Hi! While staying in Lake Louise,my husband and I are planning a day trip to Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Takakkaw Falls and Spiral Tunnels. I have several questions. How long is the drive to each of these spots and what order should we visit them? Is there anything else you would include in the area? Hikes? Also would Emerald Lake Lodge or Deer Lodge be a good spot for lunch?
Also, we will be in Banff and Jasper. Should we do a boat ride on Lake Minnewanka and/or Lake Maligne? Once again, so much in advance for your help!
Posted by
Gig Harbor, Washington, USA
1819 posts
Hello,
We have enjoyed three trips to Banff and Jasper, most recently last September. Go to Moraine Lake first thing in the morning, as early as possible. Parking there is limited and fills up very quickly.
We had dinner at Deer Lodge and the food was excellent. We also had a good meal at the restaurant in the former Lake Louise train station.
Takakkaw Falls was not too crowded - the road up there is quite easy, despite the very tight dogleg turn near the bottom of the road. We watched, with amusement, a tour bus navigating the dogleg. The driver had all of the passengers get off while he did the dogleg. Of course, there was a sign that said the road was not suitable for large vehicles!
Both boat rides are enjoyable but the Maligne Lake one is breathtakingly beautiful. Peyto Lake is towards the beginning of the Icefields Parkway, which is another beautiful highlight of the park. Treat yourselves to a one hour detour at Saskatchwan Crossing - the lake a few miles down that road is lovely and only lightly visited. It is also a good place to see wildlife. Skip the Icefields Parkway visitor center which is crazy crowded and has mediocre food. However, the bus that drives out onto the glacier is an interesting experience.
Jasper is a much more pleasant experience than the overcrowded town of Banff.
Posted by
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
4044 posts
What you see at the railway tunnel is the head of the train emerging before the tail has entered -- if the freight train is long enough. Like the tower of Pisa, once you have seen it, what next? Spectacular scenery on all side, of course.