21 Gorgeous Things to Do in Banff In The Fall

Day hike at Larch Valley Trail

One of the very best places to enjoy fall colors in Banff is the sunning Larch Valley Trail.

You’ll typically find this stunning area at its peak from late September to early October. 

Why is Larch Valley such a great place for fall hiking in Banff? Because, in the fall, the larch needles turn vibrant orange, with the stunning backdrop of the rugged Canadian Rockies. 

🐻 Pro Tip: Banff National Park asks (and often requires) hikers to travel the trail in groups of no less than four people for bear safety. 

Rangers are known even to turn back hikers here who disobey this rule. So, if you’re hiking in smaller groups, hook up with some new friends along the way, and don’t forget to bring your bear spray along. 

Take a scenic drive along Icefields Parkway

Welcome to one of the world’s most iconic, beautiful scenic drives. Icefields Parkway is considered a bucket list drive for many across the globe.

Stretching from Banff to Jasper National Park, this 144-mile-long scenic drive will surely wow you with its unmatched natural beauty. 

🧭 Pro Tip: WIFI along the Icefields Parkway is not good. Be sure to pick up a map of the area or download it to your phone before hitting the road. 

Fall is a great time to road trip Icefields Parkway, with fewer crowds and less traffic. Along this destination drive, you’ll gaze upon the Canadian Rocky Mountains and pass by breathtaking views of vast glaciers, waterfalls, and mountain lakes.

There are so many unforgettable scenes to take in here. Still, some of the best places to stop include Athabasca Glacier, Columbia Icefield, Glacier Skywalk, Sunwapta Falls, Athabasca Falls, Bow Lake, and Peyto Lake.

Many consider this trip the best way to experience the Canadian Rockies.

✅ Click here to purchase an audio guide that doesn’t require a cell signal!

Take a Bow River Tour

Are you thinking of taking your exploration to the water? Consider a Bow River Tour. No, this is not whitewater rafting.

This gentle rafting experience will lead you on a beautiful sightseeing tour showcasing the alpine larch and other fall colors. 

The rafts are likely bigger than you’d expect, holding up to 25 passengers each, and the logistics are all taken care of for you.

The tour begins just a handful of minutes outside Banff, and the shuttle bus will bring you back to the parking lot after your tour.

The tour is exceptional and will take you through views of giant hoodoos and vast expanses of the Rocky Mountains, and you’ll catch a great view of Mount Rundle. 

Explore the charming Town of Banff

Banff is a great place to enjoy excellent dining, shop, stroll through, or relax. This adorable mountain town is sure to capture your heart. 

If shopping is your jam, head to Banff Avenue and Bear Street for the best of Banff. For some history, the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff Park Museum, or the Buffalo Nations Museum.

The best art galleries in town include the Canada House Art Gallery, All in the Wild Gallery, and BearHead Photography. 

If active pursuits are more your thing, Banff is the perfect place for a beautiful walk, whether as a family, with friends, or on your own.

Some of our favorite trails in Banff include the famed Bow River Loop, Tunnel Mountain (short hike), the Hoodoos Trail, Spray River Loop, and Sundance Canyon. 

Take a scenic boat cruise at Lake Minnewanka

Soaking in the Canadian Rockies via the Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise is just about as classic Banff as it gets.

With heated, covered boats, it’s a great way to see the views and learn about the area in any weather. It’s no wonder this brilliant emerald-green lake is a showstopper in the fall season.

Here, you’re likely to spot all sorts of wildlife, from snowshoe hares and red squirrels to elk, deer, and perhaps even a Grizzly or black bear. So, be sure to bring along those binoculars!

Your tour guide will share the history of the lake with you, along with fun facts and classic Banff legends.

Cycling at Bow Valley Parkway

Bow Valley Parkway was the road the Trans-Canada Highway replaced, so you’ll find gorgeous scenery along this route.

🚨 17 km of the parkway is closed to vehicles from May 1-June 25 and Sept. 1-30.

It’s the perfect place to walk, hike, or bike through the spectacular Bow Valley during this time. This closed section will also lead you to the Johnston Canyon trailhead, an excellent spot for hiking.

You’ll pass through habitats rich in wildlife, including moose, Grizzly black bears, and more.

Be sure to pack your bear spray for this ride, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

Go Wildlife spotting at Vermilion Lakes 

Autumn is the perfect time to spot some wildlife at Vermilion Lakes. Due to its marshy nature, Vermilion Lakes is a favorite place for birding.

Since you’ll generally find fewer crowds here, your odds of seeing wildlife are even better.

Deer, elk, moose, and brown and black bears can all be found here. It’s also home to beavers, muskrats, osprey, and bald eagles.

Keep your eyes peeled, and you’re sure to spot something!

Visit the Paradise Valley

Paradise Valley is another great place to see fall colors in Banff.

There are several options here, from short and easy hikes to a challenging, full-day hike with significant elevation gain. 

