SEASON BY SEASON
The real talk on what to expect
Peak Season
SUMMER (JUNE - AUGUST)
Crowds
Very High
Temps
15-25°C / 59-77°F
Hotel Prices
$$$
✓ The Good
- All trails and roads open
- Turquoise lakes at peak color
- Long daylight hours (5am-10pm)
- Warmest swimming temps
- Wildlife very active
✗ The Not-So-Good
- Parking lots full by 7am
- Lake Louise shuttle required
- Highest accommodation prices
- Afternoon thunderstorms common
- Mosquitoes in June-July
💡 Pro Tip: Book accommodations 3-6 months ahead. Arrive at popular spots before 7am or after 5pm to avoid the worst crowds.
Our Favorite
FALL (SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER)
Crowds
Moderate
Temps
5-15°C / 41-59°F
Hotel Prices
$$
✓ The Good
- Golden larch season (mid-Sept)
- Crowds drop significantly
- Elk rutting season (amazing!)
- Crisp, clear mountain air
- Better hotel deals
✗ The Not-So-Good
- Some high trails close early
- Shorter daylight hours
- Snow possible at elevation
- Lake colors start to fade
- Some facilities close mid-Oct
💡 Pro Tip: Larch Valley hike in late September is absolutely magical. The golden larches against blue sky is peak Banff.
Adventure Mode
WINTER (NOVEMBER - MARCH)
Crowds
Low-Moderate
Temps
-20 to -5°C / -4 to 23°F
Hotel Prices
$-$$$
✓ The Good
- World-class skiing at 3 resorts
- Frozen waterfalls & ice walks
- Northern lights possible
- Magical snowy landscapes
- Hot springs feel extra amazing
✗ The Not-So-Good
- Extreme cold snaps (-30°C)
- Dangerous driving conditions
- Many trails inaccessible
- Short daylight (8am-5pm)
- Some businesses closed
💡 Pro Tip: Take the shuttle from Calgary - seriously. Winter driving on Highway 1 is no joke. See our transport guide.
Transition Time
SPRING (APRIL - MAY)
Crowds
Low
Temps
0-15°C / 32-59°F
Hotel Prices
$
✓ The Good
- Lowest prices of the year
- Waterfalls at peak flow
- Baby wildlife everywhere
- Ski season still going (April)
- Virtually no crowds
✗ The Not-So-Good
- Muddy, slushy trails
- Many roads still closed
- Unpredictable weather
- Lakes still frozen/murky
- Limited activities
💡 Pro Tip: Late May is the sweet spot - snow is melting, prices are low, and you might catch the last ski days plus early hiking.