Saturday, December 7, 2013

What will the weather be like when I visit the Canadian Rockies in May 2012?

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Jonathan


Hi,
I arrive in Calgary on May 13th 2012 and plan on driving to Banff, Lake Louise, Jasper then on to Vancouver.
What will the weather be like at this time of year as I have read mixed reports and am a little confused?
Will driving conditions be ok and will hotels, camp sites, and activities be open?
Many Thanks



Answer
As others have pointed out, mountain weather can be unpredictable. You're getting mixed reports because anything is possible. The roads will be clear of the winter snow though it's still possible to get flurries at higher elevations. Remote possibility but still there. If you are driving in the mountains, it's a good idea to get a weather and road report before starting so you have some idea what to expect. It will probably be warm and even hot in the daytime but nights could be much cooler. It could be rainy on the coast, could be sunny, could alternate between the two all day long.

Hotels will be open, most campgrounds should be open, same for most activities. The Victoria Day weekend is the traditional start to the summer season in Canada and on that weekend you can expect hotels and campgrounds to be very busy. In 2012 that will be the weekend of May 19-21. Anything that isn't open by then probably isn't going to open at all that summer. You'll be just ahead of the crowds.

What is a relatively non technical but high peak to climb within 2 days in Alberta or BC?




KILDYOURFA


I am planning a road trip through the Canadian Rockies through Jasper, Banff, and then off to British Colombia, Vancouver, and Vancouver Island. Does anyone know of any easily accessible day or 2 day hikes that are not too technical (No rock, ropes, or ice climbing) and would offer significant elevation and views? I am not worried about straight aerobic difficulty or altitude...


Answer
Fisher Peak near Cranbrook BC. it is a challenge but there are no ropes and nothing vertical. an average person can be at the summit in about 5-6 hours but the way down is a lot faster. there is clean water most of the way up and incredibly sweet and cold pools in the basin that you can fill hydration bags for the rest of the way up. i have been up countless times and i never fail to be amazed at the view. it's the tallest peak in the range at just over 9000 feet and the air does get a bit thin near the top. i have met people from age 8 to 80 on the trail so it can be done by most anyone who is fairly fit. here are a few links.
http://www.crownofthecontinent.net/content/fisher-peak/cot192C7D7156FA4BCCA
http://www.google.ca/search?q=fisher+peak&hl=en&client=firefox-a&hs=hWX&sa=X&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ei=P8dgT4mhLMqU2AX20KSeCA&ved=0CDkQsAQ&biw=1600&bih=754
http://www.trailpeak.com/trail-Fisher-Peak-near-Cranbrook-BC-6904
if it's good enough for Scott Neidermayer and the Stanley cup you might like it too. the bonus is the trail-head is about 30 minutes from Cranbrook and there are a ton of camping sites closer if you are not doing the motel / hotel route. i have camped in the basin a few times and really enjoyed the experience.
have fun, take a lot of pictures, and be safe. make sure you read up on safety in bear country as well as cougars habits. i once watched a grizzly steal my pack for the Snickers bars in it while i was on my way down from the summit but i at least got it back though it was in rough shape.




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