Walking in Canada's national parks?

Question

We're going to Canada (Vancouver-ish area) on holiday this summer and I was wondering how well sign-posted trails are in their national parks (Banff and Jasper particularly). Can we just turn up or do we have to buy maps before hand?

Also any top activities you can recommend in Calgary/Banff/Jasper/Whistler/Vancouver Island will be appreciated!

Thanks

Answer 1

You may find some useful info here:

http://www.canadianrockies.net/bnpdandw....

http://www1.travelalberta.com/en-ca/inde...

Have a great time!

Answer 2

I would advise getting maps beforehand, or go on guided trails.

I have only been to Canada for the skiing a couple of times, but i have recently taken up walking/hiking in the UK national forests and it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Get maps, a compass, a rucksack, a thermal flask, a small first aid pack (plasters, antiseptic, painkillers)...

If you do get lost, chances are you could stay lost as mobile phones won't work.

Answer 3

If you're planning on going to Vancouver and hope to walk trails in Banff or Jasper you're going to be disappointed.  Both are at least a day's drive away from Vancouver.  Vancouver Island's West Coast Trail is a multi-day hike through some spectaular wilderness scenery.  You need to register before hand and will need to travel from Vancouver either via ferry or plane to Vancouver Island.  You'll need enough food and gear to last you three or four days.  A great hike in the Vancouver area is the "Grouse Grind".  A short (fairly) but very steep climb up Grouse Mountain on Vancouver's north shore.

If you're a member of an auto association (AAA) you should be able to get any maps you might need for free.   Regardless, maps are always a good idea.

Answer 4

How long do you plan to be in the Calgary/Banff/Jasper area?  There is so much to do here that it would takes you weeks to do it all.

Between Banff and Jasper is the Icefield Parkway.  It is one of the most scenic drives in the world.   You can stop at the Columbia Glacier and take a ride on the snowcoaches up to the glacier and walk on it.    It's a little expensive but worth it once.

There are a lot of trails, lakes and stops along the Parkway as well.

Near Banff are a number of gondolas you can take.  The gondola up Sunshine Ski hill is awesome and has a lot of educational  things at the top.

There is a gondola in Banff as well that is a nice trip.   In Banff ther are a lot of musuems and historical sites.    Don't forget the Hot Springs at the end of a busy day.

Just north of Banff is an old ghost town (mining business) you can walk through.  It's a neat place.

Then there is always Lake Louise, Morraine Lake, Johnston Canyon and many other places you can hike.    

If you like to backpack, I recommend Kananaskis.  It's outside of Banff National Park.  The upper lake there has  some great backpacking and camping sites.

In Calgary there are all the 'city' things to do.   Zoo, science centre, Calgary Tower, Heritage Park, etc.

Close to Calgary there are many, many things you could do and see.

www.tourismcalgary.com

www.discoverbanff.com

http://www.banff.ca/activities-events/su...

www.icefieldsparkway.ca

Answer 5

Just remember, Jasper and Banff are on the BC/Alberta border and a long way from Vancouver.  The hiking trails are all very well marked and you can get free maps at the trail heads or in both communities.  Mountain biking, fishing, hiking, hot springs are all very popular pass times in the National Parks.  As for Calgary, party time, shopping etc are great activities.  Vancouver, being that it is on the coast has anything you might desire for entertainment from great restaurants to Stanley Park to the Grouse Mountain chair lift for a wonderful view of the city etc.  Whistler, soon the be the host for the 2010 Winter Olympics, has everything from down hill mountain biking to great clubs and restaurants as well as fishing, hiking, helicopter tours, white water river rafting etc.  You will not be bored.  Vancouver Island, where I live has everything anyone could wish for as we too have a great ski area (Mt. Washington).  Campbell River salmon fishing, ocean kayaking, hiking, biking Provincial Parks, towering waterfalls.  A really great place.  Enjoy your holiday in Alberta and BC.

Answer 6

Go to hellobc  and tourismvancouver    . The have free guides to mail you

Answer 7

probly get them b4 but go to stanly park for sure walk the sea wall

Answer 8

I've only been in the city of Vancouver and I remember going to this park every year with my grandmother. It's called 'Stanley Park'. Hahah I'm sure this isn't what your looking for.. . . . . . Most likely looking for hiking type things but stop by Stanley Park! It's more of a zoo type thing  (They got rid of all the animals) but it's a great place to walk around. There's lot's of green scenery. Also there's a very beautiful whale aquarium!