best time to visit banff/jasper?
#1
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best time to visit banff/jasper?
My husband and I are able to travel somewhat off season and would love to miss the crowds for our Banff/Jasper trip which i am just beginning to plan. I know that July/August is prime time, but if we were to choose between early June or September, which time would be best in terms of scenery and wildlife? I've read many earlier posts and both times seem to be good, but nobody mentioned wildlife. Would be see more traveling spring vs. fall? Also is there a rainy season?
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Do NOT come in June, as this is usually the rainy season. For years our daughter told us this, so we would come in September. Now that we live here, we find that she was right on about the June weather. In September it is usually nice, but mountain weather can change in five minutes. Bring clothing to layer and a hat and gloves, just in case. Enjoy!
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Wow---this is unanimous---my question has been well answered---thank you so much for your responses---now i'll have to figure out how to split up the time----fly into calgary--drive to jasper and experience the beautiful icefield pkwy. --stay 3 - 4 nights---then drive back slowly, staying near lake louise area and visiting banff---
#10
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Be aware, its the mountains, and anything can happen with the weather. I remember the time we pitched our tent in 14" of snow at Waterton Lakes. That was September 7.
Mind you, it warmed up and the snow was gone, in a couple of days. We definitely had variety, that trip.
And the campground was a popular spot for lots a big-racked mule deer, and BIG bighorn sheep, driven lower by the snow. They were everywhere!
Viewgirl, I like your plan - probably have done the same one a dozen times, usually for 2 weeks, though.
As for wildlife, everyone knows that you have to be out early and late, but you have to research a bit to find the "best" spots for the different species of wildlife. And, you just have to be in the right spot at the right time. This works best, if you are out there a lot.
Often, it seems that there are more elk and deer right in the Banff townsite, than anwhere else. Figures!
Mind you, it warmed up and the snow was gone, in a couple of days. We definitely had variety, that trip.
And the campground was a popular spot for lots a big-racked mule deer, and BIG bighorn sheep, driven lower by the snow. They were everywhere!
Viewgirl, I like your plan - probably have done the same one a dozen times, usually for 2 weeks, though.
As for wildlife, everyone knows that you have to be out early and late, but you have to research a bit to find the "best" spots for the different species of wildlife. And, you just have to be in the right spot at the right time. This works best, if you are out there a lot.
Often, it seems that there are more elk and deer right in the Banff townsite, than anwhere else. Figures!
#12
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Any time is a good time. September is consider shoulder season while June is considered peak. In high mountain Park, snow is possible any time, even June July and August although they are quite rare.
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sludick
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Jul 6th, 2004 03:50 AM