Banff – Overland For Good

BANFF CAMPGROUND: Tunnel Mountain Village 1

May 29, 2020May 30, 2020 Keri Lostetter Banff, Campsites

With a beautiful view of Sulphur Mountain with lots of tree cover makes for a cozy mountain spot.

We chose Tunnel Mountain Village 1 Campground because Tunnel Mountain 2 was closed for repair. I read a lot of reviews and it seems that 2 is better than 1. However, we loved Tunnel Mountain 1, and would stay their again. Again, I read reviews on the best spot and it seemed that site C50 was one of the only spots out of the trees where you could see the mountains, and they were right. It was one of the larger ones as well. We would recommend it to anyone! Canada also requires you to pay a fire wood charge of $9 and that allows you to take as much wood from their pile as you would like. Yes that’s $9 for endless firewood. However it is only allowed to stay in the campground you got it from so bugs and other items do not spread into other forests. Great idea Canada!

While we were there one of the loops in the campground were closed due to bear activity. So always be Bear Aware.

Once again Alberta parks seriously have it going on.

COST:

$25/night – tent site +1 time fee of $9 for firewood.

$38/night – electrical hookups

AMENITIES:

It is an unserviced campground that has a little more traditional camping experience, as well as mountain views, fire pits for cooking, and access to hiking and biking trails. This campground has options to suit many camping preferences, and has a limited number of large campsites available.

618 unserviced sites – not all sites have fire pits. Reservations recommended
Flush toilets, showers, fire pits and firewood, smoke-free areas, sani-dump, theatre and interpretive programs.

LOCATION/ DETAILS:

Banff, AB, T1L 1C3

Located in close proximity to the Town of Banff.

GPS COORDINATES:

51.1915, -115.5202

RESERVATION: / BOOKING/ WHERE TO BOOK

Click Here: Parks Canada Reservation Service

We booked our campground sites in July when we went in September, so if you don’t have to plan too far in advance.

FAVORITE CAMPGROUND APPS/ SITES

You can take a look at what is around you and choose a campground or wild camp for free. These 2 apps are great. (ioverlander is best for international and wild camp travel)

iOverlander

CAMPENDIUM

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Click here to return to our Complete Guide to Banff and Jasper National Park

LETS GO

JOHNSON CANYON HIKE

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 Keri Lostetter Adventures, Banff, Car Camping, Hikes, National Park

Take a catwalk with the steep walls of the canyon jutting high above you and the deep blue pools of the creek far below.

Carved steeply into the limestone bedrock by thousands of years of water erosion, the dramatic Johnston Canyon is a must-visit natural attraction in Banff National Park. Overhanging canyon walls, waterfalls, the deep pools of Johnston Creek, and lush forest are sure to leave a memorable impression. And it can all be experienced via an easy hike along smooth trails and catwalks, making it ideal for families and people of all ages.

It’s amazing how much varied scenery you see over the course of the very short 1.7 mile hike.

We hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

LENGTH:

3.5 MILE ROUNDTRIP OR TO THE INK POTS FOR AN ADDITIONAL 3.6 MILES
Time to reach lower falls 30 minutes, 1.1 km one way, elevation gain of 30 meters.
Time to reach upper falls, one hour , 2.6 km’s one way, elevation gain of 120 meters.
Return trip going to both lower and upper falls allow 2 to 2.5 hours.

TRAIL DETAILS:

The trail to the lower falls covers minimal elevation as it works its way through the forest. It then takes you over catwalks alongside Johnston creek and up into the canyon above the rushing waters below. As the trail approaches the lower falls the first site that comes into view is a deep pool that has been created by the plunging water. A bridge crossing the creek serves as an excellent viewing spot, but there is another platform that sits within meters of the falls. To get to it you have to go through a tunnel in the canyon bedrock. Don’t be surprised if you and your camera get misted with water.

The trail to the upper falls covers more elevation as it climbs its through the forest and out of the lower canyon. It works its way back towards the creek and offers several scenic viewpoints, like this small set of cascading waterfalls. There are two viewing areas. The first is accessed by a catwalk that leads to a viewing platform looking across to the bottom of the falls. The other viewing area can be reached by taking a steeper trail to a platform overhanging the gorge. It looks across to the top of the falls that drop a dramatic 40 meters.

The Trail To The Ink Pots Beyond The Upper Falls

The Ink Pots consist of several pools made up of greenish coloured mineral springs that bubble to the surface. If you have time, carry on to the Ink Pots to leave the crowds behind you and get some solitude. From the upper falls the trail is a moderate climb out of the canyon for 3 km’s through the forest. It opens up to a meadow where the Ink Pots sit. The hike from the upper falls to the Ink Pots takes approximately one hour.

