ULTIMATE Guide to Enjoying Banff in the Fall

Fall in Banff is one of the most beautiful seasons to visit this wanderlust mountain town. I personally enjoy it so much that I’ve visited during autumn twice now. The first time was on a romantic trip to Banff to propose to Bailey, and the second was to capture amazing photos and hike the famous Larch Valley Trail.

Regardless of what you’ve come for, the fall season in Banff is sure to impress you. The colors, attractions, and amazing hikes are just one part of what makes fall in Banff so great! The lack of crowds also provide better wildlife viewing experiences, and because it’s off-season, prices around town are also more affordable.

With that said though, there are a few things you need to know before you go, and in this blog, I’ll share all of that and more so you can make the most of Banff in the fall!

Fall in Banff FAQs

Best Time to Visit Banff in the Fall

Fall in Banff technically starts in September, but for those coming for the vibrant fall colors and Larch season, you’ll need to come later in the month. The exact dates change slightly year by year, but the best time is from the 18^th of September to the 1st of October.

Depending on the year it can be risky waiting until October as high winds can speed up the leaf fall. The perfect time every year would be to visit Banff in September somewhere around the 23^rd to the 27^th. This is right in the middle of the season and will offer great colors both from the Larch trees and other trees around Banff.

Heading to Banff from Calgary? Check out these epic road trip stops along the way from Calgary to Banff!

Things to do During Fall in Banff

1. Hike the Larch Valley Trail

Without a doubt, the best thing to do in Banff during fall is to hike the Larch Valley Trail. The Larch Valley is arguably the most beautiful place in Banff during fall and the colors are truly out of this world! The valley is literally covered in stunning larch trees that all turn shades of yellow and orange!

For photographers, the chance to capture these amazing colors is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and for those who have never stood among thousands of Larch trees, it will be one to remember.

The Larch Valley Trail is a 9-kilometer (5.6 miles) out and back trail with a hefty elevation gain of 535 meters (1,755 feet) that starts at Moraine Lake. This large elevation gain is made right at the start as you climb up to the valley. Once there, it gradually inclines until you reach the lakes. There is also an extra 30-minute-long trail to a viewpoint that’s worth doing!

It takes around two hours to hike to the valley and then I’d allow another hour to explore. In total, 4 to 5 hours is plenty of time to enjoy the trail at a steady pace.

A popular thing to do (and what we did) is to hike up first thing in the morning. That early morning light is so beautiful – especially for photos.

Moraine Lake Parking: As of 2023, Parks Canada has closed the Moraine Lake Road and parking lot to all personal vehicles. Only shuttles, buses, tours to Moraine Lake, or personal vehicles with a disability parking pass are allowed. This means you’ll need an alternative to park at Moraine Lake like taking the Parks Canada Shuttle, ROAM public transit, or a tour.

2. Visit Moraine Lake

One of the most epic things to do in Banff at any time of the year is to visit Moraine Lake. I’ve been there twice in the fall and the first time it was clear and calm and I got engaged to Bailey (she said yes!). The second, we actually had terrible weather, but you win some you lose some.

One of the best viewpoints at the lake is from a spot called the Rock Pile. It’s only a short hike from the parking lot (300 meters/984 feet). To reach it, jump on the Consolation Lakes trail until you hit a Y in the path. Here you’ll see a bench and a sign talking about bear safety. Take the trail to the right and follow it up to the Rock Pile.

Since you can’t drive to Moraine Lake anymore (Parks Canada closed the parking lot in 2023), one of the best alternative ways to get to Moraine Lake is by taking the Parks Canada Shuttle. The shuttle needs to be booked in advance, so make sure you plan ahead or grab some of the last-minute tickets that are released for booking at 8 am two days before your planned travel date.

Another option is this hop-on hop-off bus tour that stops at Moraine Lake (and a bunch of other great places!), so you aren’t worried about transportation. It’s one of the top bus tours in Banff we recommend to all our family and friends when they come to visit.

If you want to visit Moraine Lake at the most beautiful time of day, then you need to get there for sunrise! The way the morning light hits the mountains and the lake is magic! Luckily, there’s this Sunrise Shuttle to Moraine Lake that leaves at either 4 am or 5 am and gets you there for that magical time of day. You’ll need to book online here to secure your spot.

