Banff in late October?
 

We are new to Calgary and are thinking of spending 2-3 nights in Banff the last weekend in October. Is it usually snowing already? Is hiking out of the question due to the weather? Suggestions on where to stay and restaurant recommendations are appreciated. There will be 4 adults. Thanks!

The ski season doesn't usually start until mid November http://www.banff.com/ski/index.htm
If it does snow a lot, learn to snowshoe or snowboard.

Late October weather is hard to predict. There could be a foot of snow or it could be a warm Indian summer. Hiking on the lower elevation trails would be more likely than higher ones. Last year, the outdoor club I belong to was doing hikes in late October around Banff, Lake Louise and in K-Country.

Don't let a little snow stop you from doing a hike, just be prepared with good footwear and layered clothing. You should always have wind/water proof outer shell handy in the mountains and that time of year gloves and head cover should also be carried.

Curious - have you recently moved to Calgary? If so, congrats.

As ShelliDawn suggests, be prepared. Weather in that area can change unbelievably fast. On even shorter hikes, go out prepared as if you may get stranded for a bit. This includes GoreTex (or similar), some water & maybe protein bars, gloves, hat, etc.

Bob Brown, a longtime poster, would travel prepared for a storm that might strand him for more than a day. His point was that it might seem really pleasant when starting out for a few hours, then you get stuck unexpectedly in a blizzard. That's probably the right mindframe for the Canadian Rockies. He would recommend that for a year-round attitude, but late October is particularly apropos.

http://www.taximike.com/
i like magpie and stumps for a mexican treat
also like st james gate for pub food
both are mid range price
october can be a beautiful time to go but be prepared for snow. the hikes at higher elevations may be closed.
how much do you want to pay for accommodations. sharing a room with 2 queen beds? 2 separate rooms in a suite? self catering - i.e. with a kitchen? do you want a pool/hottub?

You have a lot of choice with accommodation in the Banff-Canmore-Lake Louise area. The end of October is "off season" (between the summer busy season and the ski season), so you could get some really good rates for you stay. What type of accommodation are you looking for? - luxury hotel? cabins? condos?

As for the weather, as others have mentioned, it's difficult to predict. Some years it is cold and other years it's not; some years there's snow (although October is early and even if there is snow at higher elevations, the valleys may be "dry"), and some years there's no snow yet.

Lots of choice in restaurants - what type of cuisine do you enjoy??

Last year the Fairmont Hotels had a fall special for Albertans..Suite @ Lake Louise.$145!!! Outstanding. Weather is a crap shoot!!!