Best time to visit Banff & Jasper National Parks
Best time of year to visit Banff & Jasper National Parks
Although Banff seems to be a year-round destination with three seasons (cold winter, warm summer, and transition spring and autumn), June to August and December to March are deemed to be the best time to visit Banff. Crowded and warm summers offer stunning views of Moraine and Vermilion Lakes, as they are frozen for most of the year. Hiking and biking is another pure pleasure for nature lovers. Winter is a prime time for skiing, snowshoeing, and skating. Christmas and New Years are the busiest times, getting less crowded and cheaper towards March. Bring sunscreen, as no matter the season, the sun is ruthless in alpine regions. A transition period from April to May is great for witnessing Banff's abundant wildlife and exploring Columbia Icefield, but hiking and driving is limited in some areas. Choose October if you are a passionate stargazer—Jasper Dark Sky Festival won't last forever.
29 THINGS TO DO IN BANFF & JASPER NATIONAL PARKS (AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 09)
Northern Lights
National parks are an ideal place to view aurora borealis
Rocky Mountaineer Train
This is more than just a train!
Moraine Lake
It's not a 20 dollar view, it's a million dollar view!
Vermilion Lakes Sunrise & Sunset
Everything that happens at Vermilion Lakes becomes an unforgettable experience
Glacier Skywalk
Treat yourself to an adrenaline boost high above the ice
Takakkaw Falls & Twin Falls
The most picturesque part of Yoho National Park
Miette Hot Springs
Nothing is more relaxing than soaking in the hottest mineral pools of the Canadian Rockies
Alberta Highway 40
One of the greatest and wildest drives in Canada
Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier
A giant one kilometre wide and six kilometre long tongue of the Athabasca Glacier hidden beyond the mountains
Grassi Lakes
Beautiful emerald-colored lakes in the Canadian Rockies
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Untouched natural beauty all around you
Bow Falls
Take a trip to an unusual waterfall famous for its colour
Banff Gondola
Marvel at the unrivalled snowy view while soaring to the top of Sulphur Mountain
Hector Lake
A turquoise-colored lake just two hours away from Calgary
Tonquin Valley Hike
Canada's premiere alpine destination with beautiful lakes
Hiking
Imagine the wild and boundless landscape of the Canadian Rockies spread before your eyes
Wildlife in Banff National Park
Over 50 different species feel at home here
Tunnel Mountain Hiking
Tunnel Mountain, with no actual tunnel, is a popular hiking destination
The Great Divide Trail
This great corridor along the Canadian Rocky Mountains divides two of Canada's provinces
Mountain Biking
Let’s be honest: biking in Banff is all about the scenery
Icefields Parkway
Drive through the wildest and most remote parts of Banff and Jasper National parks
White Water Rafting
Join the thousands of visitors who have already made their vacation unforgettable
Parker Ridge Trail
A scenic route at Columbia Icefield area, the largest icefield south of the Arctic Circle
Big Beehive
A much photographed mountain in Banff National Park
Lake Agnes Tea House
Stop by the oldest teahouse in Canada
Cascade Mountain Hike
The epic Banff mountain with magnificent views
Chester Lake
A small but very beautiful lake in the Canadian Rockies
Bourgeau Lake
A beautiful spot in the Canadian Rockies
Mount Temple
A prominent peak of the Canadian Rockies with the stunning view of Lake Louise
14 THINGS TO DO OUT OF SELECTED DATE RANGE
Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival
out of rangeCanada's most scenic and beautiful ice festival
Frozen Abraham Lake
out of rangeThe stunning bubbles under the surface of this frozen man-made lake could be rather dangerous
Jasper Dark Sky Festival
out of rangeCelebrate the stars in the second largest dark preservation site in the world
Santa Claus Parade Day
out of rangeWhy not get into the Christmas mood in the Canadian Rockies
Skating on Lake Louise
out of rangeVisit one of the world’s most incredible skating rinks
Banff Yoga Festival
unconfirmedAbsorb all the mindfulness in the world among stunning mountain views
Banff Fall Colors
out of rangeThe Banff National Park is a wonderful destination, especially in fall
Banff Marathon
out of rangeSay yes to one of the most beautiful and amazing running experiences!
Skiing & Snowboarding
out of rangeDon't miss the best time for skiing
New Year's Eve in Banff
out of rangeWhat would you choose—an active or relaxing New Year’s celebration in the Canadian wilderness?
Dog Sledding
out of rangeGlide across a fresh snowy powdered valley with the jingling sounds of husky collars and the soft thuds of their paws
Banff Christmas Market
out of rangeA cozy and magic weekend-long celebration
Johnston Canyon Ice Walk & Climb
out of rangeChoose this once-in-a-lifetime experience only available in Canada
Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival
out of rangeNine days filled with stories of remote journeys, expeditions, and adventures expressed in films, books, and photographs
