Categories > Guides and Tips
Top 10 Things to Do in Banff during Fall
- Witness the scenic views of Vermillion Lake
- Experience the beauty of Lake Minnewanka through biking
- Tour around downtown Banff Avenue
- Take a moment to appreciate the larches
- Have a stroll down Bow Valley Parkway
- Hike around the Six Glaciers area
- Climb Mount Assiniboine
- Stay for a night at the Mount Engadine Lodge
- Explore Lake O Hara
- Don't miss a "golden" experience in Golden Town
Why visit Banff in the fall, you ask? It’s a place where every turn reveals a new, awe-inspiring canvas of oranges, reds, and yellows, set against the dramatic backdrop of the Canadian Rockies.
It’s an experience that’s as serene as it is spectacular. Keep reading, as we guide you through the top 10 things to do in Banff this fall, each promising to be an unforgettable part of your adventure.
Witness the scenic views of Vermillion Lake
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB T0L 2C0, Canada
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Opening Hours: 24/7
Vermilion Lakes in Banff are a haven for relaxation, especially during the autumn season. The area becomes a canvas of beautiful fall colors, offering a tranquil setting for your moments of leisure.
If you’re carrying a book and some hot coffee, settling down on one of the canoe docks is a delightful way to spend your time. It’s a simple yet profound way to connect with nature, offering both peace and a stunning view.
Pro Tip:
Aim to visit around sunrise or sunset. These are the moments when the lakes are at their most magical. At sunrise, the sun peeks from behind the mountains, casting a golden glow and a breathtaking reflection on the water. Sunset brings a different palette, with the sky turning shades of pink and orange, mirrored perfectly by the calm surface of the lakes.
Experience the beauty of Lake Minnewanka through biking
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
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Opening Hours: 24/7
Exploring the Lake Minnewanka Loop by bike in Banff is an exhilarating experience, especially during the fall when the scenery is particularly striking.
This 24 km ride, starting from downtown Banff and following the Legacy Trail, offers a mix of elevation changes and beautiful views of Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake.
If you’re looking to add a bit more to their journey, a detour to Johnson Lake adds an extra 6 km round trip. It’s a worthwhile addition, offering more scenic views and a chance to explore a different area.
The entire route, including this detour, can be comfortably completed in a few hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop to enjoy the views.
Pro Tip:
Parking is available at Cascade Ponds, which is also a great starting point for the ride. This spot is not only convenient for parking but also offers one of the best picnic spots in Banff, perfect for a post-ride relaxation.
Tour around downtown Banff Avenue
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
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Opening Hours: 24/7
Downtown Banff and Banff Avenue are indeed bustling during the summer, but as fall rolls in, the atmosphere shifts.
The crowds thin out, making it a more relaxed and intimate experience. The streets, lined with Aspen trees, transform into a golden paradise, creating a stunning foreground against the backdrop of Cascade Mountain.
This setting not only offers a peaceful stroll but also serves as an excellent opportunity for photography enthusiasts.
Pro Tip:
A morning coffee stroll through the Cascades of Time Garden is a must-do in the fall. The garden, with its enchanting stone pathways, terraced gardens, vibrant flowers, and cascading ponds, offers a quiet respite from the busy town.
Take a moment to appreciate the larches
Fall in Banff is truly a special time, especially due to the unique transformation of the larch trees that populate the Canadian Rockies.
These trees are known as conifers, but unlike their evergreen cousins, larches are deciduous, meaning they lose their needles in autumn.
What makes them particularly striking is that before shedding, their needles turn a brilliant golden color. This transformation creates a stunningly scenic landscape, drawing visitors worldwide.
Pro Tip:
The best time to witness this golden spectacle is typically during the last two weeks of September and the first week of October.
Have a stroll down Bow Valley Parkway
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
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Opening Hours: 24/7
If you visit the Bow Valley Parkway, there’s no doubt that it’ll offer you an immersive and scenic alternative to the Trans Canada Highway, especially during the fall.
Starting just after Vermilion Lakes and stretching all the way to Lake Louise, this route is a visual feast. You’ll find yourself mesmerized by sights like Morant’s Curve, where the urge to pull over and capture the moment in photos will be irresistible.
If you’re up for an active experience, cycling the Bow Valley Parkway is a fantastic option. The parkway spans about 48 km and offers a mix of easy rides and challenging sections with hills.
Cycling from Banff to Johnston Canyon and back is around 50 km, providing ample opportunity to soak in the breathtaking surroundings. The route is generally more peaceful in the early morning or during less busy months, offering a serene experience amidst the natural beauty.
Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to cycle, consider visiting in the early spring (April and May) when the parkway is clear of snow and less busy. Cycling during these months allows you to enjoy the route with fewer vehicles and cooler temperatures, perfect for a comfortable ride.
