Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, that’s a real place — one you’ve likely seen if you’ve spent any time on the travel corners of the internet. But one thing you still might not know about Banff? Fall is the best time to visit the Canadian mountain town.
The trees turn an electric gold that looks Photoshopped (it’s not). The hiking trails get noticeably quieter. And you can soak up all the coziness of après-ski, without the treacherous weather and heavy gear. Plus, there’s a downtown lined with mountain-chic accommodations (stay at Moose Hotel & Suites), vibrant art galleries (the wildlife photography at Jeff Walker Gallery is a standout), and shops selling everything from artisanal teas (in an 1890s log cabin, no less) to 25 flavors of fudge.
Oh, and did we mention the town’s castle-inspired hotel that looks like it belongs in a Wes Anderson film? Consider those Patagonias packed.
💧 Take advantage of those Officially OOO, Ready-for-Anything vibes and go big at Banff National Park’s crown jewel: Lake Louise, which, at this time of year, will have gloriously fewer people obscuring the view. Once you’ve said “I can’t believe water can be that blue” for the 15th time, hit one of two nearby hikes.
True to its name, Plain of Six Glaciers boasts sweeping vistas of the surrounding glaciers, while Lake Agnes is slightly shorter and offers serene forest views. (You could even do both in one day for extra bragging rights.)
More of a biker than a hiker? Channel that same Day-One Ambition on Goat Creek Trail, a suitable-for-most-levels route that links Banff to nearby Canmore (one of the filming locations for HBO’s The Last Of Us).
👟 When your feet need a break, enjoy Banff’s easier, yet just as stunning, outdoor offerings. Like Johnston Canyon, a trail that includes suspended catwalks that cross over a rushing river and offer an up-close look at the cascading waterfalls (don’t worry, there’s a railing). If even that’s too much walking (relatable), hop in the car and cruise the glacier-lined Icefields Parkway, which connects Banff and Jasper National Parks and has been called “one of the most spectacular drives in the world.”
Or, take a gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain for the area’s best views. At night, head to nearby Lake Minnewanka to gaze up at stars, constellations, and, if you’re lucky, a celestial phenomenon known as Steve (pro tip: pack blankets and hot cocoa).
🍴 Some people don’t mind spending a month’s rent on accommodations. Those people stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs. For the rest of us, the hotel’s afternoon tea is the next best thing — with (almost) too-pretty-to-eat pastries, homemade preserves, and stunning mountain views.
Or, for an afternoon pick-me-up that’s more grab-and-go, swing by Wild Flour for freshly baked breads and ridiculously large maple twists. When you’re ready for dinner, try Block Kitchen + Bar, a local favorite serving up bao buns, nori-dusted Tokyo fries, and more Asian-inspired dishes.
And if your thrill-seeking extends beyond the outdoors, check out Banff’s famous fondue spot, The Grizzly House, where the menu ranges from rattlesnake and alligator to steak and seafood (we’re relieved too).