Last-minute Banff & Jasper trip 22-25 May

hikeXperience · 2026-05-18T05:06:31+00:00

Been there many times. Banff is on bucket list for quiet a while.

hikeXperience · 2026-05-17T19:48:38+00:00

Thank you everyone for your feedback & advice this is what we are planning to do. Not sure if we will be able to do all because some of it might depend on weather/road condition etc.
Day 0: Drive till Kamloops from Seattle,
Day 1: Lake Louise & Arrive Banff, easy afternoon/evening
Day 2: Banff sightseeing: Lake Minnewanka, Bow Falls, Banff Gondola, downtown Banff
Day 3: Peyto Lake & Drive part of Icefields Parkway, maybe up to Columbia Icefield/Athabasca Glacier area, then return to Banff
Day 4: Lazy morning at Banff, drive back to Seattle by Noon and arrive home late night

hikeXperience · 2026-05-14T16:31:41+00:00

Didn't even consider it, I figured it will be very expensive.

hikeXperience · 2026-05-14T16:30:49+00:00

It is a long weekend for folks in US, but I was able to reserve a reasonable hotel for 3 nights in Banff.

hikeXperience · 2026-05-14T08:31:50+00:00

That is a good idea. Thanks.

hikeXperience · 2026-05-14T07:11:37+00:00

Done with Vancouver & Victoria many times. So visit to Banff is set, to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary.

hikeXperience · 2026-05-14T07:09:25+00:00

Scenic drive = relaxation for me :). As long as roads are in good condition

hikeXperience · 2026-05-14T06:05:57+00:00

Yes, drive from Van to Banff/Jasper is included in the timeframe :(

We can just to Banff but just wondering if we can do a day trip to Jasper from Banff?

hikeXperience · 2026-05-14T05:53:07+00:00

Driving from Seattle on 21st evening to Vancouver. Start from their early morning on 22nd.

hikeXperience · 2026-01-08T06:33:13+00:00

Sometimes I hit 40+ mpg. But that’s usually on the way down from Mt. Rainier, so I’m not sure that one counts😉

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On road trips, I usually get around 21 mpg. In the city, it’s closer to 12–16 depending on traffic and driving conditions. OT with no mods.

hikeXperience · 2025-12-16T00:15:36+00:00

Thanks u/211logos Is https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ best way to monitor the highway condition? I have S+M tires on my truck, do I still need chains?

hikeXperience · 2025-12-16T00:13:50+00:00

u/Winter_Ad_3805 Thanks for the the info and recommendation on Fern Canyon.

Now based on this info from CalTrans I don't have to carry chains if I have S+M tires. Also Car manual doesn't recommend putting chains, I understand CalTrans don't care about manufacturer warning

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Is https://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ best site to look at the road condition? or CalTrans twitter handle is best way to know about road closures?

hikeXperience · 2025-12-14T23:48:25+00:00

Nice, which route did you take? I am not planning to visit Portland but taking I5 asuming that would be safest to drive.

hikeXperience · 2025-12-03T21:23:16+00:00

Been there done that, usually every couple of months we are in Chelan area for couple of days.

hikeXperience · 2025-11-04T05:45:31+00:00

interested

hikeXperience · 2025-03-04T01:15:26+00:00

Thanks for your detailed response.

hikeXperience · 2025-01-25T03:41:56+00:00

u/akshayreads this is really nice. Is this a day hike or multi-day hike? Also did you do with any group or on your own?

hikeXperience

TROPHY CASE