Fall in Banff and Lake Louise

Direct Flights

Flying to Calgary International Airport (YYC) is an accessible and easy option when travelling to Banff and Lake Louise. Get on the plane, then after a glass of wine, a film or two, and a little nap, you will find yourself flying overhead the snow-covered peaks of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Getting From the Airport

It takes around 90 minutes to drive from the Calgary International Airport to Banff depending on traffic. If you're heading to Lake Louise add another 40-45 minutes. It’s a very scenic and straightforward trip. You could rent a car from the Calgary airport or city centre or take one of the shuttle buses or scheduled coach services. Find out more about getting here.

There are many easy options for getting around and exploring during your visit, whether you’re driving, planning a vehicle-free visit, or in an RV.

• Take advantage of the extensive public transit and shuttle options to enjoy the scenery vehicle- and stress-free.
• If you’re driving to Banff and Lake Louise you’ll need to purchase a Park Pass for entry into Banff National Park. Purchase the Park Pass online before you arrive for express entry into the park.
• Rent a bike or lace up your walking shoes for a fun and healthy way to get around the town of Banff.

Banff and Lake Louise have accommodation options for everyone, whatever your preferences and budget. Stay in a classic backcountry lodge, enjoy epic views from your chalet, or immerse yourself in the colourful energy of Lake Louise in the fall. See the accommodation for a full list of options.

Legendary Lodges

Make the most of fall in Banff and Lake Louise by getting out for a hike in the crisp mountain air before cozying up in front of a fire. Frontcountry such as Storm Mountain Lodge, and backcountry lodges are a wonderful way to enjoy both outdoor fun and indoor relaxation. Take a step back in time and away from reality, with the historic Skoki Lodge, located in the high alpine of Lake Louise. Experience a horseback adventure with a backcountry stay at Sundance Lodge. Emerald Lake Lodge can be accessed by road but offers a mountain experience on the edge of a pristine alpine lake.

Stays on the Bow Valley Parkway

The Bow Valley Parkway is a stunningly scenic road winding between Banff and Lake Louise with some great places to stay. With incredible mountain vistas, a stay at the log cabins and lodge suites at Baker Creek Mountain Resort is highly recommended. 

Lake Louise Hotels

Lake Louise truly glows in the fall as the leaves change colour and snow starts to fall on the peaks. There are plenty of options for where to stay in Lake Louise: Lake Louise Inn, Baker Creek Mountain Resort, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, Deer Lodge, Paradise Lodge & Bungalows and Mountaineer Lodge.

During fall in the Canadian Rockies you might experience a range of weather. We usually enjoy sunshine and mild temperatures during the day, while the temperature drops at night. By mid-September there is often frost on the ground in the morning and leaves start to fall. In early October snow will likely start to cover the peaks and sometimes dust the valley floor.

We suggest bringing layers, so you can stay warm during the chilly evenings and mornings and take layers off as it warms up during the day. Warm gloves, a toque (that’s Canadian for a woolly hat), and sunglasses are a good idea as well.

Closer to your visit, keep an eye on the webcams and the weather forecast for live updates of conditions around Banff National Park.

Banff and Lake Louise’s diverse food scene features a distinctive taste of place which connects you to our people and environment. Fall is a wonderful time to enjoy intimate dinners and hot drinks in front of a cozy fire and golden afternoons with après on a sunny terrace.

• Celebrate the flavours of Banff National Park with Taste for Adventure, a two week culinary event, featuring exclusive menus, unique dishes, and irresistible specials cooked up by the region's top chefs and restaurants.
• Savour a nourishing meal that reflects our incredible natural setting. Many of the world class chefs in Banff and Lake Louise make use of ingredients local to our area, such as bison, elk, and game meats, complemented by a wide selection of regional craft beers, small batch distilled spirits and wines from across Alberta and British Columbia. Read more about our where to eat in Banff National Park.
• Check our locals' recommendations for the Best places to après after your days' adventures.
• Discover a comprehensive list of Banff's best coffee shops