Banff in October

Old Sep 13th, 2016, 09:58 AM
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Banff in October

Hi. Thinking of heading there as a family of 5. Where to stay? Thinking 7 days 6 nights. We like to see things and no spa days. Elementary age kids. Fairmont seems pretty expensive. Is there a discount or perhaps a place other than that?? Will there be snow? What should we do? Calgary? Banff? Lake Louise? Anything else? Rent a car or what? Thanks.
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Old Sep 13th, 2016, 10:45 AM
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Welcome!

When in October? Timing makes a big difference - many seasonal roads, some paid attractions and a few hotels close after our Thanksiving (October 10). That long weekend is also very busy, so you'd need to book ASAP for accommodation if your trip includes those dates (Oct 8-10).

October is the shoulder season here. It can warm (by our standards) and sunny or cold & snowy. Generally it would be quite unusual to have more than a brief skiff of snow in the valleys, but the mountains will likely be snow covered. We've already had our first big dump at higher elevations, though much of that will likely melt off in the next couple of weeks.

Fairmont Banff Springs is probably the most expensive place in Banff. There are lots and lots of cheaper options - you can see all accommodations listed at www.banfflakelouise.com

I would strongly suggest you rent a car - there is public transport in Banff townsite, but otherwise it's a challenge if you don't have a car.

Unless you have a strong reason for visiting Calgary, I'd skip it. With a week, the general suggestion is to split your time between Banff/Lake Louise and Jasper. The drive between Lake Louise and Jasper is one of the most spectacular in the world. It's worth a whole day there and a day back, though it's only abou 3.5-4 hrs of actual driving.

Again, timing will be key. Adding Jasper in, at least self drive, makes the most sense before Thanksiving. After Thanksgiving the glacier tours are shut, you're much more likely to encounter bad weather and all 4 hotels and the only gas station on the parkway are closed. It's also likely to be colder and snowier up on the parkway. Certainly quite possible for the drive to be fine, but if you have any concerns about conditions/driving in winter weather, then perhaps just stay in Banff/Lake Louise and do a day trip part way up the parkway (as far as Peyto Lake).

If you include Jasper, I'd do 3-4 nights in Banff/Lake Louise and 2-3 nights in Jasper. Otherwise, just stay all 6 nights in Banff or Lake Louise or Canmore.

Activities will be date and weather dependent. Some places - Moraine Lake and Takkakaw Falls - will not be accessible after October 10 because the roads shut for the winter. And higher elevation hikes tend to be out of hiking condition by early October, weather depending. But too early for winter activities. Date depending, you could likely do hikes at lower elevations, possible cycling in the townsites, go to the hot springs in Banff, shop, dine etc.
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Old Sep 13th, 2016, 12:29 PM
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Dates would be Oct. 6-12. Wow. I had no idea about Thanksgiving! Thanks. Yes- those are great ideas. So fly in Thursday and go straight to Banff/Lake Louise or even all the way to Jasper. Then head back in to Banff/lake Louise and drive back Wed for our flight.

Now I need to look at places to stay. Would love names if possible.

kgsneds-- Great info!!
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Old Sep 13th, 2016, 04:18 PM
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Lake Louise Inn? Deer Lodge? How are those?
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Old Sep 13th, 2016, 08:46 PM
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If you haven't made reservations for accommodation already, I would get right to it if I were you. Since your trip falls over the Thanksgiving long weekend, it is likely to be very busy in the mountain parks.

There are many hotels in Banff, a few places in Lake Louise and area, and a selection of hotels in Jasper townsite - your best bet is to look at those hotel booking websites that have ratings and traveller reviews (to narrow it down). Note that many of the cabin type accommodations (for example Patricia Lake Bungalows and Becker's Chalets) in Jasper close for the season (until next spring) after October 10th.

Driving straight to Jasper from Calgary only makes sense if you are arriving in the morning and have the time to drive while enjoying the sights. It's a 5 hour drive from the Calgary airport to Jasper not counting any stops along the way. If you arrive in the afternoon, it may be better to drive to Canmore (it's in the mountains just outside of the Banff National Park east gates) for overnight before driving to Jasper the next day. There's lots of accommodation available in Canmore too (but may also be busy over the Thanksgiving weekend).
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Old Sep 14th, 2016, 10:36 AM
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Great suggestion by Borealis - unless your flight arrives very early, it's probably not the best idea to go straight to Jasper. Give yourself a full day to enjoy the parkway. Plus, if by unlikely chance we do get an early season storm, you will have time and daylight for the drive, or time to make alternative plans.

As Jasper is smaller, it's more likely to have limited availability for the holiday weekend, so probably done best first. But, considering road closures, you may well want to be back in the Lake Louise area before the weekend is over.

