溫哥華老友記討論區 - Powered by Discuz! Board

標題: Banff and Calgary in May [打印本頁]

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-1-4 11:36 標題: Banff and Calgary in May

Hi,

I am planning to go to Banff and Calgary in May with my friends from HK. Is that a bad time to travel there? Howz the weather at that time?

Will the lake still be frozen? Anything to do other than site seeing? Pretty sure we will rent a van to drive there what should be the iterary? (about 1 week) Where are good places to stay (looking for options other than the regular hotel)? Good places to eat?

Thanks

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-1-4 11:37

party at cat's house?

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-1-4 11:58

party at cat's house?
myversa 發表於 2010-1-4 12:37

Babies party?

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-1-4 12:50

3# Catpiano
I don't mind that... but...
CP, can u give me some more info.... since u said a while ago that u go to Banff few times a year.

作者: fibbi 時間: 2010-1-4 12:51

I was in Banff once in early May, still snowing.

作者: somewhereintime 時間: 2010-1-4 12:57

3# Catpiano

I have some assignment to do at Blackfoot Trail by the end of January, how is the weather
like in Cow Town now and what kind of clothing should I bring along for a week?

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-1-4 13:41

3# Catpiano
I don't mind that... but...
CP, can u give me some more info.... since u said a while ago that u go to Banff few times a year.
布小熊發表於 2010-1-4 13:50

I go to banff .. more then few times a year ....

Well, let me know what you want to know ..

Weather .. next know! Last May, friend of mine visit me ... weather was SUPER nice in Banff .. but then snow like crazy in Lake Louie .. we went to Peyto lake .. FEETS of snow ..  we ended up WALKING for an hr .. ( suppose just 5 min )

The year before, my friends came in Nov ..  they expected to see some snow .. but it was SO WARM in Banff/LAKE LOUIE/PEYTO lake etc ..  blue sky, white cloud ...

2 of my friends, from HK to visit me the August before, suppose August is the warmest month .. ( he came the year before, super nice, so he brought his wife with him the year after) but their whole trip .. snow and fog ..

Alberta weather?? CRAZY .. I remember last Sept (4 month ago) one day was 35 degree, and then -20 the day after in Calgary.

You better plan to stay a bit longer, dont make tight schedule, since you want to visit those area when weather is nice, sometimes, I go to Banff few times in a week, since weather changes too much ..

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-1-4 15:27

woo... so it's hard to plan.....

Where is a good place to stay in/near Banff then? Or do u only do day trips? Any easy to get to cabins?

作者: daimo 時間: 2010-1-4 15:49

The rental mini van spinned 360 in the snow and we fell into the ditch and got stuck for hours when I was in Banff back in Dec Y2000. I was driving at 70km.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-1-4 16:31

The rental mini van spinned 360 in the snow and we fell into the ditch and got stuck for hours when I was in Banff back in Dec Y2000. I was driving at 70km.
daimo 發表於 2010-1-4 04:49 PM

OMG!!!

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-1-4 17:09

The normal PLAN .. is ..

Calgary -> Banff -> Lake Louie -> Johnson Canyon (something like that)-> Peyto Lake (highway 93 is so damn pretty!) -> ice field -> Jasper -> Vancouver

Not sure if you will stop by Kelowna or Ghost town etc ..

I will suggest you to find a hotel in Banff or Lake Louie (not the one by the lake .. super expensive) that case, you can have your plan more flexible, when you are in Banff, if the weather is good, u can go to the gondola, if weather is no good, and weather is good in Lake Louie, u can go there first .. ( just 30 min from Banff )

Not much to do in Calgary anyway .. unless you want to buy some electronic from Best Buy/Future in order to save some PST ...

AVOID chinese food in Calgary. (they are not that bad, but expect 50% more $$ then Van, and no service)

There is one Jap Rest in Banff, quite good ga (after 9pm) we go there alots .. ^_^
(Bun Lai Ka... )

Beware of Construction in GOLDEN area, and if you come in long weekend, lots of SLOW traffic ( RV )
I remember few year ago, only took me 9 hr to drive to Van from Calgary, and just over 10 hr from Edmonton. (~ 120km/hr) but now ... lots of area, you can only do 60km/hr ....

