julieb
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Post by julieb on Aug 11, 2017 18:08:48 GMT
For the first time ever, I let DH plan a vacation. We are leaving Monday and I've now seen the itinerary. He has us on 10-12 mile hikes three days in a row, which I think we can handle, but would like your opinions and suggestions if you have hiked any of these trails.
Iceberg Lake Trail
Highline Trail
Grinnell Glacier hike
Crypt Lake Trail
Hidden Lake overlook (only 1.5 miles)
In Canada he has us hiking around Bow Lake and then visiting Lake Louise, Lake Moraine and Petro Lake. Thoughts? Lastly is to stay in Jasper and then Banff for 1 day each.
Thanks!!
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Post by tallgirl on Aug 11, 2017 18:13:02 GMT
I haven't been to Glacier so can't comment on that, but is the Bow Lake/Lake Louise/Moraine Lake/Peyto Lake all in one day? ...cause that would be a lot.
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Aug 11, 2017 18:32:40 GMT
For the first time ever, I let DH plan a vacation. We are leaving Monday and I've now seen the itinerary. He has us on 10-12 mile hikes three days in a row, which I think we can handle, but would like your opinions and suggestions if you have hiked any of these trails. Iceberg Lake Trail Highline Trail Grinnell Glacier hike Crypt Lake Trail Hidden Lake overlook (only 1.5 miles) In Canada he has us hiking around Bow Lake and then visiting Lake Louise, Lake Moraine and Petro Lake. Thoughts? Lastly is to stay in Jasper and then Banff for 1 day each. Thanks!! We visited Glacier in 2009 and hiked Iceberg Lake and the Highline Trail: Trip ReportEven though the hikes were ~10 and 13 miles (we added on the side trip to Grinnell Glacier overlook), the trails are so well maintained and graded that they are not difficult at all. Iceberg Lake was a gradual ascent and for the Highline Trail we started at Logan Pass and hiked down to Going to the Sun Road to catch the shuttle back - very minimal elevation gain. Heed bear advice and carry bear spray. We ran into a grizzly mother and cubs on the Highline Trail and on my husband's other trip to Glacier some years before he ran into a mother grizzly. We've also seen bears in the Canadian Rockies. Sometimes people are reluctant to buy the spray because it's expensive and you can't take it home with you on the airplane, but I highly recommend carrying it. And making lots of noise on the trail - best way to avoid a bear encounter is to not surprise them. If you are day hiking, the trails should be well traveled so it's unlikely you'll have problems, but just be aware. Oh, and forget bear bells. They don't work. We've also been to the Canadian Rockies and have visited the places you have mentioned (although we didn't hike around Bow Lake). If you plan to hike from Lake Moraine, be aware that for some trails there are minimum group size restrictions. On our most recent visit it was four (before that it was six), but it shouldn't be an issue to hook up with other hikers at the trailhead. Lake Louise is super busy, so I would recommend an early start to avoid the bulk of the crowds. There are different options if you are hiking from Lake Louise and if you are hitting the Beehives, be sure to visit Little Beehive (it's a side trip, sometimes people skip it) - but I think the view is better than the Big Beehive (http://www.pbase.com/pudgy_groundhog/image/161504210). And I agree with tallgirl - hope you aren't hitting all those places in one day? You will be able to see them, but won't really get to experience them. In Jasper you have to get breakfast at the Bear's Paw Bakery. Go early though - lines can get long. So good! We also loved the pizza at Famoso Neapolitan. Love those parks - you'll have a great visit! Hope you get good weather! |
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julieb
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Post by julieb on Aug 11, 2017 18:51:23 GMT
I haven't been to Glacier so can't comment on that, but is the Bow Lake/Lake Louise/Moraine Lake/Peyto Lake all in one day? ...cause that would be a lot. No two days. One day at Bow and another day is Lake Louise, etc. I don't think, or at least I'm assuming, he intends for us to see all of that because he also has on that day Lake Louise Gondola and Athabasca Falls.....  |
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julieb