You could do something like this

Oct 6 - arrive, drive to Canmore
Oct 7 - to Jasper, Jasper
Oct 8 - Jasper, Jasper
Oct 9 - to Lake Louise or Banff, stay the rest of the time there. That way you can see Moraine Lake (and possibly Takkakaw Falls) before those roads close as of Oct 11

Lake Louise Inn is about 4km from the lake in the "village". Nothing fancy, but it seems to get solid reviews.

Deer Lodge is a short walk from the lake. It gets mixed reviews, but I've stayed there multiple times and find it quite pleasant. In short, it's a historic lodge that is overdue for some upgrades. The rooms in the new wing/Tower wing are modern, but those in the old lodge have the charm. Think thin walls and temperamental plumbing. No elevators or TVs. Works just fine for me, and I love the period touches, the TV room, laundry and free tea. Very good food and a hot tub with a great view over the lake/mountains.

One consideration with the holiday weekend is dining - I would probably make dinner reservations for Fr, Sa and Sun as soon as you make your bookings. Thanksgiving is technically Monday, though many people celebrate on Sunday since they are headed home on Monday. Some hotels may be guests only, though many have a set Thanksgiving meal that can be booked. At this point, especially if you are staying in Lake Louise where dining options are limited, I would want to have reservations somewhere.
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Old Sep 14th, 2016, 07:04 PM
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Ok. Good good info.

So we have this-
Arrive- Oct. 5- Calgary - drive to Lake Louise and stay there- finalizing accomodations but definitely LL.

Perhaps prior to arriving at hotel in LL-- go to Banff gondola.

Oct. 8- drive to Jasper. Stop and do the glacier tour. (1/2 way point). Heard it is good. What do you think?

Oct. 8-11 stay at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge.

Would love some detailed hikes.
Restaurants in LL/Banff/Jasper.

Yes- now I know about Thanksgiving there.
Looking for restaurants for our time there that are good--- do not need white tablecloth dining.

What are some fun things to do with 3 kids? What specific hikes?

We do have a rental car too.

Thanks!!
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Old Sep 16th, 2016, 12:12 PM
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The glacier tour is fine, though the decision may be as to whether it's worth the money. Unless you buy a ticket in Lake Louise, you have to do the combined glacier/skywalk tour (the latter has gotten very mixed reviews and is controversial). It's likely to be snowy by then, so the glacier itself may well be under a layer of fresh snow.

If you are staying at the Jasper Park Lodge, you have several dining options there. I would definitely do Thanksgiving there- I'd call or e-mail ASAP to find out about options and to make reservations. It's a bit of drive into town, so especially if the weather is iffy, I suspect you'll want to be eating at the JPL.

In Lake Louise, it will depend on where you are staying. Chateau LL has good restaurants, but it can difficult to make reservations if you aren't staying there. Post Hotel has an excellent, albeit expensive restaurant, and a nice, cheaper downstairs pub/restaurant. Deer Lodge has good food - best to eat in the bar/informal area rather than the dining room - gives you the option to order off the informal and dining room menus. Mountain Restaurant (?) gets good reviews and Lake Louise Inn has options, and the restaurant at the old train station seems to get positive reviews. For good, but inexpensive food, the Bill Petyo's at the hostel is good.

For the drive to/from Jasper, I would pack picnic lunches. I think the 3 or 4 places with food are still open, but they may be limited hours or low on options as they close for the season a couple of days later. If you are in Lake Louise, grab something at the little market or at Laggans (Laggans is good for baked goods, but coffee drinkers tell me that the other deli is better for coffee).
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Old Sep 17th, 2016, 02:36 PM
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Take a look at Baker Creek Chalets near Lake Louise. We have stayed there several times , including with our kids.

Two hikes we really enjoyed were Johnson Canyon up to the ink pots and then at Lake Louise the loop of the Lake Agnes Tea House to little and big beehives up over to the Plain of Six Glaciers on down to the lake and back to the start. We have fine both of those without kids and they loved them FWIW.
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Old Sep 21st, 2016, 08:59 AM
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As heads up we just hiked to Little beehive this past Sunday September 18th. It was snowing pretty good up there (and at the teahouse), but not sticking. A hundred meters or so further up in elevation it was sticking. Other hikes we did like Iceline and Alpine Route at Lake O’Hara are higher elevation and probably snowed in, we did those earlier in the week when the weather was great. We hiked in snow at Glacier on this trip the previous weekend as well, had the right clothes/boots though as it was predicted. We normally travel with carry-ons, but this trip with the changing weather had to check big bags to handle all of our different clothes/boots. Temperatures ranged from -2ºC to +26ºC during our trip.

