Wildfire Smoke in Banff area?

I am planning to hike in the Banff area at the end of August. The on- line weather report says there is smoke from the recent wildfires. Anyone been hiking there? Will smoke pose a health hazard at this time (August 2015?) Thank you!

I'm not in Banff, but here's an excerpt from Environment Canada's latest alert:

"4:09 AM MDT Wednesday 26 August 2015
Special air quality statement in effect for: Banff National Park

Poor air quality over Southern Alberta.

Forest fire smoke travelling in from the Northwestern United States is reducing visibilities and creating poor air quality over much of Southern Alberta over the next two days.

Individuals living in or travelling in this area are advised to be aware of potential health concerns that can be associated with current air conditions. In the current conditions, even healthy individuals may experience temporary irritation of eyes and throat, and possibly shortness of breath...."

And here's an interesting news article: http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/calgary-air-quality-worse-than-beijing-official/article26107065/

Thank you! Oh dear, I've already paid for the air ticket and made plans. Will keep fingers crossed...

There is certainly smoke in and around Calgary, Banff and to a lesser extent, Jasper.

However, it's important to note that it is really hard to predict smoke conditions even a day or two in advance. Weather patterns, wind and rain can make a big difference in smoke conditions. Smoke conditions can also vary widely by area - it's been much better in Edmonton and I don't think Jasper has been affected to the same extent as southern parts of Banff NP.

My understanding is that conditions seem to be improving in Calgary and we are expecting cooler temps and rain by the weekend.

Your best bet is to look at webcams (http://www.banfflakelouise.com/Plan-Your-Trip/Web-Cams) and the smoke forecasts (http://firesmoke.ca/forecasts/BSC00WC04/current/)

Thanks very much! I will look at the sites.

Just to confirm that I arrived to Banff yesterday, the weather is sunny but the smoke coverage basically makes it look like a very hazy/cloudy environment. I don't perceive it as an health hazard, but rather a very annoying issue that ruins our vacation.
We come from Europe and have everyhting setup already. As a photographer, I can tell you that being here with these conditions is very frustrating. For the last few days I have seen the forecast always say that "tomorrow" would be the last day of smoke. This has happened for the last three days.

Conditions were the same in Waterton Lakes since Monday.

I am sorry to hear this! Especially for a photographer this is so disappointing. I hope my hiking guide will find a place away from this smoke -- the views are important. Thank you very much for writing. Lets hope that things clear up soon, for your vacation and mine!

Thank you for your support!
I confirm that today there still was smoke.
To be clear, you don't see or smell smoke, but you have very hazy days, with white skies and limited visibility... you barely see the mountain edges. The visibility changes during the day and depending on your exact location, but remains bad all over the place. Jasper seems slightly less affected.

Yes ... it's really unfortunate and bad timing - my sympathies to you. White hazy skies are dreadful for landscape / architecture photography.

If you get the chance, walk the Sentinel Pass Trail above Moraine Lake at Lake Louise - it was outstanding for photos - so I trust the smoke clears for you.

Thank you for the update. I hope very much that rain will come soon and restore the beautiful Canadian mountain scenery.

There was rain & quite a bit of wind over the weekend and the situation was just fine in Canmore and Lake Louise. There is still some haze, but the mountains are perfectly visible. I hiked and climbed without any issues.

As to photos, the haze actually has made for some rather amazing shots - red sunsets and almost fall like colours. You will have lots to photograph no matter the weather or air conditions.

This topic has been automatically locked due to inactivity. Email community@lonelyplanet.com if you would like to add to this topic and we'll unlock it for you.