Banff and Canadian Rockies

[arm]

looking for recommendations for great hikes, outdoor adventures, camping spots and tips, lodging options, etc near Banff National Park ...

specifically, late september or early october ... might be heading to the area very soon ...

any advice on road closures, special gear needed for playing in the mountains, etc ?

.

 

[TwinMom+1]

http://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/securite-safety/feu-fire-verdant

Sounds like the Banff area fires of earlier this summer are under control unlike at Waterton Lake, which was closed an hour after we got there on 9/5 and only reopened yesterday. The Canadian Parks web site usually has a helpful trails condition page. We didn’t get to Banff this trip, just Waterton & Glacier where the smoke could be intense at times. Still beautiful. Enjoy.
Not sure if you’re flying into Calgary or in the US - if the US, be aware the border crossings close early and the one by Glacier closes for the “winter” which they define earlier than we do.

 

[Mac]

Johnston Canyon is a shorter hike. Moraine Lake a longer one (spectacular scenery). When I was there (February 2013), signs warned to hike in groups, as there was risk from mountain lions. Sep/Oct, bears will be trying to fatten up for hibernation.

 

[Remix]

Here's a thread with some links and tips: http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthread.php?58862-Recommendations-for-Hiking-Sking-Snowshoeing-Banff-Early-December

 

[Jazzbo]

Worth studying is A Lavigne's trip report from 2014 titled Astride The Divide. Link to it is below:

http://www.vftt.org/forums/showthre...nental-Divide-1-10-Aug-2014&highlight=astride

If this link doesn't work you can search for it using search tool here.

 

[TwinMom+1]

http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/tcond/cond_e.asp?oPark=100429

Heads up that Waterton Lakes area trails remain closed due to the Kenow fire.