***Canuck-Gal!**** Jasper question...

[Independent Gal]

Hi Canuck!

FI and I are starting to think that a week in the Cdn Rockies is just what we'll be wanting for our honeymoon. Ideally, we'd want to do vigorous day hikes from a plushy hotel. Timing is flexible from May onward, and I don't mind snow, so long as it's not too cold (which for me mean about -15 C or colder) or dangerous (avalanches or whatever). Is May too early?

We are open to Banff, but inclined toward Jasper. and other than the Fairmont Jasper, do you have any ideas or recommendations of plushy exciting places we could stay?

Any help appreciated.

 

[Independent Gal]

bump!

 

[bem3231]

Date: 1/26/2008 6:39:20 PM
Author:Independent Gal
Hi Canuck!


FI and I are starting to think that a week in the Cdn Rockies is just what we''ll be wanting for our honeymoon. Ideally, we''d want to do vigorous day hikes from a plushy hotel. Timing is flexible from May onward, and I don''t mind snow, so long as it''s not too cold (which for me mean about -15 C or colder) or dangerous (avalanches or whatever). Is May too early?


We are open to Banff, but inclined toward Jasper. and other than the Fairmont Jasper, do you have any ideas or recommendations of plushy exciting places we could stay?


Any help appreciated.

Hi IG -

I''m not Canuck Gal but I do live in Calgary, Alberta and my fiance grew up in Jasper. I''m pretty sure that as far as Jasper goes the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge would be the way to go if you are wanting plushy. I could recommend other properties if you were looking elsewhere in the Rockies, but I think if you''re thinking Jasper then you''ve already got it nailed.

 

[bem3231]

Oh, in terms of time of year - were you thinking early May or late May? That can make a difference in these parts. May can be a bit of a crapshoot temperature wise, especially in the mountains. Early June might be a good choice - beat the rush before the kids get out of school and families start holidaying in droves.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Good morning.

Jasper is a lovely destination--beautifully situated without the hoards that usually accompany a mountain/ski resort. No "shopping" to speak of......

Of course we all love the JPL, where we usually stay, but have experience with "Alpine Village" and the "Sawmill". I would prefer the former, as they are bungalow/log style cabins vs. a hotel envrionment. Fireplaces, veranda''s and generally cozy. Alpine Village is right on the Athabasca River which is stunning--but in May the river very well could still be frozen. Temps could be in the range you specify--for that I could check envrionment Canada (long range...).

Travel Alberta (Jasper) would have much info. on what to do and where to avoid (seasonal and climate related issues), as well as hiking trails. By May the ski hills would be closed, but trails, etc, available. Perhaps golf?

White water rafting would probably not be availabe due to ice issues (??), and I don''t know how many boat tours of Maligne Lake would be running as well. The one thing I have always wanted to do was a mountain train ride with VIA Rail or Rocky Mountain Railtours--I cannot think of anything more beautiful or relaxing. They tend to be rather costly--overnight bearths, etc--but day tours might be the ticket. Sounds lame, but anyone who I have spoken to about this has said it was worth every penny. It is even possible to take one from Edmonton if memory serves.

Speaking of Edmonton, it is likley you''ll be flying to this City and renting a car to drive, West. No? Bank on 3-4 hours of driving each direction. It is a twinned hwy. (93 W, I think) until you reach JNP gates then it is single lane.

I wish I could be more helpful, but I do not know names of specific hiking trails. Weather will be variable (in Calgary, we could have a snowstorm!), so I would check the long range forecast. Layers are always best.

Hope another Albertan will chime in with info. from their experiences!

cheers--Sharon

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

Alpine Village:

http://www.alpinevillagejasper.com/website/index.html

cheers--Sharon

 

[Independent Gal]

Thanks so much ladies!

Other than Jasper and Banff, are there other places in Alberta (or BC?) I might not have thought of that would be good for hiking / mountain lanscapes + plushy hotels?

