Best time to visit Banff Canada
The best time to visit Banff National Park, Canada is between mid-June through to early October for the best weather, views of the beautiful lakes and outdoor summer activities. The best time to visit Banff for ice and snow activities is between December to March. Early September is my personal favourite for the gorgeous fall foliage, as the larch trees turn the landscape into a stunning golden orange hue.
Banff is open all year round and you’ll find lots of different things to do each season. Visiting Banff anytime in the year is completely worth it and the best time will vary depending on the season you enjoy travelling and your interests.
I’ve lived in Calgary for 3 years and make frequent day trips to Banff National Park and the surrounding areas. In this blog, I’ll be sharing my take from a local’s perspective about the best months to visit Banff and perhaps which months are less favourable.
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Banff in the Winter
December to March is the best time to visit Banff for the winter season. Snow lasts a lot longer in Banff than it does in other places, where you can still expect that the ski resorts are fully open even into April.
Why winter is the best time to visit Banff Canada
Beautiful winter scenery
With the first snowfall that touches the trees and mountains, the landscape completely transforms into a serene winter dreamscape. This is why I personally feel that Banff is the prettiest in winter.
Imagine sipping hot chocolate by a crackling fireplace, with the smell of fresh evergreens in the cool alpine air. You overlook the snow-dusted peaks from your cabin and you’ll never forget this beautiful moment in Banff National Park.
Don’t miss the seeing the frozen waterfalls at Johnston Canyon and take the Banff Gondola up to the Sulphur Mountain Summit.
seasonal Winter Activities
If I haven’t already convinced you that winter in Banff is one of the most pretty times to visit, there are other reasons for planning a trip to Banff in the winter. As long as you don’t mind the colder season, the ice and snow activities, along with the holiday festivities in December make Banff one of the top winter destinations.
From mid-November to December, seasonal events start up such as the Banff Christmas Market and the Hot Chocolate Trail. In January, Banff holds their annual SnowDays Festival, where you can watch Skijoring on Banff Avenue, see ice sculptures get crafted and participate in the SnowNights events.
Ice and Snow Activities in Banff
Of course, winter opens up so many fun activities such as snowboarding, tubing and ice skating. I would highly recommend you visit Sunshine Village Ski Resort if you’re an avid snowboarder or skier. The terrain and views there are just incredible. Lake Louise Ski Resort and Mount Norquay are also part of the SkiBig 3 mountains in Banff.
When the lakes freeze over and the conditions are safe, you can go ice skating on the lakes. At the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, they monitor the ice daily and clear out the snow for ice skating. They also offer ice skate rentals to both guests and day visitors.
Things to know before visiting Banff in winter
Winter is a great time to come to Banff, but there are a few things to consider when planning your visit. The days are shorter in the heart of winter, especially in December and January. After the December holidays, you can expect that the crowds are much less crowded and accommodation prices will also be lower.
Winter in Banff can be quite harsh and cold, especially in January and February. It’s important to be prepared for the weather in the Canadian Rockies, as conditions in the mountains can change drastically. Being prepared with lots of layers is a must to stay warm and comfortable!
Winter weather in Banff
The average temperature in Banff in January is – 5°C (23°F) during the day, but they can drop as low as – 30°C (-22°F). February is fairly similar, and you can expect that it remains cold. As we know with weather, it’s not possible to guarantee what kind of weather you’ll experience when you’re here, but your time outdoors will be more enjoyable if you’re prepared.
One risk of visiting during winter is that if you do encounter a cold snap, the road conditions and visibility may be poor. If you’re not used to winter driving, you may opt to wait out a blizzard or stay one more night at your accommodations. What’s nice about Banff is that there are shuttle services that you can take instead of renting a car. This is not often, but Banff encounters extreme cold weather, so if temperatures go below -30°C (-22°F), gondolas may not be in operation for safety reasons.
Don’t let this discourage you from visiting during winter though! I visit Banff and go snowboarding throughout the December to March season and it’s always a great time. Just be sure to take lots of breaks from the cold weather by getting inside to warm up where you’re able. My local’s tip is to bring hand warmers and lots of layers.
