Weather in the Canadian Rockies

[Janice08]

The following warning is incuded in the trip info for the new trips to the Canadian Rockies:

NOTE: Mountains in Canadian Rockies and Alaska could have unpredictable weather with snow and heavy rain even in Summer time. Spring time could be snowy (until end of June) and fall season could start as soon as mid-August. Make sure you have equipment and clothing for all conditions!

The "what to bring" list says a sleeping bag rated to 0 celsius is adequate for summer. There's a good chance you'll be cold if that is what you bring. I live in these mountains and have learned that any weather may come at any time. It might be 30 celsius in the daytime. On the other hand it can snow any month of the year. Last summer while visiting Jasper we had to turn back from our hike because it was snowing mixed with rain and wind. The only saving grace was the hotsprings at the trailhead!

You probably don't need a "winter jacket" if you plan your wardrobe so you can dress in layers - the outer layer being wind/waterproof. A warm fleece or wool hat will come in handy on cool evenings or to wear to bed at night.

When you go on excursions and hikes always be prepared for a change in the weather and bring your day pack to carry the warm clothes that you started out with but didn't need 1/2 hour later - or to find that rain jacket when a thunderstorm appears out of no-where.

If its windy (most of the time) you probably won't need insect repellent during the day. However, if the wind dies down, particularily a few days after a rain, be prepared for mosquitos and keep that insect repellant handy.

A couple of other things to keep you healthy:
- Wood ticks - come out in late spring/early summer. They attach themselves to you when you walk through thick underbrush or sit on that sunny slope for a break during your hike. If you find them within a day or so they are easy to remove and you are unlikely to get sick. Wear long pants/use insect repellant if you are concerned. Your CEO should know how to identify them and remove them.
- Giarrdea - That prestine mountain stream may make you sick. If you have a water filter use it if you want to drink out of a stream. Some water purification tablets don't kill giarrdea so read the instructions carefully. Tap water is safe to drink.

The Canadian Rockies and all of British Columbia are beautiful places. I never tire of the scenery and the mountains. Come prepared and you'll have a great time.

[collywobbles]

hiya

thanks janice08 for the info regarding weather in the rockies it is really helpful as i am going there in August hopefully we wont have snow