The only other way to visit Moraine Lake at sunrise this year (since the road has closed to personal vehicles) is to go on this organized tour. The tour begins at 4 am in Banff, and because they are a licensed tour operator, they can access Moraine Lake for sunrise. The tour costs $220 CAD and includes not only a visit to Moraine Lake with hot chocolate and coffee to enjoy, but also an early morning visit to Lake Louise. That means you can visit two of the busiest lakes in Canada without the crowds or the stress of parking/ shuttles. You can book the tour here with free cancelation up to 24 hours before.

Hiking option: If you want to go on a short, easy hike from Moraine Lake then check out Consolation Lakes Trail. This hike only takes a couple of hours and starts right from the Rock Pile at Moraine Lake. It’s also one of the best activities you can do at Moraine Lake!

3. Relax at the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Ok, so let’s assume you’ve spent your morning at Moraine Lake before hiking the Larch Valley Trail. What’s next? Well, what better way to enjoy the day than to visit the Banff Upper Hot Springs to unwind?!

Although this isn’t a Banff itinerary, I do believe that after an early morning and moderate hike the hot springs are a great idea. The best part though? The views from these Alberta hot springs are out of this world!

From the springs you can sit back while the day is young and enjoy those breathtaking views while you soak your muscles in natural spring water. Although the springs do get busy the entrance fee is $16.50 CAD for adults (it’s cheaper for kids and seniors) and for that, I think it’s a great value.

Related Read: Visiting the Banff Hot Springs is one of the best activities in Banff in the rain because you’ll get wet anyway and it’ll likely be less busy!

4. Drive the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is one of the most breathtaking highways to drive on a regular day. In fall? Well, it’s even more magnificent! This 230-kilometer stretch (143 miles) of highways runs between Lake Louise and Jasper passing through two national parks (Banff and Jasper.)

Along the way, there are so many amazing places to stop that you could spend days exploring the Icefields Parkway. However, in just one day you can visit many of the best attractions along the Icefields Parkway and enjoy amazing fall colors.

With that said, the most beautiful parts of the Icefields Parkway aren’t actually official stops at all. As you can see from the picture above, it’s the views from the road that make this drive so spectacular.

The above shot was taken just past the Saskatchewan River Crossing at the halfway point. If you want to find the exact spot, keep driving towards Jasper past the crossing and stop at the first bridge you see. At this bridge looking back towards Banff is where it was taken!

Regardless, a road trip down the Icefields Parkway is a must during fall in Banff!

Related Read: If you’re driving the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, be sure to check out our blog about all of the different amazing things to do in Jasper!

5. Visit Vermilion Lakes

Vermilion Lakes is located just outside Banff along the Vermilion Lakes scenic drive. During fall, the colors here are stunning and with reflections off the lakes, it’s the perfect place to explore – especially at sunset!

The best part is that you can actually choose to either drive or walk from Banff – it’s that close! From Banff town, simply head out of Banff towards the Banff sign. Just past there, you’ll turn left onto Vermilion Lakes Road. This stretch of road passes many viewpoints and takes around an hour to explore. It’s one of Banff’s best free attractions!

My best advice is to grab a hot drink from one of the best cafes in Banff and then head to Vermillion Lakes for a walk, it’s so peaceful!

6. Take in views on the Bow Valley Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is easily the most famous parkway in Banff, however, the Bow Valley Parkway is equally as beautiful. The best part is that this highway is the scenic route from Lake Louise to Banff so you can use it instead of the main highway and enjoy the amazing views and limited traffic.

Some of the best stops include Johnston Canyon, Moose Meadows, Morant’s Curve (my favorite), and Castle Mountain lookout. The Bow Valley Parkway is also a great place to spot wildlife, especially in the morning before the parkway gets busy.

If you want to enjoy the parkway’s best stops then you’ll need half a day to do so, but with that said, if you simply want to cruise an alternative route from Banff to Lake Louise then an hour will suffice!

