runyanp

Thanks so much Bobby, do you have some place in the middle to recommend? Right now the most economical places to stay are in Harvey Heights area. Haven't found anywhere north of that yet, any suggestions appreciated.

Bobby123

I stayed at Sunwapta Falls Lodge. They have their own restaurant and a gift shop (of course). I drove through Jasper up to Maligne Lake and back easily in a day and it gave me a home base to shoot the rest of the Icefields Parkway. It's not like staying at the Four Seasons but it's perfectly fine. They have cabins that have two or three separate rooms and I stayed in one of them. There aren't a lot of places to stay along the way. They may tell you their wifi only works sometimes but it worked well, albeit a little slowly, for me. It is right along the road so you can't miss it. That's my best recommendation unless you want to stay at one end of the highway or the other.

National Park

Do you hike? There are many beautiful trails with beautiful views, such as the Plain of the Seven Glaciers, Sentinel Pass, etc.

tovie

On the Icefields Highway, stop en-route at Bow Lake. If the sun is right, you can get a marvelous shot of the mountains and their reflection on the lake. Have a great trip.

cahale Loc: San Angelo, TX

Just stop anywhere there is a turnout or wide enough road to do so. You won't be disappointed. And take some of the side roads.

runyanp

Thank you!

cptiger Loc: Englewood, FL

cptiger Loc: Englewood, FL

This was a pretty hike off the Bow Valley Parkway, I think!

runyanp

Thanks for the info!

charlesjohnson

I second the recommendation for Bow Summit. It is one of the most spectacular overlooks I have ever seen.

Tracy B. Loc: Indiana

Lake Louise is Stunning!

JoeLadendorf

Having spent 2 weeks in that area a few years ago, I can tell you my favorite locations. We stayed at the Fairmont in Lake Louise for 3 days, but is certainly not budget lodging. Personally, the extra cost is worth being able to step out and catch sunrise at this iconic location. Victoria Glacier lights up at the far end of the lake if you get lucky. In the same area, Moraine Lake is the most beautiful single landscape I’ve ever experienced. When I went, there was no shuttle bus required. I think that has changed now. Not sure of the details. The Bow Valley Parkway runs along the Bow River from Lake Louise to Banff. We drove this road several times and were able to photograph several black bears and a grizzly between the parkway and the forest. Vermillion Lakes is a series of small lakes just west of the town of Banff. Rundle Mountain is reflected in the lakes. I found sunrise to be best. Our last day there, I went to Two Jack Lake for sunrise. Again, a great reflection of Rundle Mountain to the east and a beautiful sunrise. Those are highlights but you can’t go wrong anywhere up there!

runyanp

Thanks so much for the info!

joyful4him85 Loc: Florida

You can't go wrong in the Banff/Jasper area for wildlife and landscapes. You might also check out Peter Lougheed Provincial Park (full of lovely things too with less crowds...at times). Harvey Heights will work well for Banff (as would anyplace in Canmore...little longer drive, but easy access and more stores, dining, etc.). I always book an Airbnb type place myself. Harvey Heights is a little far to consider as a good base camp for Jasper imo as you'll eat up the day on the Icefield Parkway stopping to gawk here, there, and everywhere! Make sure you have bear spray with you at ALL times. I saw a dozen grizzlies/black bears just along the road in less than a 2 mile stretch around 6 pm one evening on the Parkway. They are definitely out there (as are moose and other fun critters)! If you can make it to Lake O'Hara area in Yoho...you will find a little bit of heaven. I've never been able to book the bus in, so I've had no choice but to walk in 7 miles, walk out 7 miles, and then did my hiking in that area for the day. Absolutely stunning if you're up for it! Lots of gorgeous stuff in this part of Canada...but it's gotten really crowded over the last few years which has been disappointing at times if you're looking for peace and solitude as I am. The longer the trail (and the earlier you hit it), the fewer people you'll have to deal with though, so keep that in mind and train up!

runyanp

Thanks so much! Am thinking of skipping Lake Louise and Moraine Lake because of the crowds. I am from Michigan and my friend is from Missouri, so all the mountains will look big to us. Cannot find an economical place to stay in the center of the park, do you think having a place at Jasper part of the time and Harvey Heights the rest of the time will work? Any Jasper accommodations you can recommend?