Best time to visit Banff – Winter Summary
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Banff offers fun seasonal winter activities | It’s quite cold |
| Not as busy compared to summer | You’re going to need to bundle up & pack for the cold weather |
| Peak snowboarding and ski season | The days are shortest in Dec/Jan |
| Banff is stunning in the winter | Unpredictable cold weather may close down attractions |
| Frozen lakes for possible ice skating | Winter driving conditions may be poor |
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Banff in the Summer
Mid-June to August is the best time to visit Banff Canada for those warm summer months. You’re going to get those bright sunny days, perfect for a paddle out on the lake. The average high is about 22°C (71.6°F) in July, which is ideal for hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. Compared to winter, summer in Banff is short and sweet!
Why summer is the best time to visit Banff Canada
Beautiful summer scenery
By June, you can expect that most of the lakes are visible and will be completely thawed by July. Hiking trails open up, but expect that there may still be some snow in higher altitudes at this time.
By July, you’ll see lush green meadows and pretty wildflowers in full bloom. The beauty of Banff National Park is unmatched, especially the blue green lakes that are surrounded by the mountain ranges.
August scenery is similar to July, but the wildflowers will have come and gone. Because the weather is so nice in the summer, make sure you take advantage of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets that paint the mountain skies.
Seasonal summer activities
Summer opens up more activities to do such as kayaking, canoeing or paddle boarding on the lakes. Both Lake Louise and Moraine Lake offer canoe rentals, which is a great way to spend a summer afternoon. Even if you’re not up for a paddle out on the waters, seeing the vibrant blue hues is absolutely breath-taking.
Hiking is a highlight of summer in Banff. Don’t miss the Lake Agnus trail near Lake Louise. When you get to the end, you’ll be greeted by the Lake Agnus Tea House, where you can pick up some delightful treats. I also highly recommend you add the Banff Sunshine Sightseeing Gondola to your itinerary. The gondola brings you up to Sunshine Meadows and this is my all time favourite hike in Banff.
Patio season at the Town of Banff is in full swing and it’s so fun to just walk around and explore the town during summer. The Rundle Patio at the Fairmont Banff Springs not only has an incredible dining experience, but the panoramic views of the mountains during your meal is the ultimate cherry on top.
Things to know before visiting Banff in summer
Summer is a great time to come to Banff, but there are a few things to consider when planning your visit. Because of all the incredible things to do in the summer, Banff National Park can be crowded during this peak travel period. This means that you’ll likely have to pre-plan ahead if you’re looking to see places like Moraine Lake or secure a camping spot.
Additionally, peak travel periods also mean increased costs for accommodations and parking can also be tricky if you don’t arrive early.
The days are longest in July and August, which make Banff in the summer the best time to visit. Be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen and sunglasses for those long sun-kissed days. The weather is favourable for outdoor adventures, but the heat can also bring about potential wildfires in the surrounding areas. This may mean that the air quality can be affected, as well as possible fire bans during this camping season.
Best time to visit Banff – Summer Summary
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Pretty wildflowers in July | Crowded in July and August |
| The days are longest in July/August | Accommodations are typically higher during this season |
| Summer hiking and camping | It can be hot |
| Banff is stunning in the summer | Risk of wild fire smoke |
| Beautiful views of the lakes and water activities are open | Parking is limited |
| Weather is favourable for outdoor activities |
Banff in the Fall
September is the best time to visit Banff for the stunning fall scenery in Canada. The weather is still quite warm, with early September giving us sunny days similar to August. In the fall, the larch trees change colours, transforming the landscape in to a radiant golden hue. This is the perfect time to come if you’re a photographer or nature lover that would love to experience the picturesque autumn landscape in the mountains.
Why fall is the best time to visit Banff Canada
Beautiful Fall scenery
The larch trees in Banff National Park start to transition to a radiant orange, which draws in both visitors and locals to Banff. The lakes have not been touched by winter yet, so you’ll still get to see those vivid blue green waters. The town of Banff is giving a cozy Gilmore Girls vibe, which makes September one of my favourite times to visit Banff.
