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標題: Banff and Jasper in May - need suggestions [打印本頁]

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-3-8 17:22 標題: Banff and Jasper in May - need suggestions

本帖最後由布小熊於 2010-3-8 17:26 編輯

This is a continue discussion of the previous thread:
http://www.loyaukee.com/forum/vi ... 2404&extra=page%3D4
My 4 friends finally confirm some details about this trip. There will be 6 of us in total (4+me+my bf) This is the current plan:

Day 1 HKG-YVR. Spend day 1 afternoon and evening in Vancouver. Rest and have some good food.
Day 2 early flight YVR -> Calgary. Rent a van in Calgary. Drive to Banff and Lake Louise (sunday brunch if still possible) Overnight at Banff
Day 3 Drive to Peyto Lake -> hwy 93 -> ice field -> Jasper. Stay at carbine near Jasper
Day 4 Jasper National Park. Night 2 at Jasper.
Day 5 Jasper drive back to Calgary airport and fly back to Vancouver.

So I need to book 1 night of hotel in Banff or near by area. Any suggestion?

I have found a nice carbine near Jasper, I will see if I can book it. Will post review later.

How about food, any suggestion of good food for the Banff Jasper area?
We need suggestion along the way for lunch, dinner and cafe for a snack.

How about good place to buy alberta beef? We planned to do a bit of cooking at the carbine. Any good place to get them? (farmers market?)

And we may have dinner in Calgary on day 5, any suggestion for Calgary restaurant? They prob want something more Canadian than Chinese food.

Thanks!

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-3-8 17:28

Banff, u can try hotel Jupitar .. ( something like that .. )

Very nice view, u can take some nice picture in the morning.

Beef here is nice, but you are not going to tell if it is really better then BC beef ..

Calgary restaurant? price range? style? and what area you will stay?

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-3-8 17:49

回復 2# Catpiano
We are not staying in Calgary. I guess somewhere in between the hwy from Jasper to Calgary airport. Easy to park?
Price range, ~$40 per head?

作者: fibbi 時間: 2010-3-8 17:53

回復 3# 布小熊

Last time in Calgary, I went to http://www.bears-den.ca for dinner.
I like the food, but quite pricey.

Oops...just notice you said you are not staying in Calgary... so just ignore the post then...

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-3-8 17:58

回復 4# fibbi
it looks interesting. Thanks!
Since we haven't book the flight yet, we could choose to have dinner before our fight back to vancouver or not.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-3-8 18:19

Fibbi, did I suggest bears den to you as well?

I used to go there a lots, nice place, ok price, and cool deco.

Not the best food,(they are good) but really cool.

However, it is too far, and hard to go there with baby now ..

little bear, from jasper to calgary, 5 hour driving ga ..  be prepare ..  not sure what time you plan to leave jasper, you probably should have lunch in jasper, then drive back to Calgary ..

Also, Airport is in WAY NORTH EAST part of Calgary, from airport to Banff, will be 1.5 hr to 100min ... (Banff is WEST of Calgary) Good that the new RING ROAD is opened ..  you can get to freeway right the way from airport.

Calgary is also 1 hour ahead of Vancouver, not sure what time you will arrive Calgary, but Sunday bunch in Lake Louie seems not a good idea...  Sunday bunch in Banff Spring is a good idea ..  ( I may join .. lol )

作者: fibbi 時間: 2010-3-8 18:25

回復 6# Catpiano

Yes you did ar... I like bear den...and yes...it's like the middle of no where... kinda scared on the way

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-3-8 18:25

Fibbi, did I suggest bears den to you as well?

I used to go there a lots, nice place, ok price, and ...
Catpiano 發表於 2010-3-8 06:19 PM

Hey we can sure do that!
Cos I am still doing detail planning for the days. So we can do brunch then go to lake louise later in the afternoon. (hopefully warmer)

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-3-8 18:27

回復 Catpiano

Yes you did ar... I like bear den...and yes...it's like the middle of no where ...
fibbi 發表於 2010-3-8 18:25

Inside is more scary tim .. ha ha ..

Cloth little bear :

From Jasper to Calgary, you will drive from west (highway 1), so it is not far to go Bears den, (on highway 1A) It is a nice place for people from HK and Van, when I have friends visit me from Van and HK, I like to take them over.

作者: fibbi 時間: 2010-3-8 18:30

OK..this is bear den:

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-3-10 17:33

Any other Banff hotel suggestion? Hotel Jupitar has mixed reviews... The good comments were pretty promising but I just want to see if we have other options.
Thanks!

