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Fasser Family Blog

Fresh News on the Fasser Family of Seattle, Washington

Summer Roadtrip to Banff Canada!

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Michelle, Oso and I hit the road at the beginning of June in 2025 to Banff Canada. Michelle had been before with the Concierge crew, but I had not but had always wanted to go. It was our first extra long single roadtrip with our vintage ’68 trailer ‘Summer’ where we spent 13 nights in the campgrounds and one night in the fabulous Chateau Lake Louis.

We used ChatGPT to help us plan the trip and it worked quite well! Great recommendations on places to stay, things to do and roads to get there. Our itinerary is below the picture gallery for those interested in the route. Lots of interesting observations:

  • SO beautiful up there! I thought the North Cascades were stunning (and they are) but the Canadian Rockies are another level. Being there in early June with lots of snow on the upper parts of the mountains made it extra fabulous. The drive between Banff and Jasper was world class including the color of the river – glacier dust blue-green.
  • Jasper burned last year with major forest fires. The park where we stayed was burned, but all of the infrastructure was rebuilt. New roads, facilities, buildings, etc. There were even herds of calving Elk in the park and we believe one gave birth near our site.
  • Lots of people visiting from outside Canada and renting RV’s. We saw so many in the parks from the three major companies that rented.
  • The town of Banff was especially lovely with a range of great restaurants, interesting places to visit like the Bow River Trail, Sundance Canyon, beautiful parks and the view from the hotel/spa at the top of the mountain. Michelle and I rented e-bikes and cruised all of the tourist spots – re-enforced my desire for an e-mountain bike!
  • The Chateau Lake Louise was a highlight of the trip for many reasons. 1) So luxurious! We love a really well staffed and appointed hotel. 2) They upgraded us to a view room so we had a fabulous view of the lake and mountains behind. The changing light through the day was particularly spectacular. 3) It was Oso’s first time in a hotel and he was pampered and was extremely well behaved – everyone loved him. 4) We had dinner in the bar and got some back of the house scoop on the drama of 800 people living on site in employee housing/dorms – love some good tea…
  • Michelle and I had a blast! Lots of games, great food, meeting new people, partying at random spots and enjoyment of the time to ourselves.

Our Banff Roadtrip Itinerary

Day 1: Seattle to Osoyoos (Full Hookups)

  • Drive: ~5 hours
  • Stay: Nk’Mip Campground & RV Park (Full hookups, pet-friendly)
  • Activities:
    • Relax by Osoyoos Lake, which is dog-friendly.
    • We partied at the Cantina on the property and met fun Canadians while dancing to a funk sisters duo.
    • Visited a local winery
  • Dining: Have dinner at 15 Park Bistro, with stunning views of the lake.

Day 2: Osoyoos to E.C. Manning Provincial Park

  • Drive: ~2 hours
  • Stay: Lightning Lake Campground (No hookups, pet-friendly)
  • Activities:
    • Hike the Lightning Lake Loop Trail with your dog. This lake had little prarie dogs popping up their. heads
    • Enjoy canoeing or fishing on the lake.
  • Dining: Cook at your campsite.

Day 3: Manning Park to Revelstoke (Full Hookups)

  • Drive: ~4.5 hours
  • Stay: Revelstoke Campground (Full hookups, pet-friendly)
  • Activities:
    • Visit Mount Revelstoke National Park for a scenic drive or short hike.
    • Explore the quaint town of Revelstoke.
  • Dining: Try The Quartermaster Eatery for local dishes.

Day 4: Revelstoke to Banff (Full Hookups)

  • Drive: ~3 hours
  • Stay: Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court (Full hookups, pet-friendly)
  • Activities:
    • Settle in and explore Banff’s town center.
    • Walk the Bow River Trail with your dog.
  • Dining: Have dinner at The Bear Street Tavern, which has a dog-friendly patio.

Days 5–7: Banff and Lake Louise

Day 5: Banff Exploration

  • Stay: Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court
  • Activities:
    • Hike Johnston Canyon (dog-friendly, on-leash).
    • Relax in Banff’s dog-friendly Central Park.
  • Dining: Cook at your campsite or enjoy another local restaurant.

Day 6: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (No Hookups)

  • Stay: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise (Pet-friendly hotel)
  • Activities:
    • Stroll the Lake Louise Lakeshore Trail with your dog.
    • Enjoy the luxurious amenities of the Fairmont.
  • Dining: Dine at the hotel’s Fairview Bar & Restaurant.

Day 7: Banff Relaxation

  • Stay: Tunnel Mountain Trailer Court
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Bow Valley Parkway for a scenic drive.
    • Hike the dog-friendly Fenland Trail near town.
  • Dining: Enjoy dinner in Banff or at your campsite.

Day 8: Banff to Jasper (Full Hookups)

  • Drive: ~3.5 hours (via Icefields Parkway)
  • Stay: Whistlers Campground, Jasper (Full hookups, pet-friendly)
  • Activities:
    • Stop at Peyto Lake, Athabasca Falls, and the Columbia Icefield along the way.
    • Settle in and explore the town of Jasper.
  • Dining: Try Jasper Brewing Co. with its dog-friendly patio.

Days 9–10: Exploring Jasper

Day 9: Maligne Lake and Valley

  • Stay: Whistlers Campground
  • Activities:
    • Walk the Maligne Lake Lakeshore Trail with your dog.
    • Explore Maligne Canyon Trail.
  • Dining: Cook at your campsite or dine in town.

Day 10: Jasper Exploration

  • Stay: Whistlers Campground
  • Activities:
    • Visit the Path of the Glacier Trail at Mount Edith Cavell.
    • Relax in Jasper’s town center or take another dog-friendly hike.

Day 11: Jasper to Kelowna (Full Hookups)

  • Drive: ~6.5 hours
  • Stay: Bear Creek Provincial Park, Kelowna (Full hookups, pet-friendly)
  • Activities:
    • Relax by Okanagan Lake.
    • Enjoy wine tasting at a dog-friendly winery.
  • Dining: Try The Train Station Pub in downtown Kelowna.

Day 12: Kelowna to E.C. Manning Provincial Park (No Hookups)

  • Drive: ~3 hours
  • Stay: Lightning Lake Campground (No hookups, pet-friendly)
  • Activities:
    • Enjoy a short hike or spend time at the lake.
    • Stargaze in the evening.

Day 13: Manning Park to Deception Pass State Park (Full Hookups)

  • Drive: ~4.5 hours
  • Stay: Deception Pass State Park, WA (Full hookups, pet-friendly)
  • Activities:
    • Explore the beaches and dog-friendly trails in the park.
  • Dining: Cook at your campsite or dine in a nearby restaurant.

Day 14: Deception Pass to Seattle

  • Drive: ~1.5 hours
  • Activities:
    • Take a final walk along the beaches or trails before heading home.
    • Had dinner with David and Nancy Harto the night before heading home

This plan balanced trailer convenience, scenic beauty, and opportunities to relax with your dog while enjoying the best of the Pacific Northwest and Canadian Rockies! It worked out great!