There aren't nearly as many accommodations in the Jasper area as there are around Banff so you'll want to book something more quickly in that area. I've stayed at modest hotels in Jasper in the past, but none that I can really recommend. You may find your choices already quite limited at this point, so don’t wait too long. I personally find the hiking and scenery more spectacular in the Banff area, so I typically only stay in Jasper for a short time and set up a base camp in the Canmore area and just drive between that area and trails along the Icefield Parkway, Banff, Peter Lougheed, Yoho, and Kootenay. The exception to that rule is Mount Robson Provincial Park, which has one of my favorite Canadian hikes to Berg Lake. Unfortunately, the best parts of that hike remain closed due to flooding a few years ago, so keep it on your list for future trips! Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are quite zoo-like, but if you can get up and get going really early, you can still embark on some trails in the Lake Louise area without a reservation. Moraine Lake requires a bus ride (no exceptions for arriving early), and I just hate being tied to a clock when I'm hiking, so I haven’t been back to hike that area since personal vehicles were banned. It’s a shame, because there are some tremendous hikes in that area. While both of those lakes are gorgeous, if you’ve never been in the area, I think you’ll find many sights that will take your breath away. The mountains are simply stunning and your camera will get a workout for sure. I don’t know if you are into hiking, but if you are, there are lots of gorgeous things that can be accessed without too much difficulty. Of course, the more effort you’re willing to put in, the more beauty you'll have access to. You are correct that there’s very little to choose from midway between Banff and Jasper. I would try to rough out what I’d like to see in Jasper, book those nights on the front or back end, and then base the rest of my time out of Harvie Heights or Canmore (and do consider vacation rentals...they're often much cheaper than hotels). If you are in the town of Banff, don’t forget to check out the Cascades of Time Gardens if you love floral photography – they’re free and really nice!
Thanks so much. I was thinking of spending more time in the Jasper area in hopes of less crowds, but the VRBO in Harvie Heights is the most economical. Really hoping for a lot of wildlife, I'm guessing more in the Jasper area. Our hiking is limited to a mile or two because of bad knees and old age. Trying to get the best photos from shorter hikes. I really appreciate all the suggestions you've given me!
I understand about the knees and age. I think you’ll find a lot of things that are very photograph-worthy just driving along the Icefield Parkway. Here’s a link to a play-by-play so to speak of the Parkway drive…
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/jasper/visit/depliants-brochures/parkwayand this site gives a little more info on some of those things.
https://www.elitejetsetter.com/guide-driving-icefields-parkway/ As I mentioned, I prefer the mountains and views on the Banff side of Alberta, but there are many lovely things in the Jasper area as well. The hiking is easier in that area, though there are some challenging trails there as well. If you’re going for the ooh-aah factor…there’s more of it to the south in my opinion, but I don’t think you can go wrong anywhere in the area. Even if you don’t venture far on trails, do take the bear spray warning seriously. It’s not like the U.S….there are lots and lots of bears, primarily grizzlies. There are even a few trails where you have mandatory group sizes that must be maintained because of the bear threat (but those are longer in length, so shouldn’t impact you). None of this is meant to scare you…I’ve hiked there many years and done many hundreds of miles of trails without incident – but I make sure the bears know I’m there. You want to enjoy the beauty of the area and the wildlife, but hike safely. I talked with a guy who collects data from some of the wildlife cameras in the area and he assured me that even though I’d never had a run in on the trail, many bears had seen me! They take the path of least resistance (meaning the trails) and move on and off as they smell/hear hikers coming, so as much as you want to see them, save that for the safety of your car, haha! I got surprised by a bear that intersected my path at my townhouse this past trip (in Whistler)...so be mindful of them, even when you aren't in the woods!
I haven’t been to Jasper for a few years, so I can’t speak specifically to crowds there, but in the past, there were fewer people than the Banff and Lake Louise area. I just spent 2 weeks in the Banff area in September during larch season, and I found the weekends pretty crazy for popular trails, but the weekdays quite manageable if you’re early on the scene. So early to bed and early to rise should result in an enjoyable time, especially mid-week. So popular trails mid-week, and leave those less popular trails for the weekends! You may need to check on snow as you're planning, because June is a little earlier in the season than I’ve been, and that might affect some of your access as well. And finally, very early morning is a wonderful time to catch wildlife and foggy/misty conditions…I highly recommend it! That’s when I’ve seen moose, fox, wolves, etc. Any other questions…don’t hesitate to ask!
Early morning also gives you those beautiful lake reflections with a nice warm glow, without the wind messing it up!
Early morning isn't a problem, but with the long days it might be hard to get both sunsets and sunrises without a nap! Thank you so much for all the information. May have found more reasonable lodging at Patricia Lake near Jasper.
Ah, yes...the sunrises are quite early and the sunsets are very late in Canada at that time of year so naps may definitely be in order, haha! Patricia Lake is a great area to stay in around Jasper because you're still close to everything you'll need, but you're out of the main hubbub (not that there's much hubbub there). Sounds like things are shaping up well! For wildlife around Jasper I've seen grizzlies at the Valley of the Five Lakes trail trailhead (had to wait for them to mosey on), moose around Annette Lake, lots of elk along the roads in the area, and big-horned sheep (and they can get ornery by the way...look up and listen for falling pebbles). I've seen a lot of different wildlife in Alberta over the years...wolverines, ermine, mountain goats, etc, so keep your eyes and ears open, and you might be pleasantly surprised. Early morning and dusk are among the best times for a chance at spotting critters. Always have that camera ready...but enjoy it first and foremost for yourself. God's creation is pretty magnificent!
Thanks so much for all the information!
My pleasure...have a great trip!
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