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Post by julieb on Aug 11, 2017 18:57:11 GMT
For the first time ever, I let DH plan a vacation. We are leaving Monday and I've now seen the itinerary. He has us on 10-12 mile hikes three days in a row, which I think we can handle, but would like your opinions and suggestions if you have hiked any of these trails. Iceberg Lake Trail Highline Trail Grinnell Glacier hike Crypt Lake Trail Hidden Lake overlook (only 1.5 miles) In Canada he has us hiking around Bow Lake and then visiting Lake Louise, Lake Moraine and Petro Lake. Thoughts? Lastly is to stay in Jasper and then Banff for 1 day each. Thanks!! We visited Glacier in 2009 and hiked Iceberg Lake and the Highline Trail: Trip ReportEven though the hikes were ~10 and 13 miles (we added on the side trip to Grinnell Glacier overlook), the trails are so well maintained and graded that they are not difficult at all. Iceberg Lake was a gradual ascent and for the Highline Trail we started at Logan Pass and hiked down to Going to the Sun Road to catch the shuttle back - very minimal elevation gain. Heed bear advice and carry bear spray. We ran into a grizzly mother and cubs on the Highline Trail and on my husband's other trip to Glacier some years before he ran into a mother grizzly. We've also seen bears in the Canadian Rockies. Sometimes people are reluctant to buy the spray because it's expensive and you can't take it home with you on the airplane, but I highly recommend carrying it. And making lots of noise on the trail - best way to avoid a bear encounter is to not surprise them. If you are day hiking, the trails should be well traveled so it's unlikely you'll have problems, but just be aware. Oh, and forget bear bells. They don't work. We've also been to the Canadian Rockies and have visited the places you have mentioned (although we didn't hike around Bow Lake). If you plan to hike from Lake Moraine, be aware that for some trails there are minimum group size restrictions. On our most recent visit it was four (before that it was six), but it shouldn't be an issue to hook up with other hikers at the trailhead. Lake Louise is super busy, so I would recommend an early start to avoid the bulk of the crowds. There are different options if you are hiking from Lake Louise and if you are hitting the Beehives, be sure to visit Little Beehive (it's a side trip, sometimes people skip it) - but I think the view is better than the Big Beehive (http://www.pbase.com/pudgy_groundhog/image/161504210). And I agree with tallgirl - hope you aren't hitting all those places in one day? You will be able to see them, but won't really get to experience them. In Jasper you have to get breakfast at the Bear's Paw Bakery. Go early though - lines can get long. So good! We also loved the pizza at Famoso Neapolitan. Love those parks - you'll have a great visit! Hope you get good weather! Thanks for all the suggestions! I actually bought some bells today.  Guess I'll leave them. We will definitely buy bear spray, but do you walk around with that in your hand ready to spray? Also, so many people on tripadvisor mention bringing a packed lunch, but doesn't that attract the bears? I was planning on bringing some ziplock bags, but I'm not sure if that is sufficient. YOUR PICTURES ARE STUNNING!! Did you post them on the original 2 peas? I think I've seen them.  I'm bringing my SLR, but I have no idea how to use it. I put on auto and snap away.  |
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Aug 11, 2017 20:35:00 GMT
Try to be at Morraine Lake very early in the day as the small parking lot fills up fast. It also gets hot there. You can rent canoes there too. Try to visit Lake Louise early in the day and during the week to get a parking spot. I think they bus people up to the lake on the weekends. There is a small farmer's market in Banff on Wednesdays and one in Canmore on Thursdays. Glenn sells excellent fruit and produce at those markets. I like staying at The Banff Park Lodge. A couple blocks off main street. I think they have a daily rate for transit if you wish. Bring bottled water and a cooler with you as it is expensive in the parks. Buy the largest Ziploc bags at your grocery store or dollar store. Fill one with ice at home then whenever you are at a hotel and keep it in your cooler with your water. Fill up your gas tank in Banff and watch the price of it between stations. It is more pricy on your way up to Jasper.
