Calgary, Alberta...

[Steve Parr]

I'm going to be in Calgary next week; I'll be driving from Ft. McMurray, to Edmonton, then to Calgary.

Looking at my maps, it looks like Banff is not too far a drive.

Would it be worth the drive out there from Calgary?

Muchos grassyass...

[sugarzebra]

Absolutely, and make sure you take time to stop at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which are not too far from each other. Those two lakes are breathtaking.

[Steve Parr]

Originally Posted by sugarzebra

Absolutely, and make sure you take time to stop at Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, which are not too far from each other. Those two lakes are breathtaking.

I'll look those up.

When I planned my trip, I was unaware that most stores are closed on Good Friday. You don't see that here in the States.

So I plan my trip, buy my tickets, and end up having an entire day to kill before returning to San Diego. I figure I should use my time wisely...

[walter23]

Originally Posted by Steve Parr

When I planned my trip, I was unaware that most stores are closed on Good Friday. You don't see that here in the States.

Heh, I wasn't aware of that either. You'll always find gas stations and groceries and alcohol places open.

I would take the time to go to Banff. I may be a bit jaded as someone who lives quite close, but the banff town itself is attractive but annoying - it's full of crappy tourist shops. It's a nice town to take a look at but if you have limited time I would just drive through and then go check out some scenic spots.

If you want a nice little drive and walk, Johnson's canyon is a nice easy ~4km walk which is doable pretty much year round, snow or not. Otherwise there are tons of other places to check out.

[Steve Parr]

Originally Posted by walter23

Heh, I wasn't aware of that either. You'll always find gas stations and groceries and alcohol places open.

I would take the time to go to Banff. I may be a bit jaded as someone who lives quite close, but the banff town itself is attractive but annoying - it's full of crappy tourist shops. It's a nice town to take a look at but if you have limited time I would just drive through and then go check out some scenic spots.

If you want a nice little drive and walk, Johnson's canyon is a nice easy ~4km walk which is doable pretty much year round, snow or not. Otherwise there are tons of other places to check out.

I don't mind touristy stuff. Even though I'm travelling on business, if I've never been somewhere before, I'm a tourist. I'm going to have a full day to work with.

Where is Johnson's Canyon?

[Steve Parr]

Well, I'm just about out the door on my Banff adventure. Wish me luck, and I'll post examples on Sunday.

I'm pretty psyched about this...

[sugarzebra]

Steve, Its about 185km from Calgary to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake is about 15km from Lake Louise. Lake Louise is only another 60km past Banff (when driving from Calgary). While in Banff make sure you get some pictures of the Banff Springs Hotel and the waterfalls in behind the hotel (Athabasca Falls I think). You will never regret taking the time to make this excursion, but you will regret not having more time!

[pushtoexit]

Banff should definately be in the plans. Keep your telephoto on the body in the front seat on the drive-up from Calgary. You are gauranteed to see some wildlife.

PS. Please, pull over to the shoulder before shooting. ; )

[Steve Parr]

Originally Posted by pushtoexit

Banff should definately be in the plans. Keep your telephoto on the body in the front seat on the drive-up from Calgary. You are gauranteed to see some wildlife.

That's how I normally do it. I like having the camera at arm's length...

PS. Please, pull over to the shoulder before shooting. ; )

Well, no promises there...

[SilentBob]

I agree...have to get out to Banff. The lakes are all still frozen over but worth a look none the less. Not too sure if the road to Moraine Lake is open yet though.

Have fun!
Regards,

[h2oboy1]

I have got some great shots with the ice and water flowing @ Johnston canyon which is on the 1A on your way to Lake Louise from Banff. You may even see some ice climbers on the falls if it is still cold enough.

[Titus213]

Banff and Lake Louise are both on my list, I'd go in a heartbeat. That is some of the most beautiful country around IMO.

[sparker1]

Banff National Park is a definite winner. The town itself has a couple photogenic spots, like Banff springs Hotel and the Bow River Falls, but most of the good stuff is outside town, like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Not sure if they might still be frozen, but you can check. also, the Johnston Canyon hike is great, beautiful waterfalls. Weather could be a factor there, also. The drive up the Icefields Parkway toward Jasper is the single most beautiful drive I've ever taken, so do it if you can squeeze out enough time. Sorry to say, you could use a week or two in this area, preferably later when lakes have thawed and wildflowers are in bloom. That does it, I'm going again soon.

[Cleo199]

Let me add my nickels worth. If you don't go to Banff and/or Lake Louise, you'll never forgive yourself. Not too many stores close in Calgary on Good Friday, but not sure about Banff. I know the malls here in Calgary will be open, as is the store I work at.

The drive to Banff is very beautiful, you'll drive through Canmore which I think is a better touristy type town, but Banff is more scenic.

[Steve Parr]

Originally Posted by Cleo199

Let me add my nickels worth. If you don't go to Banff and/or Lake Louise, you'll never forgive yourself.

Well, I can't have that, now can I? Banff it is...

Not too many stores close in Calgary on Good Friday, but not sure about Banff. I know the malls here in Calgary will be open, as is the store I work at.

My dealer in Calgary is open for only a few hours that day, so I've opted to meet with him on Thursday, after I drive down from Edmonton. Stores in the States simply don't close on Good Friday.

And I'm always up for a walk through a mall; if just to check out the local wildlife. What mall?

The drive to Banff is very beautiful, you'll drive through Canmore which I think is a better touristy type town, but Banff is more scenic.

I think "scenic" is what I'm looking for, primarily, although "touristy" can be good, too. I figure to hit the road by 9:00am at the latest to head towards Banff. What should I expect with regard to traffic?

Thanks for the input, everyone. Sounds like Banff is a "must see"...