Come September, when the last of the summer crowds have returned to work and school, the Canadian Rockies begin their quiet transformation. The larch trees turn a brilliant gold, the air grows crisp, and wildlife sightings become more frequent. For travelers looking to experience Banff and Jasper without the shoulder-to-shoulder chaos of peak season, fall is the time to go.
Banff and Jasper National Parks attract millions of visitors each year, with the majority arriving between June and early September. But by mid-September, the pace slows. Parking opens up, reservations are easier to snag, and you’re more likely to find yourself alone on a trail, or nearly so. There’s still plenty to do, but with less hustle and more space to breathe.
Here’s how to make the most of five crisp and colorful days between Banff and Jasper, with a route that leans into nature, adventure, and a few unforgettable meals.
Day 1: Arrive in Banff
Land at Calgary International Airport and grab a shuttle with Brewster Express, or rent a car if you’re following this full itinerary. Once in Banff, check into the centrally located Mount Royal Hotel. It’s an easy walk to shops, restaurants, and trailheads. Stretch your legs with a quick walk to Bow Falls, then return for dinner at Brazen, the hotel’s chic but cozy restaurant.
Day 2: E-Biking and Elevated Views
Start your day with breakfast at Farm & Fire, a local favorite that specializes in wood-fired comfort food. Then head to Black Diamond Bike & Paddle to rent e-bikes. Ask for the route to Lake Minnewanka via Cascade Ponds—expect wide-open views, smooth paths, and crisp fall air.
Prefer to skip the bikes? Use this day to visit Moraine Lake or Lake Louise. Shuttle reservations are still required, but they are far easier to obtain than in the summer.
End the day with a ride up the Banff Gondola. At 7,486 feet, the panoramic views from the top are unforgettable. Walk the ridge boardwalk, explore the interactive exhibits, and dine at Sky Bistro for alpine-inspired dishes with a view.
Day 3: Icefields Parkway to the Glacier View Lodge
Today is all about the drive. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic stretches of highway in North America, flanked by towering peaks, jewel-toned lakes, and waterfalls. Take your time.
Check in at the Glacier View Lodge across from the Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre. Pre-book the Columbia Ice Odyssey for a rare chance to explore the Athabasca Glacier by Ice Explorer vehicle and on foot. The nearby Skywalk, 918 feet above the valley floor, is worth the nerve. Dinner is at Altitude, where you’ll dine with glacier views on the horizon.
Day 4: Into Jasper
After breakfast at the lodge, continue north along the parkway. Stop at Athabasca Falls, a thunderous rush of glacial water through a narrow canyon.
In Jasper, ride the Jasper SkyTram, the highest and oldest tramway in the Canadian Rockies, for sweeping views of the Athabasca Valley. Grab lunch at Maligne Range, a laid-back spot with hearty, local fare.
Later, head to Maligne Lake for a boat cruise that brings you face-to-face with Spirit Island, a sacred site for Indigenous communities and one of the most photographed places in Canada.
Spend the night at either the lakeside Pyramid Lake Lodge or the mountain-modern Forest Park Hotel.
Day 5: Wind Down or Extend
If you’re heading home, begin the drive back to Calgary, stopping for one last look at the Icefields Parkway. If you’re not in a rush, linger in Jasper. Stroll the downtown shops, breathe in the crisp air, or book a wildlife tour. Elk are often seen roaming the edges of town this time of year.
Know Before You Go
- Getting Around: While Banff is accessible by shuttle, a rental car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially if you’re continuing to Jasper.
- What to Pack: Layers are key. Fall weather in the Rockies can swing from sunny and mild to snow-dusted overnight.
- When to Book: Aim for travel after Labor Day and before mid-October, as some activities and lodges close for the season by late fall.
In the Canadian Rockies, summer might get the glory, but fall is when the parks show their soul. Fewer people, golden trees, and the quiet rustle of elk in the distance—it’s a trip that feels less like a bucket list item and more like a secret you’re glad you kept.