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 1/27/2008 2:58:25 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Thanks so much ladies!

Other than Jasper and Banff, are there other places in Alberta (or BC?) I might not have thought of that would be good for hiking / mountain lanscapes + plushy hotels?

HI:

Whistler!! 2die4. Any place in the Okanagan (lot-o-water, wine trails.....)

cheers--Sharon

 

[Independent Gal]

I''ve never been to Whistler... is there hiking as well as skiing? We should look into that.

Was in the Okanagan when I was 10 years old. My father did a triathalon there as I recall. For some reason, I associate it with peach pie and the smell of sulphur. Weird huh? And I remember something about the lake turning over at some point in the year, and that making a special ecosystem or something. Ah, kids brains. Or any brains for that matter.

 

[bem3231]

Date: 1/27/2008 2:58:25 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Thanks so much ladies!


Other than Jasper and Banff, are there other places in Alberta (or BC?) I might not have thought of that would be good for hiking / mountain lanscapes + plushy hotels?

Golden, BC - it''s between Revelstoke and Banff on the Trans-Canada highway. There are some pretty posh lodges (even some fly-in only ones for heli-skiing / heli-hiking), but you can also rent some amazing private resort homes there at the base of Kicking Horse mountain. If you''re looking for more than hiking Kicking Horse ski hill also offers downhill mountain biking in the summer and it''s an awesome location for whitewater rafting. It''s also one of the top ten sites in the world for paragliding (which I did a few years ago and it was awesome!). I''m getting married there July 26th.

Also, Emerald Lake lodge is supposed to be lovely, but sort of ''off the beaten path''.

 

[Independent Gal]

Emerald Lake Lodge looks PERFECT! We are giving them a call... Plus I love that it''s in Yoho. Because then we get to say ''Yoho'' everytime someone asks where we''re going on our honeymoon. We will obviously have to bring some rum too. You know. Pirate style.

Lord I love this website.

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 1/27/2008 5:39:34 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Emerald Lake Lodge looks PERFECT! We are giving them a call... Plus I love that it's in Yoho. Because then we get to say 'Yoho' everytime someone asks where we're going on our honeymoon. We will obviously have to bring some rum too. You know. Pirate style.

Lord I love this website.

HI:

Totally forgot about EML (good suggestion!)--friends had their HM there. Hope it works out!

cheers--Shaorn

 

[bem3231]

Date: 1/27/2008 5:39:34 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Emerald Lake Lodge looks PERFECT! We are giving them a call... Plus I love that it''s in Yoho. Because then we get to say ''Yoho'' everytime someone asks where we''re going on our honeymoon. We will obviously have to bring some rum too. You know. Pirate style.


Lord I love this website.

ELL is also an easy drive from Lake Louise, Banff, and Golden, so you will have no shortage of things to do and / or see!

Good luck!

 

[Independent Gal]

It seems like that place has everything we''d want, but it got some pretty bad reviews on Trip Advisor (including one seriously irate bride

). We found another place in the Rockies that is TO DIE FOR, but with a price tag to go with it. And it''s a long hike / ski from the nearest road, but we can cope with that. I''ll keep y''all posted.

 

[canuk-gal]

HI:

In Lake Louise, my choice is the Post Hotel. World class dining, cozy Inn environment, nestled in the most beautiful part of the universe. (biased??).....

cheers--Sharon

 

[bem3231]

The Post Hotel is great, no question.

I looked at booking our wedding at ELL and they have had so much staff turnover that I did not pursue it as they were obviously dealing with some capacity issues. I read the tripadvisor comments - I see that this is an issue that extends beyond their wedding services. The economy is such in this part of the world that many businesses are having gigantic issues with keeping staff - I see that ELL is no exception!

While it''s definitely far less remote, if you''re considering that part of the world the Banff Springs is a truly extraordinary hotel experience. You could perhaps look at doing 2 or 3 days there, and then 2 or 3 days in Lake Louise or at another lodge somewhere in Yoho. Just a thought...

