Wanderer2 Loc: Colorado Rocky Mountains

<<Glacial lakes are turquoise blue and magnificent!>>

I've always felt they are closer to an emerald green. Whatever it is, they are indeed magnificent, perhaps so magnificent they are difficult to describe! :o)

Larry J

My wife and I did the trip on the Rocky Mountianeer....Jasper, Camloops, Banff, Whistler and Lake Louise...Could not recommend it more

Golden Rule Loc: Washington State

Lovely! We were planning a Sept. trip for 2017 but the smoke was too thick and I didn't want to be disappointed with the photo outcomes. You certainly went at a beautiful time of year!

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

I can't imagine not driving it, as there are so many places to pull off and take photos. I'll echo some of the previous comments: Do not miss the drive and walk up to the Peyto Lake overlook- one of the most beautiful places on the Icefields Parkway. Moraine Lake is a must stop, as is Lake Louise. When you leave Banff, don't take highway 1 initially (the Trans Canada Highway), instead take 1A to Lake Louise. It parallels 1, but is a "smaller" road with opportunities to see wildlife. Make a day of it and have an early dinner in Jasper before driving back to Banff. The days are long in the summer, but try to make the drive back to Banff during daylight. You will enjoy the different perspective you get going the other way. The next (second) time we go, we will also go to Maligne Lake, as it looks spectacular. I think we're going to drive from Whistler to Jasper (about an hour from Maligne Lake) and spend two or three days in and around Jasper before driving the Icefields Parkway to Banff. From Banff, you're only about a half day drive from Waterton-Glacier National Parks (we stayed in Whitefish MT), which are not to be missed. The time we went to Banff, we went from Kelowna BC (the Okanagan- a beautiful area) and the drive to Banff is probably the most beautiful highway drive we've ever driven. Go and enjoy yourself!

Brian in Whitby Loc: Whitby, Ontario, Canada

Allow plenty of time. Then triple it. Banff is more than just a town site. The entire park will take days to see even if you limit yourself to the places accessible by car. Jasper likewise. The town of Banff is very commercialized and touristy; Jasper much less so. Be sure to drive up Mount Edith Cavell and get a close up view of the face of a glacier. You will have a long walk because it has retreated so for in recent years. I suggest you do some advance scouting on Google earth to get an idea of the scale of these parks

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

I spent 13 days in the Canadian Rockies (from Canmore to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper, Yoho Park in BC, and back south of Canmore) a few years ago and did a series of posts here on UHH covering the areas I traveled to. While my images may not measure up to promotional brochures, they may be helpful to you in identifying areas that you would want to include in your own itinerary. Also, these posts may show how much ground you can cover with 11 days on the ground plus two for travel. Click on my name, and on my user page click on 'number of topics created (369)', then start at page 7 with posts starting with the title "Canadian Rockies Trip". I think there were 29 in all, ending on page 6. I would be happy to share lodging and location tips with you if you want to send me a personal message. This was a second trip to the Canadian Rockies and I would go again at the drop of a hat! You're in for a wonderful adventure.

cascoly Loc: seattle

both are among the range of colors (and lighting) you can find depending on the glacial debris & silt supplying the lake - in Nepal the Dudh Khosi is named for its milky color

LeeK Loc: Washington State

Golly. Everyone has been so helpful and informative. I really thank you all. It will all help me make final plans. Although those are going to be loose so we can play it my ear. At least I do have a list of 'must dos' that I will try to get to. I have a feeling that I'll want to go back with my husband and take a leisurely road trip, just like we love.

DickC Loc: NE Washington state

You won't be disappointed, lots of great photo ops up there!!

mizzee Loc: Boston,Ma

Use the bus tour to scout where you want to go in the rental car. Put a helicopter tour on your list. The rental car is a must so that you can stop for all the wildlife you'll see. Yes to adding Jasper and don't cut yourself short on the length of your stay. It's a magnificent area, we loved our time there. Bring or rent a good wide angle lens and the zoom of your choice. Lake Louise at sunrise is absolutely spectacular. High tea at Chateau Louise is an experience if you get a bad shooting day. I'm so jealous! Have fun and bring fleece.

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

There are disadvantages to using the bus tour(s). You are tied to their schedule, you arrive with a crowd, you can't leave when you want, and can't stay as long as you want in a particular area. You will also pass many areas you will wish you to explore/photograph, but can't. Be sure to read up on all of the National Parks in that area, there are at least 5, plus the Providential parks. Go to the top of the UHH page, click on the 'Search', and enter "Canadian Rockies", or Google the individual parks, for ideas.
I keep a folder in my computer titled 'Photo tips', I use to store 'Trip tips' to places I find interesting, with individual files for a particular state or area, and would like to visit. I also use it to store tips for anything photography with a descriptive file name. Examles: 'Trip tip Oregon', or Nikon D850, or whatever! I will often 'copy and paste' web site addresses in the files, for future reference.

LeeK Loc: Washington State

If you are still watching, thanks again for all your advice and information. I will be limited to the amount of time I will be there, but with the help you have all given, I'm sure my sister and I will see some absolutely beautiful scenery and I'll have fun taking pictures and more pictures.