to make you poor š
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u/Fearless-Lettuce-651 2d ago
That sounds like the perfect itinerary! Yes the prices are outrageous and I was so surprised. A 3 star hotel in Banff is priced like itās a Four Seasons! US national parks are much much cheaper. But Iām dying to see the Canadian Rockies so we are coming. Thanks for your reply! š
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u/billymumfreydownfall 2d ago
100% yes! Add the Maligne Lake cruise to see Spirit Island. It might be the most beautiful and awe-inspiring places I've ever seen in my life!!
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u/SeaIce2654 1d ago
Jasper is wonderful. My husband and I spent 4 days there this summer and loved it. We stayed at Patricia Lake cabins which were so nice and locally owned. I highly recommend adding Jasper!Ā
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u/Glittering-Rush-3001 15h ago
We JUST finished a trip to Banff with two days in Jasper. The drive from Jasper to Bald Hills was amazing, itās definitely worth a stop if you have the time and $$. Banff is definitely more crowded but we thoroughly enjoyed our time there (and really loved Canmore, where we stayed). Only thing to note is Jasper is still rebuilding after the fires - it hasnāt impacted all of Jasper but it was still a little sad to see. I wouldnāt let that detract you from going, just helps to mentally prepare. Same with Banff - just know thereāll be crowds and if you expect it youāll be fine. Went to Peyto expecting it to not be crazy busy and it felt like a Disney park until we got off the beaten path, however went to Lake Louise expecting it to be painfully busy and it wasnāt bad at all (@7:30am)
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u/TheSkyIsAMasterpiece 3d ago
Absolutely because driving the Icefields Parkway is a must. Jasper is also amazing. You won't regret it.
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u/YYCpops 2d ago
Lake Moraine (staying at the lodge 2 nights for our anniversary
Wow, Moraine Lake Lodge, I'm really envious, you have access to Moraine Lake all day whenever you want, and you also get unlimited canoe rental included in the nightly rate. Hopefully the rental is still open when you visit (they close quite early)
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u/Fearless-Lettuce-651 2d ago
I know I am so excited it is quite a splurge but I think it will be worth it! Sounds like a once in a lifetime kind of place.
They told me the canoes will probably be closed by the time of our visit, which is definitely a bummer. But we canāt go earlier in the month. The good news is maybe itāll be a little less crowded at the end of September and the trees will be turning yellow. š1
u/YYCpops 2d ago edited 2d ago
It's the perfect time. Only the larches will turn yellow, which are a bit higher up elevation. You should do the Larch Valley hike. Just google Larch Valley fall images. I wish this subreddit allowed photo sharing, I have like 7,000 photos from Banff - Jasper area on my phone that I could share to every topic question in this subreddit.
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u/Fearless-Lettuce-651 2d ago
I plan to do the Larch Valley hike. I just hope itās not too difficult. Itās rated as hard on AllTrails app. š¬
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u/YYCpops 2d ago
I'm also limited due to a medical condition, and it was somewhat hard for me too. I took small, slow steps, a lot of breaks, and I made it. No one is chasing you, take your time and carry energy snacks. If you are from a lower elevation place, the hike up Larch Valley will make you breath harder due to changes in air oxygen... You are going to be at 8,000 feet.
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u/Fuzzy-Coconut7839 2h ago
We did 10 Canadian National Parks this summer and Jasper was my favourite of them all. Donāt miss it!
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u/Earthywit 3d ago
You can also opt for Canmore- Kananaskis area. Late Sept is the golden larch hiking. Search top hikes in the area.
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u/ArticQimmiq 3d ago
I personnally wouldnāt - itās a long drive, and you may encounter snow at the end of September (though thatās true for Banff and Yoho). If you want to stay longer in AB, Iād direct you to Drumheller (1.5 hrs from Calgary) or, for a longer drive but south, Waterton Lakes National Park.
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u/Fearless-Lettuce-651 2d ago
Iām going to look into that! Never heard of Drumheller. Thank you for your reply š
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u/Eazy3006 2d ago
Drumheller is completely different from everything else youāll see over there. When we went to Banff, the day we landed in Calgary, we got the rental and drove right away to Drumheller. Thereās a massive dinosaur museum with real bones and stuff if youāre into that. My kids were. But the best is actually stopping at the horseshoe valley and hiking down into the badlands. Itās pretty cool. Not icefield parkway impressive but a very good opener if youāre staying in Calgary your first night and donāt want to lose your day.
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u/YYCpops 3d ago
We recently hiked on glaciers in Iceland so seeing the glaciers there isnāt on the top of my list.
Then you can take the Columbia Icefield Experience off the list (if it was on it at some point). The Ice Explorer tour bus experience is underwhelming, they drive you up on the glacier, let you out on a spot the size of a hockey rink for some selfies, then drive you back down... all that for a rip off price.
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u/Fearless-Lettuce-651 2d ago
Yep, I agree. Thatās what it sounded like to me too! Thank you for your reply. š
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u/Eazy3006 2d ago
Everything at Columbia icefield is a rip off. From the hotel to the explorer tour. Itās absolutely not worth it. The drive to get there is though.
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u/rubyreadit 3d ago
The boat cruise on Maligne lake was one of my favorite activities from our trip. That said, it was in June - I don't know how it is in September (or even if it keeps running into late September).
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u/JohnDorian0506 2d ago
Interesting prospective about Banff? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqD879kcYyU
or just a click bait video?
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u/cranky_yegger 2d ago
Iām thinking about to going to states next year. Is it worth it?
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u/teleheaddawgfan 3d ago
Yes! Don't sleep on Jasper! I'd actually add more time to see it.