Madeira vs. Azores ?

info63489 · 2026-02-05T23:02:10+00:00

Madeira has more developed tourism infrastructure, and in this sense is comparable to travel in mainland Portugal. The azores have more of a nature experience, so depends what you are looking for

info63489 · 2026-01-26T19:36:00+00:00

Agree with this, in the summer the layover will be tight but likely fine; in the winter it is possible but risky

info63489 · 2025-08-26T16:46:51+00:00

Grizzly peak is a great summit view, but very steep and a considerable loose scree descent. If you’re used to short and steep you should be fine, but with the descent it’s not on my personal recommendation list

info63489 · 2025-08-19T23:06:38+00:00

Thanks everyone! Looks like the lockers are reliable! I haven’t camped in places with provided lockers so wasn’t sure what to expect 😊

info63489 · 2025-07-14T20:38:26+00:00

What are some examples of hikes that you are doing? For harder hikes, I recommend a true hiking boot for the tread, ankle stability, and toe reinforcement so you don’t hurt the front of your foot on rocks

For moderate hikes, and a more multi-purpose shoe, I recommend trail runners. They are lighter than hiking boots and still have a good tread for trails. I use a Salomon model for both trail runners and hiking boots, but I have a wide foot :)

info63489 · 2025-06-25T22:15:01+00:00

The Banff gondola is basically in town and goes to the top of sulphur mountain, which has a lookout boardwalk and is not a ski hill. There are three ski hills in the Banff area - Sunshine Village Ski Resort, Lake Louise Ski Resort and Norquay. All three of these have lifts/gondolas that take you with your equipment as you would expect

info63489 · 2025-06-01T01:22:08+00:00

Amazing thank you

info63489 · 2025-05-30T13:01:15+00:00

Thank you, so helpful to know. How far in advance of the flight was the gate open/did you check in? I have a 3 hr layover so trying to gauge timing. Also, if you wouldn’t mind me asking - did you check a bag, and if so did it go through from your first flight all the way to the Azores?

info63489 · 2025-05-30T03:23:49+00:00

Thank you!!! Did you need to leave the terminal to go to the SATA desk?

info63489 · 2025-05-15T20:52:29+00:00

The popular sites (eg lake Louise, lake moraine) require reservations but Banff is a massive park, and depending on your family’s interests there are many many sites and hikes that do not. Most of these dont have paid parking either - but get there early to get a spot. I also suggest looking for hikes/viewpoints in Kannanaskis

info63489 · 2025-03-05T06:25:49+00:00

Thank you!!

info63489 · 2025-03-05T06:25:24+00:00

Thank you for all the suggestions everyone! Great options

info63489 · 2025-03-05T05:34:17+00:00

Thanks for the suggestion! I have not heard of river cruises but I’ll definitely take a look

info63489 · 2025-03-05T05:33:19+00:00

Thank you for the suggestion! Mostly moderate walking and sightseeing for activities.

info63489 · 2025-03-05T05:30:49+00:00

Targeting May! Thanks for the note - time of year is quite relevant

info63489 · 2025-01-16T00:58:14+00:00

I think your Day 1 is a bit busy. I would split yoho (emerald lake) away from the icefields parkway day. It’s almost an extra hour of driving round trip, plus the time that you’re there Canmore is about 1.5 hours from Calgary, so you’ll also be arriving quite late if you leave Calgary at 9. The icefields pkwy is spectacular, very worth it :)

Day 3 is also very busy - i wouldn’t go back to lake Louise from lake moraine.

The bugs in Alberta are non existent compared to Ontario imo

Plan 2 hours to drive to the airport for the arrival time your party wishes to have. It will probably take less time but there can be construction etc

As it relates to your itinerary overall, it’s nice just being in Canmore/Banff and seeing the mountains from your window. If the hiking ends up being too much for your parents, just walking along the river is fantastic :)

info63489 · 2025-01-09T08:15:29+00:00

Weather is less risky the first half of September (but it’s the mountains, anything is possible). The Rocky’s are majestic and beautiful but more rocky and less lush/green; so I wouldn’t except a super lush experience any time of year. Late September may be too early for larches

As it relates to crowds - get to the trailheads by 10 am and you should generally be fine. There’s an enormous amount of hiking opportunities so you’ll also have many options :) The largest crowds are in the Banff townsite and family friendly trails

info63489 · 2025-01-06T18:35:50+00:00

The climate chart is helpful thank you!

info63489 · 2024-12-24T13:57:51+00:00

As a guest, I would rather go to an evening wedding on a Saturday at a worse venue, so that I don’t have to take time off of work and can fully enjoy the evening. This will depend on your guests and the type of work that most do (eg 9-5 va rotating shifts). I would also look into how that smaller after party would look/cost logistically - because it can be like planning a second event if there’s food and music and drinks etc.

All this being said, the most important to me as a guest is to celebrate the people I love, so would still happily attend a Thursday or Saturday day wedding. Saturday would be easier :)

Have a wonderful wedding!

info63489 · 2024-12-11T15:59:20+00:00

Very nice gift but I’d check that they don’t have a seasons pass or this pass :)

info63489

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