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-1-4 17:22

thanks for the info!

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-1-4 17:27

I guess before u come .. U can ask me for more info .. ^_^

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-1-4 17:42

13# Catpiano
I will~ I will~
Just need to start some basic planning with my friends in HK first. (e.g. need to find out if they are coming alone or with their hubbies)

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-1-4 17:46

13# Catpiano
I will~ I will~
Just need to start some basic planning with my friends in HK first. (e.g. need to find out if they are coming alone or with their hubbies)
布小熊發表於 2010-1-4 18:42

WOW .. so .. they are LADIES? and may NOT come with husbands?

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-1-13 10:28

WOW .. so .. they are LADIES? and may NOT come with husbands?
Catpiano 發表於 2010-1-4 06:46 PM

haha! yes, that's confirmed now.

They only have 6 full days (not including the landing and leaving day at Vancouver) to spend for the whole trip (including Vancouver). So we are thinking either flying to Calgary to start the trip and drive back to Vancouver or do a return flight to Calgary and drive only to Banff.

Question is one way car rental.... And I think we need a van to sit comfortably. How long do we need if we are driving not super fast and having stops on the way to enjoy the scenery?

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-23 23:14

ok.... now they want to go to Jasper and Banff. do you think it's possible?
Day 1 travel to Calgary by plane
Day 2 Calgary to Jasper - Along Icefield Parkways
drive (approx. 6.5 hrs)
Day 3 Jasper National Park
Day 4 Jasper - Lake Louise - Banff
Jasper to Lake Louise (3.5 hrs)
Lake Louise to Banff (1 hr)
Day 5 Banff - Vancouver Approx 12 - 13 hrs
(Trans-Canada Highway) Vancouver

I already told her that Day 5 is impossible so end of it we will stay in Kamploops or somewhere in between. And we will arrive Vancouver Day 6 late afternoon.

What do you think about the itinerary?
Do you think we should go to Banff and Lake Louise first and then Jasper after.
Do you know how long is the drive from Jasper back to Vancouver/Kamloops?

Thanks!

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-2-24 08:29

Day 5 is possible. Last time I drove there (which was 10 years ago but still...), I drove from Banff directly back to Vancouver but I got home pretty late. I actually drove from Edmonton back home which is further than Banff.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 10:40

Day 5 is possible. Last time I drove there (which was 10 years ago but still...), I drove from Banff directly back to Vancouver but I got home pretty late. I actually drove from Edmonton back home w ...
myversa 發表於 2010-2-24 09:29 AM

was it in the summer ... cos ppl said area can still be snowy/icey in May.

作者: fibbi 時間: 2010-2-24 10:43

19# 布小熊

Last time I went to Banff in May, still snowing...

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 10:46

本帖最後由布小熊於 2010-2-24 11:48 編輯

that's what I am worried about....
http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=banff&daddr=607+Connaught+Drive,+Jasper,+AB+T0E+1E0+(Jasper+National+Park)&hl=en&geocode=FXL1DAMdH48c-SklfZTPSspwUzEpQzDNk-dDGA%3BCX4YTD68jLI9FdcEJwMdoUv2-CG6VZz0yd9pIClvNxYXbCuDUzEqIR4P2PZvNA&mra=pe&mrcr=0&sll=52.025447,-116.810636&sspn=1.892858,3.510132&ie=UTF8&ll=52.022078,-116.834106&spn=1.893001,3.510132&z=8

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-2-24 10:51

was it in the summer ... cos ppl said area can still be snowy/icey in May.
布小熊發表於 2010-2-24 11:40

no... in august/September.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 12:21

My coworker who is from Calgary suggested us to do return flight to calgary and car rental there. I think that may be a better way to explore the ice-fields.

