Pardon my ignorance about (I'm told) a truly wonderful area of our country, but I am wondering if someone can help me out. Having never been out west before, and not sure of the "mountain climate", can you tell me what its like in this area in November. I have the opportunity to go to Banff for a convention in November, and am wondering if it would be worthwhile to have my husband join me and spend an extra week there. We had planned on going out west this summer, but that never happened so I'm thinking this might be the best opportunity.
My questions are: this, I assume is the off season time, are most things open? I know for example that Moraine Lake Lodge is closed at this time. Are restaurants tending to take a much needed rest at this time and closing for a bit? Is Jasper worth going to, ie: driving the Icefields Parkway in November? Will the scenery still be spectacular? I'm assuming snow capped (or covered?) mountains would still be breathtaking. We thought this would be one of the highlights of the trip we wanted to take in the summer and I'm not sure what it would be like in Nov.
We enjoy the quiet, don't care for crowds and mainly just want to hang out and relax in a lovely location; fine hotels and views.Thats why the appeal is there for us to go in November. We are thinking of three extra nights in Banff, with a drive to Lake Louise thrown in there, (not being the summer I didnt think overnight time in Lake Louise was warranted) and two nights in Jasper.
Coming from northern Quebec originally, snow covered roads, cold temps. etc dont bother me 
But I'm not sure if the snow is there "to stay" yet in Banff in November or if its just likely to snow on and off. In other words, how far are you into "winter" at this point , if at all?
Any help would be appreciated.
Banff/Jasper in November?
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Sherry,
The weather in Alberta is so very unpredictable - some Novembers we have already had lots of snow and severe cold, and others it's like a chilly fall. We were in Jasper in November of 2001, there was very little snow, and the hiking was still great. Some of the restaurants do close for cleaning/staff vacations in november, but the town is still functioning in the shoulder season of November. Last November there was very little snow as well - both Banff and Jasper didn't start even seeing average numbers of skiiers until late January, after a couple of weeks of really heavy snows.
As far as the Icefields Parkway goes, it is a gorgeous drive at any time of the year! BTW, Banff, while quieter in November than in summer or ski season, is always a livelier and busier spot than Jasper. We prefer Jasper, but enjoy winter and early sunmmer in both areas.
Hope I've been able to help!
In Novemeber, I would sure try to stay at the Jasper Park Lodge..it should be much cheaper. Some of the other cabin accommodations may have closed for the winter by then. But to wake up, have some coffee, and look out Lac Beauvert on a clear crisp cool day, with very few people around...would be so heavenly!!!!! I was born and raised in Jasper, and when no one is around, when all the tourists have gone, it is the best place in the world!!!!
Thanks very much for the replies. And yes, if we go, the plan is to stay at the Jasper Park Lodge. Sounds heavenly, as you say! This may indeed be the "right" time of year for us to go. Quiet, tourists gone (except us, of course
), room to roam without the traffic and hoards of bus tours. We tend to travel to most places in the off season for exactly this reason. Not to mention, as you say, cheaper rates! The other hotels we will probably choose are the Rimrock and Banff Springs Hotel (the convention is held there). Should we make definite plans, I will be back with more questions I'm sure!
Thanks again.