Banff and Calgary in May May, Calgary, Banff

布小熊

Hi,

I am planning to go to Banff and Calgary in May with my friends from HK. Is that a bad time to travel there? Howz the weather at that time?

Will the lake still be frozen? Anything to do other than site seeing? Pretty sure we will rent a van to drive there what should be the iterary? (about 1 week) Where are good places to stay (looking for options other than the regular hotel)? Good places to eat?

Thanks

布小熊

btw the new updated plan is in this newer thread:
http://www.loyaukee.com/forum/vi ... &extra=page%3D1

布小熊

Those houses belongs to my families. what days are you staying in May ar? How many people? I can ask ...
zuesel 發表於 2010-3-10 11:20 AM

Thank you. I will PM you for details.

zuesel

Those houses belongs to my families. what days are you staying in May ar? How many people? I can ask for you. I am going to ask one of my brothers who lives alone in a nice place if he's willing to rent it out to you guys. OH, he has a cat...if you don't mind...

Ever thought of joining a personal tour guide for those areas? You might come across some good pricing that saves you rental and time, plus loads of interesting stories that makes you appreciate the places much more! I went to one...only coz i accompanied my friend fr. HK. I actually learnt and enjoyed it a lot! The tour guy drove a van for us. He was always on the outlook for animals and would stop for us to take pics. He told us historical stories and animal facts, blah blah....
Check this out. I don't know the price though...http://www.geohistorytours.com/banff-jasper-tour-info.asp

Alamo is based in USA. I guess they've expended into Canada. You really have to call lots of places to get deals. For each company, you have to call both airport # and local store #. sometimes the rates are different for the same comp! But you can request to pick up vehical anywhere! Check also if they have specials for certain creditcard holders. Consider using airmiles too. Also check your entertainment book!

superberry

Calgary is a boring place........ nothing to see except Banff & Calgary Zoo. Food in all ethicity is terrible!

布小熊

回復 51# zuesel
Thank you for the tips! Too bad, I dont' have control for the timing of this trip. This will be like a small reunion for me and my highschool friends. Are your 3 houses vacation homes? Can we rent them?

They like scenery and not really into shopping. So I guess Jasper would be OK for them.
Are the trails accessable in May? I am sure they want to see squarrels and mountain goats. And sure we will try Alberta STEAK! Any good butcher or grocery store that we can get good steak to cook at our carbines?

For van rental, so far, I can only find unlimited milage rental from Alamco. Is this rental company alright? (never heard of them before in Vancouver)

zuesel

Like Catpiano, I lived and grew up in Alberta. Used to go to Banff sooooooooooo damn much!
Wanted to come to Vancouver more! LOL.

Nothing really good to eat and shop in Banff other than the brunch buffet in the haunted Banff Springs hotel.

If you like to enjoy the scenary, while at the above hotel, talk a trail walk on the right side of hotel. Go to the short cut of water fall on the left side of hotel. That's a short 1/2 day trip.

For Jasper, same, shoping is expensive, not much in town. However, you can take the gondola and there's a long long trail with stairs leading up to the top of mountain. You'll see lots of squarrels and mountain goats like right next to you! This is probably a 1 day trip including driving.

Driving isn't so bad on highways. However, us Van ppl are not used to the snow and road conditions. I'd say be careful and anticipate quite a bit of curvy roads. Don't slam on the break when hit ice patches. You certainly don't need to chain your wheels though.

Too bad you are not going with us which is this weekend. You can stay at one of our 3 houses there for free!

OH Calgary food is not great. I like Alberta steaks though...

Catpiano

Yeah ..  as long as not long weekend ..  

However, between Jasper <-> Kamloop ... usually smooth and easy driving..

I actually like to drive around golden area ..  nice senary, and lots of curve!!!

sheep

48# Catpiano


exactly,   like last time I drive to Baniff, because the road to golden was blocked by mudslide, we have to detour and spend most of the time driving, since May is not the peak season, many hotels are not fully booked, you might get a better deal when you walk in.

Catpiano

Yeah .. u still hv time ..

and u know what?

No matter how u plan .. the end result ( schedule ) will be diff!! lol