Hi all! I am planning a trip for early October for Banff/ Calgary. I am from Atlanta so I need to know if I'm going to freeze my bottom off. How cold should I expect it to be? I am looking at the BW Green Gables Inn- is this a good place? I am trying to do this as cheaply as possible...<BR>Will I have any problems with the altitude? I am currently pregnant & don't want to get up there & not be able to breathe. Is there alot to see in the Banff park? Any other places close by that we can explore? I have ordered some books on Amazon so I'm still waiting on these to come before I book. Would I be better off staying in Calgary? Thanks!!

I forgot to add this- Will I need to rent a 4wd to get around? We only get a dusting of snow maybe 1x per year in Atlanta....<BR>Do I need to bring a heavy coat? <BR>Thanks again!

how long are you going to be there?<BR>plan on staying in banff. however, this is a major site seeing resort so prices are not cheap but october may be the least expensive time to go. october can be a mixed bag of weather. you may have several days in the row where it is sunny & warm (nights will be cold - down to freezing) or you may have snow & wind. just bring lots of layers so you can adjust to whatever. go to a weather website to get the norms. <BR>plan on going to lake louise one day. you could take hwy 1A on the way there and stop at johnson's canyon - very nice trail. the walk around lake louise is flat and beautiful. a good restaurant to stop at in lake louise is called the caboose (sp) by the old train station.

We are planning on October 9-14, 2002. Does anyone know anything about this hotel? Will I have any problems adjusting to the altitude? Thanks!

Altitude is not likely to be a problem. The air if anything is fresher and more breathable than at lower more densely populated altitudes. But certainly you should ceck with your doctor about it although I've never heard that pregnant women are advised against going to the Rockies because of altitude. Snow is a very real possibility. Even as far south as Colorado major snowfalls in early fall are quite normal so be prepared and although you won't necessarily need a 4 wheel drive if you're willing to spend the few extra dollars for an SUV you may find it money well spent. <BR><BR>That said snow removal is very good and in all liklihood the major highways will be clear within an hour or two of the snowfall. Black ice in the early morning hours is very common especially on clear days so always check with the road reports before you set out. Even experianced drivers are wary around black ice so you should be especially cautions. The sun and traffic usually gets rid it by around 10AM.

Banff is at an altitude of about 4,700 feet. It can be cool at night in that country, and seem even colder in the day time if the sun does not shine.<BR>I would have Polar Fleece pullover, GoreTex shell, hat, and gloves along.<BR><BR>Atlanta is about 1,000 feet. If you have been to the Smokies or along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina you can draw parallels. Most people don't have trouble below 5,000 feet, but that is a function of the individual.<BR><BR>I just got back from there, and at age 69, I had no trouble scrambling up some steep slopes at 7,000 feet other than a little hard breathing after the exertion. But that response is normal, and no two people are alike.<BR><BR>I don't know your motel in Calgary.<BR>The Best Western Green Gables is in Canmore, which is 60 miles from the Calgary airport.<BR><BR>If you are trying to "do this" as cheaply as possible, I would look elsewhere. There are lower prices places.<BR>The lowest rate is about 107 C, which converts to about $70 US a night, plus taxes.<BR>

No offense, but you Americans never cease to amaze me about how little you know about other countries, especaily Canada.<BR><BR>No you won't freeze your bottom off! Bring the fleece pullover. No you don't need a 4W drive in October.<BR><BR>The Green Gables is a good choice. Want cheaper? Try the George Town Inn. (wwwgeorgetowninn.com)<BR><BR>Lots to do in Banff and Lake Louise. (see www.banfflakelouise.com) October is s good month to come.<BR><BR>Enjoy<BR><BR>Stuart

Stuart:<BR><BR>Had you bothered to read the OP's post, you would have noticed that she's from Atlanta in the southern U.S., which means she has virtually no experience driving in snow or with cold weather in general. It was perfectly logically for her to assume it might be real cold (necessitating a coat) or snow (making a 4x4 a better bet) in the Rockies in October. In fact, it snowed in the elevations surrounding Banff this morning. This August and it's cold and snowing. It will certainly be colder in October. so, don't be so self-righteous.

Hi all & thanks for all the assistance. I've booked a King room at the Inn of Banff. Does anyone know anything about this hotel? I was able to get it very inexpensive- $504CDN for 5 nights, including taxes. <BR>I'm ready to go but still kinda nervous about how the weather will be. I did a search & found out that the avg high during October is 49-50F w/ a low of 30F. I just know I'm going to freeze but I can't wait to see everything. Does anyone have any suggestions about where to eat that's not too pricey? Thanks!

restaurants are expensive in banff. there is a safeway right in town that you could pick up some food for breakfast & lunch and then just venture out for dinner. (there is a mcdonalds in town - yuck)

Well, Paige, I live in Athens, and I can appreciate your concern. (Just like our Canadian friends don't do too well down here when the temperature is 96 degrees.) I have been to Canada many times and have yet to freeze in October. January is a differnt matter. Then you need a headbolt heater in your car and a place to plug it in as well as warm clothing. But dress for the conditions and you will be ok.<BR>I suggest not expecting to wear mini skirts or shorts and tank tops that time of year.<BR>The most effective weapon against the cooler temperatues is something to keep your head good and warm, gloves, a good jacket or coat, and sturdy footwear. (I don't turn up in open toed casual shoes when it is snowing.)<BR>Even hiking in the Rockies at 7,500 feet in sleet and snow storms has yet to freeze me or my wife, who grew up in Alabama. <BR>And not all Canadians dress appropriately either. One September we were on the Iceline Trail in Yoho National Park when a strong sleet storm caught us. I had stopped to adjust my pack and get out a bite to eat when a family of 5 passed us. There were two teen age boys in the group, both of whom were bareheaded and complaining loudly about the sleet stinging their ears and face.<BR>The boys' mother was lecturing them: "If I have told you once ...."<BR>I was fine. I just pulled my hood up over my Atlanta Braves cap, snapped the top button of my parka to keep the sleet from going down my front, and trudged along, glad to have on Goretex rain pants, gloves and wool socks!<BR><BR><BR>

Remember to bring layers. We Canadians tend to become acclimatized and not notice the cold. You will notice it much more than we do. So, when we find it simply "cool", you will find it cold. Bring a good fleece jacket, a good vest. I like NorthFace for fleece. I find that it is the most warm fleece on the market. Expensive for sure but worth the money. Light and comfortable.<BR><BR>Don't expect it to be like Atlanta and I am sure you don't or you wouldn't be asking these questions <BR><BR>Bob Brown has excellent suggestions for you. He has travelled lots here and is more knowledgeable than most Albertans.