BEST TIME TO VISIT THE CANADIAN ROCKIES
SUMMER
The summer months of July and August are bustling with activity as temperatures soar and days stretch on while the weather hangs in a majestic balance. Hiking trails are open and welcoming to all those who seek to explore nature’s beauty. While it may rain or snow at any given moment, this chance of precipitation should not deter travelers from experiencing the great outdoors.
Unfortunately, these desirable conditions attract tourists who crowd the most popular locations. Intrepid explorers can still discover serenity if they venture further away from civilization. However, please beware of the haze from nearby blazes that scorch the landscape as we approach the end of summer.
When planning a trip during these months, reserve your accommodation well ahead of time as prices skyrocket and availability dwindles. Nevertheless, travelers will find their journeys worthwhile if they prepare accordingly.
FALL
Due to cheaper accommodation, September and October are two of the most crowded months in the Rockies, but they offer stunning fall landscapes with changing colors on the trees. It is possible to get snow in early October, which can close down some roads. Springtime is considered one of the most challenging times to visit because winter lingers so long that trails can be icy or muddy, and conditions tend to be less predictable.
May and June bring fewer people but colder weather and possibly still-closed trails due to snow. Yearly climate can vary (such as the frigid winters of 2018 and 2019 that had snow gracing the mountains well into July).
WINTER & SPRING
Winter and spring are beautiful times to explore the world, especially if you’re an adventurous traveler looking for something new and unexpected but cold, and you may not know what the weather will bring. It is incredibly challenging to take dynamic photographs in the snow. Yes, it can happen, but it is much rarer than at any other time.
WHERE TO DO PHOTOGRAPHY | CANADA
Scroll back up and click on each photography location. We like Banff the best.
- Banff National Park, the oldest in Canada, is world-famous for its glittering lakes, snow-capped mountains, and landmark spots like Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- Jasper National Park, the largest in the Canadian Rockies, will captivate visitors with its magnificent views, roaring waterfalls, and wide range of wildlife.
- Yoho National Park invites travelers to explore its spectacular mountain peaks, idyllic lakes, and noteworthy Burgess Shale fossil beds.
- Between Banff and Yoho, Kootenay National Park offers tranquil hot springs, pleasant hiking paths, and beautiful river valleys.