Ask A Canadian

Coming from someone who calls a ski hat a taboggan.

 

We all receded into our igloos after trump was voted into office.

 

Hey Tacoma World Canada. I'm going from Houston, TX to Banff, Canada for my honeymoon. You guys were really awesome on helping me to figure out knife laws in Canada and now it's time to look into some great all around winter boots for the trip. Average High/Low for the location I think is 33º/17º if that helps.

Budget is $200 - Outdoor Activities while there will include, but not limited to:

• Snowmobiling
• Dog Sledding
• Snow Shoeing
• Tubing
• Walking around Town
• Wolf Sanctuary
• Probably a nice dinner or two.

That being said, I'm a big fan of Keen footwear and I have my eyes on these. I think they are nice enough to keep me warm with extra socks as well as go to a nice dinner in and not be too weird.

Any and all suggestions and help would be greatly appreciated. I'm not from up North and anytime I have been, my feet have always been cold. Time to change that.

 

Those look like nice boot and should be warn enough, get them big enough for a a good pair of socks,I also am a big fan of Keen footwear. If you are planing to much snowshoeing or other activities in deeper snow I would add a pair of cheap gaiters like theses (

$17 Azarxis Hiking Gaiters for Outdoor Camping Running Walking Backpacking Women Men Ankle Leg Guard Boot Legging Cover Snow Lightweight Waterproof Durable Wrap Mountain Hunting (Dark Grey, S)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B074TD32ZF)
That is a spectacular area ,but,,,do not go all the way to Banff without going to Jasper which is about 300 km up the road.I have been there many time and the north half of the Icefields Parkway is more rugged and spectacular then the south . Like the Grand Canyon , pictures don't do it justice

 

that's shorts weather up here.

but those are excellent boots you've picked. another option are the Sorel line..... https://www.sorelfootwear.ca/en/men-boots/

 

You will freeze your a** off in those boots on a snowmobile. Better pick up something heavier. At any decent speed you will get maximum wind chill effect and be miserable

 

@Trouble_The_Tacoma Congrats on getting married and you will love Banff.

I live in Calgary, about an hour away and spend a lot of time out there doing those activities.

My go to boot is the Salomon X Ultra because they are warm and waterproof. You can definitely do every activity you listed but for the hassle I would pack an extra pair of shoes for diner. Another good option is Blundstones. I am not sure how warm they are but everyone I know swears by them. I will be picking up a set soon and can let you know how they are in the cold.
https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5040-619/Winter-584-Boots

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/5059-648/X-Ultra-2-CS-Waterproof-Winter-Boots

It would be advised that you grab some hand and feet warmers when you arrive, your misses will thank you.

 

Good catch on the hand and feet warmers. We'll be in Calgary our last day up there! Staying at the Fairmont I believe

 

Make sure you go to Johnstons canyon! Close to banff and its beautie!

 

Calgary is a fun city with a lot to check out. Are you flying into Calgary?

Tunnel mountain is a great hike that is open year round and offers amazing views of Banff and the Rockies at the top.

Johnson's Canyon is incredible but you if go there and its snowing or icy you might want to rent crampons or use some. In Banff check out Eddie Burger and Big Cheese Pountinerie.

In Calgary Cleaver is a great restuarant to check out and you definitely need to order a Caesar.



Yes that is a slider, waffle, Chicken wings and Bacon with that Caesar.

https://www.narcity.com/ca/ab/calga...es-up-the-most-epic-cocktails-youve-ever-seen

 

Oh mama! That the caesar looks killer

 

Ok you guys have been great with the boot suggestions. One last thing. Where's a guy gotta go to see the Northern Lights (aurora borealis) if I'm staying in Banff from the 25th to the 29th? It's one of the things I've always wanted to see before I die, and I'm not sure when the next time I'll be that far North is. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated!

 

lake minnewanka like a ten minute drive from Banff, it reflects off the lake its pretty gnarly.

 

You get a gold star

 

if the aurora is really booming you can see it from downtown Banff. more times than I can remember I've been drunk on park bench just staring into the sky haha. best viewing is away from city lights though for sure.

 

So next couple weeks should be really good times for viewing?

 

yeah between September and april is prime time so you should be good.

 

@Trouble_The_Tacoma @coopcooper is right with saying the dark the better.

The link below shows light pollution around the world but it will give you a better idea of where to go to get the best view. I have seen the Northern lights far south of Banff if the conditions are right.

http://djlorenz.github.io/astronomy/lp2006/overlay/dark.html

 

How's the snow up there currently (If you're near Banff) We're hoping to Ski and Snowboard.