Hi, heading to jasper and banff on vacation for 10 or so days on April 1st. Just wondered if anyone could give me some advice on must do things while I am there. I have been trying to look online but there just seems so much to do and see. I would definitely like a couple of days skiing, what resorts do people recommend.

Just to let you know I dont drive so I am totally reliant on buses/shuttles. Was thinking of maybe 3 days in Jasper and 7 in Banff, Any help would greatly received.

thanks

Shame about the driving as the scenic trip from Jasper to Banff would have been one of the highlights of your trip. You'll still see it out of the bus window if its a daytime trip but forget about stopping at any of the scenic overlooks or taking a hike on the abundance of glaciers.

I'm so jealous. I used to live in Lake Louise and just love the area.

Be prepared for snow as well as nicer days. We were there in May last year and still a lot of snow. Lakes still frozen, so while Jambo101 is right, the drive up to Jasper is amazing, you might not want to be stopping as much as you would in summer as all the lakes will be iced over. still a fantastic drive though - one of my favourites!

In Banff - I'd say do the Sulphur Mountain Gondola. Have a wander around the Banff Springs maybe. There will be spring Skiing (if you fancy skiing). Lots of great hikes if you're into that kind of thing - although you would need to have decent footwear given the snow. You could have a soak a the natural hot springs - I haven't done that myself, but it does look good. I quite liked the Whyte museum in Banff - I wouldn't stick it up there as a must see, personally, but if you are wandering around and have an hour to kill its quite interesting.

Lake Louise - main things are the lake itself, and the Chateau. The tea houses won't be open in April (there are 2 tea houses you can walk/hike to in summer). The lake, even when frozen, is a must see with the Victoria Glacier at the back. Takes your breath away.

On the way up to Jasper, or as a day trip from Banff, you could do the tour on the athabasca glacier - I've done this a few times now and its different everytime - amazing though.

Brewster tours are the main operator around Banff - they do a lot of the things I've mentioned above. Not sure what your budget is, but some of their day trips might be a good idea if you don't have your own transport.

Jasper - quaint little town. I think you have the balance right of 7 days around Banff, and 3 in Jasper. I like them both but more to do in Banff. Jasper - there's the gondola up to the ski hill (actually same in all places, but not sure if you can do the trip up unless skiing if still in ski season?). Maligne lake and canyon trip - but again possibly too early for some of this.

On top of all that - just take some time to wander around. The views are breathtaking. We often just pulled over at viewpoints (easier with a car I know) and stood for a while taking it all in.

When I say there's snow - I don't mean it will be like the dead of winter, but there will be a lot of snow on the mountains, lakes frozen, and there will definitely still be days when it is snowing (up there I've seen it snow in August). Pavements and the like will be fine, unless there's been a recent snow fall. Hopefully you'll get lots of sunny days so you can see the fab scenery!

I believe these guys do a once a day shuttle bus between Banff and Jasper along the icefields Parkway (subject to weather): http://www.sundogtours.com/index.php

Sometimes they do trips from Banff to Calgary for hockey games (if they are still playing then), or for a change of scene you could do a day trip by bus to Calgary.

There is also a shuttle bus to Edmonton from Jasper which stops at the West Edmonton Mall if you want a shopping fix, but again, I think it may be just once a day.

Banff itself has a reasonable public transit system now - ask the front desk where you are staying if they have a complimentary transit pass as some of the hotels have these for guests.

Have fun!

Sounds like a fab trip. It has been a long time since we made this trip, but here are some thoughts for you:

I have skiied at Banff (Mount Norquay and Sunshine) and Lake Lousie in April. Most years the snow is still pretty good at this time of year. Sunshine is the highest, so should hold its snow better. You can get to all three on the ski bus that comes with the tri area lift pass, so no worries about not driving there.

The natural hot springs is a great experience. If you can't get there or don't like the smell of sulpher, many accomodations have outdoor hot tubs where you can soak outside in the snow and look at the mountains. Awesome.

If you stay in town in Banff you will able to walk to plenty of restuarants etc

A lot of the scenic walking/hiking stuff will not be accessable at this time of year, this also applies to popular sights for the summer eg Maligne lake. However skiing, particularly at Lake Lousie will give you some really beautiful views.

The drive (there should be tours/transfers easily available so you don't have to drive yourself) over the icefields parkway from Banff to Jasper is truely spectacular. You feel like you are at the top of the world. As another poster mentioned, you can get a tour that will take you out onto the glacier.

Jasper is very much smaller than Banff. Totally spectacular, but not much you can walk to. I think the key would be to choose a nice place to stay so you have somewhere to eat and relax whilst enjoying the scenery. There is a bus to the ski slope and skiing here is especially great for novices, with some intermediate an a reasonable amount of expert slopes.

I think the ice canyon is often closed for visits this time of year as it is starting to melt and a little unstable. We were able to access just a small part of it, which still gives you an idea of how amazing it is.

I spent time backpacking around jasper and banff about 20 years ago (wow, that makes me feel old!). The Brewsters tours were great for getting around to see the sights without a car, and they stop at various viewpoints for photos. I travelled alone, and found everyone friendly and helpful.
I vaguely remember a huge herd of buffalo on the hill above Banff, which gave a great view over town - don't know if they're still there, or there at that time of year, but they were pretty impressive.

Hi, thanks guy for replying. Sounds like I will have plenty to do. Think I will have to hire a car for a day or two. Wouldnt want to miss out on all the great scenery. Really cant wait to go. thanks so much once again

Hi, we've been in Calgary just over 2 months and had our second trip to Banff yesterday.

You have to visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs!! We went yesterday afternoon with our 3 kids. It was about 4pm, the sky was blue, the sun was shining, the outside temperature was about minus 1 and the water was 39 degrees. We relaxed in the soothing water with the most amazing mountains backdrop and it was heaven. Not too crowded and only $7.30 for adult, $6.30 for child 3-17.

Bow River Falls are lovely too, just below the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. At the moment the falls are frozen, but there is an outside skating rink and a big campfire to huddle up by on cold days and the hill just behind is great for sledging. Not yet been on the Gondola at Banff, but hot chocolate and the view from Starbucks at Sulphur Mountain Gondola Station is pretty good.

Enjoy!