I was just in Banff in May and will be going back the last week of August. We flew into Edmonton, and drove to Jasper, on to the Lake Louise area (we actually stayed just outside LL at the Emerald Lake Lodge), on to Banff and then into Calgary where we flew home from. I know many people prefer Jasper over Banff, but personally I disagree. Jasper really didn't thrill me whatsoever. The the drive from Jasper to Lake Louise, however, was spectacular - especially in the Saskatchewan River Crossing area. I'm not sure how far outside of Banff you want to go - will you have a car? I'm assuming yes if you'll be there for 6 days. LL is about an hour beyond Banff, and Field, BC is just outside Lake Louise - that's the area Takakkaw Falls is in. We wanted to do that hike when we were there in May but the trails hadn't opened yet. We also wanted to do the Lake Agnes Tea House trail ride in LL, but our visit was just a bit too early in the year. Emerald Lake is very beautiful and is a nice drive. If you like historic properties the Fairmont Hotels in both LL and Banff (especially Banff) are beautiful and fun to explore. We spent one night at the Fairmont Banff Springs and could have spent the entire time we were there just exploring the hotel and grounds. Even if you're not staying at the hotel you can visit for lunch or a drink, and there is a little gallery on the second floor with lots of historical memorabilia and photographs, etc. They also do a historical tour each day at 1 pm I believe. There are hot springs right in Banff if you feel like a soak, and also the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. Many people find Banff busy, and it is, but I prefer a bit of hustle and bustle. This was my first visit to the Canadian Rockies and we spend a lot of our time just driving around and taking in the various sites. There are lots of hiking and walking trails and scenic look outs to visit. Every turn you go around is photo worthy. When we return in August we are spending two nights in Banff and two in Calgary, and also heading South this time down into Montana and are going to cross the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park. You're probably flying into Calgary?? Enjoy your visit - it's a beautiful area!

How beautiful. Our leaves are just beginning to slightly turn. As a rule we don't get the vibrant foliage in my area due to a number of factors. One being our lousy clay soil which limits the types of trees that will grow here. Your reds in particular are calling to me. Good pictures. I especially like the stream bed. That should look so pretty with a dusting of snow on the rocks later on ..........Maryl

lovely pictures! We visited in the summer years ago and had one of the most memorable meals ever--a bowl of soup. We hiked up from Lake Louise on the well-used trail which was longer than we expected. By the time we reached the top boy, were we hungry! There was (is?) a restaurant up there that served pretty much soup and homemade bread that was incredibly delicious, partly because we were so hungry. :) I will never forget that hike and meal. I'm glad you had a nice weekend in such a stunning setting, Debby.

The weather got a lot better as the day went by. It was chilly by the lake, but it's always colder by water. It tried to snow a little a few times but by dinner time, nobody was wearing coats outside.