We also stayed in both the Banff springs and lake Louise Fairmont properties. Do a few days at both of you can. Banff has much more of a town and nice restaurant options. lake Louise is more remote but gorgeous.

Anonymous wrote:Stayed in the Fairmont anyone?

Yes, both the Banff Springs and the Chateau Lake Louise. Both are awesome although I slightly preferred the Chateau. Glorious views, slightly nicer public areas of the hotel. Of course the Banff Springs has the town of Banff, which is very nice.

We stayed at the Rimrock, which was equally gorgeous!

Anonymous wrote:Stayed in the Fairmont anyone?

Yep and it was as gorgeous as the photos! A once in a lifetime trip!

We are flying to Vancouver and then taking the train through the Rockies this fall. I can't wait, but that might be a different vacation than the one you are looking for.

We've only done it in the winter but it is a very easy drive from Calgary.

Anonymous wrote:I'm jealous. That is all.

+1
So jealous!

I'm jealous. That is all.

I have a friend who drove in from Spokane. 7 hours through very beautiful country. Doable if flights to Calgary are too $$.

Stayed in the Fairmont anyone?

Yes, fly into Calgary. It's the closest airport unless you have a private plane.

Fly into Calgary, unless you've got a private jet or something. I think its about 90 minute drive, & so pretty.
We loved Banff/Alberta in the late summer/early fall. Almost certainly one of the most beautiful places we've ever been. We keep talking about going back.

We drove from Calgary.

We flew into Calgary-- it was an easy drive from there.

what is the best place to fly into (in the us or canada) and then drive?