Hey MG,

It really depends what you want out of your trip. Do you have any status with Fairmont? If so, theres some great 2 4 1 golf passes included at Fairmonts (with a stay).

Here's my take:

Banff Springs - obviously the most beautiful, old style, and historic hotel of the three. Its obvious benefits are the history of the building, and its proximity to Banff. If you are really excited to see Banff, shopping, eating (great food), etc... then I suggest you spend more time at Banff Springs. Banff has some amazing restaurants (May I recommend The Grizzly House in Banff. Order the Alberta Fondue on hot rock, includes Elk, Venisen, Beef and Bison. Banff also has the most touristy things to do around it. Keep in mind at the banff springs, you are paying for the hotel, not the room. The rooms can be small, but you can spend hours exploring the hotel.

Louise - this is the most majestic hotel by far. PLEASE spend the extra $50 and get a lakeview room. It is worth it. You can spend hours staring out the window. You are much more secluded out here. Most decent places to eat are in the hotel. However, you are much further from the hustle and bustle of Banff, and there are some great hikes, and the walk around the lake is quite beautiful.

Jasper - I LOVE JPL. In fact, it is my favorite Alberta Fairmont. However, if you did a poll, I bet that would not be the most common answer. I like it because it isn't Banff. It is SIGNIFICANTLY less busy than Banff. However, JPL is not a castle like hotel. It is a huge complex with cabins. Some of the cabins are newly renovated, some are a little older, but in my opinion, all of them are quiet and quaint and just an incredibly relaxing experience. The main lodge is incredible. You can sit in the lounge beside a HUGE double sided wood fireplace and enjoy drinks and food in a beautiful setting overlooking the lake. There are also 2 BEAUTIFUL lakes on the property that you can canoe, kayak or walk around. Additionally, the town of jasper has some great food (I suggest Jack's Grill - tiny little restaurant with an amazing chef). The hikes in Jasper are AMAZING. You can do a hike for hours without seeing another person, which is always very nice. The parks Canada center in town can suggest some great ones. I suggest you go to the Morro Flatts entrance (ask where it is), and hike to the peak. It is about a 2 hour hike, but it is intense, so only if you are in shape.


Make sure that you do the drive from Lake Louise to Jasper through the Icefields Parkway. It is one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Take it slow, stop frequently, and breathe the air.

Also, it would be VERY wise to pick up a parks pass (annual) off of Ebay. Will save you tons from the gate price. Let me know if you have any questions!