What to Pack in June for Canadian Rockies?
Jun 5th, 2005, 12:54 PM
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What to Pack in June for Canadian Rockies?
My wife and I and our 11 and 9 year old boys will be in Jasper, Lake Louise and Banff from June 21 - July 5. We will do alot of day hiking on easy - moderate trails, sometimes for the whole day. We know we need to be prepared for changing weather but what should we expect most of the time? Will we need mostly long pants or will we often be able to wear shorts? We'll take jackets and fleeces, but what are we most likely to need? I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thanks. Steve
Jun 5th, 2005, 01:03 PM
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We have hiked about the same time of year as you will be there. We have always worn shorts during the day, but occasionally needed the fleeces for evenings. The weather has been occasionally overcast and we have even seen snow on July 4th, but generally it has been mild. Around the lakes, plan for bugs!
Jun 6th, 2005, 06:33 AM
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just there this weekend. shorts and t-shirts during the day but had some rain so needed raincoats. during the evening shorts and a sweatshirt. just bring cloths that can be layered and you'll be fine.
Jun 6th, 2005, 11:47 AM
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At what elevations are you planning to hike?
I don't want to be caught in a sleet storm at 6,000 feet in my shorts!
I always have my rain gear with me, and that includes a Polarfleece pullover as well as a GoreTex jacket and pants.
If you hike all day, you will of necessity gain altitude.
Don't be like the bunch I saw with some backroads tour company that got dumped at Whiskey Jack Hostel and told to find their way to Emerald Lake. They had very little gear and got caught in the same sleet storm I did. Only I had turned north toward the Iceline Trail and they had gone south to Yoho Lake.
I just hope they were in the trees when the little pellets started falling.
That was the first time I recall seeing women hiking in long skirts -- so long that they kept stepping on them going up hill.
I don't want to be caught in a sleet storm at 6,000 feet in my shorts!
I always have my rain gear with me, and that includes a Polarfleece pullover as well as a GoreTex jacket and pants.
If you hike all day, you will of necessity gain altitude.
Don't be like the bunch I saw with some backroads tour company that got dumped at Whiskey Jack Hostel and told to find their way to Emerald Lake. They had very little gear and got caught in the same sleet storm I did. Only I had turned north toward the Iceline Trail and they had gone south to Yoho Lake.
I just hope they were in the trees when the little pellets started falling.
That was the first time I recall seeing women hiking in long skirts -- so long that they kept stepping on them going up hill.
Jun 6th, 2005, 01:02 PM
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Hello Steve,
I concur with Bob's advice. The weather in the mountains is very changeable. Regardless of how hot and sunny the day is when we start a hike, we each carry a day pack with a spare fleece jacket, rain gear, and a water bottle (to avoid the chance -- however small it may be -- of contracting beaver fever or Giardia lamblia from untreated lake or stream water).
If you like wearing shorts, you may enjoy trousers with zip-on / zip-off legs. They provide a level of versatility that is very useful in the mountains.
Since I mentioned the water situation, I'll set your mind at rest and also mention that you can assume that hotel tap water in the mountains is potable.
I concur with Bob's advice. The weather in the mountains is very changeable. Regardless of how hot and sunny the day is when we start a hike, we each carry a day pack with a spare fleece jacket, rain gear, and a water bottle (to avoid the chance -- however small it may be -- of contracting beaver fever or Giardia lamblia from untreated lake or stream water).
If you like wearing shorts, you may enjoy trousers with zip-on / zip-off legs. They provide a level of versatility that is very useful in the mountains.
Since I mentioned the water situation, I'll set your mind at rest and also mention that you can assume that hotel tap water in the mountains is potable.
Jun 7th, 2005, 07:40 PM
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Thanks for the responses. We plan to take fleece jackets and rainwear at a minimum. We are hoping that we'll be able to take mostly shorts for the day and maybe a couple of pairs of long pants for the evenings. We'll layer our clothes and hopefully not get caught in any sleet storms!
Jun 8th, 2005, 02:23 AM
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Here are some recommendations from park management for June 2005:
Lower valley trails are mostly bare and dry, with many species of flower in bloom. In the alpine, snow patches remain in many areas and some areas are still snowbound. Where the snow has recently melted in the alpine, you can expect conditions to be muddy or boggy. Please consider not using these trails to help protect the alpine vegetation, or to make certain that you stay on the trail when you are there.
The elk are calving, and so select trails and areas have been taped-off and are officially closed. This includes the part of Trail #7 which traverses between Lac Beauvert and the Athabasca River. Please be cautious when you encounter elk and give them a wide berth.
Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks are common during the spring and early summer. After hiking, check for ticks on your body and clothing. Tick bites can cause serious illness.
Bears are now out of hibernation and roaming the lower valley. Hikers need to be ‘bear aware’ when on the trail. Visit the Information Centre and pick up a copy of Bears and People to be better informed. Consider carrying bear spray.
Lower valley trails are mostly bare and dry, with many species of flower in bloom. In the alpine, snow patches remain in many areas and some areas are still snowbound. Where the snow has recently melted in the alpine, you can expect conditions to be muddy or boggy. Please consider not using these trails to help protect the alpine vegetation, or to make certain that you stay on the trail when you are there.
The elk are calving, and so select trails and areas have been taped-off and are officially closed. This includes the part of Trail #7 which traverses between Lac Beauvert and the Athabasca River. Please be cautious when you encounter elk and give them a wide berth.
Rocky Mountain Wood Ticks are common during the spring and early summer. After hiking, check for ticks on your body and clothing. Tick bites can cause serious illness.
Bears are now out of hibernation and roaming the lower valley. Hikers need to be ‘bear aware’ when on the trail. Visit the Information Centre and pick up a copy of Bears and People to be better informed. Consider carrying bear spray.
