Driving the Rockies in November

This is sort of a separate idea from another thread I have about ViaRail

Has anyone driven from Vancouver to Calgary during November?

I'm thinking that driving from Vancouver up to Jasper, spending some time around Jasper then driving down to Banff and spending some time there before driving on to Calgary and flying on to Toronto. All this would take place between Nov 17th and Nov 24th. Is that viable? I presume that with a bit of common sense its perfectly safe and a really nice way to take in the scenery?

Thanks
Heda

You would actually go to Banff then Jasper then drop off the car in Edmonton and fly south from there

http://maps.google.ca/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=HWY-1+E&daddr=HWY-1+E+to:52.965845,-118.062745&geocode=FQQw7AIdzJO2-A%3BFRSbDAMd9J0a-Q%3B&hl=en&mra=mi&mrcr=1&mrsp=2&sz=6&sll=52.025459,-119.772949&sspn=6.085835,13.447266&ie=UTF8&z=6

I'd really get on the Google search to find the most affordable car rental to Edmonton as doing it by car is really the only way to go.. Or you could rent a car and drive to Van to Banff to Jasper and back to Van. A Rental company with no mileage charge would be what to look for,this one sounds good

http://www.rhinocarhire.com/Car-Hire/Canada-Car-Hire/Vancouver-Downtown-Car-Hire.aspx

[ Edit: Edited on 24-Oct-2009, at 10:00 by jambo101 ]

Yeah, interesting.

I checked nationalcar and they've quoted CAD450 for a Ford Escape or equiv for the week of the 18th through 25th and then the onward flight is CAD99 each (plus the taxes) so all in all it would be cheaper than two train tickets.

What are those roads like at that time of year? Anything to be concerned about or as I say, is a bit of common sense and careful driving all you need?

Might have snow but the car should be equipped with all season tires,roads will be mostly trunk roads with 2 lanes in each direction,Banff to Jasper will be 1 lane each way and this time of year the roads will be empty of tourists..

Quoting jambo101

Might have snow but the car should be equipped with all season tires,roads will be mostly trunk roads with 2 lanes in each direction,Banff to Jasper will be 1 lane each way and this time of year the roads will be empty of tourists..

Great stuff, thanks for the information, much appreciated. I'd figured the roads in and out of Banff / Jasper would be major trunk roads alright but wasn't sure if the road between the two parks would be of a high enough grade off-peak season to be navigable throughout november. I'd image this is definitely the best way to see the two parks.

If you have access to the internet you can check out road conditions before you get there,
Heres one of many sites that will give you current info
http://www.ama.ab.ca/road_report/Route.htm

Dont forget the emergency kit for snow removal and go SLOW

[ Edit: Edited on 19-Nov-2009, at 07:08 by cvpepper11 ]