Posts: 59
From: Houston,TX, USA
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 03-04-2004 11:18               

---

Planning a trip to Banff in the fall of '05. Didn't know if there was a lot of difference between going in Sept. or Oct. Thanks.

IP: Logged

posted 03-04-2004 13:58              

---

Sept should be quite a bit warmer. Oct could be nice or it could be cold. We have golfed in Sept in Banff when it has actually been very warm, 70 to 75 degrees but cool at night. Just like anywhere in the mountains you can never tell. I would try for Sept.

Lynn

IP: Logged

Posts: 150
From: Nanoose Bay, BC, Canada
Registered: Jan 2001

posted 03-04-2004 16:58               

---

We were in Banff in October in a motor home, and it was furnace weather - around 40 F - we enjoyed it, but the area was definitely just waiting for snow, with few tourists.

IP: Logged

Posts: 114
From: Okotoks, Alberta, Canada
Registered: Feb 2003

posted 03-04-2004 20:39               

---

Late September early October is beautiful. My favorite time in the mountains.

[This message has been edited by Donna Maree (edited 03-04-2004).]

IP: Logged

Posts: 350
From: Nassau, Bahamas
Registered: Jul 2003

posted 03-04-2004 23:27               

---

We were considering that area for mid Nov 2004 is there even a remote chance we could get to do some snowmobiling. If not what about ATV's.

IP: Logged

Posts: 1472
From: Ont, Canada
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-05-2004 05:02               

---

Sept and Oct are wonderful - the mountains are all but deserted, the air is clean and crisp - in a word - awesome!!

Weather is likely to be more predictable in September than October and it can get quite cold in October, particularly at night.

To the other poster - snowmobiling in Nov - I'd have to say "remote" is the right choice of words. Of course on any given day you can a good dumping of snow which could stay or be gone by the next day. ATVing is much more likely - this of course depends where you are staying and at what elevation.

IP: Logged

Posts: 31
From: Canada
Registered: Nov 2002

posted 03-08-2004 15:59               

---

definitely September. The days are still long but waning, with the feeling of summer slipping away. The kids are back in school so most people are gone. Could it get any better?

IP: Logged

Posts: 407
From: Alberta, Canada
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 03-08-2004 19:56               

---

Another vote for September, but it's generally even quieter in October (other than Canadian Thanksgiving, the first Monday in Oct.) with even fewer tourists. November's even quieter, as by then it's generally too cold to do much hiking, but usually not enough snow to ski. I think most resorts will open in late Nov. if there's enough snow, but usually early to mid-December rather.

There will still be some nice driving tours you could do, though, and no teeming hordes of tourists!

Bart

IP: Logged

Posts: 501
From: Calgary Alberta Canada
Registered: Jul 2001

posted 03-08-2004 22:03               

---

Thanksgiving is the SECOND Monday in October...

IP: Logged

Posts: 407
From: Alberta, Canada
Registered: Aug 2001

posted 03-09-2004 20:01               

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by eal:
Thanksgiving is the SECOND Monday in October...

---

Heh. Considering my birthday is the 12th, I should be pretty embarrassed on that, and I am... I guess a sign of failing brane cells...thanks for the correction!

Bart

IP: Logged

Posts: 1472
From: Ont, Canada
Registered: Mar 2003

posted 03-10-2004 05:12               

---

Brane cells? - oh oh is this another sign or does it have to do with eating too much Alberta beef?

Sorry, I didn't want to post this but my fingers just wouldn't stop. I couldn't help myself.

quote:

---

Originally posted by barto:

I guess a sign of failing brane cells...thanks for the correction!

Bart

---

IP: Logged

Posts: 215
From: Cocoa, Florida USA Owns:Royal Host Club Holly Bluff (Houseboat) Fantasy Holiday Club (Motorhome) Rayburn Country Resort (Points)
Registered: Oct 2003

posted 07-08-2004 16:01               

---

What are the peak fall weeks for the best leaf color?

IP: Logged

Posts: 116
From: Boring, OR, USA
Registered: May 2003

posted 07-08-2004 19:03            

---

Having been to Banff about 5 times, a couple of them in early Sept. My vote would be Sept. You will have better weather, though it still froze at night a number of nights (I was camping and my water bottle would freeze). The other reason to not go any later than early Sept. is that some of the areas attractions close. I remember being able to ride the Gondola in Banff, but the Gondola in Jasper had already closed for the season.

Ken

------------------
Forgiveness is the gift you give yourself.

IP: Logged

Posts: 538
From: Calgary, AB,Canada Owner Imperial Hawaii, Mount Amanzi,Whistler Vacation Club at Lake Placid Lodge
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-11-2004 05:07               

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by cclendinen:
What are the peak fall weeks for the best leaf color?

---

There are not many leafs in Banff. Most trees are evergreens. The foothills on the way to Banff from Calgary would be prettiest in the beginning to middle of October.

------------------
Greg

IP: Logged

Posts: 162
From: St. Albert, Alberta, Canada Owner: Fairmont Mountainside (2), Marriott's Sabal Palms (1). Lawrence Welk Escondido (1) & Kilconquhar Castle (1)
Registered: Dec 2000

posted 07-11-2004 06:22               

---

You're much more likely to find "leafs" in Toronto, although many people in Canada think they are not true "leafs" but "make beliefs". You can only really tell the difference in the spring - the "make beliefs" get blown away early.

(I, too, couldn't stop my fingers)

IP: Logged