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Hi,
I and my friend are planning for a trip by car from Calgary to Vancouver spending few days in Banff and then to Jasper then to Vancouver. I have some questions:
1. Usually is it cold in that week?
2. about the car rental what do you recommend?
3. Any cheap hotel or backpacker in Banff and Jasper?
If you have any other tips you would like to share please do so.
Arthur
Thanks
Is it usually cold in mid-October? Well, it depends where you are - Calgary, Vancouver, or points in-between!! Since October definitely is autumn, and is one of those "transition between seasons" months, it could be anything from warm and sunny to cold and snowy!! Take clothes that you can layer according to the weather; prepare for anything from warm sun to wet rainy to cold snowy.
Averages for October:
Calgary
High daily temp = 12C Low daily temp = -2C
(extreme temperatures recorded range from a high of 29C to a low of -26C)
Banff/Jasper (mountain valleys in the Rockies)
High daily temp = 10C Low daily temp = -2C
(extreme temperatures recorded range from a high of 26C to a low of -27C)
Kamloops (central B.C. between Banff/Jasper and Vancouver)
High daily temp = 14C Low daily temp = 3C
(extreme temperatures recorded range from a high of 31C to a low of -17C)
Vancouver
High daily temp = 13C Low daily temp = 7C
(extreme temperatures recorded range from a high of 25C to a low of -4C)
As for accommodation, you can Google Banff, Jasper, Canadian Rockies etc. and see the range of types of places to stay. There are hostels in both Banff and Jasper - just check first which ones are open in October (off season) - search on this web page:
http://www.discovertherockies.com/WheretoStay/
It depends on what you mean by "cold". You will be well into the fall season by then. Winter conditions are unlikely, but in the especially in the mountains, getting a bit of snow would not be all that surprising. In Jasper you will be fairly far north, so temperatures will be colder there. Vancouver could be fine, but you are getting close to November when the winter rains set in, so be prepared for overcast conditions and damp / rain there.
For car rentals - any of the majors would be fine. I tent to rent for National or Budget, but I get a discount with these companies. Hertz and Avis tend to be a bit less expensive. Alamo may be a bit less too.
Lots of hostels around - I know some relatives that use them all the time
In fact there is no significant difference between Banff and Jasper in terms of climate.
Banff is at 51.17 degrees north and Jasper is a touch further at 52.83 degrees, a north-south distance of about 175 km. The Rocky Mountains are oriented in a direction from northwest to southeast, so the north-south distance between the two towns is NOT the same as the driving distance.
Jasper is also at a lower elevation (1100 m) compared to Banff (1383m), and is in a broader (wider) valley, so it's usually warmer, especially in the summer months on sunny days.
The people, the bars, the relaxed character of the place. Dining out with friends. Meeting up with folk late in the evening at King Henry the 8th bar. Watching a show over drinks at the IronWood Stage & Grill.
The Bow river and its tributary the Elbow river give Calgary a feeling of Country life and being in a rural setting, because there are parks all along the river banks and all are linked with biking/hiking trails.
I will set out to show you what I meaning the next series of photos, taken recently. If necessary I will add another section of General Tips. What I miss the most is the clear air and the clean but cold water of the two rivers.
photo 1, The lake provides water for part of the one million residents of Calgary. the Bearspaw Dam is to the right of the photo.
Photo 2 is taken from a large park ( Bowness Park) that provides summer and winter recreation for many Calgarians. The view shows a new bridge that is part of the northwestern bypass, at the base of the bridge a pedestrian bridge is included to allo walk on oth sides of the Bow.
Photo 3 gives an idea of the summer activities, boating, canoeing on the laggon, there is also a small train pulling the younger children around the park. There are also several areas for picnics and walks all over the place. Skating is for the Winter.
Photo 4 There is even a secluded place for birds to enjoy the water.
Photo 5 A general view from the park.
One of Calgary’s symbols is a White Cowboy Hat. This is the home of the Stampede and of course you'll want to be one of the good guys wearing a white hat rather than wearing a black hat. White Cowboy Hats are often presented to visiting dignitaries and celebrities as a welcoming gift to Calgary. In fact anyone can take part in the White Hat ceremony (see Calgary Tourism for details).
Cowboy hats made from felt can be quite hot in the summer which in turns can lead to a dreaded condition known as "hat head". If you want to get into the spirit of Stampede, get an inexpensive straw cowboy hat. The straw "breathes", and if you forget it in a bar, it's no great loss.
Depending on when you come, you could have a suitcase containing daisy dukes and a polar fleece, and wear them both at some point during the week. For instance, right now it is May, and there was a snow storm at the beginning of the week. Last week it was so hotpeople were wearing tank tops outside...be prepared, and ask someone before you come what the report is...not that it makes any difference, the weathermen here are seen as the most unreliable people in Calgary...
During the winter it can get pretty cold, but during the summer it can be so hot you can't sleep...maybe thats why we get cranky sometimes???? We have these in calgary Yes a couple of pairs of shoes, in case it rains/snows/hails/you spill your beer....
The Village Square Leisure Centre is a great place to go with a family or with children. ITs an Activity Centre with a skating rink, fitness area, as well as a huge swimming pool with waterslides. The interesting thing about this pool is that every so often waves will start, and the entire pool simulates an ocean (in a less dramatic, less scenic sense).
Keep in mind I haven't been here for years, but when I was younger it was "the" place to be...:) Skating rink, Weight room, Swimming pool, Steam Room, Gymnasium, Gymnastic equipment, Library upstairs.
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