Do I need reservations for the Banff/Jasper area for early Sept but after Labor Day?
 

Not sure of our dates. Will be doing a 4 wk rd trip late Aug to late Sept flying in/out Salt Lake City and driving WY, MT, AL, BC, ID. Can we just make reservations for the Banff area a ouple of days ahead at that time of yr or do we need a longer window?
Thanks,
isy

My own experience is that you will be able to find places available after Labor Day, but whether or not you want a weekend day is crucial. If you are arriving on a Friday or Saturday night you may find the choice more limited.

If the weather for the Saturday after Labor Day is clear and sunny, then you may have a problem with choice. In other words, you take what you can get rather than being able to select from several preferred locations.

I would have several candidate places on my list and call as soon as I had a definite arrival date. I tend to be risk averse and, when on vacation, I don't like being hung out to dry.

Others may have a different view of the situation -- that is, if not Banff then try Canmore! I prefer a little more certainty, but that is my personality.

I will be interested in reading what others have to say about this question.

Bet Judy will have a good response!!

I would say you would be okay winging it after Labour Day, irishswampyankee.

Thanks so much. Will probably try to plan a couple of days ahead. Will have more questions as our planning comes together. I appreciate your help today and in the future.

Banff does have a huge number of places to stay. Mid week after peak vacation time there should be excess capacity.

My wife reminded me that when we were there in early September we arrived in Banff without a reservation and found a place with minimal difficulty. We had a candidate list, but no advance reservations.

Still, if a beautiful weekend, there will be demand. Just not as great as you would find for a beautiful weekend in late July or early August.

Also, the middle of the price range seems to go first. What is left is the high end, expensive places, or the lower end. In peak summer, the place attracts a wide variety of visitors. Some of them cause me to wonder where they do spend the night! I guess they find a place to put their sleeping bags somewhere!!