fall color Canadian Rockies
 

We are considering a fall trip to the Canadian Rockies- the Banff or Jasper areas - for 2003. Can anyone tell me when the colors begin to turn in that area? What are the pros and/or cons of touring this area durint the fall as opposed to summer?

We were in the mountains last weekend and the colours were beginning to change all ready on the Aspen. We don't get the dramatic colours of the Eastern areas, more yellows and golds. <BR><BR>Pro to touring in the fall is that you avoid the heavy tourist traffic and generally the prices are a bit lower. September is usually still quite nice during the day, with cooler nights.

I live here so you are talking to a local.<BR><BR>We Canadians spell it c-o-l-o-u-r.<BR><BR>What few trees we have that change (the rest are evergreens) are just thinking about changing right now. It will all be yellow in about another 2 weeks. September is the best month to travel here. Not so crowded and generally we get good weather, although not so far this year. However, that can change in five minutes around here!! Indian summer should be here any day!<BR><BR>Anything else? Email me direct if you like.<BR><BR>Blessings,<BR><BR>Stuart &lt;&gt;&lt;

The Canadian Rockies have a lot to reccomend themselves for but fall colours, ( as the above post has alluded to), are not one of them. You should also be aware that virtually anytime after Labour Day there is a fair to good chance of snow and by late September there is a strong liklihood of morning black ice which is most common on clear mornings and usually is gone by late morning. <BR><BR>In a nutshell the fall season can be glorious in the Rockies, (though not colourful), but it can also be treacherous for driving.

as mentioned, not known for great fall colors but still amazingly beautiful. anytime after the labor day weekend in september would be a wonderful time to come.

Re: Gary's response<BR><BR>I have lived here for 25 years and I have never heard of black ice in September! We seldom get it even in winter!! September is usually warm and sunny (as it is today) with cool mornings and evenings.<BR><BR>Stuart

I agree with Stuart, black ice should not be a problem. In fact, September is often the nicest time of the year here. Flies are generally gone as are mosquitos. Warm during the day but cool at night. Little in terms of heavy tourist traffic. <BR><BR>

Thanks for the info, as well! Our trip *was* planned for the 18th - 30th, but our 15.5-year-old dog suddenly fell ill last night, & is having big problems walking at all. :-{<BR><BR>So, we're going to have to postpone our plans for safety's sake! May have to cancel *altogether*, but am hoping she'll get better enough to have a friend take care of her while we're gone. <BR><BR>Those of you who are there now...do you think arriving Sept 25 will be too late for *any* color (even tho' I realize you don't have that many)? If colors are beginning already...?<BR><BR>We were interested in hiking, too & are wondering if bear activity will be much more pronounced the later it gets.<BR><BR>Lastly, heard Johnston Canyon is now closed for repairs? Anybody know for how long? (we *had* been looking forward to it) <BR><BR>Thanks for any additional input you might lend! (Feeling pretty down w/our dog suddenly in such bad shape.)

Hi! (its me again)<BR><BR>September 25th is border line for colours, but I think you should be O.K. until early October.<BR><BR>I just phoned Parks Canada; they said that Johnston's Canyon is out until the end of October.<BR><BR>Blessings,<BR><BR>Stuart &lt;&gt;&lt;

Thanks so much, Stuart for calling to check on Johnston Canyon for us! I truly appreciate it. Pleased to hear that some colors might be left, if we manage to get there then.<BR><BR>Things are very much in limbo for us, as we try to treat our dog w/drugs. Don't know whether to hold out much hope or not for her (or our trip).<BR>The vet didn't look too optimistic re: her condition.<BR><BR>This trip just doesn't seem meant to happen. Could have really used the getaway too, due to *other* family health problems fatiguing us.<BR><BR>Right now, though, the main thing I'm worried about is being told it's time to make that awful "choice" with regard to our dog, who was doing pretty well until so recently. :-{<BR><BR>I sure don't want that decision rushed due to a trip, so will probably not be able to leave at all.<BR><BR>Thanks again to all who shared their wisdom on this 'thread' (& all the *many* helpful threads found on Fodor's). <BR>