Learned a lot! We enjoy the Lodge on Whitefish Lake for drinks and marina/mountain views, The Whitefish Lake Restaurant at the Golf Clubin an historic long log cabin with a great chef. Today, the Calgary Tower is home to the highest 360 observation deck in the world. Saw some Grizzly, moose (from a distance) and a ram. There is an option to take a boat trip to shave off about 1 1/2 miles each way but we walked. Tom Cruise would be excited with the rarity & so should you, 1659 - 21st Ave, AB Hwy 2 South, Nanton, AB T0L 1R0, Canada. If you plan on spending time in Canada before or after your trip, then Banff might be your best option. Lots of items signed by stars and fun items for purchase. Grassi Lakes in Canmore must be one of the most popular hikes in the Canadian Rockies. It features a revolving restaurant and observation tower at the top. The second largest living history museum in the country, it has an astounding array of artifacts and exhibits with countless historic buildings and structures to explore. Never dig through your emails again access all your flights, lodging, and any reservations in 1 place. When going from Montana into the Province of Alberta, you can enter at the following points: 24-hour service Chief Mountain on Montana Highway 17 (May to September) Coutts on Interstate 15 Great to go with kids, activities like writing with a quill pen, candle dipping and fresh made Bannock. There are potentially 900 different locations (okay, maybe were exaggerating just a bit) on the side of this road alone!. Helpful, friendly staff. Must visit include Galt Museum & Archives that showcases human history of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardenthat offers you an unforgettable cultural experience, combining the beauty of nature in a serene setting and Fort Whoop-Up. It has roller coasters, air gliders, carousels, bump cars, and the famous splashy log ride. Whistler Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Choose the easy route. After spending 4+ hours there I was ready to go back the next day to explore more. When you enter any national park in Canada, you're required to pay an entrance fee. Some amazing exhibits, you can spend days looking and reading all the information. The Columbia Icefields Parkway is one of the world's most scenic mountain drives that stretches 232km's (144miles) between Lake Louise and Jasper. It's a small pond, not enough space for kayaking. What an amazing view !!! Day 1: Jenny Lake. This classic park is an actual island in the Bow River accessed by pedestrian bridge connectors. Its a place that need to be on your bucket list. Book the whole day off and plan to explore the 127 acres of parkland along the Glenmore Reservoir. Here you will find walking paths, plenty of green space and some beautiful views of the city. The views were stunning and also be on the lookout for a wide variety of wildlife. Its really nice place for visiting with family. If you have the time, I'd highly recommend going down to the lake, which is a perfect spot for a picnic lunch or just a relaxing break enjoying the amazing scenery. Lots of acivities rentals going on here. Edith Circuit and the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail. What to do if the Going to the Sun Road is closed in June? Banff: Enjoy cycling, mountain biking, and horseback riding on the extensive network of trails that stretch more than 900 miles. If youve ever attended Folk Fest, Canada Day celebrations or one of the countless festivals that the city holds on this property, you may have already seen this beautiful park. You have to add 20-30% for accurate times. I went there in October nothing was open but still its one of my fav trips ever. I saw few people fish here. We have really enjoyed this season. Prepare for traffic delays at the West Entrance and closures in the North Fork. Direction: head north until you reach the Bow River Pathway (you will know when you see the river). And friendly stuff despite so busy day . Drive from Glacier National Park to Banff 6h 11m $90 - $140 Drive, fly, shuttle Drive from Glacier National Park to Lethbridge Fly from Lethbridge (YQL) to Calgary (YYC) Take a shuttle bus from Calgary Airport to Banff, AB 5h 35m $210 - $760 Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between United States Canada Unrestricted Share Paths interwind and flow through the park, inviting you to walk, bike, or take a scooter on them. On an island in the Bow River you'll findleafy Princes Island Park,a green, urban oasis where you