Icefields Parkway trip planning
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 283
Likes: 22
From: Grand Prairie, TX
Icefields Parkway trip planning
My wife and I are planning a trip to Canada to ride the Icefields Parkway that runs from Banff to Jasper. From what I've read it can get really crowded the further you get into summer.
To beat the crowds are we going to be way too early if we arrive the last of May into the 1st week of June? The fact that it will still be cold isn't a problem it's the potential for icy conditions that's the big unknown.
For those who have been there or live there what are your thoughts? Are we planning arriving too early?
Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.
To beat the crowds are we going to be way too early if we arrive the last of May into the 1st week of June? The fact that it will still be cold isn't a problem it's the potential for icy conditions that's the big unknown.
For those who have been there or live there what are your thoughts? Are we planning arriving too early?
Any thoughts or insight would be appreciated.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 405
From: Cedar BC
The locals will chime in,but icy weather may not be a huge factor at that time of year,your biggest threats will likely be the amount of gravel still on the road and very large animals wandering into your path.Other than that,come on up and bring friends-things may be a bit more expensive than you are used too,but your dollar will give you an automatic 40%-60% discount...
Last edited by tfi racing; Jan 22, 2016 at 11:22 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 872
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From: Edmonton
Still can get snow at end of May at higher elevations. I would suggest waiting for a month, mid to end of June. Weather will be good & kids are still in school until summer holidays at end of June so be less traffic & tourists.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,566
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From: Calgary
June is Alberta's rain month.
Do the Icefield tour on one of those gigantic buses...skip the bus ride to the valley overlook, I can see the same thing looking over a cliff for free.
Head over to Athabasca Falls, just south of the Jasper town site on highway 93A.
Check out Lake Louise and Moraine Lake too.
Do the Icefield tour on one of those gigantic buses...skip the bus ride to the valley overlook, I can see the same thing looking over a cliff for free.
Head over to Athabasca Falls, just south of the Jasper town site on highway 93A.
Check out Lake Louise and Moraine Lake too.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,837
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
Whatever you do, make sure your gas tank is full to the brim when you leave Banff heading north.
This to avoid having to buy gas at Saskatchewan River Crossing, home of the highest gas prices on the planet. I'm not kidding!
This to avoid having to buy gas at Saskatchewan River Crossing, home of the highest gas prices on the planet. I'm not kidding!
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 283
Likes: 22
From: Grand Prairie, TX
Thanks for your comments. Between these comments, and after talking with customer of mine in Calgary, I decided to move our trip to the beginning of September. After Labor Day, both US and Canada, the kids are headed back to school so the crowds should be somewhat less and the weather should generally be good.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,837
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From: Edmonton, Alberta
Good choice...early September often has some of the best weather of the year in Alberta. Enjoy your trip!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Roma Alberta
saw this guy there, riding from Argentina to Alaska. quite the trip
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 1,764
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From: Roma Alberta
June is Alberta's rain month.
Do the Icefield tour on one of those gigantic buses...skip the bus ride to the valley overlook, I can see the same thing looking over a cliff for free.
Head over to Athabasca Falls, just south of the Jasper town site on highway 93A.
Check out Lake Louise and Moraine Lake too.
Do the Icefield tour on one of those gigantic buses...skip the bus ride to the valley overlook, I can see the same thing looking over a cliff for free.
Head over to Athabasca Falls, just south of the Jasper town site on highway 93A.
Check out Lake Louise and Moraine Lake too.
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 283
Likes: 22
From: Grand Prairie, TX
Ouch!, I guess they can charge what they want if they're the only game in town. Both our bikes have 6 gallon tanks so we'll fill up in Banff and again in Jasper which should make it a bit less.Since we're going later in the year I think we're also going to do Kananaskis Trail which looks very scenic.