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dome_driver
06-11-03, 10:20 AM
My wife, a buddy, and I plan to tour from roughly Jasper to Banff, maybe Radium, next month. Do any here have experience with this tour? Recommendations on places to stay would be appreciated, as would information on any shuttle services to Jasper. Public transit seems to be in a funk up there. Thanks.
Roughstuff
06-11-03, 11:15 AM
Originally posted by dome_driver
My wife, a buddy, and I plan to tour from roughly Jasper to Banff, maybe Radium, next month. Do any here have experience with this tour? Recommendations on places to stay would be appreciated, as would information on any shuttle services to Jasper. Public transit seems to be in a funk up there. Thanks.
The Icefields parkway is certainly one of the most beautiful cycling roads in the world. The shoulder is huge...sometimes the widest lane in the road, so don't listen to folks who complain about the traffic. I am not sure if they have (yet) repaired the incessant cracks in the pavement, which may drive you crazy as each day nears its end. But it is a gorgeous road.
I recommend you stay in the hostels along the way. Campgrounds often have bear problems and you'll be at risk with just a tent. Thank GOD there is no public transit. Therefore the hostels are full of people who get there under their own power, not a snivelling tour group of high school morons who pile off buses and trains like you see in Europe or elsewhere.
From Jasper take some time to go up the side road to Mt. Edith Cavell. It is a gorgeous road, if a steep climb. The two major passes, Sunwapta (near the Icefields) and Bow Pass (near another glacier region) are challenging; Sunwapta clearly the tougher of the two. MAke sure you climb the small bluff to look down on Bow Lake, near the other pass.
If you carry food, bring along quite a bit. The only real 'shopping' area is at Saskatchewan River Crossing; other than that its small shops and cafes and you'll pay top dollar.
But what a ROAD!!! Plan on 250 miles of mountains, glaciers, snoecapped peaks, windy chilly breezes, wildlife such as bear and moose, and fantastic cycling. Banff and Jasper are tourist gorged, but hey, you are there, so why can't everybody else have the same privilege? Make sure you take the side trip up to Lake Louise from Banff.
You must a basic fee for each day you use the park; they will probably assume you'll take a couple days for the entire ride.
You WILL enjoy your tour, rain or shine. Please share your experiences with us as ya go!
roughstuff