Amazing Things to do in Banff in Fall

Are you dreaming of golden larches glowing against bright turquoise lakes, sipping hot chocolate in a cozy Banff café and wearing cute sweaters while being surrounded by mountain views? Then Banff in Fall is calling your name!

When Dave and I first visited Banff in the Fall, I couldn’t believe we had waited so long. Banff in Summer is stunning of course, but when you add in fiery Fall colours and a dusting of snow on those gorgeous mountain peaks, it feels like stepping straight into another world.

In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Banff in Fall, from magical larch hikes and hidden photo spots to cozy cafes and jaw-dropping panoramic views you don’t even need to hike to. If you’re planning a fall trip to Banff, this list will make sure you don’t miss a thing.

1. Go on a Fall hike

There are loads of hikes in and around Banff to see the Fall colours. A lot of these are larch hikes and others are just hikes with normal Fall trees which are just as beautiful. Make sure you are fully prepared when hiking in Banff in October. We got caught in the rain when we hiked Healy Pass and it was very cold!

Then when we did the Little Beehive, it started snowing a little at the viewpoint which was absolutely magical! Luckily not enough for us to need micro spikes or anything but you never know.

2. Photograph the Golden Larch Trees

The golden Larches are one of my favourite things about Banff in the Fall! For those of you who don’t know what a Larch Tree is (don’t worry, I didn’t either not long ago), it looks like a mini Pine Tree but during Fall it turns a bright golden / yellow colour! I went crazy for the larches when we were there because, let’s face it. They are STUNNING! The below photos were both taken on my favourite larch trail, Larch Valley.

Other places to see the larches are on the Tent Ridge Trail, Healy Pass or up at the Banff Gondola. On tip for getting the best photos is to try to take your photos on a sunny day. The larches are a lot brighter in the sun, although I do kind of love how they look in the photos we took below which was a pretty cloudy day.

3. Banff Pride

October is Banff Pride month in Banff so there are countless ways to celebrate in town such as farmers markets, yoga sessions and brewery nights.

4. Have a picnic at Vermillion Lakes

If you are feeling game, you could even take a paddle board out to Vermillion Lakes, otherwise, I recommend taking a walk around the lake and bringing a picnic and setting up on the dock. The colours are gorgeous here in the Fall. It’s another great spot for Fall photos!

5. Walk to Johnston Canyon

First you need to drive or catch the bus there, but Johnston Canyon is a must-do in Banff if you haven’t been there yet. The Canyon is open year-round so it is a perfect October activity. There are 3 different viewpoints that you can hike to along the Johnston Canyon Trail, all located along the same trail so you can choose how far you want to go. These viewpoints are called the Lower Falls, the Upper Falls and the Ink Pots.

Johnston Canyon is also a great Winter activity because the waterfalls completely freeze, making them magical, like something out of the movie Frozen!

6. See Banff by E-Bike

One of the most fun and unique ways to see Banff is by e-bike! Instead of tiring yourself out pedalling uphill, you’ll effortlessly glide through beautiful forests and scenic roads while spotting wildlife and chasing bucket list waterfalls and lakes whilst soaking up jaw-dropping views of mountains and fall colours.

This guided e-bike tour takes you to Banff’s must-see spots with the bonus of a local guide to share stories and secret stops along the way. Trust me, it’s an adventure you won’t forget!

7. Ride the Banff Gondola

One of the absolute must do activities in Banff in October is to ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain! As you soar above the trees, you’ll get views of views of 6 different mountain ranges, winding rivers and the cute town of Banff below. At the top, you can take a stroll on the boardwalk along the mountain ridgeline for 360° panoramic views that feel like they are straight out of a postcard.

The gondola is one of Banff’s most popular attractions, so I recommend booking your tickets in advance to lock in your time slot (especially for weekends and sunset rides!).

If you’re wondering whether the gondola is really worth it, I actually wrote a full guide breaking down whether I think it IS worth it, so you can decide before you book!

8. Visit Moraine Lake (but only up until 15th October)

You can’t visit Banff without seeing Moraine Lake! It’s one of the most iconic (and most photographed) places in Canada. Last time On my last trip, I met a couple who weren’t planning to go. I told them it would be a huge mistake and absolutely insane if they missed it and they immediately changed their plans. I really hope they did!