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-3-10 22:04

not much la wor ... Rim Rock is good .. but I think they are over price ...

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-8 10:35

OK! This trip... is finally confirmed! But we are still not sure on the itinerary. They some how want to shorten it to 3 days. (stay 1 night at Banff and 1 night at Jasper) And I don't think it's a good idea. I think 1 extra night can be spent either at Banff or Jasper.

So I want to converince them by listing out interesting places to go/do. Can you guys comment on the list? Have you been there and how interesting or not they are? Thank you!!!

Jasper:
Columbia Icefield
IceField Centre (1.5hr from Jasper)
Maligne Canyon - Bridge 5 is a fun suspension number that likes a good bounce. Park near 5th or 6th bridge. (may take time.. need to research on how walkable is the trail in May with possible snow/ice)
Athabasca Falls - next to Icefield parkway, easy walk from parking (spend at site ~1hr)
Mt. Edith Cavell (0.5 hr from Jasper) Walk right up and touch iceburgs.

Lake Louise:
Moraine Lake - This beautiful lake nestled in the mountains is best known for its appearance on the back of the Canadian dollar bill. Along the lake, there is a short, easy trail, which can be completed less than an hour.
Peyto Lake - 15 minute walk to the viewing point overlooking the lake. on the way to Jasper.
Moraine Lake - This beautiful lake nestled in the mountains is best known for its appearance on the back of the Canadian dollar bill.
Lake Louise
Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise - historical building. tea or just walk around
Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse - departs from the Chateau Lake Louise, and follows the lake shore for 2km before ascending 368 meters (~1200 feet) to the Teahouse. Not easy hike (??? should we do it?)

Banff:
Johnston Canyon - 30 min from Banff
Moraine Lake - Along the lake, there is a short, easy trail, which can be completed less than an hour.
Banff Spring Hotel brunch+walk around the hotel
Bow Falls - near Banff Springs Hotel.
Sulphur Mountain Gondola
Banff town
Cave and Basin National Historic Site (not very good... only if we have time in Banff town)

作者: fibbi 時間: 2010-4-8 10:39

some how...it looks like the iternary from tour agent...

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-8 10:48

some how...it looks like the iternary from tour agent...
fibbi 發表於 2010-4-8 10:39 AM

the 4 days plan?

The list isn't all the places we will go. I will keep the list with us. And start picking from the list. I think at the end, we will prob "Hae" at 1 or 2 spots of each town.
1 plan is to buy meat and BBQ at our carbin in Jasper.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-8 10:51

Also for them, I suspect these are things they really want to do:
Lake Louise, Sulphur moutain Gondola, Columbia Ice Field and Ice Field Centre.

And I think that's why they think they can "do it" in 3 days.

Most of the above point of interest are picked from tripadviser. If it's in the summer and if they are more into hiking, I will prob plan 1/2 day hike near one of the lakes and pack picnic style lunch. But... well, it will be May, so we can only do short walks to view spot that are close to parking.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-8 11:06

Jasper cabin that we are trying to rent:
http://www.alpinevillagejasper.com/accommodation-jasper.html

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-8 12:30

hahaha I just look at my list again.. some how i have Moraine Lake listed 3 times!!!

I guess I really want to go there... @ @

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-8 12:36

Not much to do in Jasper centre ... and the problem is, Jasper is app. 4 hr away from Calgary. (to me, 4 hr driving it nothing, but for people living from Vancouver and HK, 4 hr is LONG!)

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-8 13:07

Not much to do in Jasper centre ... and the problem is, Jasper is app. 4 hr away from Calgary. (to m ...
Catpiano 發表於 2010-4-8 12:36 PM

I don't think I can talk them out of going to Jasper. So might as well enjoy it there. (sit around and enjoy the view. I am really looking forward to the cabins!)

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-8 15:18

So, you can play with deer in Jasper! ( LOTS!! )

作者: news 時間: 2010-4-9 09:10

ppl in hk always think they can go arond everything within a day in hk...they dont know the distance btwn places in here..haha...llooking at your iterinary making me want to go to those places as well..ahha

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-9 10:35

It is funny .. so far, every year, when some of my friends come to visit me .. they do the .. kind of same tour .. and they like the mountain here more then Vancouver..

Don't get me wrong, I love Vancouver way better then here, cheaper food, cheaper parking, nice ocean .. but ... HK people may not care about those much, they like to see Rockie mountain.

I guess as long as you in charge of driving, they will be fine, HK people love to sleep in cars anyway .. lol

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-9 11:47

回復 23# Catpiano
yeah, I will be driving. This trip turned out to be only 4 of us.
My bf and one of my friend can't come.
I am wondering if I should rent a standard size car or a van now...

