Banff and Jasper the First Week of October

My wife and I are planning to visit Banff, Jasper, Kootenay, and Yoho the first week of October. In the past we've been there in June and another time in August. I've read Darwin Wiggett's book on Photographing the Canadian Rockies also. I will be shooting mostly landscapes with 4 X 5. I did read in Darwin's book that his favorite time to go in the fall is the third and fourth week in September. Since these dates wouldn't work for us will there be that much difference in the parks the first week of October? I realize there may be more snow particularly at higher elevations and we also know that some areas may be closed. Otherwise, is there anything else we should be aware of? Thanks!

Usually the first week of Oct all the leaves are off the trees, the elk rut is winding down and things are pretty 'brown' all round. But you can still get lovely stuff - just be aware that you will have missed all the prime colour. But fog is common, the animals look great, and you can get ice edges on the lakes, and maybe an early snow storm. Plus the place will be really quiet and you will have all views to yourself. There is always stuff to be had there no matter what! Darwin

Oh yes, some campgrounds will be closed but the trails are still hikable unless there was a big dump in the high country. Accomodations are cheaper than in September, and the day length is more human. There have been lots of wolf sightings and great photo ops this year for wolves near the Jasper Townsite FYI. Darwin

There are a lot fewer people around if you like to avoid the crowds. As mentioned, the elk have pretty well settled herd ownership by early October and the pretenders have been driven off. The sheep are usually still putting on their head banging displays though.

Darwin and Scott, thanks lots for your responses. We guessed the leaves would all be gone but we do like fewer crowds and were hoping for some snow since we don't see much of it down here. Darwin I thoroughly enjoyed reading your book. We have been to the area several times before but learned a lot of new locations and information from the book. Great job!

Actually the sheep don't go into rut until November.