Where & When to Travel?

Western Canada

For skiing and snowboarding, and other winter activities such as snowmobiling and dogsledding, the season runs approximately from the beginning of December through to the end of April in the Rockies (Sunshine ski area stays open until middle of May!) and from middle of December to beginning or middle of April in other areas in British Columbia. Limited glacier skiing and riding is possible in Whistler-Blackcomb during the months of May & June (aprox).

For sightseeing in Western Canada we generally recommend travelling from beginning of May through to mid-October. The high season is generally considered to run from mid-June through to mid-September, but this depends on the exact area. During these months you can be assured that all services and amenities are fully operational and the weather will be quite pleasant on the whole.

Travel in spring and fall (e.g. May & October) offer the visitor more tranquility and peaceful surroundings with fewer people and less traffic, as well as lower prices. The scenery is equally impressive and road conditions are not a problem. The downside includes shorter days in the fall, cooler temperatures (although some may prefer this!) and possibly more rain in the coastal regions. It is also important to note that certain summer activities, such as rafting, only start up sometime in June and cease operations by mid-September. Some secondary roads in the Rockies may still be closed during the first weeks of June due to snow. Higher elevation hiking is only possible when the snow melts, which can be as late as mid-July on certain trails depending on the year.

For RV travel, it is important to point out that many campgrounds stay open only for the summer season from middle of May through to beginning/middle of September, a little longer on the coast and on Vancouver Island. However, there are enough campgrounds that stay open year-round to allow travel in the spring and fall, if planned well. Temperatures can drop significantly, even to below freezing during the night at times during the spring and fall, especially in the Rockies. The RVs do have heating systems but extra caution must be taken with respect to the holding tanks. Damage caused by freezing temperatures is the responsibility of the client. How much this would affect you depends a lot on what areas you plan to visit. The RV supplier reserves the right to hand over the RV with the tanks empty and winterized (water systems will not be operational) if temperatures have already dropped consistently below freezing. It would then be necessary to stay at campgrounds with bathrooms, showers etc. We do work with one RV supplier who offers fully-winterized units with water systems fully functional to temperatures as low as -30 C; an option for brave souls.

Alaska & Yukon

For sightseeing in Alaska & Yukon, the recommended season to visit is somewhat shorter due to colder temperatures and more unpredictable weather. The months of June through to end of August generally represent the best time to visit.

The early summer, middle of May through June, however, is an awakening in the north and a great time to visit - an amazing energy abounds as the sun finally begins to spread its warmth. Visit in the late summer, mid-August through early September, and experience the wonderous fall colours. Again, it is always a little bit of a trade-off. During the early and late season, lower prices are offered, you will see fewer people, but the weather may not be as pleasant, the days shorter in the fall, and certain activities and lodging may not be operational.

For RV travel in Alaska/Yukon, it is important to point out that many campgrounds stay open only for the summer season from middle of May (or when the snow melts!) through to end of August, perhaps a little longer in the southern regions. Temperatures can drop significanty and to below freezing at times during the spring and fall, and RV travel is not recommended.

Visitors also flock to the north during the winter months for Aurora Borealis viewing, dog-sledding tours, and to perhaps take in the world-famous Iditarod dog-sledding race in late February/March. Soon we plan to have more information regarding winter activities in the Alaska & Yukon on the website. In the meantime, just ask!

Skiing and snowboarding are also popular activities in Alaska, with heli-skiing having made its name already in many a extreme ski movie. For the season we plan to launch an Alaskan guided ski & heli-ski safari. Stay-tuned!