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Hi there, I haven't been to Banff in a long time but I understand it's a fair bit bigger and busier than Jasper. I went to Jasper not long ago, coming in on the train (best ever!). I stayed at the HI Jasper which was one of the best hostels I had ever stayed at. It's spacious, bright, clean with multiple kitchens (open concept/new) and is based at the bottom of a mountain. The first night we chopped up some wood (provided) and had a big bonfire with a bunch of people from the hostel. There is at least one if not more hiking trails in walking distance to the hostel. I'm sure you could research and find out more. Then is one pretty significant hike up the mountain nearby - very rewarding views but can get a bit steep. But if you take your time it's quite worthwhile.
The only thing is that the hostel is just outside of town. I'm not sure if the hostel has a shuttle or if Jasper has taxi service. I'm sure there are taxis and it's just a short distance to town where there are cute little restaurants/shops.
There are other sites to see in the area but again you would need some sort of transportation. Maybe the hostel could help you with that or maybe there are more options.
Good luck.
For alternate places to stay in the Rockies check our Lake Louise AB, Canmore AB, Radium Hot Springs BC and Field BC (all these will have hiking options from the town). Degree of difficulty for hiking trails vaires widely.
I'm not sure you would find a single base of much value. A few days in each place might work.
Thanks for those suggestions! Amie, how was is "just outside of town"? (And how large is the town anyway?) Doable in 10-20 walking, or significantly more? (I'm assuming the former, in which case it sounds quite excellent - I'll definitely look into that one.) We're planning to have a rental car to get from place to place, but I dislike the idea having to rely on it for the basics.
Lake Louise is beautiful but a bit of a tourist trap and I'm guessing very expensive. From what I remember there is not much in the way of places to stay between Banff and Jasper. If it were me I'd research inexpensive places in Banff (as it's larger) and then set out on day trips from there.
Thanks, that's indeed the rough plan for now; going to spend a full week in Banff (booked a hostel already), and then some further days in Jasper (though accommodation there seems tricky). Still considering Lake Louise - might find it worth it to splurge for just 2 or 3 days.
That trip from Jasper to Banff was one of our favorites we've ever taken. You have to stop at Peyto Lake for a quick look. It really does look like this: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peyto_Lake
And of course the trip up the Ice Fields glacier is a must too.
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