 

[Independent Gal]

OK, Canuck, I''ll bite. What''s with the armadillo (said the ostrich)?

I remember eating at the Post Hotel in Banff on that same trip where I went to Okanagan (when I was 10). I remember it, because my step-mom of the hour''s parents were horrified with my lack of fine dining savvy and rudimentary table manners! I wasn''t yet accustomed to eating at fancy places, you see.

Later on the trip, me and then-step-grammy made up and she taught me to knit. That was such a weird trip.

 

[CdnBlingGal]

Oh my... if you have the chance to come to BC and visit Whistler - you won''t regret it. We are hosts of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Great mountains, beautiful scenery, hiking trails, ski slope (of course), golfing and definately some plush hotels.

I have to go to work now but if you want some more info in BC, I''ll be glad to recommend some places to you.

 

[Sparkalicious]

Date: 1/27/2008 10:29:02 PM
Author: CdnBlingGal
Oh my... if you have the chance to come to BC and visit Whistler - you won''t regret it. We are hosts of the 2010 Winter Olympics. Great mountains, beautiful scenery, hiking trails, ski slope (of course), golfing and definately some plush hotels.

Definite ditto! BC is beautiful and sounds to be right up your alley, IG. Whistler, for example, has everything you stated that you are looking for ... Just a great, versatile yet plush locale. You would have a fabulous time!

 

[LitigatorChick]

Okay, I''m chiming in a little late on this one. I am not a fan of the Emerald Lake Lodge. I think the Post Hotel is a waaaaay better choice.

May is a little early, I think. Even early June can be a bit chilly in the Rockies. Check out the weather reports to be sure.

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 1/27/2008 3:18:21 PM
Author: canuk-gal

Date: 1/27/2008 2:58:25 PM
Author: Independent Gal
Thanks so much ladies!

Other than Jasper and Banff, are there other places in Alberta (or BC?) I might not have thought of that would be good for hiking / mountain lanscapes + plushy hotels?

HI:

Whistler!! 2die4. Any place in the Okanagan (lot-o-water, wine trails.....)

cheers--Sharon

HI:

Well, if you''ve not been to Whistler I recommend it. It is wonderful in any season.....and Vancouver in May/June--fab!

http://www.whistler.com/activities/summer/

P.S. The POst Hotel has been renovated since you''ve been there--new Spa and rooms refurbished. Wonderful!

P.S.S. My DH loves armadillo''s.......

cheers--Sharon

 

[karasue91]

I have no help to offer, but just wanted to say thank you for starting this thread!!

For our honeymoon, FI and I are driving from Calgary (where we live) through Banff, Okanagan, Kelowna, Whistler, Vancouver, Victoria Island, etc (not in that order I don''t think, he is in charge since I am the ignorant American who just moved to Canada). How great to have so many recommendations from people who know best.

Ours will be in August, so a little different time of year, but obviously I think it''s a fantastic idea for a honeymoon!! Our plan is to mix nice hotels with camping and little motels (in the towns that don''t have big resorts), and I can''t wait for hiking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, whale-watching, mixed with wonderful hot springs and wine country!

I really love Canada, I''m so happy I moved.

 

[pinkelephant]

I was going to suggest an activity to do while in Banff or Jasper... I have a friend to works at Icefield Helicopters, they offer some really great tours and a new way to view the Rockies, from the sky!

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 1/29/2008 12:14:05 AM
Author: karasue91
I have no help to offer, but just wanted to say thank you for starting this thread!!

For our honeymoon, FI and I are driving from Calgary (where we live) through Banff, Okanagan, Kelowna, Whistler, Vancouver, Victoria Island, etc (not in that order I don''t think, he is in charge since I am the ignorant American who just moved to Canada). How great to have so many recommendations from people who know best.

