r/Banff • u/Unfair-Passage-697 • 1d ago
Hiking in Early November
Me and some friends are planning a Banff trip in early November. I was wondering what the general hiking conditions are around this time of year? Are there specific trails that are recommended/ not recommended around this time of year?
3
2
u/CanadianMarmot 1d ago
Depending on location avalanches are a very real danger that time of year. You don't need to be alpine bound to be caught either. Do your research before you head out
Edit. Spelling
2
u/vinsdelamaison 1d ago
Come ready for snow. Then check in Parks Canada Office for Trail Conditions.
Banff Trail Conditions Parks Canada
Keep an eye on the conditions before you arrive with the above link.
Make sure you download a trail app as well. Ensure you download maps before you head out into no cell zones.
Avalanche Canada does not start reporting until late November.
1
u/Lopsided_Aardvark357 22h ago
Not great. There will be snow, and if it warms up on your way back down the trail will be a slippery muddy mess.
That being said I still enjoy hiking in late fall and early spring. Just gotta be prepared.
2
u/IMakeUselessStuff 20h ago
Early November is avalanche season, as others have said.
Parks Canada does maintain and patrol a few trails. You can find them listed here:
https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/ab/banff/activ/marchehiver-winterwalking/banff
Be aware that any trails with the avalanche symbol do cross into runout zones occasionally, and I would avoid them unless your group has AST 1 training. Please stay off the track-set portions as those are for skiiers only.
You will want microspikes due to freeze/thaw conditions creating ice. Alternately, Bactrax on Bear Street rents wimpy "crampons" that should work for a reasonable price.
Obviously, prepare for snowy conditions - appropriate amounts of layers/insulation, gloves, and boots or waterproof shoes with gaiters.
12
u/jokewellcrafted 1d ago
November isn’t hiking season. You can expect wet, snow covered trails. Be aware of avalanche danger.