We were in New Mexico for 1 wk. --last week in Oct. and loved it.

For certain they wouldn't get as much rain as Pacific Northwest in Nov.

It can fall to freezing in New Mexico, but it is clear, bright and great for hiking /driving around. We were in Sante Fe, Alburqueqe. Taos would be interesting.

My other suggestion is: Montreal and Quebec City. For latter, there is no other place like it North America. By then, alot of the fall leaf colour maybe gone but you will most definitely in an environment where French is the preferred language (over English). Certain the plane rates to those cities should be cheaper for November. Quebec City dates back to 1500's with some buildings, etc. well preserved.

As for Banff, Lake Louise...it wouldn't be my most immediate choice in early Nov. vs. end of Dec. where by then there is higher chance of snow. However the hotel rates would be alot cheaper in Nov. and not as crowded.

The other option is to seriously consider staying in a wine country area where the accommodation rates will be cheaper, less crowded. Wineries will be open with tasting rooms. In Canada, the 3 main winery areas are: Niagara-on-the-Lake, a couple km. outside of Niagara Falls, Okanagan Valley (interior British Columbia) and Vancouver Island (Cowichan Bay area). Most definitely there will be nice restaurants, spas, etc. Hiking and biking in those areas. Interior B.C. is a dry, near desert and not as rainy as coastal.