Canada Trip

[Heidimai]

Hi, we are taking a road trip across Canada in a few weeks and I would like to book a guided hike for our first day in Banff to see Lake Louise or similar. It needs to be an easy one that will allow a nearly 12 yr old. Has anyone used a company that they would recommend.

[skalexander]

We went to Banff in January and did the Johnston Canyon walk with Banff Adventures. I don't know if that tour is available in summer, but it was well organised, the transfers were prompt and the guide gave really good commentary on the journey and on the walk.

[sam_b]

Hi,
You won’t need a company or guide for an easy hike.

We also did Johnston Canyon last year - it has a huge car park and clearly marked (busy) paths - it was overrun with people (and coach parties) in September, certainly to the lower falls, thinned a bit to the upper Falls and was very pleasant going to the Inkpots. It was all boardwalk as far as I recall to Upper Falls.

How far can you walk? The tea house at Lake Louise is 5.5k (uphill) one way.

You can park at Lake Louise and it’s a 5 min walk to the Lake and you can walk along it...

Emerald Lake is a stunning 5.5k flat circuit around a beautiful lake near Banff (yoho national park).

Grassi lakes near Canmore is about a 4K circuit with nice views...

You won’t be alone in Banff or Lake Louise - it is hugely busy. 🙂

[Libby]

When we visited on 11th August 2016 the Lake Louise car park was pretty full at 8.30am.

[Gunna]

If you’re doing Lake Louise or Moraine Lake like mentioned above it’s really busy in the summer. We did them independently in July last year but where up and out of our place really early and Moraine Lake car park was already full by about 7:00am, Lake Louise was fine. We did get to Moraine Lake on the way back from Lake Louise though.

Both beautiful in their own way. The walk up to Lake Agnes is all uphill for about 2-3 miles but worth it for the lake and tea house. If you’re hiring a car you’ll be fine exploring on your own if you don’t mind driving and can please yourself how long you spend at places. Johnston Canyon is also worth a look to.

I did a trip report and there’s a link in my signature with lots more info in but ask me any questions and I’ll help if I can.

[Heidimai]

Thanks Gunna, I've read a few of your trip reports but I need to go back and re read. Thanks all, yes I think we will go it alone. I've read it's really busy and we will hopefully be awake early as this is our first day. We land in Calgary the day before and are driving to Banff Inn for one night. So trying to plan the best way of seeing the lakes.