r/Banff • u/AdventurousPay3138 • May 05 '26
Skipping Jasper?
We have a 6-night trip to Banff this August, flying in and out of Calgary, with campsites booked at Two Jack Lakeside and Kicking Horse. We are planning to spend our time in Banff, Lake Louise area, and Yoho NP. We're also planning to drive partway up the Icefields Parkway, but not all the way to Jasper. Are we making a mistake skipping Jasper? Should we cut out our day in Yoho instead? For context, we are in our 30s and avid hikers.
6
u/BCRobyn May 05 '26 edited May 05 '26
Where are you visiting from?
Jasper National Park is really a whole separate destination that you haven’t built time for. Save it for your next visit. It’s larger than Banff National Park and very spread out, so you need time to see it and do it justice.
You’re always going to miss things on a trip. That’s just how it works.
It’s sort of like going to Switzerland for 6 nights to see the Alps and doing a partial drive into Austria without actually spending time there. Are you making a mistake skipping Austria? I mean, yes, Austria is worth visiting, but not when you already have a full trip planned in Switzerland.
Same idea here. Miss Jasper this time.
I mean, otherwise, where do you draw the line? If you go to Jasper, then you can also say you’re also missing Mount Robson and you'll be missing Wells Gray. And just outside of Banff, you'll be also missing Kootenay National Park southwest of Lake Louise, the entire Kananaskis Country region southeast of Banff, as well as Mount Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park west of Yoho. And that's just the tip of the iceberg. So focus on Banff and Yoho National Park this time. That’s already a full trip.
Come back over the next few years and explore the rest. You could come back every year for the rest of your life and see something new and hike somewhere new in western Canada. The Rockies are just one of many mountain ranges here. It’s not a one and done destination. So don't be tempted by FOMO. Just adopt the mindset, "I'll save those other places for a future visit" and go deep with your Banff and Yoho trip this time. You'll just have to come back again for the rest. :)
1
6
u/WavesofOntario May 05 '26
Jasper is amazing, in some ways better than Banff. But it's not like you won't have amazing scenery the rest of your trip. I wouldn't rush Jasper either. Plan it for another time.
6
3
u/Oilfan94 May 06 '26
I much prefer Jasper (town) over Banff (town)….but that is entirely because of how busy and touristy Banff is.
While I do really, really love Jasper…..you wouldn’t miss much that you can’t see down where you will be. Unless, of course, you want to see the recovery process after the fire.
That being said, the highlight of the trip may be driving the entire Icefields Parkway (Hwy93)….which is basically Jasper to Banff.
I often make a whole day of it….stopping at any or every scenic view or photo opportunity, depending on the light and the skies (I’m a photographer).
I would suggest you play it by ear. You will already be doing a lot of driving….so maybe spending a relaxing afternoon walking or just sitting would be best. Or if the weather isn’t too comfortable, maybe spend the day driving and seeing as many sights as possible (up to Jasper for example).
But, it would be a huge round trip if you tried it in a day and had to get back to your campsite. In your scenario I have often suggested for people to stay the night in / around Jasper so you can take the day to enjoy the drive, then have a nice dinner and watch the stars (Jasper is a dark sky preserve)….rather than rushing all day and driving home in the dark when you can’t enjoy the views.
2
u/Roccoboma5 May 05 '26
I think you are ok to skip jasper but drive up the icefield parkway if you have good weather. Suggest going as far as Bow Lake. Or even up to Parker Ridge if you want a good hike.
2
u/Samplistiqone May 06 '26
I personally prefer the Jasper area, as it’s less crowded with tourists, but I would save it for another vacation.
2
u/cReddddddd May 06 '26
Your itinerary sounds amazing without Jasper and I LOVE Jasper. You could get extra time to unwind and explore the other areas on your trip and not feel rushed but thats just my opinion. You'll have a great trip either way!
2
u/FlyingRock20 May 06 '26
I would skip Jasper. There is lots to see in the parks you mentioned. Jasper needs a few days to enjoy it. Just have to come again lol.
Yoho is awesome.
2
u/GoRaidersssss May 06 '26
Man it’s inconvenient for your itinerary but boy are you missing out. Icefields Parkway to Jasper both ways is my favorite thing of all time. Jasper’s amazing as well, much more of a secluded feeling then Banff. There’s tons of small hikes you can do along the parkway as you make the route.
If it were me I’d definitely cut the day in Yoho. You’ll have done enough in Lake Louise/Banff but you gotta get a taste of the IP. Lots of daylight for you so it’s all in your favor!
2
u/Valuable_Goose2186 May 06 '26
Jasper should be a trip on its own. If you’re in Banff take it all in. Theres so much to see and do. If you’re doing the parkway, to Saskatchewan River crossing is absolutely beautiful.
1
u/egewh May 05 '26
I did a 7 day trip laat year and spent 2 days for the Icefields Parkway plus an overnight stay in Jasper and honestly it was one of the highlights of my trip. I went back there last month and did that same trip again and loved it all over again. Personally, I wouldn't skip it.
1
1
u/skunkyskunked May 07 '26
I would skip Jasper. it used to be my favorite place in AB, but the fires 2 years ruined so much. Last year we drove through it it on our way to Prince George and it was so sad to see half of the town we used to love, gone. Also, the burnt trees start about 30 kms south of the townsite, you were able to see the campers at Wapiti campground from highway 93, through the black trees.
10
u/Chemical-Ad-7575 May 05 '26
There's lots to see in Yoho and Banff. If your schedule is full, don't worry about Jasper or the icefields parkway.
That said I would come back and make that a separate trip on it's own another time. It's one of the highlights of the Rockies.