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Post by leannec on Aug 11, 2017 20:50:44 GMT
I live in Calgary ... one of my BIL's owns a bike shop in Canmore ... visit Canmore if you have time ... they have some really good restaurants  When visiting Banff be prepared for Banff Avenue (the main street) to be crowded ... it is busy all year round Are you going to go to the Banff Hot Springs? If so, bring your swimsuits |
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pudgygroundhog
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Posts: 4,652
Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Aug 11, 2017 20:52:20 GMT
We visited Glacier in 2009 and hiked Iceberg Lake and the Highline Trail: Trip ReportEven though the hikes were ~10 and 13 miles (we added on the side trip to Grinnell Glacier overlook), the trails are so well maintained and graded that they are not difficult at all. Iceberg Lake was a gradual ascent and for the Highline Trail we started at Logan Pass and hiked down to Going to the Sun Road to catch the shuttle back - very minimal elevation gain. Heed bear advice and carry bear spray. We ran into a grizzly mother and cubs on the Highline Trail and on my husband's other trip to Glacier some years before he ran into a mother grizzly. We've also seen bears in the Canadian Rockies. Sometimes people are reluctant to buy the spray because it's expensive and you can't take it home with you on the airplane, but I highly recommend carrying it. And making lots of noise on the trail - best way to avoid a bear encounter is to not surprise them. If you are day hiking, the trails should be well traveled so it's unlikely you'll have problems, but just be aware. Oh, and forget bear bells. They don't work. We've also been to the Canadian Rockies and have visited the places you have mentioned (although we didn't hike around Bow Lake). If you plan to hike from Lake Moraine, be aware that for some trails there are minimum group size restrictions. On our most recent visit it was four (before that it was six), but it shouldn't be an issue to hook up with other hikers at the trailhead. Lake Louise is super busy, so I would recommend an early start to avoid the bulk of the crowds. There are different options if you are hiking from Lake Louise and if you are hitting the Beehives, be sure to visit Little Beehive (it's a side trip, sometimes people skip it) - but I think the view is better than the Big Beehive (http://www.pbase.com/pudgy_groundhog/image/161504210). And I agree with tallgirl - hope you aren't hitting all those places in one day? You will be able to see them, but won't really get to experience them. In Jasper you have to get breakfast at the Bear's Paw Bakery. Go early though - lines can get long. So good! We also loved the pizza at Famoso Neapolitan. Love those parks - you'll have a great visit! Hope you get good weather! Thanks for all the suggestions! I actually bought some bells today. Guess I'll leave them. We will definitely buy bear spray, but do you walk around with that in your hand ready to spray? Also, so many people on tripadvisor mention bringing a packed lunch, but doesn't that attract the bears? I was planning on bringing some ziplock bags, but I'm not sure if that is sufficient. YOUR PICTURES ARE STUNNING!! Did you post them on the original 2 peas? I think I've seen them. I'm bringing my SLR, but I have no idea how to use it. I put on auto and snap away. Thanks! Yea, bells aren't effective in warning bears that you are coming and will just drive you crazy. The bear spray comes in a holster you attach to a belt or your pack belt. There might also be a way to attach it your pack with a carabiner? Not sure - we've always worn it on our pack belts. It should be readily available (i.e. won't do much good if you have to dig around for it in your pack). Just look at the instructions about how to use it and hope if you need to use it you can do it, lol. We've come across bears several times on the trail and had the spray ready, but never needed it. Bears really aren't interested in humans - it's just if you surprise them they might attack defensively. If you are on busy trails, likely won't be an issue. Better to be safe though! Carrying food is fine. I suppose bears could be attracted to the smell, but I think their natural fear of humans outweighs that. The real concern with food on the trail is proper storage if you are camping, so it's a non-issue for day hikes. Your biggest problem will likely be aggressive ground squirrels. Even though it's tempting, never feed them! My daughter's solution was to toss one of them a pinecone. |
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Post by katlaw on Aug 11, 2017 21:03:15 GMT
We will definitely buy bear spray, but do you walk around with that in your hand ready to spray? No. When I have carried it I have always used a carabiner and hooked it to my backpack or belt loop. You should carry it but don't be too stressed about needing to save yourself from a bear. All of those places are pretty well traveled and you do not see bears all the time. I have hiked 100s of hours in the Rocky Mountains and have only had a couple of bear sightings. I would take the bear bells anyway, they do not work as the only deterrent but being noisy scares brown bears away so I would still use them. We used to hang 2 tin cups off our packs so they would clang with every step. Handy because we then had a cup to drink stream water with. Also, so many people on tripadvisor mention bringing a packed lunch, but doesn't that attract the bears? I was planning on bringing some ziplock bags, but I'm not sure if that is sufficient. You will be fine with carrying food. We have always brought sandwiches, fruit, snacks with us in large ziploc bags. The issue is more people who leave their lunch wrappers behind and wildlife gets curious about the smell. They do not like the smell of humans and hot sweaty humans hiking and talking and making lots of noise keeps them away for the most part. Your trip sounds wonderful. |
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Post by hennybutton on Aug 11, 2017 21:05:34 GMT
When we went yo Glacier, we did the bus tour on the first day to acclimate to yhe altitude. It's really worthwhile.