Note: There will be some closures to vehicle traffic on sections of the Bow Valley Parkway this year (2023). From May 1-June 30 and then again from Sept 1-Sept 30 vehicles will NOT be able to drive the 17 km/11 mi stretch of road from the TransCanada-Highway junction to Johnston Canyon, it will be restricted to cyclists’ use only. This is the eastern part of the road that is affected if you’re traveling to Johnston Canyon from Banff. You will still be able to access Johnston Canyon and the Bow Valley Parkway via the intersection near Castle Mountain Chalets.

7. Hike the Lake Agnes Tea House trail

One of the most popular trails in Banff National Park is the Lake Agnes Tea House Trail, and in the fall, it’s even better! The trail starts in Lake Louise and climbs up to one of the stunning alpine lakes around Banff called Lake Agnes. At the lake is the famous Lake Agnes Tea House which overlooks the lake and its stunning mountain backdrop.

Lake Agnes Tea House Trail is a relatively easy trail that starts from the Lake Lousie lakefront. The 7.2 kilometers (4.5 miles) out and back trail takes around 5 hours to complete with a nice long break at Lake Agnes to enjoy a tea with a spectacular view.

In the fall, the Lake Agnes valley turns yellow as the surrounding larch trees turn their fall colors. I, unfortunately, have never visited Lake Agnes in the fall, however, I have seen photos and it’s on my bucket list. Just imagine the photo above but with stunning fall colors!

Note: From May 13th until October 10th, you’ll be required to pay $21.00 CAD per vehicle per day to park at Lake Louise Lakefront (2023 updated price). The paid parking is in effect from 7 am until 7 pm daily.  

8. Wildlife viewing tour

Fall is a great time to view wildlife in Banff. The reason? Well, the lack of crowds is one thing that is essential to having great chances to see wildlife. With large crowds, animals usually shy away making them really hard to spot.

Bears in particular are on the hunt for food during fall to get ready for hibernation. For this reason, they are more likely to come lower in the mountains in search of food.

Another animal you’ll want to see during the fall in Banff is the elk. The fall season is elk rutting season so if you’ve ever wanted to see huge elk this is a great time! It’s also the time to stay clear of them and stay in your car if you see one – this is when elk are the most aggressive.

Regardless, fall provides a beautiful time to see wildlife and on a wildlife viewing tour, your expert guide will be able to take you to places frequented by wildlife that you simply wouldn’t find on your own.

Related Read: For more ideas, check out our list of the best tours in Banff for all seasons!

What to Pack for Fall in Banff

Clothing for all seasons – Fall can be a tricky time to visit in Banff. Depending on the year, the weather can be bitterly cold or actually quite warm. For this reason, it’s best to pack for both. The one thing that’s guaranteed is that it will cool down at night to the point you’ll need long pants and a sweater. The only question is, how cold? Well, at Moraine Lake in the morning, it can be well below 0°C (32°F) so be prepared.

Flashlight – Sunrise hikes and even just being at Lake Louise requires a flashlight. Be sure to bring a good quality one that gives off enough light.

Hiking boots – You can get snow in fall around Larch season so having hiking boots is a great idea for wet, slushy, or icy conditions.

Bear spray – During fall in Banff, bears can become more desperate for food. For that reason, it’s even more necessary to carry bear spray and know how to use it. Also, depending on the season and bear sightings, some of the trails may require you to hike in groups of four. Breaking this rule will result in fines.

Where to Stay during Fall in Banff

The funny thing about the fall in Banff is that the best place to stay is not actually in Banff town – there are lots of great hotels all over Banff National Park. In fact, during my visits, I always opt to stay in the Lake Louise Village within Banff National Park. The reason? Well, most of the fall attractions are in Lake Louise.

Places such as Moraine Lake, Larch Valley, Lake Agnes Tea House, Icefields Parkway, and even the Bow Valley Parkway are closer to Lake Louise Village rather than Banff town. With that said, Lake Louise town isn’t very lively so you’ll need to decide if you want to be in the vibrant Banff town or the quiet, but convenient, Lake Louise.

For this reason, I’ll recommend the best places to stay in Lake Louise and the best hotels in Banff town so no matter your decision, you’ll stay at a great hotel!  

