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[Beach Bum]

Taking a ride in early July to spend a couple of days at the Calgary Stampede.  Meeting the group in Kamloops, heading South to Jasper, then North to Banff and over to Calgary.  Read an earlier thread that said Lake Maligne and the Columbia Icefields are definite musts to see.

I have a couple of questions that I can use some help with.  First day is a leisurely ride from Kamloops to Valemount.  Is there any place we should see on the way up there?

Also, 2nd day is a ride through Jasper and Banff Ntl Parks, ending at Lake Louise.  Is it easy to find Lake Maligne and the Icefields (i.e. well marked directional signs)?  Also, anything else that is a must for that day?

As you can tell, this is no "iron butt" ride.  This group(with spouses) likes to limit the ride to under 250 miles/day which allows plenty of time for sightseeing and gets us to our lodging with plenty of time for a few beers before dinner.  Would rather ride less and see more as Canada is a beautiful country and we don't get many chances to tour this part.

Any ideas or suggestions are much appreciated.

[Bungy]

First of all, I'm sure you meant to say you're going NORTH to Jasper then SOUTH to Banff, not the otherway around - don't want you getting lost out there! Anyways to answer your questions, the turnoff to Maligne Lake is about 3 miles east of Jasper on Hwy 16. The same turnoff takes you to the Jasper Park Lodge - it is easy to spot. The Columbia Icefields is impossible to miss, you drive right past it on Hwy 93 from Jasper to Lake Louise. If time permits (& it sounds like it will) make sure you take the icefields tour. They take you up onto the glacier in specially designed busses - very neat! Be advised though, it can get pretty cool, even in summer. There's a lot of wild country between Kamloops & Valemont but not a lot of services, make sure you keep the gas tanks full!

[Beach Bum]

North, South.....thank god I have a GPS or I'd probably end up in Alaska.  Thanks for the great input, I've added those stops on our route.

[ultrafxr]

We made that trip in 2007.  Absolutely georgeous.  You will enjoy riding there for sure.   

[Beach Bum]

Thanks Ultra.  Any places you would recommend we stop to view?  Ice fields for sure.  Do you have an opinion on the lake?

[hard10]

Thanks Ultra.  Any places you would recommend we stop to view?  Ice fields for sure.  Do you have an opinion on the lake?

I'm thinking you should start by heading South. Somewhere South enough that I can come tag along!  This sounds like a trip of a lifetime!

[whiskey tango]

Kamloops to Valemount is about 4 hours riding. There are towns with all services about every hour. Camping or hotels? Valemount has both. Valemount to Jasper (1 hour 15 minutes) one place to buy fuel at Mount Robson about half way, no hotels between these two but lots of nice campgrounds. You will have to buy a National Park pass at the park gate just west  of Jasper. Two options, get a three day, or get an annual pass (about $110) and sell it to somebody who is doing the same thing when you are finished with it. Don't leave it on your bike, keep it in your pocket. Rates are on the Parks Canada website. Jasper is a nice little mountain town, great scenery. Turn south on the Icefields parkway towards Lake Louise, no hotel accommodation or fuel until Saskatchewan River Crossing about 1 and 1/2 hours  south. Again lots of campgrounds.

Here is a link that might be of interest "http://peterandpam.com/canada/Jasper.html" No idea who these people are.

Lake Louise and Banff are about 45 minutes apart and have all services, Lake Louise townsite is quite small, I would suggest staying in Banff or Canmore (just east of the park and lots cheaper) Jasper to Banff or Canmore is an easy day, lots of hotels for all budgets. I would reserve ahead as it does get busy.

WT

[56FLE]

Here is the Bus for the icefields.

[56FLE]

Check out how big it is compared to a bike.

[Beach Bum]

Thanks again for all the great input.  Thanks to all of you, this trip will be even greater than originally thought.

[ultrafxr]

Here is a nice little motel we stayed at in Jasper.

[ultrafxr]

Glacier viewed from Icefields Parkway.

[ultrafxr]

They're not kidding - we saw a couple along the road.

[ultrafxr]

Very nice hotel in Lake Louise.