The Ink Pots are also accessible via Moose Meadows. This route completely bypasses the Johnston Canyon Trails. The trail head is located 1.4 km’s west of Johnston Canyon on the Bow Valley Parkway. It is 5.9 km’s one with an elevation gain of 215 meters. Allow 4 hours round trip.

TIPS FOR HIKING:

The trail has a lot of shaded areas, it can get cool even in summer months, dress in layers to adjust to the temperature as needed.
Pack drinking water and a snack

LOCATION

Johnston Canyon is located 25 kilometres (around 30 minutes’ drive) from the town of Banff and 33 kilometres from Lake Louise on the Bow Valley Highway.

The hiking trail starts at the northern end of the parking lot, right behind Johnston Canyon Lodge.

GPS COORDINATES

51.245748, -115.839925

AMENITIES:

There are washrooms at the parking lot, and a gift shop and restaurant open during summer at the Johnston Canyon Resort.

We promised the kids ice cream or a popsickle after the hike, and turns out they received it at the very end. Their was a cute little gift shop and tiny bar stool restaurant at the end of the hike. It was perfect and unexpected.

The trail to the Lower Falls is stroller and wheelchair accessible – after that there are a few steps.

GEAR CLOTHING WE NEEDED

JOHNSON CANYON GALLERY

BACK TO:

Click here to return to our Complete Guide to Banff and Jasper National Park

LETS GO

MORAINE LAKE – VALLEY OF THE TEN PEAKS

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 Keri Lostetter Adventures, Banff, Car Camping, Hikes, National Park

Sit lakeside and absorb the sights and pure mountain air, or explore further by canoeing and hiking. It’s an iconically jaw-dropping place that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

And guess what is the best part about it? No hike required. Park and Walk up – It’s located 8.7 miles outside the Village of Lake Louise. An absolute must see if you’re going to travel along the Ice Field Parkway.

If you ARE looking for a good hike – there are 5 main hikes starting at the lake. (Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail, Eiffel Lake, Wenkchemna Pass, Larch Valley, and Sentinel Pass) We hope to do those one day! This time we just took in its beauty and took portraits of each other that still hang on our walls today. Memories.

WHEN TO GO:

It is best to go and be there before 10am, because the parking lot feels up. However it is pretty busy during peak season…we went in early September and tried to go twice but the road kept saying closed. Turns out once the parking lot fills up, they don’t allow anyone else up to drive up. It’s best to arrive before 11am or after 5pm for the road to be open easy.

The road to Moraine Lake is closed during the winter due to heavy snowfall and high avalanche risk. Depending on the conditions, the road opens sometime between the third week of May and the first week of June and closes in October after the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend (the second Monday in October).

COST

FREE – Just park and walk

Canoe Rentals: $70/ hour

You’re also not allowed to put in your own canoe here. You do have to rent them at this lake.

THINGS TO DO:

HIKING
- There are several hikes around the lake ranging from accessible walks to more strenuous hikes. The Rockpile Trail is an easy and short path with switchbacks along the back of the moraine to the top of the natural dam. The vista from the top is known as the “Twenty Dollar View”, as the scene featured on the back of Canadian twenty dollar bills issued between 1969 and 1979.
- Venturing further afield offers solitude from the crowds and a different perspective of the lake and its craggy surrounds. Other trails to explore include Moraine Lake Lakeshore Trail, Eiffel Lake, Wenkchemna Pass, Larch Valley, and Sentinel Pass. In the fall the larches light up in rich shades of yellow, gold, and orange and paint a surreal backdrop for a hike.
- During times of high grizzly bear activity there are hiking restrictions in place for many of the trails in the Moraine Lake area. Learn more from the Parks Canada website.

CANOEING
- Can I Bring My Own Canoe Or Kayak To Use At Lake Louise?
  - Yes, you can use your own canoe or kayak at Lake Louise or any of the lakes or rivers within Banff National Park. There’s no public boat launch at Lake Louise. You will have to carry your canoe from the government parking lot area and launch it from shore of the lake. Parks Canada offers more information on paddling in the parks.

LOCATION

It is about a 40 minute drive from Banff to Lake Louise. (80 minutes if you want the scenic route: Bow Valley route 1A.)

From Lake Louise Village, located just off the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), drive uphill on Lake Louise Drive until you see the access road for Moraine Lake on your left. Follow the winding road for 11 kilometres (6.8 miles) to the parking area.

