OT - Alberta Family Vacation...Help Please!

 I had my surgery in Medicine Hat in Sept. last year, and stayed for a couple of days in Calgary afterwards.  My DH and I took a short day trip to Banff and we were so overwhelmed by the amazing beauty, that we've decided to take the family this summer on a 10 day August vacation.
We have relatives that we plan on staying with in Calgary, but we'd like to take the kids to Edmonton, Jasper and possibly Banff.
Does anyone have any suggestions on economical accommodations in these areas?  I think my eyes are going crossed internet surfing for the last week, lol.
Any other sights we should consider seeing?  I'm expecting a tourism package any day now, but I'd love to hear from people who live it day to day.
Thanks so much for your help in advance.
Take care!

I for one love Jasper.. I have been 4 times.. We stayed 2t imes at Pinebungleows, Patricia cabins..  Most cost willbe the hotel, motel ect.. And with the time of year its still high season..

I would try the alberta tourism .. they are a great resource and have a card that you can connect on line and find cheap deal...  Congrates...

travel alberta dot com.. is a good place to look

sarah

Little did you know that when you posted this... an ex-travel alberta cousellor would be reading!

How will you be travelling? Would you consider camping in the National parks? Any special points of interest on your agenda?

Let me know and I can make loads of suggestions... also, staying in Jasper during the peak season can be really expensive, but Hinton (where I live... 70kms from the Jasper town site, and 20 mins from the park gate) can be a great staging site and hotels are actually about half the price.

Feel free to send me a message with your plans and I will get you any info you need!

 That's awesome!  Thanks so much!  I will try and send you an e-mail tonight after work or at least within the next few days.
I really appreciate your offer and everyone else's suggestions.
Our first family vacation ever and I won't be 300 lbs!!
I'm a little excited...lol.

I recommend camping and close to Calaway Park for the kids...Check out Heritage Park and the Zoo.

If you can you should vivit the Crows Nest Pass...site of the Frank slide:)  I grew up there an it is both beautiful and interesting.   It's about 3 hours south of Calgary.  There are also places 'along the way ' (depends which way you take!)  to vivit such s Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump.

Enjoy Alberta:)

Drumheller for the kids, so much history about dinosaurs.  west ed mall is a big rip off but if you go make sure you get tickets for the water park somewhere else first (huge discounts)