作者: zuesel 時間: 2010-4-9 13:29

You guys ever been to Waterton?
It's in Southern alberta. I went there camping and saw lots of bears. even had deers right next to our tents! that was fun! It's a beautiful little town that has a waterfall right in the middle of the town. (the waterfall looks just like the movie, Jennifer's Body). The beaches (lake) there has no sand but instead, filled with pebbles of different colors! I had to go back the 2nd time couple years ago to re-experience it.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-9 13:35

You guys ever been to Waterton?
It's in Southern alberta. I went there camping and saw lots of bears ...
zuesel 發表於 2010-4-9 01:29 PM

Waterton sounds wonderful! It's definately on my to go list. Since my bf can't go this time, we may plan a week long camping trip to the Rockies next year or so.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-9 14:28

Yee .. your bf is not coming ..

So .. 4 of you .. all girls ???

作者: chankt 時間: 2010-4-11 17:14

本帖最後由 chankt 於 2010-4-11 17:16 編輯

Just a few tips...

Did you include the National Park entry fee in your budget?
BANFF NATIONAL PARK
e.g. 1-day entry fee is vaild till 16:00 the next day

Speed limit in National Parks are 90km/h. The sign mean what it posted; cops are around.

No cell phone reception (whatever GSM, CDMA as of August 2009) along Highway 93 (5km north of Highway 1 junction to 8 km south of Highway 16 junction), be prepared.

Always pre-trip your car before hit the road EVERYDAY.

Fill-up at Banff before going West along Highway 1. There are 2 gas stations at Lake Louise but don't depend on them; gas sold out fast (or their tanks are too small).

There is a gas station at Saskatchewan Crossing (Junction of Highway 93 and 11, about mid-way between Lake Louise and Jasper). Good place for washroom break but not for coffee and gas; $1.40/L while Golden, BC is $0.99/L.

Cafeteria in Columbia Icefield Centre is a rip-off; plan ahead.

Canadian Rockies almost every week last Summer

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-11 17:23

Fabbi .. did u get lost inside Bears dan?

Even I have been there so many times .. still hardly remember where the washroom is .. lol

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-11 20:08

回復 28# chankt
thank you for the tips!

where do they charge the entry fee? We plan to be in banff and lake louise the first day. Then banff -> jasper plus ice-field 2nd day and still deciding to stay in Jasper or in Banff on the 3rd. Wonder how much fee for the 3 days.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-11 20:49

The ice field restaurant is actually not bad ..  chinese food, somehow better then Calgary!  LOL  (but expensive compare to Van or HK)

Steak is actually not too bad .. ~ $30 ..  same as most place.

The "road fee" is very little ..  like $15 .. something like that .. ( I got yr pass, so not sure now)

Speed limit part .. is same as BC mountain anyway .. however, ALBERTA RCMP is not the same as BC, they are so so so CHEAP!  (Alberta RCMP issue more tickets then anywhere in NA.)

Gas station part is weird ... as most small town or out of area gas price is higher, but not that much higher, may be 10 cent, but in general, gas price is cheaper in Alberta then B.C.

No cell phone and no radio is pain in the butts ..  if you are with Telus, slightly better ...

LOL

No worry, piece of cake, and straight forward, only thing you need to worry is WEATHER ..

Again, it could be sunny and warm in Banff, but then snow like crazy in Peyto lake, then sunny in icefield ..

Even sunny when you ARRIVE icefield, but when you take those BIG WHEEL cart toward the inner part of ice field, could be SNOW/COLD.

Prepare PL and ND filter for your camera!!!!  ( CND is better )

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-11 21:29

Prepare PL and ND filter for your camera!!!! ( CND is better )
Catpiano 發表於 2010-4-11 08:49 PM

can you give me more info on the filters? I need to get them before i go.. I don't even have the screen protector... or cleaning cloth...etc.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-11 23:05

cleaning cloth ... see dan la.. use your glasses cloth ..

U hv time .. just go online or whatever shop to buy CPL and ND .. ( good for snow pic )

作者: fibbi 時間: 2010-4-11 23:43

回復 29# Catpiano

Huh? More like I feel get lost on the way to Bear Dan...it seems so remote location...And at least 1 hour to get there from downtown.

Washroom? Ask the server lor....