Though not this time we have stayed in the newer rooms at Deer Lodge previous and they are fine with the bonus of an easy walk to the lake. Restaurant pretty good as well. We stayed at the Fairmont this time (our anniversary) which is great but big $$$$. Their restaurants are very good, but expensive. They give table preference to guests that is nice if you are staying there, got window tables all three nights. In Jasper we’ve only stayed at Patricia Lake and Beckers which depending on dates may be closed, but liked them both. In Banff we’ve stayed several places most recently the Bow View Lodge. Simple, basic, clean, and easy walk to town. There are many more upscale options available. Recommend the Bison restaurant in Banff, not cheap but very good. Ticino is a good place to eat in Banff as well, we like their fondue.
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Old Sep 21st, 2016, 10:39 AM
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There was up to 30cm of snow at Lake Louise yesterday, though much of that may melt off with the warmer temps supposedly to come.

But it does seem like we're in for a chilly fall, so you'll definitely want plenty of layers and - if you intend to hike, boots that will stand up to snow, ice & mud.
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Old Sep 25th, 2016, 05:44 PM
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This is great great information! Wow. Snow snow snow. That is great to know. We arrive in Calgary around 3pm. Thinking of going onto LL and dropping off luggage. Should we get on the gondola in LL or is the Banff one we should go back to-- perhaps the next morning? (if a clear day?);
Is there a fondue place in Lake Louise?

Here is the big question:
Should we spend any time in Banff? Or just spend our 3 days in LL?
Everyone is getting very excited.
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Old Sep 26th, 2016, 10:56 AM
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Most of the snow in the valleys has melted, but the mountain tops are very white. Supposed to be wet weather for much of this week, and I suspect that will fall in the form of snow at higher elevations. Temps are definitely quite nippy - unless we have a real warm spell, I'd be expecting temps at or below freezing at night/early morning up in the mountains.

I think either gondolas would be good, but I doubt you will have time on your first day.

If you don't arrive in Calgary until 3pm, you probably won't leave the airport until 4pm. Which means you will hit afternoon traffic heading out of Calgary - and traffic has been a bit of mess just outside of Calgary lately due to construction on the TCH. I'd allow at least two hours to Banff, and longer to Lake Louise. Sunset is around 7:10 by early October, so any gondola ride is going to be sunset/after dark.

One of the restaurants at the Chateau Lake Louise has fondue, but not sure how much luck you would have getting reservations as a non guest. I'd call now to see whether it's a realistic option - might get lucky mid week.

As to Banff vs. Lake Louise - it really depends on your interests. Lake Louise will be about scenery, hiking/walking and the lake, while Banff has more dining and shopping options. I could certainly see spending a day or part of a day (maybe combined with Johnston Canyon) in Banff to see the lakes in the area, and explore the downtown etc.
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Old Oct 1st, 2016, 06:06 AM
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Thanks again kgsneds! Great info. We are excited.
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Old Oct 3rd, 2016, 11:13 AM
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Quick Update

Unfortunately Johnston Canyon is shut from now until mid November for work on the trails & parking lot. (Didn't seem to be any advance warning of the closure - might be wise to anticipate early fall closures now). There may be access to the Ink Pots via Moose Meadows, though last time I looked the Moose Meadows area was shut for a prescribed fire.

Still quite chilly at nights - areas around Canmore and Banff got a heavy dusting of snow at higher elevations, with a lot of the rain that fell Saturday night in the valleys turning to ice early Sunday morning. Pretty on the trees, not so much fun scraping it off windshields! Looks like chilly temps to start the week, but a bit of moderation over the long weekend.
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Old Oct 4th, 2016, 09:45 AM
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You are the best kgsneds! I read about that report - -Johnston Canyon. One more question-- so we fly into Calgary-- looks like if we need a little stop in Banff, where should we stop? Then we have to go from there to our hotel in Lake Louise. Nothing that will take a long time. Also- are there gas stations from Lake Louise to Jasper?
I did look at the fondue place at Chateau LL. Don't think the kids will enjoy too much. Opted for their other restaurant.
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Old Oct 4th, 2016, 01:39 PM
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To be honest, I would probably stop in Canmore rather than Banff. Easier to access from the highway, less crowded and more options for gas/parking. Lots of places to grab a quick bite to eat. Good places for fast, but non fast-food eats include CommuniTea Cafe, Rocky Mountain Bagel Company, Good Earth. Good Earth is open until 8pm, the other two until 6pm.

The only gas station between Lake Louise and Jasper closes as of October 11 - and even so, prices are really high, so it's usually worth using for emergencies only. Fill up in Lake Louise and you should be just fine to get to Lake Louise.

The Post Hotel also has a fondue restaurant: http://posthotel.com/cuisine/fondue-stubli/, though again it might not be of interest for your kids.
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Old Oct 6th, 2016, 10:37 AM
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Agree with kgsneds. While Banff itself is a worthy visit, it is not a quick in and out stop. Lot of traffic and difficult parking though maybe as bad in October. If you've got a few hours though park along the river and take the trail along it then loop back around through town. Lot's of restaurant choices.
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Old Oct 9th, 2016, 07:24 AM
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This is a great eBay store to buy all the essentials for your trip in one bundle! See the link below:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...m=252565235068

Cheers
BartyB
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