Personally, I am a huge fan of ranger led hikes at national parks. You can learn so much much on them. We did one ranger led hike and one on our own each day.
Despite the altitude, none of the hikes we went on had a huge increase in elevation. They were all very easy. I wish I could remember which hikes we did.
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Post by katlaw on Aug 11, 2017 21:10:20 GMT
My brother fed one a couple of peanuts one time. The squirrel climbed his leg and went into the jacket pocket the peanuts were in and we had to wait for him to finish eating the peanuts before we could continue on. It was funny to my dad and I. My mom was freaking out that the squirrel would bite him and my brother would die a horrible death of rabies. My brother just stood there holding the pocket open for the squirrel. Good times.  |
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pudgygroundhog
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Location: The Grand Canyon
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Aug 11, 2017 21:10:54 GMT
We will definitely buy bear spray, but do you walk around with that in your hand ready to spray? No. When I have carried it I have always used a carabiner and hooked it to my backpack or belt loop. You should carry it but don't be too stressed about needing to save yourself from a bear. All of those places are pretty well traveled and you do not see bears all the time. I have hiked 100s of hours in the Rocky Mountains and have only had a couple of bear sightings. I would take the bear bells anyway, they do not work as the only deterrent but being noisy scares brown bears away so I would still use them. We used to hang 2 tin cups off our packs so they would clang with every step. Handy because we then had a cup to drink stream water with. Also, so many people on tripadvisor mention bringing a packed lunch, but doesn't that attract the bears? I was planning on bringing some ziplock bags, but I'm not sure if that is sufficient. You will be fine with carrying food. We have always brought sandwiches, fruit, snacks with us in large ziploc bags. The issue is more people who leave their lunch wrappers behind and wildlife gets curious about the smell. They do not like the smell of humans and hot sweaty humans hiking and talking and making lots of noise keeps them away for the most part. Your trip sounds wonderful. I have yet to see anything that says bear bells are effective - ask any ranger or park personnel and they will tell you to forgo bells. Even on the trail you can hardly hear them on somebody until they are really close and the sound is easily drowned out by wind or rushing water. The most effective noise is human voices. |
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pudgygroundhog
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Post by pudgygroundhog on Aug 11, 2017 21:12:12 GMT
My brother fed one a couple of peanuts one time. The squirrel climbed his leg and went into the jacket pocket the peanuts were in and we had to wait for him to finish eating the peanuts before we could continue on. It was funny to my dad and I. My mom was freaking out that the squirrel would bite him and my brother would die a horrible death of rabies. My brother just stood there holding the pocket open for the squirrel. Good times. They are certainly bold! The pocket thing reminded me ... we were at a petting zoo in South Carolina last year and there was a deer wandering around and attempted to eat out of somebody's pocket (I think it was a tissue). Hadn't seen that before! |
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Post by katlaw on Aug 11, 2017 21:22:01 GMT
I have yet to see anything that says bear bells are effective - ask any ranger or park personnel and they will tell you to forgo bells. Even on the trail you can hardly hear them on somebody until they are really close and the sound is easily drowned out by wind or rushing water. The most effective noise is human voices. Interesting how you get different advice from different rangers. We have been told to talk, sing and make noise. We have also been told the bells on their own are not enough but they are a different pitch than our voices so use them as well. We always were so noisy as a family anyway I think the bears could hear us from the trail head. |
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julieb
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Post by julieb on Aug 11, 2017 21:22:35 GMT
