Banff in July - 2011 Snow
 

Hello all,
We have several days reserved in Banff, mid-July, as part of a Rockies trip but have just been made aware of a potential snow issue. We had also planned on Glacier National Park until we found out that due to the record snow fall, the park road may not even be open until the end of July. Is Banff in the same situation regarding snow? I'm thinking that further North = bigger snow problem. We plan on light hiking/biking but am worried we may be too early this year due to the unusually heavy winter (in the US anyway). Comments are appreciated!!

Even if some trails are closed for snow and ice, the Banff area is large enough that I bet you'll find plenty of other choices. The principal road through the area is the transCanada, so you can be sure that is open. And for more up-to-date info, look to the Parks Canada website
http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/rcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100092

There was a much larger amount of snow all through the Canadian Rockies last winter, and coupled with a cool spring, there is still a lot more snow up high than there usually is at this time of year. However, it is melting back, the subalpine and alpine are opening up, and by the time you are here, all trails should be accessible.

By july you should be fine

Gorp.com best trail info

If too much snow up high plenty of wonderful hiking

Along the beautiful green Bow rivier with falls very pretty

Watch out for bears that are hungry after a long winter in the ice fields

So that your trip does not become un.bearable.

Thank you for all your comments!! Looking forward to the visit!

Here's a link to the Banff Park trail reports which you may want to check out closer to your arrival dates:

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_E.asp?oPark=100092

If you click on the names of the trails, you'll go to a page which describes the trails (difficulty rating, distance etc.) There's also maps that you can view/print.