View topic - Banff Bugs

Hi,

I will be visiting Banff the week of July 22nd. I am planning to hike the Larch Valley/Sentinel Pass. Was wondering how I should prepare for bugs. I imagine there are differences with elevation.

Any other pointers for prep would be appreciated.

Thx

I've been there a couple of times and do not recall the bugs being a big deal. but that was sept, and they may have been frozen out by then at night. Mosquito spray should suffice, if it is needed at all.

You often need to have 6 people in your group due to nearly continual Grizzly activity in that valley. Apperently there has never been an attack on a group of 6. If I remember right it's a non-free helecopter ride out if you are caught without six, and a big stinkin fine.

Do walk out onthe rock pile near teh parking lot. Fantastic views of the lake and the 10 peaks. Bring your camera. Bring sunscreen, you burn easier at higher Altitudes, so sunscreen advised, and a hat, and water... and all the basic hiking stuff.

July 22 may be a bit early, especially this year, but if you have the time, and energy look in to the hike/scrable to the top of Mnt Temple. A Long day.

Some old related posts on trailcafe:

The first is actually a lake Louise trip (the next valley), but we were going to go up Larch valley originally (got tired of waiting for a group to make 6). Got some very nice pictures of Moraine lake though.
http://www.trailcafe.com/hiking/individ ... _hive.html

Mt Temple Hike (which is an extension of the one you are on):
http://www.trailcafe.com/hiking/individual/temple.html

And finally the trip you are actually talking about:
http://www.trailcafe.com/hiking/individ ... alley.html

Enjoy your trip.

Myrl.

PS You can rent a canoe there too, and hit the lake (there, now it's a canoeing related post ... )

Hi,
My wife and I did that hike last summer. It's beautiful and well worth the steep climb at the end. Last summer we only had to have 4 in a group. We took a chance and went to the trailhead to see if anyone else needed another pair. We were very fortunate and met a nice couple who were also waiting for a pair. We were also fortunate in that we hiked at about the same speed.
They have cut the underbrush back considerably from near the trail and there are usually lots of other people there but you still need to have 4 in a group.
Bugs can be a problem in the mountains especially in wet areas. The number of bugs usually changes with elevation. As "spring" comes to a particular elevation, the bugs come out. At times they can be very numerous and very aggressive. Bug spray seems to work fine. If it's not too hot, covering up helps. Usually you can find a windy spot for lunch.
Ralph

Something besides bugs to watch out for in Banff

http://www.banffcragandcanyon.com/Artic ... ?e=1107509