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-2-24 12:22

My coworker who is from Calgary suggested us to do return flight to calgary and car rental there. I think that may be a better way to explore the ice-fields.
布小熊發表於 2010-2-24 13:21

Yes, spend more time in Rockies instead of driving back. It was a quite boring drive.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 12:24

Yes, spend more time in Rockies instead of driving back. It was a quite boring drive.
myversa 發表於 2010-2-24 01:22 PM

is the ice-field a boring drive? or the rockies between alberta and BC the boring drive?

作者: fibbi 時間: 2010-2-24 12:25

It's quite scenic drive ga...
Saw elk on the way (pretty close).

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-2-24 12:28

sorry my big misunderstanding. The road between alberta and bc.

Why you do not book return flights from calgary to vancouver? Thus you can spend few more hours in Banff. There are other lakes you can go to in that area.

作者: raima 時間: 2010-2-24 12:31

本帖最後由 raima 於 2010-2-24 13:40 編輯

when you go to the ice field, make sure you check the schedule. ie. time of the last tour and availability. when i was there, we checked online and it says it's 5pm. but when we were at the info centre and asked in person, their staff told us 4:30pm

and you better double check if there are any other chinese tours going to those places when you're there. tourist attractions are always busy. if you have multiple chinese tours there too, that will be too crowded.

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-2-24 12:34

In my opinion, I would prefer to go to icefield the first trip of the day. Less people on the icefield.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-24 12:52

So .. I am back ..

Let me know what question you have ..

Sigh .. I think I will go Banff again this weekend ..

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-2-24 12:55

welcome back. Where have you been?

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 13:20

30# Catpiano
Hi CP!
Welcome back!
Can you help me to look at the rough plan?
I think I will try to tell them to do return flights to Calgary. Then we can rent a van there and drive around.

Do you have any recommendation for accommodation in Jasper? And Banff (or near Banff?) How about in Calgary?
Any ice-field tour that you recommend too? (like the big wheeler car that goes on the ice-field)
Thanks!!

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-24 15:00

Hello!

What is your plan ar?

So, they will fly to Calgary, not drive?

I never stay in Jasper ..  hardly recomend any .. they are mostly the same ..

If Banff, you can try Jupiter (something like that, I can check tonight) most other hotels in Banff are kind of old or expensive ...

Ice field is good, and the BIG WHEELER is a must .. but expensive .. ($40, something like that, but better then paying for the stupid suspension bridge)

What else?  for food....  unless you are big ricer ..  otherwise, stay away with chinese food .. ( jap food is not bad in Calgary and banff )

Versa:  we just went to few countries in asia as usual during winter, nothing special la.

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-2-24 15:01

本帖最後由 myversa 於 2010-2-24 16:02 編輯

her plan is here:

http://www.loyaukee.com/forum/re ... 6667&ptid=12404

I remembered I ate at an underground food court the last time I was there.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-24 15:18

Underground food court??

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-24 15:22

Ok, just saw this:

Day 1 travel to Calgary by plane
Day 2 Calgary to Jasper - Along Icefield Parkways
      drive (approx. 6.5 hrs)
Day 3 Jasper National Park
Day 4 Jasper - Lake Louise - Banff
      Jasper to Lake Louise (3.5 hrs)
      Lake Louise to Banff (1 hr)
Day 5 Banff - Vancouver       Approx 12 - 13 hrs

So, fly to Calgary (one way) and drive back?? so, you are going to rent a car here, and return in Vancouver?

Your plan seems wrong wrong day wor ..

If you start in Calgary, should be: Calgary -> Banff -> Lake Louie -> Peyto Lake -> highway 93 -> ice field -> jasper -> back to Vancouver.

Driving from Jasper to Vancouver is way way way easlier and better then from Banff to Vancouver ... (especially in Winter) and only ~ 7 - 8 hr.

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-2-24 15:24

35# Catpiano
ya at banff because I was with tour and want to save time to take photos. The price was reasonable.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-24 15:29

U mean food court in the mall, right?

