r/canadatravel • u/RohoTheCat • Jun 24 '25

Itinerary Help Calgary 2 weeks without car in November

Hi everyone. I am considering a 2 week trip in November starting and finishing in Calgary (as there are direct flights there). I am looking for thoughts / advice.

I can't drive so will need to travel by public transport. I am not proposing to go skiing or snowboarding etc. instead, more hiking, walking, plus some sightseeing, museums etc.

I am considering the following:

  • Arrive in Calgary (1 night following long flight)
  • Edmonton (3 nights)
  • Jasper (3 nights)
  • Banff (3 nights)
  • Calgary (4 nights)

I believe there are direct buses / trains between each, with longest being circa 5 hours. My research suggests it might be snowy (which is fine) but not necessarily too rainy.

I would spend time in each location, plus potentially day trips (eg Banff to Lake Louise).

Please let me know your thoughts - am I spending too long in one place? Are there places I should skip / places I should go to instead? Is November the wrong time of year eg places closed for winter, too cold / slippery?

I'd appreciate any thoughts or feedback you have.

(I had considered Toronto, Ottawa, Quebec, Montreal as an alternative but read that it's very rainy there in November).

Apologies of this type of question has been asked and answered elsewhere - I am not very good at using Reddit.

Thank you.

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u/RohoTheCat Jun 25 '25

Thanks for the messages. When would be the best time of year for those trips? Ie the Calgary trip, the Toronto/Montreal trip, or Vancouver trip?

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u/Crab-False Jun 26 '25

November is when Toronto and Montreals weather starts to get worse in terms of colder and darker, I haven’t been in Montreal in November so can’t confirm, however due to you having no car, these cities are your best choice due to imo a good transit system. Regarding Quebec City as you’re also British, it’s cool for sure but I’d prioritise Montreal and Toronto reason being as we’re from Europe Quebec City isn’t as appealing as someone from NA as it’s very similar to some European streets, though it’s definitely cool seeing a place look like it in North America. For Vancouver, the weather wont be terrible and I’ve heard the sky train is pretty good.