Spend more time in Jasper…. As other have said, Banff is really touristy, very crowded in the summer, and very expensive. Jasper is more laid back and not as crowded. There’s lots to do and see.

Not only is the 3 hour Banff to Jasper drive worth your time, but it has also been named time and time again as Canada’s most spectacular road. Visitors who road trip on the Icefields Parkway are treated to incredible views, close-up animal sightings, and a stop at the renowned Athabasca glacier.

If your schedule permits, I would recommend a bare minimum of 3 days in Banff National Park (including Lake Louise) and 2-3 days in Jasper National Park, with an additional day to be spend driving the extremely scenic Icefields Parkway between Lake Louise and Jasper.

When it comes to Jasper vs Banff for better ski hills, Banff wins. There are more ski hills to choose from in Banff, including more of a variety. If you’re in Banff National Park you have access to some of the finest ski hills around, including Sunshine Village, Lake Louise, and Norquay.

Doing both is best, if you can. That way, if there is poor weather on your first trip, you have a second chance of seeing the scenery on the return trip. And most people agree that the views are different, but equally spectacular, both northbound and southbound.

The quickest way to get from Banff to Lake Louise is to taxi which costs $140 – $180 and takes 44 min.

Do I Need Bear Spray in Banff? Bear Spray is essential if you plan on doing any hiking in Banff in the summer. Even short hikes in Banff require bear spray as there are plenty of black bears and grizzly bears in the park.

Someone can probably spend 2 weeks in Jasper National Park and not experience it all, but unfortunately most visitors don’t have weeks to spend. Generally 3 days to 4 days in Jasper National Park is a good start to see all the famous sights and experience the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies.

Quickest way to get there Cheapest option Distance between Banff to Jasper by bus The bus journey time between Banff and Jasper is around 4h and covers a distance of around 289 km. The fastest bus normally takes 4h. Operated by Sundog Transportation and Tours, the Banff to Jasper bus service departs from Banff, AB and arrives in Jasper, AB.

Explore some of the Rockies’ most stunning lakes and breathtaking waterfalls in Banff and Yoho national parks. Travel between Banff and Jasper along one of the world’s most spectacular journeys and walk on the Athabasca Glacier. Journey to the Columbia Icefield.

If you’re visiting Banff and Jasper without a car, you can also get a hop-on and hop-off bus ticket that takes you to a bunch of hotspots in Banff. Be sure to also follow me on Instagram and TikTok – I share a lot more content on those platforms that don’t make it to the blog!

Explore the Athabasca Glacier in the morning or evening and cruise along Maligne Lake to experience the best of Jasper. With the Winter Adventure Tour take in Banff’s most classic winter views and a sampling of Canadian winter experiences.