Sunday Brunch from the Spring Hotel is not bad, good view, and reasonable price too. ^_^

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 15:31

Ok, just saw this:

Day 1 travel to Calgary by plane
Day 2 Calgary to Jasper - Along Icefield Parkways
drive (approx. 6.5 hrs)
Day 3 Jasper National Park
Day 4 Jasper - Lake Louise ...
Catpiano 發表於 2010-2-24 04:22 PM

Thank you!!!
When I saw her plan... I was like... why are we going back and fore from Jasper to Banff... LOL
decision is now:
1) return flight calgary then do your suggested route
OR
2) me and my bf drive the rental van there on Friday and arrive Sat in Calgary. Pick them up from airport...and continue.
do the route you suggested and drive back from Jasper.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 15:41

36# Catpiano
How long will the following take?
Calgary -> Banff -> Lake Louie -> Peyto Lake -> highway 93 -> ice field -> jasper

If we drive to Calgary to meet them, this would be the plan:
Day 0) Me pick up rental car and drive toward Calgary. Overnight at Kamloops.
Day 1) Calgary pick up at airport and stay over night at Calgary
Day 2) Sunday Brunch at Banff Spring Hotel and then drive to Lake Louie. Stay at Banff or surrounding area
Day 3) head to Peyto Lake -> hwy 93 -> ice field -> Jasper. Stay at carbin near Jasper
Day 4) Jasper National Park. Night 2 at Jasper.
Day 5) Jasper drive back to Vancouver

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-24 15:50

Sorry, I am a bit confused, since I didn't follow the post.....

So, who is coming? your bf and you, and?

Or you can pm me ...

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 16:27

41# Catpiano
Sorry CP that I confused you.
4 of my friends will arrive from HK and me and my bf will driving them for this Banff and Jasper trip.
So there are 6 of us but only 2 will drive.

After doing some googling and talking to you, I think this may make more sense. They will arrive at around 2 p.m., flying to calgary won't save a lot of time. If they are OK to cut the Banff and Lake Louise day for about half, then the following may work:

Day 1 HKG-YVR. 3:30pm drive from Vancouver to Kamloops or Kelowna and overnight.
Day 2 Kelowna or Kamloops to Lake Louise (5.5 hours drive) then drive to Banff.
Overnight at Banff
Day 3 Drive to Peyto Lake -> hwy 93 -> ice field -> Jasper. Stay at carbin near Jasper
Day 4 Jasper National Park. Night 2 at Jasper.
Day 5 Jasper drive back to Vancouver 9hrs

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-24 16:55

They come all the way from HK, and start driving to Alberta right the way?

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 17:03

43# Catpiano
I have that question too. They don't seem to care about spending time in Vancouver. And it hurts my feeling....

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-24 17:11

43# Catpiano
I have that question too. They don't seem to care about spending time in Vancouver. And it hurts my feeling....

布小熊發表於 2010-2-24 18:03

U know what, it does make sense too..

For us, (Albertian) we love Vancouver so much, got the ocean, beach, good shopping, great and cheap food ..  etc etc .... much better then here ..

However, for people from HK? doesn't matter ..

I guess weather will be the key thing ...  you never know ..  you are coming in MAY, right? if weather is nice, and not on long weekend, driving is great ..

I may suggest your friends stay in Van for first night, to have some good rest, and food, they probably will wake up early anyway, (jet lap)  then start driving to Kelowna early, (7am etc) then have a nice lunch at mission hill etc ... then drive all the way to Banff, (skip Lake Louie) and have some good japanese food. (try their late night menu, after 9pm) then stay in Banff for the night.

You better spend more time in Banff national park then Jasper national park, not much to do in Jasper, unless your friends love camping. ^_^

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-2-24 22:19

45# Catpiano

I am wondering too. Cos they are totally not the camping type.

I have forward them most of the info. And will let them make the decision of flying to Calgary or driving to Banff.

Thank you!

作者: myversa 時間: 2010-2-25 08:36

do not forget to go to Lake Moraine, one of the other lakes around Banff that is better than Lake Louise.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-25 10:06

Yeah .. u still hv time ..

and u know what?