You can take a short hike to beautiful Lake Annette or check out the main overlook for a more relaxing day.

You can hike to Lake Annette from either the trailhead on Moraine Lake Road or Lake Louise if you’re willing and prepared for a strenuous, full-day hike, heading to Giant Steps is a 12.5-mile round-trip hike.

You’ll want to start earlier in the day, but fall, when average temperatures are lower, is an excellent time to make this hike.

You’ll gain over 1,300 feet in elevation and see some absolutely beautiful mountain views.

Relax at Banff Upper Hot Springs

It’s easy to see why Banff Upper Hot Springs is a hugely popular relaxing spot.

While soaking in the highest hot springs in Canada, you’ll be treated to 180-degree views of the Canadian Rockies, including stunning Mount Rundle.

I’ve never seen such spectacular views from a hot spring.

Housed in a gorgeous federal heritage building, you’ll find everything you need at the springs. They even have an ice cream shop, so head there early enough in the day to grab a little treat after a soak.

Banff Upper Hot Springs is family-friendly, and we saw several other families there, even those with young children.

A portion of the pool is very shallow and separated from the main area. Reservations are not taken here, so it’s first-come, first-served.

Johnston Canyon Hike

Johnston Canyon is a really beautiful hike, and it’s also a popular hike. It’s very family-friendly, so feel free to bring the kiddos.

With the Eastern portion of the Bow Valley Parkway closed from May 1st to June 25th and again from September 1st – October 1st, we highly recommend a visit in early October.

The gorgeous Larch trees can still be found in all their golden glory, and Johnston Canyon will be far more accessible.

This breathtaking wooded trail follows Johnston Creek, eventually leading to a series of boardwalks through Johnson Canyon. Follow along, and you’ll make your way to the beautiful waterfalls.

You can turn around at the Lower Falls or, for a more challenging day, keep hiking to Upper Falls. Continue even further, and you’ll eventually find yourself at the Ink Pots.

These cold springs you’ll see bubbling up from the Earth are quite an interesting sight. 

Mount Rundle

If you want a challenging but glorious hike, head to Mount Rundle. With its proximity to Banff, it’s a popular choice for many. 

While not considered a family-friendly route, it’s an excellent choice for those seeking a more strenuous climb.

Due to its technical nature, we highly recommend hiking Mount Rundle as early in the fall as possible rather than after the snow flies. Late September is much better than October for hiking here. 

You’ll want to start out quite early in the day and bring plenty of water. You’ll begin your ascent with a generous portion of switchbacks before the trail grows steeper. 

Banff Gondola Ride

Taking the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulfur Mountain is a classic experience here in the Canadian Rockies!

Enjoy an incredibly scenic ride in one of the four-person gondolas, and you’ll be rewarded with 360 degrees of absolutely stunning mountaintop views from atop Sulphur Mountain.

Once you ride up the mountain, there’s no lack of services at the top. With two restaurant options:

You’re sure to find plenty of tasty options for your crew, one fine dining (Sky Bistro) and one casual option (Northern Lights), plus Castle Mountain Coffee. 

Here, you’ll also find a beautiful indoor interpretive center and a boardwalk offering one of the best places to gaze upon six mountain ranges across Banff National Park.

Be sure to soak in the beauty of the golden larch trees from the observation deck. Dress in layers for this beautiful boardwalk hike.

Stroll around or rent a canoe at Lake Louise Area

Lake Louise is hands-down one of the most visited spots in Banff National Park, and there’s a good reason for this.

Even the 10,000 pictures I’ve seen plastered all over social media couldn’t prepare me for the moment I first gazed upon the unearthly turquoise waters of Lake Louise.

Yes, it’s quite something in person. It left me utterly speechless. This Banff hotspot is super family-friendly, so even those with young kiddos will feel at home here.

Enjoy the gorgeous, accessible lakeshore trail winding around Lake Louise, and stop for some photo ops.

Renting a canoe at Lake Louise is as classic Banff as it gets. Rent a canoe here, and you’ll find yourself gliding across crystal blue Lake Louise in one of their famous red cedar canoes.

Rentals are charged by the hour and aren’t cheap, so budget for this experience. 

Enjoy the scenic view of Peyto Lake

Peyto Lake is a beautiful place in Banff to enjoy autumn.

It’s quite a scene with far fewer crowds of tourists and the lake still in all its bright blue glory, surrounded by fall foliage in spectacular yellows, oranges, and reds.

Remember that this stop is not a lakeshore trail but a trail to reach a viewpoint to gaze down upon Peyto Lake.

This family-friendly hike doesn’t require much time (or effort) to be rewarded with the best views.

The parking lot at Peyto Lake is free of charge, which is a bonus. Peyto Lake is also a great stop for multi-generational travel or those requiring accessible pathways.

