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Banff & Jasper National Parks

© James / Dollar Photo Club

Best time to visit

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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.

44 things to do in Banff & Jasper National Parks

Frozen Abraham Lake

December–mid-March Nature

The stunning bubbles under the surface of this frozen man-made lake could be rather dangerous

The Great Divide Trail

July–mid-September Activity

This great corridor along the Canadian Rocky Mountains divides two of Canada's provinces

Skating on Lake Louise

mid-December–mid-April Activity

Visit one of the world’s most incredible skating rinks

Rocky Mountaineer Train

April–October Activity

This is more than just a train!

Banff Marathon

June 16, 2024 Event

Say yes to one of the most beautiful and amazing running experiences!

Hiking

July–mid-September Activity

Imagine the wild and boundless landscape of the Canadian Rockies spread before your eyes

Dog Sledding

December–April Activity

Glide across a fresh snowy powdered valley with the jingling sounds of husky collars and the soft thuds of their paws

Johnston Canyon Ice Walk & Climb

December–mid-April Activity

Choose this once-in-a-lifetime experience only available in Canada

White Water Rafting

mid-May–mid-September Activity

Join the thousands of visitors who have already made their vacation unforgettable

Banff Santa Claus Celebration of Lights

November 16–17, 2024 Event

Get into the Christmas mood in the Canadian Rockies

Banff Yoga Festival

May 2024 Event

Absorb all the mindfulness in the world among stunning mountain views

Wildlife in Banff National Park

all year round Nature

Over 50 different species feel at home here

Vermilion Lakes Sunrise & Sunset

all year round Nature

Everything that happens at Vermilion Lakes becomes an unforgettable experience

Lake Minnewanka Cruise

late May–early October Nature

Untouched natural beauty all around you

Glacier Skywalk

May–mid-October Activity

Treat yourself to an adrenaline boost high above the ice

Jasper Dark Sky Festival

October 18-November 3, 2024 Event

Celebrate the stars in the second largest dark preservation site in the world

Banff Gondola

late January–early October Activity

Marvel at the unrivalled snowy view while soaring to the top of Sulphur Mountain

Tunnel Mountain Hiking

April–October (all year round) Activity

Tunnel Mountain, with no actual tunnel, is a popular hiking destination

Bow Falls

June–August (all year round) Nature

Take a trip to an unusual waterfall famous for its colour

Miette Hot Springs

early May-early October Activity

Nothing is more relaxing than soaking in the hottest mineral pools of the Canadian Rockies

Columbia Icefield, Athabasca Glacier

mid-April–mid-October Nature

A giant one kilometre wide and six kilometre long tongue of the Athabasca Glacier hidden beyond the mountains

Skiing & Snowboarding

mid-November–late May Activity

Don't miss the best time for skiing

Mountain Biking

May–October Activity

Let’s be honest: biking in Banff is all about the scenery

Moraine Lake

late June–early October Nature

It's not a 20 dollar view, it's a million dollar view!

Banff Centre Mountain Film and Book Festival

October 26-November 3, 2024 Event

Nine days filled with stories of remote journeys, expeditions, and adventures expressed in films, books, and photographs

Banff Christmas Market

November 14–December 8, 2024 Event

A cozy and magic weekend-long celebration

Lake Louise Ice Magic Festival

January 26–28, 2024 | February 2–4, 2024 Event

Canada's most scenic and beautiful ice festival

Northern Lights

September–April Nature

National parks are an ideal place to view aurora borealis

Parker Ridge Trail

June–October Activity

A scenic route at Columbia Icefield area, the largest icefield south of the Arctic Circle

Big Beehive

June–September Activity

A much photographed mountain in Banff National Park

Takakkaw Falls & Twin Falls

mid-June–September Nature

The most picturesque part of Yoho National Park

Icefields Parkway

June–September (all year round) Activity

Drive through the wildest and most remote parts of Banff and Jasper National parks

Alberta Highway 40

mid-June–November Activity

One of the greatest and wildest drives in Canada

Hector Lake

July–September Nature

A turquoise-colored lake just two hours away from Calgary

Bourgeau Lake

late June–early September Nature

A beautiful spot in the Canadian Rockies

Mount Temple

mid-July–August Activity

A prominent peak of the Canadian Rockies with the stunning view of Lake Louise

Lake Agnes Tea House

early June–mid-October Activity

Stop by the oldest teahouse in Canada

Tonquin Valley Hike

late August–early September Activity

Canada's premiere alpine destination with beautiful lakes

Cascade Mountain Hike

July–September Activity

The epic Banff mountain with magnificent views

Grassi Lakes

May–November Nature

Beautiful emerald-colored lakes in the Canadian Rockies

Chester Lake

July–October Nature

A small but very beautiful lake in the Canadian Rockies

New Year's Eve in Banff

December 31 Event

What would you choose—an active or relaxing New Year’s celebration in the Canadian wilderness?

Fall Colors

late September–early October Nature

The Banff National Park is a wonderful destination, especially in fall

Northern Lights in Canada

September–May (varies between regions) Nature

As one of the northernmost countries in North America, Canada offers stunning views of aurora borealis

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