Greeting! <BR>We are planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies in early May (we fly into Calgary 3May @1pm and fly out of Calagry 8 May @2pm), so we actually have 4 entire days to travel through the mountains. We can stay in Canmore at the Marriot with some gift coupons I received from work, but also want to try to travel north and see all I have been reading about on these posts. I had been to the Canadian Rockies about 26 years ago (before the crowds) and my favorite spot was Moraine Lake. Will the road to Moraine Lake be open this time of year? Will the lakes be melted or still frozen (will it still be worthwhile? will the glacial colors of the lake still be visible if frozen ?). <BR>Any idea what the weather this time of year will be - temp/precipitation ? Will all the roads be passable - Icefields Parkway/road to Maligne Lake, etc. ? We are not hikers and not in the best shape, so would just do some easy walks - any suggestions? Any "must-sees" for this time of year? Would it be too much to try to go all the way to Jasper (how many nights and where would you reccommend to stay in Jasper? Will there be crowds in early May in Banff/LL/Jasper? Thanks for all your help !

Hi Mary. Moraine Lake will be open by the beginning of May. However, the lake will be completely iced over till mid-late June. (sad, I know.) Lake Louise, and all the rest will still be frozed as well. No, you can't see any of the teal and turquoise colors of the lakes... just white with snow and ice.) Actually May is low season in the area, since there's not a whole lot going on yet. Skiing is over, and summer stuff can't happen until the snow melts... (so much of the hiking at any elevation above town level is pretty much out... But I would recommend trying Johnston's Canyon. A friend made it to the upper falls without too much trouble last week... And said it was worth it... and not too tourist infested yet either.) The 2 years I spent there May was a month of surprises, weather-wise. Some days were +20 Celsius in the sun... other days it would snow... I recommend you pack some warm clothes regardless, since nights are always around freezing... even in the middle of summer. I can't say too much about Jasper, since I haven't been there since I was in kindergarten... I'm sure the road will be fine, and many people enjoy Jasper... lower key than Banff, but a little more going on than Louise... As for hikes, as I said, I'd try Johnston's Canyon. Being in top shape doesn't really matter... if you get a little winded, take a break. (Blame it on the altitude! the same walk at home wouldn't bother you a bit, probably!) The trail is obvious... it's on the Bow Valley Parkway (#1A) pretty much half way between Banff and LL. For a nice walk in Louise Village, I'd recommend walking the Bow River Loop. There's no elevation gain/loss... just a nice leisurely stroll around the river. It's very pretty, even in May. Walking around Lake Louise itself would be nice, too... but at least you'd see some water movement around the river. Other activities? well, as I said, you're limited this time of year, unfortunately. But even if it's blizzarding outside, there are nice places to relax in front of a fireplace with a glass of wine. Or else splurge on a massage at Solace Spa in the Banff Springs Hotel. If the weather doesn't seem to be cooperating for walks and drives, take it as a sign and just relax! (And enjoy some of the FABULOUS restaurants!!!) I wish I had more good news for you... but May is a little limited... But keep in mind you won't be fighting with the crowds, which is a bonus. (just a note... the first 2 weeks of Sept are nice... not quite so busy, the larch trees are turning gold, and the weather is consistently good for some reason.) Anyway.. have fun Mary - take care.