作者: B2L2 時間: 2010-4-12 10:36

回復 chankt
thank you for the tips!

where do they charge the entry fee? We plan to be in banff a ...
布小熊發表於 2010-4-11 20:08

If you're driving from Calgary towards Banff, there are toll booths on HWY 1 to pay the National Park fee. You wouldn't miss them (the right-most lane is a pass thru lane if you already have the pass or not going to stay in the park). For the fee, read this:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Trave ... ark.Entry.Fees.html

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-12 10:39

回復 Catpiano

Huh? More like I feel get lost on the way to Bear Dan...it seems so remote loc ...
fibbi 發表於 2010-4-11 23:43

Downtown to Bear dan, will be within 30 min la... unless you leave downtown in peak hour .. ( ~ 5 )

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-12 12:00

oh....
Moraine Lake : Road closes any time from the beginning of October onwards and opens in late May. Road is a cross-country ski trail in winter.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Trave ... inter.Closures.html

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-12 16:38

回復 33# Catpiano
Are Hoya CPL filter better or Tiffen? Opteka?

I have 2 kit lenses, should I get 2 CPL or set a step up ring?
Read that: 18-55 has a 52mm thread. the 55-300 has a 58mm thread

so I need to 4 filters in total for 2 lenses??

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-12 17:42

TIFFEN??  ng dim ga ...

Hoya la...

You probably only need CPL for the wide angle lens ( 18-55 )  and they are cheap ..  ( 52 mm )

CPL ... doesn't matter what brand ....

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-12 23:49

回復 39# Catpiano

thank you!

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-26 10:12

本帖最後由布小熊於 2010-4-26 10:15 編輯

Almost time for the trip!! Things are coming into shape (roughly) and I finally got accomdation and car rental figured out (my first time using priceline... so wish me luck). Let me share some info the trip here. I will prob post some pictures and review after my trip.

Day 1, Sat
- early morning flight from Vancouver to Banff (arrive around 10:30 and pick up rental car)
- Calgary to Banff
- Banff Springs Hotel (Bow Valley Grill Brunch buffet do they have it on Sat??) and then walk around the hotel (castle)
- Sulphur Moutain Gondola
- Check in Hidden Ridge Resort (apartment style room for 4 with Kitchen)
- Hang out in Banff town and dinner (pick up items for breakfast, snack, drinks on the way)
- Back to hotel (hot tub/rest)

Day 2, Sun
- Get up early and eat breakfast in room
- Drive through Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise area
- Moraine Lake (dollar bill) if the road is open, if not skip this
- Lake Louise. Try to be there before all the tour groups arrive. Wonder around lake and the Chateau
- Lunch at Lake Louise area
- trails around lake louise or other possible easy to get to scenic sites (get info from tourist info centre on day 1)
- Drive back on Bow Valley Parkway (sunset for wildlife)
- Drop by Johnston Canyon if not too late (if Moraine lake road is closed, do this before heading to lake louise)
- Dinner in Banff (or BBQ at resort if allow to use)

Day 3, Mon
- 1 group check out, another group pick up lunch at WildFlour Bakery
- fill up gas then head to Peyto Lake
- ice-field parkway
- Columbia Ice-field in the afternoon + ice field centre
- check in (new delux suite at Patricia Lake Bungalows)
- Walk around Jasper Town. Take out or dine in dinner (North Face Pizza back hote room is my current plan)
- Back to cabin/bungalows area hope to see animals

Day 4, Tue
- Check out
- Breakfast and pickup lunch at Bear's Paw Bakery
- Mt. Edith Cavell + Athabasca Falls (picnic lunch somewhere)
- Drive back to Calgary Thro ice-field parkway
- Dinner in Calgary
- late night flight back to Vancouver

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-26 12:20

Aiya .. I usually go to Spring hotel for bunch on Sun ..  I think they offer sat bunch too, check their website la..

But they just rise the price to $42, from $38. Not much different, but kind of weird, when everyone is dropping their price ..  Still cheaper then bunch in Calgary, but food is just SO SO.

Gondola is good, IF THE WEATHER is nice ..  just $20 per person isn't cheap .. (still better value then suspension bridge .. lol)

Break in hotel room?  you can go to Macdonald for breakfast, and there is a nice japanese restaurant, call "Teriyaki house" ( something like that ) they offer great late night menu!! (after 9)

Again, good luck with the weather, we just turn on our air cond a week ago, (~ 28 degree) and it was snowing like crazy during the weekend .. (yes, and I am sick again..

)

Most the time, when I take friends to Banff etc, need to take them there 2 or 3 times!!!

