When to visit the Rockies?
 

When would be the best time to visit the Rockies? We would avoid the winter season, simply because we aren't fantastic winter condition drivers.

Any feedback would be soooo appreciated.

I think knowing what your interests are, your budget and your activity level will help Fodorites respond.

We are a big family consisting of greatgrandma, grandparents, parents and a baby.

We'd like to enjoy the beautiful sceneries in the Rockies (for picture taking and picnics) and easy hiking (nothing too adventurous and strenuous).

Budget is not our main concern.

Hopefully this gives a better idea on what I'm asking for : )

Thanks!

Hello HappyTraveling,

I recommend the second half of June or else the month of September. At those times the lakes are thawed and you can see the incredible turquoise colour of their water. Yet the full onslaught of the July and August tourist crowds has not yet arrived.

With a multi-generation family you may enjoy staying in self-catering accommodation like Baker Creek Chalets or Paradise Lodge and Bungalows in the Lake Louise area. Lake Louise is a small village in a very scenic area. If you want the "buzz" of a larger mountain resort town that has more restaurants and shops, you could consider Banff townsite.

You can get some ideas about the area from my website:

http://groups.msn.com/CalgaryandCana...kiesTravelTips

We were in Rockies in the second week of June 2004, and had a very good weather. No rain, sunny, not cold and warm enough to be pleasant.
I also like September, but in June the days are longer and it is nice to have light till late in the evening.

We did the Jasper -Banff trip in September 2000 and it was great.You will need a sweater .The viewpoints and small hikes you can do along the way are easy and should not be a problem.We stayed at Becker chalets in Jasper and it's beautiful. They have a great restaurant too. Greetings from Belgium. PAul

July and August are when school is out in Alberta so you can expect the usual visitors plus locals at that time.

September is very pleasant with still some good weather but with less people although still a popular place for visitors. With less people, you are likely to see more wild animals from the comfort of your car. The hot pool will not be as busy and parking, though always tighht in Banff will be better.

I would suggest you search the Baker Creek Chalets on the web [Google]. Baker Creek is between Banff and Jasper and very close to Lake Louise. They are about an hour drive to Banff on a quiet road where you will possibly spot animlas. The Chalets are comfortable with good equipment and a fire place, wood provided daily.

We stayed there this spring [before the tourist invasion] and had very good luck seeing the wild life. I am not sure what accommodations they have for your need but it is a very good place to stay also there is a good restaurant there [run by independant operator] so you need not always drive to Banff and return in the dark.

If you are interested, e-mail them soon as they are a popular accommodation.