Seasonal fall activities
One of the best trails to see the autumn landscape is along the Larch Valley Hike. What’s nice about visiting in September is that you can still go hiking, but it’s not as hot as it would be in July or August. Hiking in October is also possible, but there is a risk of snow, which would lead you to sticking to trails along lower elevations.
Most of the attractions in Banff are still open until about mid-October. This includes the Lake Minnewanka Cruise, shuttles to Moraine Lake and sight seeing gondolas.
Things to know before visiting Banff in the fall
For those venturing out in September, it can still be quite warm early on, but the temperatures will start to cool down. Expect to be greeted by a crisp, autumn air, with October often bringing in the first snow fall. Make sure to layer up, as the weather in Banff can change quickly, especially at higher altitudes.
There are typically less crowds by October, but September can still be a bit busier due to larch season. Note that larch season is fairly quick and doesn’t last very long. You can typically catch the trees turning orange in mid-September, and by mid-October, most of the pines and colour will have fallen.
Best time to visit Banff – Fall Summary
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Beautiful golden autumn scenery | Starts to get cooler by end of September |
| Most summer attractions are still open until mid-October | October often brings the first snow fall |
| Early September feels like summer | The days start to get shorter |
| Typically less crowds |
Banff in the Spring
March to May is typically known as spring everywhere else, but in Banff the snow tends to stick around a little bit longer. With the temperatures milder compared to January and February, it makes spending time outdoors much more tolerable.
Why spring is the best time to visit Banff Canada
Because of Banff’s longer winters, you can still expect that the ski resorts are fully operational, which is why March and April are great months to come spring snowboarding. At Sunshine Ski Resort, their season doesn’t full end until May long weekend.
The spring passes will also be a bit cheaper than going during the peak ski season. Don’t miss Sunshine Village’s slush cup event in May, where participants finish their ride through an icy pool of water to mark the end of another great season.
Things to know before visiting Banff in the spring
If snow sports are not your thing, coming to Banff during this time is still nice because your travel costs will be cheaper. You’ll also find that it’s much quieter during this time of year if you don’t like crowds. Although many of the main summer attractions like Moraine Lake will still be closed for the season.
The spring months would be a great time to walk around the Town of Banff, go on a foodie adventure and relax at the hot springs.
The weather can still be a bit unpredictable, but is starting to get more mild. You’ll still need to layer up during this time and be prepared for wind, snow (or rain) and cooler days.
In late May, some locals will have started an early hiking season. Bring crampons if you plan on doing some May winter hiking. The trails likely still have snow on them and can be bit a bit muddy or wet due to the transition in season. Note that the lakes are likely still partially frozen at this time.
Best time to visit Banff – Spring Summary
| Benefits | Drawbacks |
| Ski resorts still open until about mid-May | Still cooler weather |
| Prices for accommodations are lower | Expect to still see snow |
| Typically less crowds | Winter hiking only |
| The days start to get longer | Lakes are not yet thawed |
| Most summer attractions are not yet open |
‘Worst’ Time to Visit Banff National Park
As perviously mentioned, visiting Banff during any season is so worth the trip. As a local living in Calgary, I will take that day trip or weekend stay at Banff any time of the year. With the being said, for my readers who are visiting Banff for their first time and perhaps this is one of the only times you’ll be visiting Banff National Park, I would suggest you avoid travelling between April to May and from Mid-October to November.
The reason for this is mostly due to weather and things to do. For sure these months are a lot quieter and your travel costs will be lower. But these months are sort of transition seasons in Banff, so the scenery may not be as nice as the peak June-Sept times. Lastly, many of the main attractions would have closed for the season already.
If you’re primarily coming to snowboard, then April might be a good season for you, as Banff has some of the best spring snowboarding seasons. Ski resorts also typically open around mid-November for early season, but I found that sometimes not all the lifts are open yet. That’s why I would personally wait until December to ride, but this does mean your costs do increase.
