Banded garden spider

6316 Hi, I was wondering if you could help me identify this beautiful spider. I found it today (September 20) in my garden. From Ashton, Ontario

Number 6316 This is Argiope trifasciata, an orb weaver known as the banded garden spider. It occurs from southern Canada to northern Mexico; they usually are noticed in late summer/early autumn when the females reach their full size. Like other orb weavers, they are harmless to humans. Click here for more detailed information.