Banff/Jasper vs. Whistler

[Jeff Goldman]

I'm heading to Western Canada for a short trip this summer, and wondering if the Whistler courses have much architectural interest, or should I head straight to Banff and Jasper to see the Stanley Thompson courses?  My strong inclination is the latter as I've never seen a Thompson course(I played the Bog (a Palmer course) in Wisconsin last week, only because I didn't have time to trek to Kohler).  This is my first post, but I follow the discussions religiously from Chicago.  Thanks.

[ian]

Junior's course is not bad at Whistler, Palmer's course is forgetable.
On the other hand Jaspar and Banff are both outstanding. I will continue to stick my neck out and say Jasper is my personal favourite in Canada. Of note they are (the most scenic drive you will ever make) 4 hours from each other.
Stay at the Jaspar Park Lodge, its incredible.

[John_D._Bernhardt]

The course at Jasper is the event of the trip. I love the Lodge at Lake Louise more and next the Whistler Canadian Pacific Hotel. The golf there is not as good as Banf and play several rounds at jasper. The Lodge there is good too

[Ben Cowan-Dewar]

Hands down, Banff and Jasper.

Ian is not sticking his neck out too far, I think that Jasper has to be one of the best as well.

If you have any more questions send me an email.  I have photos of all 18 holes on both courses.

[Yancey_Beamer]

Jasper for several rounds. Stay at the lodge and enjoy the entire resort. There is a lake with canoes,trails for bikes and hiking,and the surrounding park which is spectacular with bears and elk.Also-The Lodge is by Desmond Muirhead. He was fully certified as an architect and designed a few buildings. There is a plaque in the building regarding the architect.
Then the Icefields highway to Banff with North America's largest glacier.There is a lodge here and large off road on ice busses that drive on the glacier for a tour.
Banff is great.Remember to play twice as you may well be sent out on 9 original holes plus 9 of the new holes as there are 27 holes with 9 by Geoff Cornish.Be sure to play the Stanley Thompson 18 whatever it takes.
Great trip.I've been here twice.

[Yancey_Beamer]

Also-
On the way from the Banff Springs Hotel to the course there is a small park with a 90 foot waterfall.I usually stop for a few minutes and then go to the golf course.Everything is so spectacular!

[Evan_Green]

I recommend spending as much time as possible at Banff and Jasper- they are fantastic resorts and great golf courses. When you get an extra chance or 2 to play the 4th at Banff or the 14th at Jasper, you'll be glad you did that

If you want to go to Whistler go in the winter and bring your skis! The Whistler and Blackcomb ski ares there are top notch.

[Jeff Goldman]

Thanks much. I didn't need much convincing, but the replies, and the pix from the topic on Banff a while of months ago settled the issue.