Hike around the Six Glaciers area
Address: Improvement District No. 9, AB, Canada
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Opening Hours: 24/7
The Plain of Six Glaciers hike in Banff National Park is a remarkable journey that begins at the iconic Lake Louise and leads you through an impressive landscape, ending amidst a stunning array of glaciers.
This trail is a must-do for anyone visiting Lake Louise, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure.
As you embark on this hike, you’ll traverse a path that was once the meeting point of six glaciers. While these glaciers have now retreated, leaving behind a vast debris field, the views along the trail are still breathtaking.
You’ll be treated to magnificent vistas of Mount Victoria, Aberdeen, and Lefroy, towering majestically over the landscape.
Pro Tip:
It’s important to come prepared for this hike. Make sure to bring water, snacks, appropriate clothing for changing weather conditions, and bear spray, as the area is known for its wildlife. If you plan to eat at the teahouse, remember to bring cash.
Climb Mount Assiniboine
Address: East Kootenay, BC V0A 1E0, Canada
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Touring around Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park, especially during the fall season, is a captivating experience, with the larch trees showcasing their stunning golden hues.
If you’re eyeing a stay at the Assiniboine Lodge or planning to camp, it’s crucial to book your reservations early. These spots are in high demand, particularly during the larch season, as Mount Assiniboine is renowned for its breathtaking autumnal scenery.
Reaching Lake Magog and Mount Assiniboine involves a significant trek, at least 25 km one way. However, the effort is well worth it, as the area is akin to a backcountry paradise.
You can break up the hike over multiple days by utilizing campgrounds along the route, which can make the journey more manageable.
Pro Tip:
When visiting Mount Assiniboine Provincial Park in the fall, it’s essential to be prepared for all types of weather. For instance, camping around September might greet you with mornings blanketed in a light layer of snow.
The weather in this region can be quite unpredictable, with temperature fluctuations and the possibility of snow even in early fall.
Stay for a night at the Mount Engadine Lodge
Address: Kananaskis, AB T0L 2C0, Canada
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Opening Hours: 24/7
Mount Engadine Lodge has a serene and remote wilderness experience that will have you remembering forever!
Located about an hour from Canmore and an hour and a half from Downtown Banff, it stands as an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility in the Rockies. The lodge is surrounded by trees and bushes that beautifully change color in September and early October, adding to its allure.
The lodge provides various accommodation options, including in-lodge rooms, alpine-style cabins, glamping tents, and even a rustic camping yurt. Each accommodation type is designed to offer comfort and a unique experience in the wilderness.
Also, the cabins overlooking the meadow are particularly recommended for their picturesque views, fireplace, king-sized bed, and well-appointed bathrooms, delivering a luxurious yet rustic experience.
Pro Tip:
Given the popularity of the lodge, especially during the peak seasons of fall and winter, it’s crucial to book your stay well in advance. This ensures you get the best choice of accommodations, be it the cozy cabins or the unique glamping tents.
Explore Lake O Hara
Address: Columbia-Shuswap, BC V0A 1L0, Canada
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Opening Hours: 24/7
For an unforgettable autumn adventure, consider a journey to Lake O’Hara in Yoho National Park. This area transforms into a golden wonderland, thanks to the larch trees around Lake McArthur and Schaffer Lake.
Hiking here, especially on the Opabin Plateau, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping views that are simply awe-inspiring.
If you’re planning a trip to Lake O’Hara, acting fast on reservations is key. Whether you’re eyeing a camping spot or a bus ticket, these are highly sought after during the fall and are snapped up quickly.
Pro Tip:
For those who missed out on reservations, all’s not lost. You have the option to hike the 11km access road to the lake. It’s a challenge, but many who’ve done it agree that the effort pays off grandly with the stunning sights at the end.
Don’t miss a “golden” experience in Golden Town
Address: 502 9 Ave N, Golden, BC V0A 1H0, Canada
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Opening Hours: 24/7
Golden is a charming addition to any Banff itinerary, especially when the seasons shift. This small town offers a unique experience as it’s not within a national park, which means you can enjoy a bit more freedom in the mountains.
Imagine cozying up by a fire along the Kicking Horse River or taking a 4×4 up into the mountains for an exhilarating adventure.
For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is a must-visit, especially before they close their downhill bike park in October. The resort, known for its stunning terrain, offers an exciting experience for both beginners and seasoned bikers.
Pro Tip:
As Canada’s highest suspension bridge, it offers breathtaking views and exciting activities like the canyon swing and railrider mountain coaster, providing an adrenaline rush for those seeking adventure.
The canyon swing, in particular, is an experience that will have you soaring over a canyon, creating an unforgettable memory. Remember to book these activities in advance to secure a spot.