The best time to experience Moraine Lake is at sunrise, when the peaks slowly glow orange and the lake gets that unreal shade of turquoise. It’s honestly one of those moments that gives you goosebumps. I’ll never forget watching the mountains reveal themselves bit by bit as the light crept in. I don’t think I can fully explain the feeling but it is one that I will never ever forget!

9. Explore the Icefields Parkway

The Icefields Parkway is more than just a road. It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Stretching from Banff to Jasper, you will pass incredible turquoise glacial lakes, waterfalls, rivers, massive glaciers and other stunning viewpoints.

The best part? You don’t have to drive all of the way to Jasper to experience it, but instead, you can go as far up the road as you like, while exploring some of the stops. Even a couple of hours on the Icefields Parkway will blow your mind.

My favourite stops are actually not too far from Banff. They are Bow Lake, Waterfowl Lakes and Peyto Lake (Yes, I think I have a thing for turquoise lakes 😅).

In fall, the golden larches and yellow aspens add an extra layer of magic, making the Icefields Parkway feel like you’re driving through a painting.

10. Walk along the Bow River in Canmore

The Bow River Trail in Canmore is a beautiful 2km loop that has yellow aspens and golden larches scattered along the shoreline during Fall. Along the trail, you might catch glimpses of local wildlife or spot the mountains reflecting in the water. It can make for a peaceful Fall walk and the perfect backdrop for a picture perfect cozy Fall day.

11. Warm up in a cozy café

Whether you need to warm up after a larch hike or want to relax with a good book while sipping a pumpkin spiced latte, these cafés have you covered.

• Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise – perfect for a post hike hot chocolate with views of the lake! Reservations are required.
• Good Earth Coffeehouse Banff – I spent HOURS at this café on a rainy day in Banff and it was perfect. If it’s not raining, there is outdoor seating with firepits. Located in Banff Town.
• Whitebark Café – has both indoor and outdoor seating
• Happy Camper Cafe & Bar – located in Canalta Lodge with lots of space, hot and cold drinks and snacks and flatbreads.

12. Go on a helicopter ride over Banff & Kananaskis

If there’s any time I would 1000% opt for saving up my money for a helicopter ride, it would be during Fall in Banff. Just imagine soaring above jagged peaks with valleys full of golden larches and autumn colours as far as the eye can see.

On this 30-minute tour over Lake Minnewanka and Kananaskis, every twist and turn of the Rockies looks even more magical from above. It’s a perspective of Banff that you simply can’t get anywhere else. This is the ultimate Fall adventure you’ll remember forever.

13. Soak in the Banff Upper Hot Springs

Warming up in the naturally heated mineral waters of Banff Upper Hot Springs after a crisp Fall hike is the best way to relax. The views of the mountains from the Springs are stunning too!

Tickets for adults are $17.50 and you don’t need to pre-book. Parking is limited though so I recommend catching the bus if you can.

14. Go paddle boarding

Can you imagine paddle boarding in a Banff Lake surrounded by golden Fall colours! EEK! If it’s not absolutely freezing yet, you could sneak in one last paddle boarding sessions before the water freezes over. There are loads of great paddle boarding spots in Banff like Two Jack Lake and Johnson Lake. Don’t forget to bring your camera because this would make for some awesome shots!

15. Go to a festival

There are lots of fun festivals to go to in Fall in Banff such as Oktoberfest, the Banff Wine and Yoga Festival, the Craft Beer Festival, the Mountain Film and Book Festival and more. You can find all of the dates for these on the BanffLakeLouise website.

16. Attend Halloween at the Castle

Okay so I have not been to this but I just came across it while doing extra research for this blog post and now I NEED to go! It’s a one night only celebration on the 31st October (you need to book tickets) at the Fairmont Banff Springs.

The Rundle Bar transforms with into a fairytale forest, with flickering candlelight and magical surprises. Dress up, explore the interactive installations and dance under the chandeliers to a live D.J. This sounds spooky, whimsical and unforgettable to me!

You might also enjoy:

• Is the Banff Gondola Worth it?
• A Magical 4 Day Banff Fall Road Trip Itinerary
• Things to Know Before Visiting Banff in October
• Amazing Banff Summer Tours to do
• How to Spend a Weekend in Banff: The Ultimate Itinerary
• Amazing Fall Hikes in Banff
• How to Visit Banff Without a Car
• Beautiful Lakes to Paddle Board in Canmore and Banff
• Amazing Things to do in Vancouver in Fall
• How to See the Ice Bubbles at Abraham Lake, Alberta

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