When is the best time/chance to see fall colors in the Canadian Rockies? <BR>I know the Rockies aren't known for colors, like Eastern Canada, but nevertheless, would enjoy having some while traveling! I would assume that there are more colors in the Rockies than on Vancouver Island?<BR><BR>I know it varies from year to year, but what time do you think would be 'safest'?<BR><BR>Our trip time choices are:<BR>Sept. 21-Oct 1<BR>Sept. 25- Oct 6<BR><BR>Thanks for your help!

The reason the west has less colourful falls is that the forests are primarily coniferous, (evergreen), while the east is primarily deciduous. The rockies are overwhelmingly coniferous ergo no fall colours except for the occcaisional birch groves which are pretty dull colour wise. On the south coast the trees that do shed there leaves in winter, (and some like the Arbutus and Southern Magnolia don't), shed anytime from mid October to mid- December and there is no riot of colour season quite like that in the East. Certainly not worth making a special trip for.

Hmmm.... I'd assume that both would kind of be low on the colour spectrum because both Vancouver Island and the Rockies have forests of evergreen trees - the needles don't fall off the trees during winter. In the eastern part of the country, the forests have more deciduous trees (in which the leaves fall off)... so you get LARGE quantities of quality autumn colours. )<BR><BR>I'd assume the Rockies would be more spectacular, mostly because their peaks are higher... and I'd also assume autumn hits the Rockies earlier because it gets colder earlier there.<BR><BR>Vancouver Island would be great if you're looking for misty rainforest type setting with rocky beaches and pounding surf... although I'm not sure what autumns are like there. But if they're anything like Vancouver autumns, you'll usually find more colour in urban areas and countryside than you would in the forests.

Oops... forgot to add a little detail - the Rockies are spectacular, not for autumn colours, but for the sheer size of the mountains, however, Vancouver Island's quite spectacular for the reasons I stated above... <BR><BR>I'd actually say go for Vancouver Island, but in the end it's up to you.

Were on our honeymoon in the Canadian Rockies Sept 25-Oct 1 and fall colors were at their peak. We were also there on a seperate trip after Oct 1 and most of the leaves were gone. I's go for the first set of dates.

Thanks for your replies!<BR><BR>I realize that the coniferous forests make for a fairly dull autumn on the scale of fall color possibilities. However, now living in Calif., I miss *any* fall color - grew up in the Midwest, & am happy if I can even see a tree or two transformed! Well, actually, we do have the *occasional* transformed tree here, as well, but would like to see a group or so, at a time! ;-) <BR>(Fall was the most beautiful time of year, where I grew up!)<BR> <BR>Thought maybe the larch trees & birch/aspens might provide a little yellow, at least, for the trip. Also, was in the Rockies once before in early Sept, so just thought for variety, it would be nice to see the area more at a "full autumn" time. <BR><BR>Thanks to all of you for your guidance. Last year, we were in Alaska & enjoyed the reds in the tundra landscape. Just really consider it a "perk" if I can get a little fall color, while traveling primarily for other reasons...