I'm taking the Rocky Mountaineer from Vancouver to Banff the last week in May. Can someone help me as to what to expect weatherwise? I'm thinking long sleeved shirts and sweatshirts and jackets, but then, I'm not certain. Thanks in advance to all who are always so helpful here!

We were in the area about the same time last May. We encountered a very wide range of weather, including snow, wind, and then 80 degree weather (out of the ordinary, I think). Your clothing choices are closest to what you'll probably need, but you may want to add a short-sleeved t-shirt or 2. In the 3 trips my husband and I have made to the area, we have found that adding a windbreaker is also a great choice.

We took the same Rocky Mountaineer trip in mid-Sept 2005, and had the same variety of weather as in May - short sleeves and shorts, and then heavy jackets and gloves! It's the mountains!!

We have seen snowflakes in July in Banff. They didn't make it to the ground, and they were really small, but they were really snowflakes!

Our unisex retired-person uniform is jeans and sweatshirts.

My guess is that even in late May many of the lakes will still have ice on them. Higher lakes, around 6,000 feet, definitely will be ice covered.

As others have said, the weather can change, particularly if you get a warm wind.

I go prepared for the extremes.

Weather in the mountains is always variable and you should be prepared for just about every type of weather.

Best advice is to dress in layers with a wind/rain proof jacket as your outer shell that you can layer up apporpriately underneath for each day's weather. Make sure to bring some sort of headwear and gloves. Even if its quite warm during the day, the nights cool off.

Thanks everyone. Sounds like I'll be packing the same things I took on my Alaskan Cruise last year--which also was the last week in May. I appreciate all of your input!!

Late May can be rather summery in Vancouver - bring layers. Emphasis on *can be*.