can stroll, cycle, paddle, ski, or take in an outdoor play or concert. Glacier: Glacier is well known for its rugged mountain peaks. If you don't like taking 30 minutes to find a parking spot at the visitor center, go extra early. It has an elevation gain of about 730 feet. You need Kananaskis pass for parking there. Clean bathrooms. Lodge is large and clean for warming up or grabbing a bite to eat or drink. Even if you cant make it to the lake, the short boardwalk track to the Hidden Lake Overlook is worth it for the views of the rugged peaks that frame the lake below. Located about 30 minutes outside of Banff is the beautiful town of Canmore. People who visit Calgary make a point to include Calgary Zoo to their itinerary. There is little doubt Top ChoiceMuseum in Calgary. little green. Report inappropriate content. This is when the city comes to life with lots of partying and lots of action. Hands down. The Canyon is huge and the water crashing through it is a site to see. It was however quite icy even during the first week of March; the company does provide crampons but it's best to bring your own if you have small feet. Situated on an island smack dab in the middle of Calgary, the Zoo is home to over 1000 animals. Appreciate it. Start early for todays scenic drive: the Icefields Parkway to Lake Louise, in Banff National Park. Founded in 1882, Bar U was once one of the largest commercial ranches in the world, covering 160,000 acres. Amazing displays in original buildings. Well worth the money. Located at Stampede Park, the Calgary Stampede is a yearly outdoor event featuring a rodeo and derby race. You wont come across Calgary from the west, but you will go through Kootenay National Park, another gorgeous national park in Canada. COMPREHENSIVE INFO to Help Plan a Glacier Vacation. Updated 3/6/23; Can I REALISTICALLY visit or hike Glacier without a vehicle? Whether it be a fine dining experience at the rotating Sky 360 restaurant or simply for sightseeing, journeying to the top of the tower is an experience hard to forget! When you start early, you can enjoy breakfast in the heart of Banff Avenue. The town of Banff is located along the Trans-Canada Highway, a well maintained, easy-going road that gently meanders through the Rockies. https://kananaskis.commarriott.com/hotels/. I liked watching penguins the most. One of the best hikes inside Glacier National park. Lets dive into the differences. Realistically, you'll probably want to add a buffer for rest stops, gas, or food along . Living in Calgary all my life, I had never stopped here . But dont skip the picturesque and vibrant mountain town of Canmore, just outside the parks boundary, where the peaks of the Rockies provide the backdrop to numerous music and arts festivals throughout the year. It really is spectacular. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park, walk the Chevron Learning Pathway, or dine at the River Caf, an award-winning restaurant nestled in the middle of the park. Marble Canyon. Some parts are very challenging - don't look down! You can stop for coffee at the Marriott Resort at Kananaskis Villagethere is a Starbuck's inside. Children of all ages will enjoy Calaway Park, western Canada's largest outdoor family amusement park. Location Best to start in the morning due to high traffic later during the day. Having spent five hours driving from Banff to Jasper en route to spending 48 hours in Jasper National Park, we caught a glimpse of the incredible beauty surrounding us. . http://www.beckerschalets.com https:/. It was the first time attending the spring market and there were plenty of vendors, food stalls and other activities to do. Plenty of things to do and gorgeous scenery. Now for the Canada part of the circle tour: Drive up to Banff via the ultra scenic Cowboy Route. 2023 VEHICLE TICKET Information & Exemptions for All 4 Areas of Glacier + links. A fun and family-friendly place to visit, Calgary Zoo lies just to the east of downtown. It is particularly beautiful at night, and the tower itself is lit up each evening to stunning effect. A must do when visiting Waterton. Calgarys tallest building for a brief time, this 626ft (191m) observation tower offers panoramic views of the city and is made of 11,000 tons of steel-reinforced concrete. Well done Stampede organizers. https:/hikingstmary.htm. And Banff and Glacier are no exceptions. Seriously, this app does it all! Our waitress had disappeared in the back (making our food?) Here flat prairies collide dramatically with the Rockies, with a