Icefields Pkwy (93) Banff to Jasper
We're planning a trip to Banff and Jasper for early September this year. I'm planning a two week stay in Banff followed by a one week stay in Jasper. To get from Banff to Jasper, my Garmin system re...
Forum Discussion
'en Plain Air' wrote:
We will also be there in Sept [2nd-3rd weeks]. Are there likely be enough camp sites available that we can 'free lance' our schedule, or do we need to make reservations in advance? Can we boondock in parking lots [ie Lake Louise]? Any other special concerns for that time of year? We are in a 27' class C, no toad. Thanks!
The Parks are usually quite a bit less busy after Labour Day, but this year could be different with the free admission. September is usually our favorite time to go to Banff because the weather can be good and it is less busy.
I'd still book sites if you can, but be aware that some of the campgrounds stop taking reservations in mid-September. They do this because of lack of demand most years, but they are still open. Bear in mind that this is a VERY busy year. Boondocking is not recommended, but you should be able to find campgrounds along your way. Keep an eye on the size restrictions for the various campgrounds. Some of the lanes are very tight.
Pack warm clothes as the nights can be cold, especially at elevation. You may see snow, or it could be very warm. It all depends on the year. It will almost always cool off a lot at night so be prepared for that.
Make sure you have bear spray if you are hiking. That is when the bears are a bit lower feasting on berries trying to fatten up before winter. Some of the hiking trails have a four person minimum group size.
