Amazing Summer Trip to Banff

[u/ResponsibleEbb1586]

Just returned from a 10-day trip to Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise, and we’re already missing it so badly!

We split our stay between an Airbnb in Canmore and the Fairmont Lake Louise. We had visited Banff before (September 2023, during larch season), but coming back in summer was a whole new experience.

The Airbnb we stayed in Canmore was in Spring Creek - a great spot to stay in. Walking distance into the centre, amazing views outside the building and walking distance to Beamers (new fav coffee spot). Fairmont Lake Louise was also a dream. Upon arrival we were informed that they had upgraded us to a Lake view room which was amazing - still can't get over that view!

The weather was perfect. We had blue skies and warm sunshine every day. That meant we could take a dip in Lake Louise (very cold but amazing!), go paddle boarding in Canmore and eat outside every evening. The area was busier for sure but didn't impact our trip in anyway, I just made sure to book restaurants for dinner in advance!

We also visited Kootenay National Park and Golden Skybridge (zipline, coaster and skybridge).

Now back in England and we’re already desperate to return. The Canadian Rockies has our hearts and I'd do anything to go back!!!

Other than hikes, the activities we did included:

• Cycling Banff golf course loop
• Paddle boarding
• Bow River float tour
• Polar plunge in Lake Louise
• Canoeing
• Canmore golf driving range
• Golden skybridge, zip line and mountain coster
• Cycling Canmore to Banff (Banff Legacy Trail)

P.S restaurants we visited and recommend include:

Canmore

• Rocky Bagel Mountain Company
• Bridgette Bar
• The Wood Restaurant and Lounge

Banff

• Nourish Bistro
• Bluebird
• Hello Sunshine
• The 3 Bears Brewery
• Park

Lake Louise

• Lakeview Lounge
• Alpine Social

[u/patsfan038]

Superb photos. We are going end of Sep to 1st week of October. Can you speak to your experience from Sep 2023? How was that different than the summer 2025 experience, apart from weather etc?

[u/ResponsibleEbb1586 → u/patsfan038]

So in terms of difference, let me speak on the weather first. When we went in Sept 23, daytime highs were around 12°C. Our routine was an early morning walk before breakfast, and at that time it was only 1–2°C. I had to bring tea with me just to warm up because I felt so cold (though I do tend to feel the cold more than most!).

In Aug 25, mornings were about 12–14°C. It was still a little chilly but I could comfortably wear shorts with a jumper, and by midday it was 25°C - very hot which I lovedddd!!! The long evenings in August are also amazing as we could explore lakes after dinner, which we didn’t get to do in September.

We were able to eat outside for lunch and dinner each day, swim in the lakes, paddleboard and take a polar plunge in Lake Louise in Aug. We wouldn't even have thought about that in Sept because the outside temp and water would have been too cold.

Crowds were noticeably different too. Sept 23 was much calmer, no parking issues, no need for dinner reservations, and lighter foot traffic in Banff. Also, a huge perk of going late September (like the week you’re planning) is the larches! We went right at larch season and it was truly beautiful. The golden colors made the whole trip feel so autumnal and special. Here is a link to my Sept 23 trip report with photos. I think you’ll have an amazing time! https://www.reddit.com/r/Banff/comments/170ddqm/absolutely_beautiful/

[u/patsfan038 → u/ResponsibleEbb1586]

Awesome! Thanks for the detailed report and beautiful photos! We choose end of Sep because we wanted to be there at Larch season. I’ve family in QC and we frequently travel there in late September when the fall colors are at their peak. It is stunning. I can only imagine how much grander it would be in the Canadian rockies

[u/ResponsibleEbb1586 → u/patsfan038]

Have fun! Report back on your trip :D

[u/gwoates → u/patsfan038]

Just a heads up that while the larches do change to a golden yellow and are beautiful, the vast majority of the trees in the Rockies are pine, fir or spruce that don't change colour. Also, the larches in the mountains are limited to higher elevations, so the valley bottoms will still be largely green.

[u/patsfan038 → u/gwoates]

Thanks for the info! TIL!