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JPBillingsgate t1_j6etzp4 wrote

Maybe an unpopular opinion with Kiwis, but I spent a week in the Canadian Rockies last fall (my second time there) and just got back from 10 days on the south island of New Zealand. I really didn't see much at all in New Zealand that was markedly more beautiful than what you can see in the Jasper/Lake Louise/Banff corridor. Not to mention, thanks to New Zealand's almost complete lack of indigenous mammals, Canada has much, much better wildlife to go with its natural geologic beauty.

That said, Norway has them both beat. :)

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WildlifePhysics t1_j6exoy4 wrote

Would highly recommend going farther into Yoho and the Kootenays :)

Also, the fjords along the Pacific Coast Mountains from British Columbia all the way up to Yukon/Alaska are incredible!

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igotwermz t1_j6fo9yu wrote

Any place in yoho in particular? I'm going in September

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AuntBettysNutButter t1_j6fteih wrote

The Spiral Tunnels and Wapta Falls are cool sights and low efforts off the highway, and Emerald Lake is the most popular attraction and pretty much Yoho's answer to Lake Louise.

But the two spots I'd recommend the most are the Lake O'Hara area , which is absolutely spectacular (if you're lucky enough to get a spot reserved since they limit visitors), and the Takkakaw Falls area.

Also if you're really into Earth's history the Burgess Shale is a fascinating fossil deposit that you can access via a guided hike.

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igotwermz t1_j6fvdxo wrote

Excellent thanks for the detailed response. We'll be there last week in September first week in October. Hopefully it won't be too late for good foliage. I also just read that 4 person groups are required for certain areas due to bears?

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Br81 OP t1_j6fxo8x wrote

I second the lake O’Hara area of yoho. Lots around there if you can camp up there for a few days. Trail restrictions do happen due to bear a activity sometimes. Ive seen the 4 person minimum at the hiking trails around moraine lake but not in Yoho.

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microsolder t1_j6hdk1r wrote

What does a “4 person minimum” do when hiking?

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CanadianJogger t1_j6gpflt wrote

I solo hike often enough. Its easy enough to budge up against another group of people, just let them know what you are doing and why.

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igotwermz t1_j6kxmgi wrote

Thanks for the tip thats reassuring. We're just doing day hikes so shouldn't be a problem with the amount of people on some of the trails.

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CanadianJogger t1_j6p0bx1 wrote

Yes, that's right. Overnighting and keeping up with serious hikers on long trails is more of a problem.

Also, you're welcome.I hope you have a lot of fun when you come.

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whoknowshank t1_j6h6zdc wrote

Lake Ohara is gorgeous and if you are willing to hike up the road you can skip the shuttle lottery.

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gaterchomper t1_j6fcxko wrote

Can you explain why Norway has them beat? And how so in wildlife? I’ve never been

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JPBillingsgate t1_j6fo1h4 wrote

Norway doesn't have Canada beat for wildlife no, just in natural beauty. I rank Norway higher than what I have seen of Alaska also. It's not a huge difference, mind you, just that my trip to Norway (traveling slowly from Bergen to Alesund) was the most beautiful travel experience of my life so far.

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igotwermz t1_j6fol4s wrote

What did you like better and why Alaska or Canadian Rockies? We did a large portion of Alaska last year and Canadian Rockies this coming September. TiA

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