According to forum posts, many travelers recommend renting a car for the best experience in the Canadian Rockies. This mode of transport offers the flexibility to explore scenic routes like the Icefields Parkway and visit key destinations such as Banff, Jasper, and Lake Louise at one's own pace.

Some travelers have discussed train options like VIA Rail for reaching the Rockies, particularly useful for those unable to drive. However, for actual exploration within the Rockies, bus tours are suggested since train routes do not extensively cover the north-south expanse of the mountain range. Companies like Brewster Sightseeing offer organized tours along key routes like the Icefields Parkway.

For those preferring structured itineraries, guided tours are available. Travelers mentioned companies like Moose Network, which cater mostly to younger crowds and offer group travel experiences, which can be good options for solo travelers or those looking for a social travel experience.

According to forum posts, for budget-conscious travelers, the Caribou Lodge in Banff offers rooms around $199 per night. Private home accommodations (PHAs) in Jasper, listed on www.stayinjasper.com, offer a range from basic to deluxe options, providing a more economical alternative compared to hotels.

Some travelers recommended booking directly through hotel websites to avoid missing out on available rooms and to get better rates. Websites like www.banfflakelouise.com and www.jasper.travel are suggested for comprehensive listings of accommodations in Banff and Jasper respectively.

During peak seasons, accommodation prices in the Rockies can be high. Travelers have mentioned that even budget hotels can cost around $200 per night, and mid-range hotels may range from $250 to $400, with more luxurious options going upwards of $400.

For those looking to find more affordable options, Canmore and Golden are often suggested as cheaper alternatives to Banff or Lake Louise, though they still provide scenic value and are relatively close to main attractions.

According to forum posts, many travelers recommend driving between Banff and Jasper to fully appreciate the scenic Icefields Parkway. This route offers stunning views and various stops for sightseeing, making it a favored choice for those who enjoy road trips.

For those not inclined to drive, some users mentioned the availability of shuttle services like Sundog Tours, which operates between Jasper and Banff. This service provides a practical option for travelers without access to a car, allowing them to still enjoy the major sights along the parkway.

Additionally, a few travelers suggested breaking the journey with stops at places like Sun Peaks or Clearwater if extending the travel time is an option. This approach allows for a more relaxed pace and the opportunity to explore other areas along the route.

According to forum posts, popular hiking trails in the Canadian Rockies include the Lake Louise area, Big Beehive, Devil's Thumb, and the Skoki area. Travelers have called out Mt. Assiniboine, Peter Lougheed, and Lake O'Hara as must-see hikes. Some travelers also recommend exploring less crowded trails like Wilcox Pass, Parker's Ridge, and the Sunshine Meadows.

For those interested in trails with scenic views and less mud or snow during late June, forum users suggest considering trails like Wilcox Pass and Tunnel Mountain. However, some trails such as Parker's Ridge might still be snowy or muddy at this time.

According to forum posts, there are multiple shuttle services available for Lake Louise. One main route is from the Park and Ride to Lake Louise, which requires a reservation and payment. Additionally, there is a free shuttle service operating between Lake Louise Village, the campground, and the Park and Ride area.

Travelers have highlighted the availability of a Lake Connector shuttle that allows movement between Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. This service can be accessed using the ticket from the initial shuttle ride from the Park and Ride, without needing an additional reservation.

Some users advised that physical tickets are required for boarding the shuttles, even if passengers have a digital reference number from an online booking. It's important to collect this ticket from a booth at the Park and Ride before queuing for the bus.

According to forum posts, when visiting Lake Louise, options include staying at properties like the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Deer Lodge, which are closer to the lake. However, these can be quite expensive. Travelers have called Deer Lodge a quirky old property with no elevators and small rooms, which might not suit everyone's preferences.

For many users, staying in the village near the highway is a practical choice. Places like the Mountaineer Lodge and the Post Hotel are mentioned. The Post Hotel offers a high-end experience but is expensive, while the Mountaineer Lodge is described as offering basic accommodations at a more affordable rate.

Some travelers said that if you're looking for a unique dining experience with views, Whitehorn Bistro at Lake Louise is highly recommended, offering meals with spectacular views. Additionally, staying closer to the lake can provide easier access to early morning or late evening activities like hiking or canoeing, which can be crowded during peak hours.

According to forum posts, popular stops along the Icefields Parkway include Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Mistaya Canyon, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Falls. Travelers have called out these locations for their scenic beauty and opportunities for short hikes, like the 1.5-mile hike at Mistaya Canyon and the 2-mile hike at Sunwapta Falls.

Some travelers said that if one is looking to include a longer hike on their journey along the Parkway, the Bow Summit/Peyto Lake hike, though 4 miles long, is worth considering. However, they also noted that it might limit time for spontaneous stops along the Parkway. Alternative hiking recommendations from users include Parker Ridge and Wilcox Pass for their exceptional views.

For many users, the Peyto Lake viewpoint is a must-see for its iconic views, but it was mentioned that this area might be closed during certain times, restricting access to the usual viewpoint. However, Bow Lake and its surrounding day-use area remain accessible for visitors looking to enjoy lakeside views.

According to forum posts, there are different types of park passes available for the Canadian Rockies. The Discovery Pass, which covers all national parks in Canada, is available as an annual pass. It costs $75.25 per adult or $151.25 for a group pass covering up to 7 people in the same vehicle.

Travelers have noted that park passes can be purchased online or upon arrival at the park gates. Some users recommend buying the pass online to bypass queues at park entry points.

For shorter visits, daily park passes are mentioned, which are valid until 4 pm the following day. The breakeven point between buying an annual Discovery Pass and daily passes is around 7 days, making the annual pass more economical for longer stays or subsequent visits within a year.

Some travelers highlighted that the Discovery Pass also offers free entry to many national historic sites, adding value for those interested in exploring these locations alongside the national parks.