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-26 12:25

Aiya .. I usually go to Spring hotel for bunch on Sun .. I think they offer sat bunch too, check th ...
Catpiano 發表於 2010-4-26 12:20 PM

Yeah wish us luck on the weather. If weather is REALLY bad, we may have to stay in the car most of the time.
I make/eat breakfast in the hotel room/rental apartment often. It's easy, poach or boil eggs, toast, cereals, granola, yogurt, fruits, juice, coffee. ^_^
Since there are 4 of us, we can take turn using the bathroom and getting food ready.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-26 13:05

Wow .. u make breakfast!

You havn't told us .. 4 girls total? ^_^

Well, make sure your HK friends will bring some thick jackets ..

My experience, HK people scare of cold so much .. even 0 degree, they will wear DOWN JACKET ...

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-26 13:13

But they just rise the price to $42, from $38. Not much different, but kind of weird, when everyone is dropping their price .. Still cheaper then bunch in Calgary, but food is just SO SO.Catpiano 發表於 2010-4-26 12:20 PM

Hey, CP!! Do you mean that food at Banff Spring Hotel bunch buffet is just "SO SO"??
If so, we may not eat there. May be eat somwhere near by and just walk around the hotel.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-26 13:26

Food is "SO SO" but already good in Alberta standard ..

However, it is the enironment ... ^_^

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-26 13:41

回復 46# Catpiano
ic ic.
let me ask my friends if they want to pay $42 + tax for the environment.

May be we will have tea/lunch there if it costs less and still enjoy the env.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-26 13:59

Like I said .. try Jupitor ( spell something like that )

Since u can always walk in to the Spring hotel anyway .... (a must visit )

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-26 14:30

回復 48# Catpiano
o! Jupitor has good lunch?! That's great.
We didn't end up staying there because they don't have room for 4 adults. So if we get 2 rooms, it's a bit expensive.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-26 14:39

回復 49# 布小熊

The Juniper Bistro menu looks good! Guess we will have lunch there!
http://www.thejuniper.com/Dining/Menus/tabid/85/Default.aspx

作者: zuesel 時間: 2010-4-28 10:38

本帖最後由 zuesel 於 2010-4-28 10:41 編輯

Bear Bear. To be honest with you, nothing really great around Banff for food. Vancouver is much better!
The buffet at Banff Springs is good value for the money and has great view but it's not the best though.

However, there's are a couple that's a bit different. They serve "yeah mei" - wild meats. People say it's good but i've never tried. (read up some reviews la)

There's really only one main strip in Banff, so while you are walking around you will see them anyway.

Grizzly House Restaurant - banffgrizzlyhouse.com
207 Banff Avenue, Banff - (403) 762-4055
"The cheese fondue was delicious but the best ..."

Bison Mountain Bistro & General Store The - www.thebison.ca
208 Bear Street, Banff - (403) 762-5550
"I was particularly impressed by the consistent ..."

Hope your trip to my home province is fun and memorable! Let's go camping again when you return la!

79 reviews, directions, reservations, and more »

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-29 10:30

回復 51# zuesel
Thank you!
Yeah I read a lot of reviews. I think we may try Bison for dinner.

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-4-29 13:06

本帖最後由 Catpiano 於 2010-4-29 13:07 編輯

As Zue said, food in Banff (or Calgary) is just so so ..

Unless you are STEAK FANS .. most the steak house, ( ie: Keg ) their steak are good.

By the way .. just got 5 inch snow last night .. was crazy .. and will keep on snowing for a while ... LOL

Welcome to the stupid "HEART OF WESTERN CANADA"

( I couldn't laugh everytime, when I see the mayor of Calgary, or whoever calgarian keeps calling Calgary is the HEART of Western Canada, and keep calling Calgary the best city of Canada! B.S.!

)

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-4-29 14:19

Dont' worry... (I am worry ok... ) we try to be mentally prepared as possible. Worst case, we will loose the 1 nite accomdation in Jasper (cos that's non-refundable) and get stuck in Banff. And we stay in the car and watch the snowy mountain.
And yeah, We will try to eat more steak/games in AB and fancy fine dine back in Vancouver. I will try my best to steer them away from Chinese or Asian food.

作者: 布小熊 時間: 2010-5-25 10:37

Came back from my Banff + Jasper trip! It was fun and we had some good food. I will post a trip report soon. Weather was very good and road to Moraine Lake was opened just one day before we got there. Both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise were frozen but they are still beautiful. (in a different way) We saw some animals along Bow Valley Parkway as well!
Thanks for everyone's help!

作者: fibbi 時間: 2010-5-25 22:46

回復 55# 布小熊

Welcome back! And looking forward to your review!

作者: Catpiano 時間: 2010-5-25 22:48

Yeah .. good!!

Not that warm last week or so, but at least, not snowing ..

^_^

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