Visiting Banff in August? Here’s All You Need to Know
August is easily one of the best times to visit Banff National Park. Tied only with July as the best summer month and easily your best bet for getting warm weather and sunshine in the Canadian Rockies.
I love Banff in August and make a point to stay in the Rockies throughout the entire summer because it is so amazing. Summer is great everywhere, but I’m not sure it gets much better than in Banff. So, what can you expect from a visit, and what is there to do in August? Let’s dig in.
Things to Know Before Visiting Banff in August
What’s the Weather Like?
The warmest weather of the year in Banff is definitely in August. So if that is what you are after and you’re looking for the best time to visit Banff, it will likely be August. During this time, the Canadian Rockies are alive with wildflowers, green grass, and sunshine. Daily temperatures float between 20°C and 25°C unless you get to experience an Alberta heatwave where temperatures get close to 30°C, and that brings along a real risk of wildfires.
Most, if not all, of the snow has melted off most of the big peaks, meaning hiking and scrambling are in full swing in August.
If you’re a fan of mountain biking and climbing, you’ll have an enjoyable time in August. Long, warm days are what await you. The visibility of August is typically free of heavy clouds, and you can expect mostly sunshine. Just hope that wildfires haven’t started and that it’s a smoke-free summer. If there have been fires out west, even in the US, it will affect Banff, and the air might be hazy.
We’ve been through a few Augusts without any smoke, and the days have been memorable. However, we’ve also had smoky days in August, and just have to roll with it.
Just because it’s the warmest month of the year doesn’t mean you shouldn’t still pack some warm weather clothes. It gets cold in Banff at night and you’ll definitely want at least a packable down jacket and long pants. A sweater is never a bad idea either.
If Banff in August sounds like heaven, that’s because it is. Except for one thing – the crowds. August is the busiest the park will get all year. With school holidays and everyone having summer off, the park is loaded with Canadians and international travelers.
Yes, even more than July. That being said, if you get away from Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, and the other busy Banff spots, you’ll definitely be able to escape the crowds. Remember, Banff National Park is a huge park, the size of a small country, and there are plenty of places to explore without many people. However, most visitors will congregate around Banff Avenue, and the same spots. In general, the further and higher you hike, the fewer people you see.
What to Pack for Banff in August?
A whole lot of everything! August is the warmest month in Banff National Park, but that doesn’t exactly make it Caribbean warm or anything. So while you will probably be comfortable in shorts and a tank top throughout the day, it’s best to come prepared with a jacket and pants for nighttime.
Don’t forget to bring your hiking shoes and poles if you want to do any hiking in the park. Also, a good daypack will come in incredibly useful. If you have nice dinner plans, don’t forget to bring a few nicer outfits for a night out on Banff Ave, but don’t bother with heels or a suit – you will look out of place in Banff.
Can You Visit Lake Louise in August?
Yes, you can visit Lake Louise in August, and it is beautiful. However, remember what I said about August crowds? Well those especially turn up for Lake Louise.
Expect Lake Louise to be busy during August, even during the week. You’ll need to arrive at the parking area early, around sunrise, to score a parking spot. However, we highly recommend using the reservable Park and Ride shuttle to save yourself the headache and guarantee you get to see Lake Louise.
Once at Lake Louise, you’ll notice how incredibly blue the water is. The color at Lake Louise is so vibrant because of the rock flour from the Glacial melt, and you can’t help but want to fight the urge to drink it (but don’t!)
At Lake Louise, you have a ton of options for things to do. You can rent a canoe and take a paddle around or go for a hike on one of the many Lake Louise hiking trails.
Can You Visit Moraine Lake in August?
If you thought July at Moraine Lake was busy, it’s not going to get much better in August. By August, Moraine Lake is totally thawed, and the color of the lake is incredible. Most of the Moraine Lake hikes and scrambles are good to go. Late August is even a great time to summit Mount Temple, if that’s an objective of yours.
Personal vehicles are not permitted to drive and park at Moraine Lake. Since 2023, you must plan your way to Moraine Lake in advance via the Parks Canada shuttle buses, or with a private operator like Moraine Lake Bus Company. The good news is there are many ways to get to the famous lake.
Things to do in Banff in August
Stand Up Paddleboard
There are so many lakes in Banff to enjoy in the summer. I love taking the paddleboard or canoe out on them on a hot summer day. One of my favorite lakes in Banff to Stand Up Paddleboard on is Two Jack Lake, as it’s located just outside of town and isn’t as wind-affected as nearby Lake Minnewanka.