sparkling lake and a hilltop castle that may make you wonder if you've fallen into a fairy tale. Where: Set on the southwest city limits of Calgary along the banks of the Glenmore Reservoir, this park occupies almost 130 acres of green and pleasant land. For a long time, I was actually confused about why this park was called Princes Island Park and the Eau Claire Park, which is located very close to this place. Driving from Kalispell/whitefish to Banff Canada, Re: Driving from Kalispell/whitefish to Banff Canada, https://glacierraftco.com/rafting/https://glacierguides.com/rafting/, http://banffandbeyond.com/a-visit-to-emerald-lake/, Get answers to your questions about Glacier National Park. Popular celebrations happen in the park, including the Calgary Folk Festivaland Canada Day events. An easy boardwalk takes you to Samson's peak. Calgary is one of the most sophisticated cities in Alberta and has been an amazing tourist destination for thousands of tourists from all around the world. It was like you are in a entirely different world. Sports Stadiums (Amateur)1410 Olympic Way SE, Calgary, Alberta MoreLess Info. If youre looking for great photos of Glacier in all its glory, your head will be spinning with options up there. I have gone up three times and it was fun, though there is not a lot to it. The 89/49 is particularly pretty and in the Fall, the Foliage Colors are beautifulyou drive between the high mountains on the West of you and the Great Plains out towards the east of you. We started our trip by driving Icefields Parkway up to Jasper and then working our way back down through Banff and back to Calgary. Also coffee was really good . The Calgary Tower is one of the most well known landmarks in YYC. The Calgary Tower is a big structure. https:/hikingtwomedicine.htm. If the waters calm, you can rent a rowboat or canoe to paddle under the looming presence of Sinopah Mountain. Not as busy and more quiet than other National Parks in Alberta. If you hike or exercise regularly you should find this hike a walk in the park. located within easy distance of the city centre. DAY/NIGHTS 3, 4 & 5After staying on the West Side, traverse the Going to the Sun Road to the Core of the East side, staying in *either St. Mary/Rising Sun or in Many Glacier/Swiftcurrent/Babb/Duck Lake. This is probably the third most popular lake to visit in Banff, after Louise and Moraine. Here, you can lose yourself in recreations of life in Western Canada circa 1860 (a fur trading fort and First Nations settlement), 1880 (a pre-railway settlement) and 1910 (a Prairie railway town). However, with two main entrances and several other entrances around the park, if youre not looking for a specific place in Glacier, its quite easy to access the park from wherever you are. Its board-walked with seating. Make sure you do have the fitness level for a 17+ KM hike. We've compiled data from NASA for each month of the year: see the links below for more information. They have a giant chess set that my kid loves. This is an absolutely beautiful trail and the final destination at hidden lake is worth it. This is a challenging hike. Come to Princes Island park for a walk, a jog, to hike, to play with the kids or to enjoy one of the citys festivals in the spring and summer months. A National Park Pass Is Required. If you want to spend a night in Waterton Lakes, add it to the itinerary now. 2023 going forward. Vancouver International Airport (YVR) - 10 hours to Banff. They are open during Covid. There are currently just over 30 rides, 22 food stalls, and almost 30 games which adds up to a whole heap of awesomeness just outside of Calgary. You will find a number of picnic ground, walking and hiking trails, fountains, and flower gardens in the park. Keep in Mind: Before you crack open a cold one to celebrate your national park adventures make sure to research Is It Legal to Drink In National Parks? Then a few hours underground, much of it on our butts and hands and knees. It has a vibrant uptown with several blocks of neat shops, galleries, a museum and cafesEvelyn's Coffee. Hours: Open Year Round. Lions were all sleeping but it was very near to the watch glass as it was just centimeters apart. You can find here an observation deck from where you have a panoramic view of the city. If you go to "Banff" and skip that you are missing the very best part of the Canadian Parks. Day 4: Drive toward Glacier (stop at Holland Lake) Day 5: Glacier NP. Do not take the first exit up a dirt road towards the tipi. We come here several times