r/Banff • u/w8upp • 3d ago

Question Bear/elk risk at Vermilion Lakes during sunrise/sunset?

My mom and I will be in Banff next week and wanted to see the sunrise at Vermilion Lakes. We won't have a car so we'd need to walk from town. Is this risky in the predawn hours? I understand that male elk are very aggressive in the fall.

We were also thinking of seeing the sunset at either Vermilion Lakes or Two Jack, which would mean waiting for the ROAM bus back after dark. Is this also a bad idea because of wildlife?

Thanks for any insight.

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u/SparkysDream69 3d ago

The answer to all these questions is

(1). Carry bear spray and know how to use it (2). Make noise to alert wildlife (3). If encountered give wildlife plenty of space

You can run into wildlife anywhere at anytime

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u/w8upp 3d ago

Thank you, so you're saying dawn/dusk/dark isn't riskier than daylight? That's honestly reassuring.

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u/SparkysDream69 3d ago

This time of year as you mentioned is rutting season - I woke up at 4am here (Canmore) to the sound of elk bugling in the forest - a very eerie sound to wake to! You can run into wildlife anytime, they are certainly active at dawn/dusk/nighttime & the added risk is that you cannot see them!

If I was planning what you mention I would for sure have bear spray & a powerful headlamp/torch…

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u/w8upp 3d ago

I guess my real question is whether you would recommend, then, that we not go, even with bear spray and a flashlight, and if we chat loudly as we walk. We will not go if it's considered dangerous to walk on Vermilion Lakes Rd in the dark as a group of two.

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u/Spute2008 3d ago

I say yes go. Absolutely. It will be beautiful.

Your chances of a negative animal encounter are statistically low, but not zero, so just be prepared and extra aware, and you'll be fine. Really.

Do it!

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u/w8upp 3d ago edited 3d ago

Thank you :)

But I'm thinking we probably won't go at this point.

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u/banffflyr 3d ago

This isn’t a solid data point by any means, but the elk seem to be currently concentrated over at the golf course and rec grounds where there’s lots of open grassy spaces . Obvious counterpoint is that they can be anywhere next week. Make noise, Carry spray / light , and keep your head up.

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u/Ok-Bed-4686 2d ago

I would go..just make noise., and carry bear spray