SurvivingInfidelity.com^®

Has anyone been to either of these locations that could help me pick?

We are planning a late August trip to one or the other. I have been to Banff but the rest of the family hasn't and it has been years and years since I went.

Both have pros and cons. I'd love to see some wildlife, take mild to moderate hikes, and just be in nature

My lodging options in Banff appeal to me a lot more and I worry about running out of things to do on a 9 day trip at either place.

Every forum I read on says to make sure and book inside of Yellowstone park. Well for our dates it's slim to no pickings and has us moving every night or two. Would it really be that awful to stay just out of the park? Maybe 3 nights or so by the West and the South Gates and then 3 nights in the Grand Tetons?

If we go to Banff we are flying into Seattle, taking a train to Vancouver, spending a day or two there and then renting a car and driving the 12 hours to Banff. We'd fly home from Calgary. The reason to do it this way is that Canadian flights are outrageous and break my budget, plus I had a sizeable Southwest credit to use that pretty much takes care of the way there.

Some of my concerns.. hordes of tourists in Banff in August. I don't mind other people but this isn't the trip where I want to feel like I've gone to Disney in the mountains

I know Yellowstone is very busy as well, but for some reason it sounds like it may not be as bad off the beaten path.

Ideally we'd have accomodations that allowed us to make our own breakfasts and lunches to save on costs.

I've checked forums at TripAdvisor and Fodors but I don't know those people and I know you.

Yellowstone is huge and is part of a double park system with Grand Teton (one entrance fee gets you into both parks. You'll be doing a lot of driving even if you stay in the park. Traffic can be awful with everyone stopping to ogle wildlife.

It's a fascinating place. I don't think you'll be bored there. The Beartooth Pass is a great gateway to the park on the north. Wild high alpine meadows with lots of lakes. There are several Native American reservations in the area. You'll be visiting a bit too late for Crow Fair (Crow Nation) but you could also visit Little Bighorn Battlefield--it's very powerful.

I don't know anything about Banff, but I'd love to visit the Canadian Rockies. Taking a side trip to Vancouver isn't too shabby either

Let us know what you decide.

There are several Native American reservations in the area. You'll be visiting a bit too late for Crow Fair (Crow Nation) but you could also visit Little Bighorn Battlefield--it's very powerful.

Oh! That sounds wonderful. I will look it up!

I don't worry about me being bored so much. Or my husband. Or my 9 year old.

Which leaves my 16 yr old dd. And even she would love 90 percent of it. But when you mention no wifi or cell phone she looks a little nervous

And honestly.. tough cookies cupcake.. you'll live without your friends for vacation. It's just a very different kind of trip for us and I want everyone to have a good time.

I've been to Banff and Lake Louise and Jasper National park. There's lots to do and it's beautiful. There is lots of driving however.

You can go llama riding in Yellowstone, if that suits your fancy! Other than that and Old Faithful, I know nothing...

Never been to Banff, and the last time I saw Yellowstone, it was from the back of a wood paneled station wagon in the 70s.

I have to say, however, that my memories of that vacation are some of the best memories from my childhood. Amazing natural beauty, incredible history, and precious days with my parents and siblings.

[This message edited by nowiknow23 at 9:28 AM, March 19th (Tuesday)]

I live very close to Banff so we go there regularly.

We love to stay at a place called Hidden Ridge Chalets up on Tunnel mountain. Chalet style, enough room for 4, plus kitchen facilities. You are right on the mountain and in the mountains.

They have a very nice outdoor hottub where you can sit and relax and enjoy a drink with a beautiful view.

This is what we do with our 3 (9, 11, and 13).

Stay at Hidden Ridge, walk around there, mild to moderate hikes. It's only 2 mins. into Banff from there. We have gone to the Banff hot Springs, taken a gondola ride, gone to Lake Louise (about 30-40 mins. drive from Banff). Great trailes there to hike or just enjoy the beautiful blue/green lake.

Last year, we took a boat tour on Lake Minnewanka, also on that trip we went to the Columbia Icefields, toured there and drank water from the glacier (filled up our water bottles too!)

If you go, there's plenty of shopping. It's not always as busy as it seems. Banff isn't big so everyone goes on the main strip. But, you can just tour around the town and walk beside the river. Also take a carriage ride or rent canoes.

There's a great hike by the golf course.

Or take a day and explore Canmore, a town east of Banff (15 mins. drive). They have some lovely shops.

Dining is great and very varied in Banff. A must is the Grizzly House, a fondue place where you can try many many different types of exotic meat (if you are adventurous).

The trip from Vancouver to Banff is also amazing through the rockies. You can stop in the Okaganogan in B.C. and get great fruit and roadside fruit stands. Or stop at the lake for a picnic.

Yes, there is WiFi in Banff!

Sometimes cell service is tricky though.

It would definitely be an ouddoorsy type of vacation vs a busy metropolis kind (not sure what your 16 prefers though). But there is nothing in life greater than breathing in the fresh mountain air wherever you end up going.

It's been awhile since we've been to Banff, but am itching to go again soon. In fact my dd is going on Thurs. for a spring ski/snowboard trip with school (lucky her).

Good luck with your decision.

SS

Banff/Jasper/Lake Louise - fabulous! Valley of the Ten Peaks, Yoho, Mt. Robson ... you might even run into a bear at Lake Louise ...

[This message edited by TrulyReconciled at 1:54 PM, March 19th (Tuesday)]

LOL.. survivingslowly .. that's where I have our reservation booked!

So much to consider. I think the nice thing is I can't go wrong with either destination and whichever doesn't get picked for this years vacation, can be picked for another year.

Things are beginning to lighten up a bit in Yellowstone in Late August. Accomodations can still be had and kitchenettes are available in West Yellowstone. If you are into camping, for the cost of a few of nights stay in the area you can outfit yourselves with basic camping gear. It makes for a different outlook on things.

Traffic can be awful with everyone stopping to ogle wildlife

In Yellowstone, it wasn't the traffic and oglers that were the problem...it was the damn buffalo that decided to *hang out* in the middle of the road!

August isn't the big problem with that, we find that a big thing in the spring when the calves like to nap on the warm roadbed.

Also, we find that the cell service is much better these days in and around the park. Also wifi is available in most of the usual places, it only seems like we live in the sticks out here

LOL.. I shouldn't have put such an emphasis on wifi because really it's only my teen that cares and that's too bad for her

It is the locals you have to worry about, just fighting for the simplist of scraps

Don't forget to take in a game of Elk ball.

There is always the favorite, but don't forget that it is surrounded by so many more and can consume an full day walking the trails around.

This was shot last spring, I find these guys all year long.

This is the Idaho side, but enjoy them from both side. Want to see a spetacular view, try a hikle to Table rock (flat area just barely under the grand).

Try camping under the Grand, the moonrise is inspiring.