I thought I'd post a new shorter thread with my latest worries and questions.

We have late check-in at all the Lodges - at least 4:00 and sometimes later, so are hoping to stop on the way at Must-Sees to use our time wisely

Background: September 5 - September 18
Bragg Creek - 1 night
(Time in Cochrane, Lunch atPa-Su Sheep Farm, Rocky MT. Historic Site on the way to....)
Aurum Lodge - 4 night
(Glacier Walking, Athabasca Falls, Mistaya Canyon, Day Hikes)

( Mt. Edith Cavell on the way to.....)
Jasper (Home Accomodation) - 3 Nights
(Rafting, Maligne Lake/Canyon, Valley of the 5 Lakes Hike)

(Lake Peyto and Yoho NP on the way to......
Lake Louise - Deer Lodge - 3 Nights

(Moraine Lake on the way to......)
Canmore - Georgetown Inn - 2 nights

Of course, we will plan each day according to the weather and how we feel. But I wanted to have a list so we don't have to back-track (too much)

I loved the info about the Smashed-In Buffalo Site but it's out of our way this time. (Sandra, thanks for the info on this & Dennis, thanks for the pictures of this site. After seeing them, I feel like we were there!KayJay, I loved your pics of the bears and your suggestions and have added them to the Must-See List.)

I am just so confused. I've never been to the Rockies, and I don't know WHEN to do WHAT. And there are way too many things to see. I noticed most people go for just 3 to 7 days. We have 2 weeks and can't begin to scratch the surface.

If anyone would like to make a sensible plan for
us I would appreciate it. I am just mind-boggled right now.

Carol

I forgot! Go to Elbow Falls when you are in Bragg Creek. Either look at a map or ask someone to point you in the direction. It is about a 25 minute drive West.

Hi Carol, I think the plan that you've set out here is just fine!! It's more or less a nice loop, so you're not back-tracking too much (except up to Jasper and back, which is such a great drive you'll be glad to have an extra shot at seeing it!)

After leaving Jasper, you might find it simplier to check into the Deer Lodge, dump your stuff, then drive over to Yoho for a while after. The Deer Lodge is only a couple of miles away from the major Lake Louise highway junction that leads you to Yoho. And you could easily add Moraine Lake to your list of things to do while at Lake Louise, since it can be more than 10 miles from Deer Lodge up to Moraine...

Or not -- your itinerary as it stands look great! I think, with a good map, you'll find everything easily; the highways will be great in early September, with less traffic than mid-summer but no snow as yet...everything I think is really well marked with signs along all the highways.

Just keep a careful eye out for wildlife jumping out on the road, especially at sunset -- deer and mountain goats, mostly. And a moose here and there. There are wire fences along the Banff-Jasper highway, but on side roads and driving north from Calgary to Rocky Mountain House, there are a lot of deer and they can really move!

And for your hiking, you probably have sturdy shoes but don't forget a few pair of warms sox and even a pair of gloves -- even in the middle of summer, it can get cold early in the morning at high altitudes.

You'll have such a great time and I think you'll find the Rockies breathtaking!!!

Cheers,
Sandra

We have added Elbow Falls to our list. I think we are going to drive over there while waiting to check in our B&B. I have found a great restaurant "Fusion" in Bragg Creek that I hope is open for a celebration dinner! (Celebrating that we finally are getting to Canada)

Sandra, thanks for the suggestion about leaving our luggage first. Of course the room won't be open until 4:00 (sigh) but I'm sure they will take the luggage and then we won't have that worry.

Only 3 days and YOU'RE off! I hope you have all the last minute things done and your mom is as ready to go as I know you are!

Carol