I will try and keep this post short...Banff and Lake Louise! Wow, the beauty is unreal, every turn is a postcard and more incredible then the next..
Johnny and I have been doing research as we arrive in a new place (basically I have been sitting on my phone on our way somewhere figuring out the “best of” so we don’t miss anything too spectacular. Trip advisor has been amazing, they have a “best of” list for everything, (from hikes, to places to eat, to things to do), so far they have been bang on. I have also been cross checking it with Lonely Planet and a “Families Who Travel” group (FOTM) that I am part of (to make sure to get off the beaten path suggestions). What we are finding is that some activities are not always great for a 6 year old (or kids in general) so in some cases we have had to omit, even if it was something we really wanted to do….
Back to Banff National Park- first of all if you come here and camp you can spend an amazing, relatively cheap, two weeks exploring. Almost all of the major attractions are completely free, as well there are shuttles everywhere, so if you plan it properly you can hit all the places you want to see. The hiking is incredible, I am amazed how the kiddies hardly complained (there was some grumbles for sure, but for the most part they were awesome). We met a couple in Saskatchewan that just came from Banff and they warned us you have to wake up quite early to hit the more popular sites. Otherwise the parking lots get full and the Rangers close the road.Johnson Canyon and Lake Moraine were at the top of our list so we decided to brave those places waking at 6:30am. TOTALLY WORTH IT! Johnson Canyon is a stunning relatively easy 6 k hike (Anneka only had to be carried in a few places) that walks you past 7 waterfalls. Lake Moraine, was probably the most beautiful place I have ever been. After those two it was hard to compare anything. else, that said EVERYTHING here is unbelievable, from Caves and Basin (this is the “Birthplace” of all National Parks) Banff hot springs, Lake Louise, downtown Banff...we really rammed in a ton, spending only $450 for 3 nights. That includes, accommodations, food (we cooked most meals), a stop at an amazing rooftop for beers and Nachos in downtown Banff and gas. Not too shabby. We decided to cancel Jasper, we are heading to Revelstoke and Glacier National Park instead...in doing that we couldn't go to the ice fields (highly recommended by Kath) or 2 hikes I was dying to do that were highly recommended-Parker Ridge Trail and Plains of Six Glaciers.
So Banff National Park, I officially love you, and definitely want to come back.