The trail to the Peyto Lake viewpoint is only 500 meters long and is wheelchair accessible. This short, beautiful trail will stand out as a highlight of your stops along the Icefields Parkway.

Visit the Cave and Basin National Historic Site

Cave and Historic Basin is a special spot to visit in Banff.

Considered a sacred place to Indigenous Peoples for more than ten thousand years, it’s a place of special history and significance. 

The natural hot springs located here were the site of a bathhouse dating back to 1887. Cave and Basin features an artificial tunnel to the grotto and a replica of the original 1800s bathhouse.

Cave and Basin are also home to the endangered Banff Springs Snail.  At this amazing historical site, you’ll find interactive exhibits, seasonal activities, and short films about its significance.

The Rocky Mountain views from this site will leave you speechless so that you won’t miss any views. 

Banff National Park Horseback Riding

Horseback Riding is a great way to experience Banff, with several options available. 

One of the most popular horseback riding tours features riding along the beautiful Bow River. You’ll ride past the historic Cave and Basin Hot Springs, along with spectacular wildlife viewing areas. 

For waterfall lovers, check out the Spray River Tour. This tour takes you up part of beautiful Sulphur Mountain and provides gorgeous views of Bow Falls. 

Sundance Loop is another great option with a longer ride than above. This ride also takes you past Cave and Basin and affords vast views of the Rockies from Windy Knoll. 

Courtesy of the stunning 360-degree Rocky Mountain views you’ll find here, the boardwalk hike at the top of Sulphur Mountain is a must-see in Banff.

Most visitors arrive topside via the Banff Gondola, but for those seeking an adventure, the alternative is to hike up the fairly strenuous Sulphur Mountain Trail. 

After grabbing a treat and exploring the interpretive center, head on the Sulphur Mountain boardwalk. Traversing only a few hundred meters via 376 steps, you’ll find yourself soaking in the natural beauty of six different mountain ranges.

The boardwalk winds up to Sanson’s Peak, where you’ll return to the interpretive center.

Don’t miss the rooftop observation deck atop the interpretive center before or after your boardwalk hike.

🌄 Pro-Tip: Suphur Mountain is the perfect place to soak in a mountain sunset, so we highly recommend considering heading up later in the day. 

Enjoy the challenging Sentinel Pass trail

If you’re physically prepared for the challenge and looking for a strenuous hike, consider hiking Sentinel Pass Trail.

Complete this amazing hike, and you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Moraine Lake, Paradise Valley, and a golden Larch Valley.

So, why, you ask, is Sentinel Pass considered such a tough trail?…. Well, it’s not so much the length, clocking in at nearly 7 miles total, out and back. It’s more than 2,600 feet of elevation gain you’ll experience on this trail.

Yep, that’s some serious uphill action, especially if your body isn’t adjusted to a higher elevation from the start.

Hydrate ahead of time, and bring along plenty of water. Bring sunscreen, and bring the bear spray.

Autumn provides some of the best months to experience this bucket list trail, so enjoy!

Climb at Lake Agnes Hiking Trails

Lake Agnes is an exceptionally popular spot for a nice hike, and with good reason. Yes, there are beautiful views, and yes, it’s a pretty family-friendly hike, but that’s not what makes it so special.

What makes this hike so special is the famous Lake Agnes Teahouse. This hike begins at the famous Lake Louise and heads uphill to the delightful Teahouse.

Make this hike, and you’ll be rewarded at the top with a delicious assortment of options, from tea made with water from Lake Louise to hot cocoa, lemonade, cookies, and biscuits.

You’ll also enjoy spectacular views of Lake Louise below. Plan for at least 3 hours to make this hike, or longer if you have kiddos in tow or want extra time at the Tea House.

Go ahead and bring Fido, but be sure to keep your dog leased.

Easy hike at Cascade Ponds

Looking for a beautiful, easy hike to enjoy autumn colors in Banff? Look no further.

Not only is this short 0.9-mile loop hike accessible (and stroller-friendly), it’s a great place for a family gathering or BBQ. 

Due to its proximity to Banff, Cascade Ponds can be busy on the weekends. Plan for a weekday visit if you’d like to ditch the crowds. 

This family-friendly spot is also popular for stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and more.

You’ll find warmer water temperatures here relative to many other area lakes, so bring your swimsuit!

Stroll at the Banff Avenue

For a low-key day in town, relax and take your time strolling the famed Banff Avenue.

The town is extremely pedestrian-friendly, and Banff Avenue is its most famous walkable area. 

Banff Avenue is considered the main street in town. The city even closes some of this street throughout summertime so tourists can enjoy this great area.

With a vibrant downtown feel, you’ll find everything you need, easily accessible, right in town. From coffee shops and excellent cuisine to shopping and art galleries, it’s all here in downtown Banff. 

ROAM, the public transit system here, is excellent, and many people find Banff easy to get around otherwise by walking or cycling.

If you prefer biking to walking, rent a bike to get around town.