Ours will be in August, so a little different time of year, but obviously I think it''s a fantastic idea for a honeymoon!! Our plan is to mix nice hotels with camping and little motels (in the towns that don''t have big resorts), and I can''t wait for hiking, whitewater rafting, canoeing, whale-watching, mixed with wonderful hot springs and wine country!

I really love Canada, I''m so happy I moved.

HI:

Souinds wonderful! Those AB/BC resorts will be jammed packed/busy during the summer--it would be wise to book your accomodation well before. I know folks who book the same hotel/motel/condo/ camping site every year to guarentee their accomodation.

cheers--Sharon

 

[mara54]

I am orginally from Calgary, lived there all my life but now living in Buenos Aires, Argentina for a year. I would suggesting to see Banff, Jasper and while heading to Jasper hit the Columbia Icefields, a trip you will not forget. June can be cool plus with some snow as you are right in the mountains. Know matter where you go either BC or Alberta is all beautiful.

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 1/29/2008 10:03:40 AM
Author: mara54
I am orginally from Calgary, lived there all my life but now living in Buenos Aires, Argentina for a year. I would suggesting to see Banff, Jasper and while heading to Jasper hit the Columbia Icefields, a trip you will not forget. June can be cool plus with some snow as you are right in the mountains. Know matter where you go either BC or Alberta is all beautiful.

HI:

hey girl! I just mentioned you in the other thread (BRRRRCanadian style)! What are the odds! Hope you are well, while we are not enjoying -33 (-43 with the wind chill) temps today!

cheers--Sharon

 

[mara54]

Hi Canuk_gal,

How are you? It''s been along time. I just got back from going around the Cape of South America, now that was cool weather but not like you are getting in Calgary right now with wind factor of 43-. I thought you where all having good weather. I tried to send you a email about a month ago but it came back. can you send it again. How would you do that personelly? I have been good, but missing Calgary as my family is there but I have to say I love living here, the people are so polite and the weather is great right now as it is
26C summer here.

Keep in touch.

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 1/29/2008 11:28:24 AM
Author: mara54
Hi Canuk_gal,

How are you? It''s been along time. I just got back from going around the Cape of South America, now that was cool weather but not like you are getting in Calgary right now with wind factor of 43-. I thought you where all having good weather. I tried to send you a email about a month ago but it came back. can you send it again. How would you do that personelly? I have been good, but missing Calgary as my family is there but I have to say I love living here, the people are so polite and the weather is great right now as it is
26C summer here.

Keep in touch.

HI:

The thought of travelling around the Cape in a boat--gives me pause. GREAT pause! And of course I am envious of your present weather!!!

I am not allowed to give my private email on this board--it is against forum rules--so I don''t know how to contact you personally either. Are you planning to travel this way home anytime soon?

(sorry for the hijack IG!)

cheers--Sharon

 

[mara54]

Hi Sharon,
Yes, I am thinking of going back to Calgary either at the end of March/early April for a couple of weeks. It would be great to meet up. I will let you know when I book my flight and when I will be comfirmed. What part of the city are you in nw/ne sw/se?? I would be sw. Do you enjoy living there?

Well, keep in touch,
DeeDee/ mara54

 

[canuk-gal]

Date: 1/30/2008 1:50:54 PM
Author: mara54
Hi Sharon,
Yes, I am thinking of going back to Calgary either at the end of March/early April for a couple of weeks. It would be great to meet up. I will let you know when I book my flight and when I will be comfirmed. What part of the city are you in nw/ne sw/se?? I would be sw. Do you enjoy living there?

Well, keep in touch,
DeeDee/ mara54

HI:

Wonderful! Maybe we''ll be out of the deep freeze by then!!!

NW, but I can meet you anywhere. Would you be adverse to a gathering of other Calgary PS''ers? There seems to be a few of us here now--I cannot speak for them if they''d like to meet; certainly I''d love to meet you, regardless.

I look forward to hearing from you!

cheers--Sharon