No matter how u plan .. the end result ( schedule ) will be diff!! lol

作者: sheep 時間: 2010-2-25 10:14

48# Catpiano

exactly, like last time I drive to Baniff, because the road to golden was blocked by mudslide, we have to detour and spend most of the time driving, since May is not the peak season, many hotels are not fully booked, you might get a better deal when you walk in.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-2-25 11:28

Yeah .. as long as not long weekend ..

However, between Jasper <-> Kamloop ... usually smooth and easy driving..

I actually like to drive around golden area .. nice senary, and lots of curve!!!

作者: zuesel 時間: 2010-3-10 10:06

Like Catpiano, I lived and grew up in Alberta. Used to go to Banff sooooooooooo damn much!
Wanted to come to Vancouver more! LOL.

Nothing really good to eat and shop in Banff other than the brunch buffet in the haunted Banff Springs hotel.

If you like to enjoy the scenary, while at the above hotel, talk a trail walk on the right side of hotel. Go to the short cut of water fall on the left side of hotel. That's a short 1/2 day trip.

For Jasper, same, shoping is expensive, not much in town. However, you can take the gondola and there's a long long trail with stairs leading up to the top of mountain. You'll see lots of squarrels and mountain goats like right next to you! This is probably a 1 day trip including driving.

Driving isn't so bad on highways. However, us Van ppl are not used to the snow and road conditions. I'd say be careful and anticipate quite a bit of curvy roads. Don't slam on the break when hit ice patches. You certainly don't need to chain your wheels though.

Too bad you are not going with us which is this weekend. You can stay at one of our 3 houses there for free!

OH Calgary food is not great. I like Alberta steaks though...

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-3-10 10:34

回復 51# zuesel
Thank you for the tips! Too bad, I dont' have control for the timing of this trip. This will be like a small reunion for me and my highschool friends. Are your 3 houses vacation homes? Can we rent them?

They like scenery and not really into shopping. So I guess Jasper would be OK for them.
Are the trails accessable in May? I am sure they want to see squarrels and mountain goats. And sure we will try Alberta STEAK! Any good butcher or grocery store that we can get good steak to cook at our carbines?

For van rental, so far, I can only find unlimited milage rental from Alamco. Is this rental company alright? (never heard of them before in Vancouver)

作者: superberry 時間: 2010-3-10 10:52

Calgary is a boring place........ nothing to see except Banff & Calgary Zoo. Food in all ethicity is terrible!

作者: zuesel 時間: 2010-3-10 11:20

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2010-3-10 11:26 編輯

Those houses belongs to my families. what days are you staying in May ar? How many people? I can ask for you. I am going to ask one of my brothers who lives alone in a nice place if he's willing to rent it out to you guys. OH, he has a cat...if you don't mind...

Ever thought of joining a personal tour guide for those areas? You might come across some good pricing that saves you rental and time, plus loads of interesting stories that makes you appreciate the places much more! I went to one...only coz i accompanied my friend fr. HK. I actually learnt and enjoyed it a lot! The tour guy drove a van for us. He was always on the outlook for animals and would stop for us to take pics. He told us historical stories and animal facts, blah blah....
Check this out. I don't know the price though...http://www.geohistorytours.com/banff-jasper-tour-info.asp

Alamo is based in USA. I guess they've expended into Canada. You really have to call lots of places to get deals. For each company, you have to call both airport # and local store #. sometimes the rates are different for the same comp! But you can request to pick up vehical anywhere! Check also if they have specials for certain creditcard holders. Consider using airmiles too. Also check your entertainment book!

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-3-10 12:25

Those houses belongs to my families. what days are you staying in May ar? How many people? I can ask ...
zuesel 發表於 2010-3-10 11:20 AM

Thank you. I will PM you for details.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-3-10 15:11

btw the new updated plan is in this newer thread:
http://www.loyaukee.com/forum/vi ... &extra=page%3D1

歡迎光臨溫哥華老友記討論區 (http://www.loyaukee.com/forum/)