a year. Spanning the course of local life from 1860 through to the 1950s, it documents the reality of different periods in history, through an immersive experience complete with costumed staff. Stores are located at many of the main access areas. I used to live in Montana and learned from many personal encounters that it's unwise to drive after sunset. Open seasonally due to snow, this road offers scenic alpine views with waterfalls & mountain goats. Both Banff and Glacier can deliver those in abundance. Distance: 29 kilometres from hotel We did a half day hike with the family, including our 3 year old granddaughter. What is The Famous Cowboy Rte from Glacier/Waterton > Kananaskis Valley > Banff? With tons of activities along with breathtaking views, you are guaranteed nothing but non-stop entertainment and good times. Style-up and get your cowboy threads sorted year-round at the Alberta Boot Company, or head to Smithbiltfor the distinctive white hats that have become a symbol of the city so that when the Calgary Stampede rodeo comes to town in July, you look the part. Ample parking spot and washroom facility. Calgary is the gateway to Alberta's Pause for photos at Peyto and Bow Lakes, and arrive in Lake Louise at sunset. Hours: Open Year Round, some facilities are closed in Winter. The 2023 vehicle reservation system for Glacier National Park has been released. Dayan.thanks for the nice response. We thought we were but found out we were not. Glacier has the famous Going-to-the-Sun Road (GTSR), but Banff has the Icefield Parkway. Also home to one of the best, if not the best, hiking trails in Canada. So, grab your cute counterpart and set off to see everything the zoo has to offer. You can buy the pass at the park gates or order it in advance online. Youll also find plenty of great dining and entertainment. Calgarys own version of Central Park, the locals refer to Princes Island Park as an urban oasis. The streets lights were little ships! Originally named the Husky Tower, the Calgary Tower was a joint project between Husky Oil and Marathon Realty. Its one of the top points of interest in Calgary and a must-see attractioneven if you only have one day in Calgary. Easy to find. Another thing to consider when choosing between Banff vs Glacier is what you want to see and experience. It spans the width of Glacier National Park, crossing the Continental Divide at 6,646-foot-high Logan Pass. But no worries, it's worth the wait. This 1968 landmark tower is an iconic feature of the Calgary skyline, though it has now been usurped by numerous taller buildings and is in danger of being lost in a forest of skyscrapers. Road Trip Resources Tour Studio Bell, which houses Canadas new National Music Centre, then head downtown to take in the city views from the landmark Calgary Tower. Day 3: Yellowstone NP. I look forward to going again with "snow-capable" hiking boots so I can finish the hike. Gas from Glacier National Park to Banff National Park would cost around $31 to $73 USD, depending on your vehicle's fuel efficiency. Here's the quick answer if you are able to make this entire trip by car without stopping. going up dont forget to take this handy discount coupon and save yourself a Here you will spot pandas, gorillas, lion, marmots, and more animals in their natural habitat. Banff has a slight edge because its larger, and you can mountain bike on many of the trails. If you want to cross into Canada to go to Banff, bring your passport along. DTouring the Lake McDonald valley's turnouts, the Lodge area and finally at Avalanche, taking the Trail of the Cedars/Avalanche Laketrail. The animals also have plenty of space to roam and the zoos focus on conservation research has gained it worldwide recognition. This is definitely a place you should consider visiting, it is very peaceful to be in here. It is a beautiful, must-do hike. Pits and tables are pretty close to parking and washrooms, but they are down a bit of a short slope, so probably not ideal for those with limited mobility. Two spots to check out in this region are Grassi Lakes and braving the summit of Ha Ling Peak. Glacier Airport Ground Transport, Car Rentals, Charters, Limos & Much More! A perfect destination for a family trip, the Calgary Zoo is one of the best attractions in Calgary for kids of all ages. Views are spectacular throughout and breathtaking at the top. We make the same circle tour nearly every year and have for many many years. Two dozen games, a 3D theater, and a splash park with 15 water features round out the fun.