BACK TO:

Click here to return to our Complete Guide to Banff and Jasper National Park

LETS GO

ATHABASCA GLACIER TOUR: Columbia Ice Explorer & Skywalk

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 Keri Lostetter Adventures, Banff, Car Camping, Hikes, Jasper National Park, National Park

Travel on a massive Ice Explorer to a place where you can walk on, feel and drink from the Athabasca Glacier. Then, take a jaw-dropping walk along the glass-floored Skywalk at the cliff’s edge.

If you’ve seen our other posts then you know that we’re normally not the “tour” tourist. We tend to stay with the free hikes, but Banff and Jasper have these amazing packages that include some pretty cool site seeing that we just couldn’t turn down. Part of our Brewster Package was the COLUMBIA ICE EXPLORER. This giant Ice Explorer takes you up on the Athabasca Glacier! You get to walk on this amazing glacier that you’ve been seeing for miles!

And we of course has to have a snow ball fight!

COST

We purchased the JASPER ULTIMATE EXPLORER COMBO PACKAGE from Brewster Pursuit which included: Maligne Lake Cruise, Ice Glacier Explorer, Sky Walk, and the Banff Gondola.

The Total cost for all 4 excursions was $552 for all 4 of us. Which came to $184 /per adult and $92 per kid, however if you divide that by 4 excursions then it comes to $46 per person per excursion.

Ala Carte Pricing For both Ice Explorer and Skywalk.

Around $100/ adults and $50 per child.

If you are short on time or only want to do the Sky Walk it is $30/ per person. However, for $20 more you might as well do the Glacier. It was the best part! I think $30 is too expensive for just the Skywalk. Just our opinion.

LENGTH

The Columbia Icefield Adventure (including the Columbia Icefield Skywalk) tours departs every 15 to 30 minutes throughout the daily hours of operation.

The adventure lasts approx. 2.5 to 3 hours round-trip.

You’ll learn how glaciers are formed and see other incredible geological features. The Glacier Adventure operates from mid April to mid October inclusive (weather permitting). Tours depart every 15 minutes so that makes timing really nice!

LOCATION

The Glacier Discovery Centre, located on the boundary of Banff and Jasper National Parks, offers interpretive exhibits, interpretive scenic walks, self guided trails, dining room, cafeteria, gift shop and over night accommodation. A perfect midway adventure on the Icefield Parkway!

GLACIER EXPLORER GALLERY

SKY WALK GALLERY

BOOKING DETAILS:

BOOK YOUR EXCURSIONS:

The first thing I did when I got to town was go and purchase my excursion package. You can also do this online ahead of time as well. The pricing is very reasonable.

We recommend doing the Maligne Lake Tour, Columbia Icefield Glacier Discovery that includes the Icefield Skywalk, and the Banff Gondola. They we’re all amazing.

CLICK HERE

GEAR/ CLOTHING WE NEEDED:

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Click here to return to our Complete Guide to Banff and Jasper National Park

LETS GO

BANFF GONDOLA

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 Keri Lostetter Adventures, Banff, National Park

Take in six incredible mountain ranges from the 360-degree rooftop observation deck as you are surrounded by some greatest alpine views of the Canadian Rockies.

Peering over it seems as if you are looking at a backdrop. It seems fake as if you’re eyes are lying to you. Just remember, it’s real, enjoy it.

It was fun to see the kids fear in their eyes as we went up and back down. haha

However, I will say, if it wasn’t included in the Combo Package we purchased then I wouldn’t pay $200 for a family of 4. I would just hike up to the 360 degree views. I heard there is a pretty awesome hike to get up there as well.

WHY WE CHOSE THIS TOUR

When we booked our tours we had to choose between this Gondola and the Lake Louise one. After lots of research it seemed this one was the best over the Lake Louise and had more stunning views. I can’t argue with the views!

It also has a really nice facility up top that has 2 restaurants, gift shops, and a nice boardwalk that you along to Sulphur Mountain.

COST

The Gondola ride in Banff rates are around $50 per person and up, depending on the season, time of day, the projected volume of visitors, and how far in advance you book your tickets.

We purchased the JASPER ULTIMATE EXPLORER COMBO PACKAGE from Brewster Pursuit which included: Maligne Lake Cruise, Ice Glacier Explorer, Sky Walk, and the Banff Gondola

The Total cost for all 4 excursions was $552 for all 4 of us. Which came to $184 /per adult and $92 per kid, however if you divide that by 4 excursions then it comes to $46 per person per excursion.

