[autocrat]

Hello All,

The Icefield Parkway (known by that name as it connects the worlds largest icefield - Columbia Icefields - to Calgary) is one of the most beautiful driving roads in the world.

Last July, I made a 3 day solo trip on this road from Calgary to Banff to Jasper and back, and what a trip it was!

I rented a Hyundai Elantra (as no other cars were available - Calgary Stampede weekend - din even get a GPS) and off I went, breaking my journey often to pull out of the highway, take the scene in and take a few pics.

I did some hiking and lost my way badly, but did manage to get back safely. I saw quite a few bears, elks, Rocky Mountain sheep etc. along the way.

Stunning blue-green lakes and Glaciers, mountains rising to the sky - and an empty tarmac - sheer bliss

Hotel rates (in season) are horribly expensive, but the experience is worth it. Its a pilgrimage place for motorists - I am lucky I made mine

Sharing a few pictures here . I have some more good pics but not able to share as i am not able to reduce the size to 1mb with out cutting on quality.

[dkhatau]

Just brilliant stuff mate and regarding the quality of other photos please post them we will still love it. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful place with us.

[autocrat]

Originally Posted by dkhatau

regarding the quality of other photos please post them we will still love it.

Thanks

Will make another post soon with some more photos.

[mayankjha1806]

Wow, truly amazing pictures. You are very lucky to have had a chance to drive in such serene surroundings.

How did you get the permit? How much does it cost now? I remember when i had a chance to go there but could not go with my friends and colleagues they had to get permit.

More pictures please, even if means they are slightly cropped.

[VindyWheels]

Wow! Amazing pictures, such a beautiful place and brilliantly captured. Has bollywood been there for their shoots?

Awaiting rest of the tlog with details on how one can plan such a trip.

Thank You for sharing

VW

[ambivalent_98]

Thanks for sharing the amazing pictures. I loved the bear especially. Well truly NGC style. Awaiting more breathtaking photos.
Yeh dil maange more

[autocrat]

Originally Posted by mayankjha1806

How did you get the permit? How much does it cost now? I remember when i had a chance to go there but could not go with my friends and colleagues they had to get permit.

I was in Canada on work permit, for a year, in Montreal, so my status was "Resident". I had taken an international driving permit from my local RTO (fees = INR500). The IDP was valid for a year and the rental agency (Avis) was initially skeptical to give me a car on rent, but after I started regularly renting from them (and returning safe and clean), it was much easier.

The best time to visit Banff and Jasper is between May and October. The room rents are very steep in this season, ranging from $170~400 a night in decent places and some Bed and Breakfast places are available from $100 a night.

Petrol was 1.2$ a liter, very cheap for a country with an average income of 3500 $ post tax

[autocrat]

Friends,

Some more images from the trip. Please excuse any duplication as I am posting from phone.

Thanks!