BANFF NATIONAL PARK - Canadian Rockies: Including Banff and Jasper National Parks - page 138

GETTING AROUND
Samson Mall is the commercial heart of Lake Louise village. If the parking lot out front is
full, consider leaving your vehicle across the road behind the Esso gas station, where one
area is set aside for large RVs. The campground, alpine center, and hotels are all within
easy walking distance of Samson Mall. Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise is a 2.7-kilometer
(1.7-mile) walk from the valley floor. The only car-rental agency in the village is National
(403/522-3870). The agency doesn't have many vehicles; you'd be better off picking
one up at Calgary International Airport. Lake Louise Taxi & Tours (Samson Mall, 403/
522-2020) charges $4.25 for flag drop, then $2.25 per kilometer. From the mall to Fair-
mont Chateau Lake Louise runs around $20, to Moraine Lake $48, and to Banff $200.
Wilson Mountain Sports (Samson Mall, 403/522-3636) has mountain bikes for rent from
$15 per hour or $45 per day (includes a helmet, bike lock, and water bottle). They also rent
camping, climbing, and fishing gear.
Iceields Parkway (Banff)
The 230-kilometer (143-mile) Icefields Parkway, between Lake Louise and Jasper, is one
of the most scenic, exciting, and inspiring mountain roads ever built. From Lake Louise
it parallels the Continental Divide, following in the shadow of the highest, most rugged
mountains in the Canadian Rockies. The first 122 kilometers (76 miles) to Sunwapta Pass
(the boundary between Banff and Jasper National Parks) can be driven in two hours, and
the entire parkway in four hours. But it's likely you'll want to spend at least a day, probably
more, stopping at each of the 13 viewpoints, hiking the trails, watching the abundant wild-
life, and just generally enjoying one of the world's most magnificent landscapes. Along
the section within Banff National Park are two lodges, three hostels, three campgrounds,
and one gas station.
Although the road is steep and winding in places, it has a wide shoulder, making it ideal
for an extended bike trip. Allow seven days to pedal north from Banff to Jasper, staying
at hostels or camping along the route. This is the preferable direction to travel by bike be-
cause the elevation at the town of Jasper is more than 500 meters (1,640 feet) lower than
either Banff or Lake Louise.
The parkway remains open year-round, although winter brings with it some special
considerations. The road is often closed for short periods for avalanche control. Check