LENGTH

How long is a gondola ride? Once on board the chairlift or gondola, the ride to the top is roughly 7-12 minutes. You can spend as long as you want up top. I would say an hour -2 hours.

LOCATION/ DIRECTIONS

The Banff Gondola is located 2.5 km from Banff town centre. From Banff Ave, head south towards the Bow Bridge. Make a left turn after the Bow Bridge onto Mountain Ave and keep to the right lane. Follow Mountain Ave to the very end where you will arrive at the Banff Gondola parking lot on your left.

GALLERY:

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Click here to return to our Complete Guide to Banff and Jasper National Park

LETS GO

LAKE LOUISE

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 Keri Lostetter Adventures, Banff, Car Camping, Hikes, National Park

You have seen photos of the lake but they haven’t prepared you for how it feels to experience it yourself. Rounding the corner, the sight of the emerald green water and rugged peaks and glaciers hits… we’ve never seen anything so dramatically beautiful.

On the shore you’re surrounded by tourist and photographers. In a canoe in the middle of the lake you’re completely alone. Surrounded by complete beauty and silence. It was breathtaking. I’m so glad we spent the $70 and rented the canoe. It was worth every penny. Start saving that $70 now and don’t spend it on anything else. (Unless you have your own!) It looked like we were paddling in a lake filled of aqua kool-aid.

WHEN TO GO:

It is best to go and be there before 10am, beacuse the parking lot feels up extremely fast. If you arrive after 10am you might have to park down the side of the road. They eventually have to shut the road down and only let people in as others leave.

We barley made it before they closed the road off. If there is one down side of this place is that it is very crowded and parking really is INSANE. We had to park aaall the way down the road and it was TIGHT, right on a cliff.

COST

FREE – Just park and walk

Canoe Rentals: $70/ hour

There is only one boat rental on the lake and it’s operated by the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise hotel. Standing at the hotel looking out at the lake it is located on the left hand side accessed by a pathway. Canoes are available on a first come, first serve basis. They can’t be reserved.

THINGS TO DO:

HIKING
SKIING
TRAIL RIDING
SIGHT SEEING
MOUNTAIN BIKING
SNOW TUBING AND SNOW SHOEING
CANOEING
- Can I Bring My Own Canoe Or Kayak To Use At Lake Louise?
  - Yes, you can use your own canoe or kayak at Lake Louise or any of the lakes or rivers within Banff National Park. There’s no public boat launch at Lake Louise. You will have to carry your canoe from the government parking lot area and launch it from shore of the lake. Parks Canada offers more information on paddling in the parks.

LOCATION

It is right off the Ice Field Parkway. Just follow the signs.

It is about a 40 minute drive from Banff to Lake Louise. (80 minutes if you want the scenic route: Bow Valley route 1A.)

BACK TO:

Click here to return to our Complete Guide to Banff and Jasper National Park

LETS GO

THE ICEFIELDS PARKWAY

May 29, 2020May 29, 2020 Keri Lostetter Adventures, Banff, Car Camping, Hikes, Jasper National Park, Jasper National Park, National Park

The breathtaking stretch of road between Jasper and Lake Louise serves up many of the most rewarding travel experiences in the Canadian Rockies.

Linking Lake Louise with Jasper, Alberta is one of the most beautiful journeys on the planet – the Icefields Parkway.

Unlike any other, the stretch of road from Jasper to Lake Louise known as the Icefields Parkway is dotted with more than 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, dramatic rock spires, and emerald lakes set in sweeping valleys of thick pine and larch forests. RIGHT OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. It was truly spectacular. If you go to that area you HAVE to drive it. It will blow your mind!

The abundance of wildlife in Jasper National Park and Banff National Park will have you peering around every turn. So take your time, stop for a hike to a breath-taking view point, capture that stunning photo to share with friends and enjoy a roadside picnic amidst the splendour of the Canadian Rockies pristine wilderness.

Rated as one of the top drives in the world!

LENGTH:

The Icefield Parkway is 144 miles (232km)…yes, 144 MILE stretch of highway winding along the Continental Divide through soaring rocky mountain peaks, icefields and vast sweeping valleys.

In our Itinerary we give you 2 days to drive this road. Once going up and once going down. There is still no way to do all the sites so it will always leave you wanting more. Choose your favorites, or just simply drive. It is a minimum of 3 hours drive with no stops along the way.

THINGS TO DO:

THE BEST HIKES: Ranging from short walks on wide paths to four-hour half day excursions, some of the best hikes along the Icefields Parkway are just off the highway: