Banff, N.P. climate info..

[user 10225]

Planning a loop from Denver, CO to Banff, AB later this year. Original trip dates were Aug 15-31 (which I thought were perfect), but now that has to change. New possibles are Aug 1-15, or Sept 1-15.

I can look up climate data as well as the next guy, but what I need is some truth from the ground. *When* in Sept does it usually start to snow up there? NOAA says avg is about 4 inches of snow in Sept, but doesn't say when it usually starts.

I'd like to push the trip to Sept 1-15 if possible, but the first snows of the season (either in AB or in Colorado) might make that a NO GO. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[bikerskier]

The early Sept weather is perfect and you will rarely find any snow at the elevations you will ride. The second great reason for Sept is that all the schools are back in and the traffic drops by half. Waaaaay better time to visit. If you can take a day or two to explore, there are some incredible places to visit, my all time favorite is Lake O'Hara which is just west of Lake Louise. I first walked into this valley in the early 70's and have never found a place I like better.

 

[Motorcycledoc]

I agree with bikerskier. Early September usually has sunny days (cool in the mountains: 10 - 15 degrees C). Expect frosty nights and early mornings. It's my favourite time in the mountains. So you need to be prepared for anything

If you get a chance to take a day trip to Lake O'Hara do so - it's best to reserve a spot on the bus, you can't drive there. It is my favourite place in the whole world as well. Call 1-250-343-6433 for info and reservations.

That being said, this is Canada and it is mountain climate we're talking about. It can snow any day of the year, and wet, cold, miserable storms can come up quickly. So you need to be prepared for anything, it's unlikely you'll get stranded by snow and more likely than not you'll have a fabulous trip.

 

[canucklehead-biker]

You can get snow in the mountains any time of year, but at road elevations in September it rarely sticks. Fall in this part of the world is great bike weather, and the between the seasons timing (after the summer tourists, before the skiers) makes the roads a treat too.

Recommend coming up from the States from Glacier/Whitefish/Kalispell (US 93?) which crosses into Canada and head up through Cranbrook to Radium. At Radium, the hwy splits... stay on 93 to Banff.

Enjoy the ride!

Griff

 

[skifrik]

and check out the hot springs in Radium.

 

[FJRGuy]

*When* in Sept does it usually start to snow up there?

:lol: August! :lol:

Have appropriate gear for all conditions. I could be cool and wet one day and hot and sunny the next... or later that afternoon even!

If you are interested in some company while in the area, be sure to let us know when you've confirmed your dates!

 

[str8]

Go in September. There should be a lot less people and a lot less bugs makin a mess of your shield. If it did snow it likely would melt upon hitting the pavement. Something out of the ordinary may delay you a day. Frost is possible, but as fjrguy said, could be 20 degrees c later in the same day. Heated clothing is the answer.

Make sure you make the ride up the Icefield Parkway (highway 93) at least to the summit about halfway to Jasper. Getting weather up there is a real possibity in September. Or any other month for that matter.

Stop and have a look at Lake Louise. It is stunning.

 

[tcfjr]

Recommend coming up from the States from Glacier/Whitefish/Kalispell (US 93?) which crosses into Canada and head up through Cranbrook to Radium. At Radium, the hwy splits... stay on 93 to Banff.

Griff's route is great, but here's another option. Last July I stayed the night in Glacier National Park, did the Going to the Sun Highway eastbound, then cut up MT-17 to the Chief Mountain border crossing - probably the loneliest crossing I've ever been through. (But watch out for free-range cattle on the road...) From there I took AB-22 through Pincher Creek and up to the 1, then into Banff. The winds in southern Alberta were heavy, but manageable.

(My avatar is Peyto Lake, 30 kms north of Lake Louise on the Icefield Parkway.)

 

[bikerskier]

(My avatar is Peyto Lake, 30 kms north of Lake Louise on the Icefield Parkway.)

I love your avatar! Peyto Lake, which I have sat and stared at so many times, is one of my mental icons for the Canadian Rockies!