Try to be at Morraine Lake very early in the day as the small parking lot fills up fast. It also gets hot there. You can rent canoes there too. Try to visit Lake Louise early in the day and during the week to get a parking spot. I think they bus people up to the lake on the weekends. There is a small farmer's market in Banff on Wednesdays and one in Canmore on Thursdays. Glenn sells excellent fruit and produce at those markets. I like staying at The Banff Park Lodge. A couple blocks off main street. I think they have a daily rate for transit if you wish. Bring bottled water and a cooler with you as it is expensive in the parks. Buy the largest Ziploc bags at your grocery store or dollar store. Fill one with ice at home then whenever you are at a hotel and keep it in your cooler with your water. Fill up your gas tank in Banff and watch the price of it between stations. It is more pricy on your way up to Jasper. Thank you. We are flying in to Spokane and driving so we will pack a small collapsible cooler and stop for ice and get bottled water when we are on our way. |
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julieb
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Post by julieb on Aug 11, 2017 21:24:15 GMT
Where can we get bear spray?? I live in Chicago and have never seen it here. |
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Post by katlaw on Aug 11, 2017 21:30:43 GMT
Where can we get bear spray?? I live in Chicago and have never seen it here. Hunting stores carry it. You can buy it on Amazon. Hiking stores in the parks will carry it. The most affordable is Amazon. You can carry it over the border into Canada as long as it is clearly labeled as animal repellant and not as pepper spray. Pepper spray is considered a weapon and cannot be brought over the border legally. And whatever you do when you no longer want the bear spray pass it on to another family hiking or a hunter. Do not leave it around to accidentally spray it. |
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julieb
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Post by julieb on Aug 11, 2017 23:25:49 GMT
Where can we get bear spray?? I live in Chicago and have never seen it here. Hunting stores carry it. You can buy it on Amazon. Hiking stores in the parks will carry it. The most affordable is Amazon. You can carry it over the border into Canada as long as it is clearly labeled as animal repellant and not as pepper spray. Pepper spray is considered a weapon and cannot be brought over the border legally. And whatever you do when you no longer want the bear spray pass it on to another family hiking or a hunter. Do not leave it around to accidentally spray it. K - We will have to find it there. I'm told we can't carry it on the plane or in checked baggage. |
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Post by jengels999 on Aug 11, 2017 23:34:52 GMT
There are places outside the park where you can rent bear spray if you don't want to actually buy cans of it.
Janell
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likescarrots
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Post by likescarrots on Aug 12, 2017 0:48:58 GMT
I don't really do much hiking but I've been to Lake Louise and Banff and I would recommend them to anyone. They are some of the most beautiful places I've ever been to. If you're hiking, please make sure to carry bear spray. I think you have to buy it after you land, I don't think you can take it on the airplane.
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peabrain
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Post by peabrain on Aug 12, 2017 0:50:33 GMT
When is the spa day? I didn't see that in the itinerary.
Have a great time and I can't wait to see pics.
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Post by katlaw on Aug 12, 2017 1:58:24 GMT
When is the spa day? I didn't see that in the itinerary. peabrain has an excellent point. |
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Post by bunnyhug on Aug 12, 2017 2:16:14 GMT
Just a heads up that passes to National Parks are free this year in honour of Canada's 150th birthday, so many of them have been extra, crazily busy--to the extent that Waterton was closed last week! People had to show hotel reservations to get in--so make sure you have those easily accessible just in case the other parks/townsites have to follow suit! I would also make sure to pay attention to the current forest fire situation, as some areas and highways have also been closed at various times. It's been a long wild summer in the Rockies!
