Vicki

My husband and I are planning a trip to Lake Louise and Jasper in mid-October of this year. We are renting a car in Calgary and driving to these locations. What is the weather generally like this time of year? Should we rent a 4-wheel drive or will a regular intermediate car serve our purpose? If there is snow, how will it affect the roads? Lots of questions, I know, but I would appreciate any help you can give me for our first trip to Canada. Thanks so much.

traveller

Typically, October is not that bad for snow. In fact, it is my favorite time of year. The leaves are all changing or changed, it is a bit cooler and far less traffic. I would doubt that you will need a 4 wheel drive. I think you could probably make that decision when you land in Calgary. The roads are very well maintained. Have fun.

Vicki

Dear Traveller, You have been most helpful and I greatly appreciate your advice. Thanks for replying to my question. Have a great day!

traveller

No problem Vicki - just as an added note, the agents at the car rentals in Calgary can be quite helpful as well and be sure to ask them about the weather in area. But again, as I said, October is usually wonderful. We often experience (no intent to be rascist) Indian summer at that time of year and it can be just lovely. You have a great day and a great vacation. Welcome to Alberta.

Vicki

Again, Traveller, thanks. We sure are looking forward to our first visit there and appreciate your help.

Bob Brown

I have not been in that country in October, but if the roads are open I can tell you from my experiences that you are in for some spectacular scenery. <BR>Before leaving the Lake Louise area, drive over Kicking Horse Pass into Yoho and down the "Big Hill" to the turn off for Takkakaw Falls. Takkakaw is worth seeing. Also, you might like to view th spiral tunnels on the railroad. The only way the designers could figure out how to keep the gradient low enough for the trains to creep over the pass was to have the tracks loop back in a spiral. <BR> <BR>The route over Kicking Horse Pass is the Trans Canada Highway, so it is kept clear if at all possible. <BR>

Vicki

Bob - Thanks so much for your suggestions. I have read your wonderful responses to so many questions posted here and feel that you should go into the travel advice business - maybe write some travel books! It is so nice to hear from people who have "been there, done that". Thanks again.

Bob Brown

Well, Vicki, to be honest with you, I don't have the urge to do a book. Thanks for thinking I might do it. <BR>I know the amount of effort involved because I have co-authored 3 college level text boks and a stack of supporting study guides. <BR> <BR>Doing a travel book on that part of Canada would be a problem because there are so many details to be checked and I live so far away. <BR> <BR>I am not good at fiction writing. I am sort of a dry, describe the facts kind of guy. <BR> <BR>I can do impromptu, or extemporaneous type of respones here without much thought. Every once in a while I look up a fact or two to be sure of my ground. <BR> <BR>One thing, if I give you a fact, I usually know it or check it first. <BR>If I give an opinion, then it is up for debate.