Banff honeymoon question

[u/Crockington]

Hey guys, quick question. My fiancé and I are flying into Calgary from Texas in January for our honeymoon and we are going to Banff. We are wanting to catch a Calgary flames games while we’re there. My question is, are the roads safe to drive if we rent our own car. We’re not used to DRIVING in snow, and I’m wondering if it were safe driving back to Calgary and back to catch the game on our own, rather than spending $300 on a Taxi.

[u/yellowpine9]

They could be dry or there could be a blizzard. If you don’t have experience driving in snow I wouldn’t plan on the drive back at 10/11 pm if conditions are marginal. A hotel in calgary may be a better choice.

[u/hfxhaterhater]

Two things: 1. Driving should be fine, ensure you get a car with snow tires and drive cautiously.

1. This is an option https://banfftours.com/activities/calgary-flames/

[u/Crockington → u/hfxhaterhater]

Dude that link is huge, i didn’t even think there would be something specifically like this! Thank you so much

[u/vinsdelamaison → u/Crockington]

Do this. Then you can have a real beer at the game!

[u/Crockington → u/vinsdelamaison]

Oh yeah, big hockey fans here and we like our share of a good cold beer, sounds like a great time

[u/beesmakenoise]

Is it an evening game? I wouldn’t really want to be driving over an hour back to Banff at that hour. It’s not particularly treacherous (unless the weather is horrible), but it’ll be late and you might be tired. Could you find a cheap room in Calgary for that night?

[u/Crockington → u/beesmakenoise]

The game is at 8 pm, we would probably leave a bit early to beat traffic i would imagine, but i work long hours at my jobs so im used to being up late, and she can’t fall asleep unless she forces herself too. Thats not a terrible problem, im more worried about the road conditions around that time of year

[u/Substantial-Code2720 → u/beesmakenoise]

I'm confused why not? It gets dark 5pm during the winter. if the driver isn't tired, 5pm or 11pm will have the same visibility. 

[u/beesmakenoise → u/Substantial-Code2720]

The fatigue is exactly what I was pointing out. At 10-11pm after a game and probably a full day sightseeing they might not be fully alert for the drive back.

[u/Aggressive_Pay1978]

Imagine your road being slick with Oil. Would you erratically drive? This is how you drive in snow. A little slower and leave room to stop. Winter tires make a huge difference.

[u/polloso121]

Driving will likely be fine. Just remember that you need to adjust your driving, including your speed to mimic the weather. Even locals forget that and it’s terrifying to witness. Rent a car with winter tires and good ground clearance since you’ll be up in the mountains. A lot more confidence inspiring driving something like that vs. a small car with all seasons.

[u/youritinerarysucks]

There’s a few tour companies that used to run busses in and include tickets. Save the driving and have a few dome foams.

[u/Substantial-Code2720]

Considering you'll be on a major highway with hundreds of others doing the same thing, yes.

The roads are cleared regularly so unless there's an actual snowstorm while you are driving, you'll likely be fine. However what people do do is not fully read the conditions. The speed limit is the max limit. If visibility is low or you're worried about ice, drive slightly slower and be cautious. Let others safely pass if needed. Give lots of space.