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Post by calgaryscrapper on Aug 12, 2017 6:53:29 GMT
At Lake Louise you can rent a canoe or go with a group on a Voyageur canoe. Arrive early in the day as they get booked up. If either of you have asthma be sure to bring your inhalers. With the forest fires west of Banff the air can be be a little smoky. banffandbeyond.com/scenic-drives-in-banff-national-park/ I highly recommend the Parkway and you can hike at Johnson Canyon if you wish. All of those drives in the above site are nice. At the Tunnel Mountain drive you can stop and take beautiful pictures of the Banff Springs Hotel. Visit Bow Falls in Banff. Highway 93 West of Banff is sometimes closed right now because of the Verdant Creek wildfire. |
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julieb
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Post by julieb on Aug 12, 2017 16:02:13 GMT
When is the spa day? I didn't see that in the itinerary. peabrain has an excellent point. My day spa is my dh giving me a massage, but he won't touch my feet.   |
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julieb
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Post by julieb on Aug 12, 2017 16:05:49 GMT
Just a heads up that passes to National Parks are free this year in honour of Canada's 150th birthday, so many of them have been extra, crazily busy--to the extent that Waterton was closed last week! People had to show hotel reservations to get in--so make sure you have those easily accessible just in case the other parks/townsites have to follow suit! I would also make sure to pay attention to the current forest fire situation, as some areas and highways have also been closed at various times. It's been a long wild summer in the Rockies! Thanks! We have our free passes. Thanks for the heads up - in researching they said it was a 2 hour closure and not likely to happen again or at any of the other parks, but that would be a bummer!! |
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julieb
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Post by julieb on Aug 12, 2017 16:35:33 GMT
At Lake Louise you can rent a canoe or go with a group on a Voyageur canoe. Arrive early in the day as they get booked up. If either of you have asthma be sure to bring your inhalers. With the forest fires west of Banff the air can be be a little smoky. banffandbeyond.com/scenic-drives-in-banff-national-park/ I highly recommend the Parkway and you can hike at Johnson Canyon if you wish. All of those drives in the above site are nice. At the Tunnel Mountain drive you can stop and take beautiful pictures of the Banff Springs Hotel. Visit Bow Falls in Banff. Highway 93 West of Banff is sometimes closed right now because of the Verdant Creek wildfire. Great. We are really "winging" this trip. I am usually very, very organized. We are staying at Num-Ti-Jah Lodge which is on Bow Lake, but it looks like they are not in the same general area. Thanks for the tips! |
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milocat
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Post by milocat on Aug 12, 2017 16:37:02 GMT
I think Waterton was also so busy because people are trying to avoid smoky BC and it's either keeping Albertans in Alberta or bringing extra tourists here. Have a wonderful time! I just love Jasper, not as commercialized as Banff. Plus it's closer to me so that's where we go (going for Thanksgiving, when the tourists are gone  !) The Icefields Parkway is an BREATHTAKING drive. |
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Post by JBeans on Aug 13, 2017 0:58:00 GMT
Another Calgarian here. This summer is BUSY. Part of the reason is 2017 having free national park passes for Canada's 150th birthday. Expect an extreme amount of people.
Been to Lake Louise a few weeks ago. It was soooo busy they are doing free bus shuttles up there. You will likely struggle to find parking.
And be prepared to bring some snacks or lunch with you when you are there. The village of Lake Louise has restaurants but, in my opinion the food is overpriced and frankly, it's not very good. If you eat at a restaurant in Chateau Lake Louise, be prepared to dole out money.
You'll probably be ok, but with all the fires going on, some of your plans may have to change in terms of hikes. You'll be able to visit any of their tourist centres and get all the info you need.
I also recommend strolling around Canmore. I'd actually recommend staying there instead of in the park. It's right at the park entrance.
Have fun, the parks are absolutely beautiful.
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Post by JBeans on Aug 13, 2017 0:59:16 GMT
I think Waterton was also so busy because people are trying to avoid smoky BC and it's either keeping Albertans in Alberta or bringing extra tourists here. Have a wonderful time! I just love Jasper, not as commercialized as Banff. Plus it's closer to me so that's where we go (going for Thanksgiving, when the tourists are gone !) The Icefields Parkway is an BREATHTAKING drive. Last weekend they had to close Waterton for a while due to it reaching its capacity. |
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Guess I'll leave them. We will definitely buy bear spray, but do you walk around with that in your hand ready to spray? Also, so many people on tripadvisor mention bringing a packed lunch, but doesn't that attract the bears? I was planning on bringing some ziplock bags, but I'm not sure if that is sufficient.
I'm bringing my SLR, but I have no idea how to use it. I put on auto and snap away. 
!) The Icefields Parkway is an BREATHTAKING drive. 