Lake Louise

HI Lake Louise Alpine Centre – For budget travelers, you really can’t go past the Hi Lake Louise. I’ve stayed here numerous times and always enjoy it. The rooms are basic but they have a kitchen and a really good bar and restaurant onsite.

Lake Louise Inn – For those with a medium budget or in large groups, the Lake Louise Inn is perfect. They have a huge variety of modern rooms and apartments with all of the amenities you need including a pool, gym, and restaurant.

Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – For a luxury option, why not stay at the famous Fairmont Chateau?! This perfectly located hotel is nothing short of pure luxury and with views of Lake Louise and the mountains, it’s the perfect place to stay for high-end travelers.

Banff Town

Irwin’s Mountain Inn – Once again our first option is for budget travelers. In all honesty, this hotel is still a really good choice no matter your budget. It has all the luxuries of modern rooms with amenities such as a restaurant and fitness center.

Banff Ptarmigan Inn – This place is really close to town and has large spacious rooms and includes a free breakfast. Overall, a great choice for a decent price.

Fairmont Banff Springs – If you came to Banff for a luxury stay then the Fairmont Banff Springs is your only top choice. This luxurious hotel has 11 restaurants and cafes, 2 pools, a spa, and wellness center, a bowling alley, a tennis court, and more. Oh, and did I mention the views!

Renting a Car in Alberta

If you’re arriving in Alberta via plane then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. Canada is a large country and traveling between cities and even just getting out to some of the best places to visit in Alberta requires transport. Although you can use public transport, on some occasions, it means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Renting a car will definitely make exploring all of the fun things to see and do in Alberta easier.

Car rental in Canada isn’t super cheap, but it isn’t overly expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with pickup and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though depending on the time of year and the type of car that you rent. For car rentals, I use the website DiscoverCars.com. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used them all over the world including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia.

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter.) Using Motorhome Republic you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada, and using crown land and campsites, you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable!

Canada Travel Essentials

Before you decide to head off and explore the gorgeous mountains, lakes, towns, and cities around Canada it’s important to have the right equipment. Of course, it’s likely you’ll have most of the basics already but there are some common items people forget that I never travel without.

Crampons: In winter, crampons are super handy, but what people don’t realize is that they come in handy in summer too. In fact, up until mid-July, you can still expect icy conditions in the mountains. The pair I use is only $37 CAD and they have lasted me 3 seasons so far!

Waterproof shell: Most people will have this item but I thought I’d include it anyway since it’s so handy in Canada. The Columbia waterproof jacket is a lightweight windproof jacket that will seriously save you in many situations. The best part, though? It comes in pink!

Bear bells: These are a must, and for the price, you shouldn’t hike without them. The bear bells I use are only $9 CAD and they come with a silencer (a must) so you can easily travel with them.

Scent-proof bag (for bears): Most people think you only need to keep the smell of food away from you when you’re overnight camping. However, bears can smell the food in your bag while you’re hiking and the best way to avoid an encounter is to use a scent-proof bear bag. Basically, you put your food in the bag and the bear cannot smell it while you’re hiking. This is one item most people never have (I never hike without it) but it could save you and the bear.

Buff: I love my buff! Seriously, I go nowhere without it both in winter and summer. There are a few brands around but I always buy the original Buff (you know, the one from Survivor!) They’re a little more expensive but the material is good quality and both breathable and quick drying.

Dry bag: I have expensive camera equipment, so I always travel with a dry bag large enough to fit some of my equipment. It can be a camera, book, binoculars, or even my keys. Regardless, a dry bag gives me peace of mind! The MARCHWAY bag is really good quality, and when not in use, takes up only a small amount of room.

Binoculars: I love my binoculars! Seriously they have come in handy so many times, especially when I’m looking for wildlife. The best part is, I use a set that only costs $25 CAD and they serve my basic needs without any issues!

Thanks for reading!

Banff truly is such a magical place to visit in the fall. With such a short window to catch the beauty before the Autumn leaves fall it makes visiting both unique and exciting.

Thanks so much for reading our guide to fall in Banff. I really hope you enjoyed this guide and if you did, be sure to check out all our Canada blogs or the articles listed below!

How to spend Christmas in Banff

Things to do in Banff in winter

Most beautiful places to take photos in Banff