Spring
April and May are quiet in-between months. Ski runs close, trails are still snowy, and most lakes don’t fully thaw until June, so we usually steer summer trips a little later.
Canadian Rockies
Turquoise lakes, glaciers you can walk on and elk wandering through town. Mountain views from nearly every window.
By the Global Escapes travel team · Updated
- Best time to go
- Late June to September for summer; December to March for snow
- Trip length
- 7 to 10 days
- From Atlanta
- Fly to Calgary, usually with one connection. Banff is 90 minutes by car
- Time difference
- 2 hours behind Atlanta
- Entry
- U.S. passport
- Currency
- Canadian dollar. Plugs match the U.S.
Why the Rockies take your breath away
Few places look this much like their postcards. The water really is that color, and the mountains really are that close.
Most trips start in Calgary and head west into Banff National Park, then up the Icefields Parkway to Jasper, one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Stay in a grand railway hotel like the Fairmont Banff Springs or the Chateau Lake Louise, or a cozy lodge on a quiet lake.
Add the Rocky Mountaineer train between the Rockies and Vancouver, and you’ll see the range from a glass-domed car, with meals served at your seat and an overnight stop in Kamloops.
Getting around
- Calgary to BanffAbout 1.5 hours
- Banff to Lake LouiseAbout 45 minutes
- Lake Louise to Moraine LakeAbout 20 minutes by shuttle
- Lake Louise to Emerald Lake (Yoho)About 30 minutes
- Lake Louise to JasperAbout 3.5 hours, without stops
- Banff or Jasper to VancouverTwo days by Rocky Mountaineer
When to go
The best months, the busy weeks and the quieter windows, so you can choose the trip that fits.
- JanSkiing, ice festival
- FebBluebird ski days
- MarSpring skiing
- AprQuiet, between seasons
- MayLakes still thawing
- JunWildflowers, long days
- JulLakes at their bluest
- AugWarm days, busy trails
- SepGolden larches, elk season
- OctFirst snow, quiet
- NovSki season opens
- DecHoliday lights, skiing
Peak season Shoulder season Low season
Average temperatures and rainfall
Jan1.0″
Feb0.8″
Mar0.8″
Apr1.2″
May2.2″
Jun2.4″
Jul2.0″
Aug2.0″
Sep1.5″
Oct1.1″
Nov1.0″
Dec0.9″
Jan1.0″
Feb0.6″
Mar0.5″
Apr0.8″
May1.3″
Jun2.2″
Jul2.2″
Aug2.0″
Sep1.4″
Oct1.1″
Nov0.9″
Dec0.8″
Approximate average daily high and low in °F, with average monthly rainfall in inches.
Summer
Late June through August is high season. The lakes turn that famous turquoise, the Icefields Parkway is wide open and the hiking is at its best. Book hotels and Moraine Lake shuttle seats early.
Fall
September is a local favorite, with golden larch trees, crisp air and elk season in Jasper. By October the first snow often dusts the peaks and the crowds are gone.
Winter
Banff is a true winter town, with three ski areas, skating on Lake Louise, dog sledding and hot springs. Storms can close the Icefields Parkway, so winter trips stay closer to Banff.
Where to go
The places our travelers love most, and what each one does best.
Banff
A walkable mountain town inside a national park, with a gondola, hot springs and the grand Fairmont Banff Springs.
Best for First-timers, dining, couples
Lake Louise
The famous turquoise lake below Victoria Glacier. Canoes in summer, skating and an ice castle in winter.
Best for Iconic views, romance
Moraine Lake
Ten peaks reflected in brilliant blue water. Reached by shuttle or tour, roughly June to mid-October.
Best for Sunrise, photography
Icefields Parkway
A 144-mile drive past glaciers and waterfalls. Ride onto the Athabasca Glacier and walk out on the Skywalk.
Best for Road trips, wow moments
Jasper
Quieter and wilder than Banff, with Maligne Lake, dark night skies and excellent wildlife viewing.
Best for Wildlife, stargazing
Yoho National Park
Just over the line in British Columbia: Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls and the Natural Bridge.
Best for Easy day trips, hiking
Canmore
A relaxed mountain town just outside the park, with great restaurants and easy access to Kananaskis.
Best for Families, longer stays
The Rocky Mountaineer
A glass-domed train between the Rockies and Vancouver that travels by daylight, so you see it all.
Best for Bucket-list journeys
From the travel blog
Banff & Lake Louise in winter
Skating on the lake, skiing three mountains, and the cozy lodges that make a Rockies winter special.
Read the guideGood to know
The small things that make a big difference once you arrive.
Moraine Lake by shuttle
Private cars aren’t allowed at Moraine Lake. We book Parks Canada shuttle seats or a private tour, including sunrise departures.
Your park pass
Every visitor needs a Parks Canada pass. We include it in your plans so you’re set at the gate.
Layers, always
Even in July, lakeside mornings can be near freezing and afternoons warm. Pack a fleece, a rain shell and good walking shoes.
Wildlife manners
Elk, bighorn sheep and bears are common sightings. Keep your distance, never feed animals, and carry bear spray on longer hikes.
Book the lodges early
For July and August, the best lakeside lodges fill many months ahead.
Winter driving
Snow tires are a must in winter, and some roads require them. Many travelers prefer a private driver from November to March.
Questions we hear a lot
Do we need a passport for the Canadian Rockies?
Yes. You’ll need a valid U.S. passport to fly into Canada.
When are the lakes turquoise?
The glacier-fed lakes get their color from fine rock flour once they thaw, usually from late June through September, at their brightest in July and August.
Can we drive ourselves to Moraine Lake?
No. Moraine Lake is reached by Parks Canada shuttle, commercial tour or bike. We’ll reserve your spot.
How many days should we plan?
Seven to ten days covers Banff, Lake Louise, the Icefields Parkway and Jasper without rushing. Add two days for the Rocky Mountaineer.
Is winter a good time to go?
Yes, if you love snow. It’s quieter, cozy and beautiful, with skiing, skating and sleigh rides, though some lakes and roads are closed.
Let’s plan your Rockies trip
Tell us when you’re thinking of going and who’s coming along. An advisor will take it from there.