I am planning a visit to calgary and also banff to ski at end of march. I also planning to rent a car to drive from calgary to banff. I never been to canada before either. Would it be easy driving for the visitor from calgary to banff, wouldn't I get lost? I also want to visit icefield parkway where I can drive along lake Louis, how can I do that? Wouldn't be dangerous to drive during winter time? Thank you for the info and answers!!
2007-03-14 01:39:53 · 4 answers · asked by AK 1 in Travel ➔ Canada ➔ Calgary
Very simple drive from Calgary to Banff. You take the Trans-Canada Highway all the way.
When I was last there, we were driving at night to get to Banff. Along the way, we stopped when we saw the "northern lights" effect. This is like a flowing rainbow that happens in the night sky (best I can describe it).
During the day trip back, we looked in the fields and wonder what all the little brown clumps of dirt were for, but then we realized it was hundreds of prairie dogs just standing motionless as we passed by. If you startled them, you would hear a strange yelp and they would run off or disappear into the hole.
And while we were at the hotel in Banff, we opened up the blind in the morning and were surprised to find two elk grazing on the front lawn. If you ever saw the opening credits to the show Northern Exposure starring Rob Morrow, it was kind of like greeting a moose at the front door!
You should have a wonderful time, as it is great country out there.
2007-03-14 10:24:37 · answer #1 · answered by SteveN 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What a great idea!
If you want to rent a car, the drive will take you a little more than an hour. It's a nice enough drive, nothing that fascinating until you get closer to Banff. The drive from Banff to Lake Loiuse is much more interesting, it is also about an hour. The icefield may closed to visitors (if it has been warm and the ground is thawing - not the ice field - the access walk/hike to get there) so do check ahead.
The highways are well travelled, well maintained. If there is any threat of foul weather, you will know. The best thing to do is wait it out, or if you must get there - drive half as fast as you think you can go. The weather in late March should be fine.
FYI - Driving in areas used to heavy snow is a LOT safer (prepared) than driving in urban areas that never get any snow (panic).
Also - The weather will change in a matter of hours. Bring layers, gloves, sunglasses, and skit hat. Peel off what you don't need rather than be caught without it.
Don't forget your camera!
2007-03-14 15:18:40 · answer #2 · answered by firehorsetwo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can rent a car, it's a nice drive to banff the roads are good , get a map it's easy to follow, and you won't get lost lots of signs , it's not dangerous that time of the year, go and find an info centre and get all the info and maps you'll need , you should be able to ski in most ski places , there are lots of tour buses you can take also that will help you on your visit , you will love it there but you gotta come back and see it all in the warmer times of the year, great place to visit, hope and I'm sure you'll in joy, have fun....jim
2007-03-14 08:56:45 · answer #3 · answered by jim m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its like one way, very easy about 50 minute drive
2007-03-14 19:08:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