Other great places to paddle are Vermilion Lakes, Cascade Ponds, and the Canmore Reservoir.
Go Hiking
Banff National Park and the Canadian Rockies are the hiking mecca of Canada. You can’t visit Banff and not go hiking at least once. Seriously it’s one of the best things to do in Banff!
There are some great hikes in Canmore, or close to Downtown Banff, and upwards towards Lake Louise and even in Yoho National Park too. A few of the best hikes are Lake Agnes, the Beehive Circuit, Cory Pass, C Level Cirque, Mount Alymer – okay there are too many to name so we recommend checking out this page here for all the recommendations.
Hike to Boom Lake
Boom Lake is a sub-alpine lake set beneath the dramatic mountain face of Boom Mountain on the border with Kootenay National Park in British Columbia. It sees far fewer visitors than Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, mainly because you have to hike 10km round trip to reach it!
However, once at the lakeshore, you’ll find a pristine forest surrounding the lake. From here, you can even spot a large hanging glacier at the far end of the lake. Head here with a good book and a hammock for some serene time in nature.
Try Scrambling
If you are a good hiker and want to try something more challenging, try your hand at scrambling. Scrambling is a walk up steep terrain involving the use of one’s hands. Three points of contact with your body are typically needed to classify a hike as a scramble.
I love scrambling as it’s more challenging than hiking, and it’s typically required to access some of the big peaks in the Rockies. August is the best time to scramble as most of the snow has melted off the mountain peaks.
My favorite scrambles in the Canadian Rockies are Jimmy Simpson, The Onion, Cirque Peak, EEOR, and Mist Mountain in Kananaskis.
Stroll Through Cascade Gardens
The Cascade Gardens are located at the end of Banff Avenue and are a great family-friendly activity to do while strolling Banff Avenue. These gardens are beautifully maintained and easy to walk around. If you have older people in your party, this is a great activity to do in Banff.
Cowboy Cookout
If you’re traveling with kids, this cowboy experience should definitely be considered. Embark on a scenic wagon ride through Banff, tracing the tranquil Bow River and the stunning Sulphur Mountain trail. After some riding revel in a mouthwatering cowboy cookout BBQ feast featuring delectable steak, fresh salad, baked beans, savory potatoes, and a delightful dessert.
As you unwind by the picnic tables, you may find yourself gathering around a cozy fire at the sheltered lunch area. While waiting for the BBQ to cook, enjoy tales from the Western Frontier and play cowboy games like lasso!
Hike Cascade Mountain
Cascade Mountain towers over Banff and is impossible to miss. Those who are after a long, adventurous day outside may try their hands and climb it. The best month to summit Cascade Mountain is in August, when all the snow is melted.
It may look appealing, but keep in mind summiting Cascade Mountain is a very long day. You can expect it to take up to 9-10 hours as it’s 20.3km and almost 1600 meters of elevation gain. I wouldn’t suggest it as your first hike in Banff, but one to try after you have a few hikes under your belt.
Go for a Dip in a Glacier Fed Lake
If you’re gonna go for a swim in one of the Canadian Rockies lakes, August is the time to do it. As mentioned, it’s the warmest month, and getting in the water will take your breath away slightly less than in other months.
It’s still the Canadian Rockies and submerging yourself in the water is still incredibly cold. I wouldn’t plan to spend too long in the water or go for a long swim. The lake above is Chephren Lake; I got in about waist deep and couldn’t go any further, but every year I do like to enjoy a few cold plunges in the lakes.
Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway runs from Lake Louise to Jasper and is said to be one of the most beautiful road trips in the entire world. A lovely time to drive it is during the summer months when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
You can make plenty of stops along the way, including Herbert Lake, Bow Lake, and Sunwapta Falls. Though the road can get busy in August. To make the most of your time, I would recommend starting the drive early, around sunrise.
Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake (PEE-toh) is another glacier-fed lake in Banff National Park. This is probably the third most popular lake to visit in Banff, after Lake Louise and Moraine Lake so we recommend hitting it either early in the morning or in the evening, but either way don’t miss it!
Peyto Lake has a very unique shape, absolutely mind-blowingly blue water, and a scenic overlook that is easily accessible from the parking lot in under 10 minutes.
Bow Lake
Bow Lake is another stunner that’s a brilliant aquamarine color on a summer day. The scale of the lake is impressive as it’s one of the largest in the park and the giant mountains surrounding the lake humble visitors with scale.
It makes a great place for a nice picnic, canoe, stand up paddleboard, or you can hike to wonderful Bow Glacier Falls – one of our favorite waterfalls in Banff.
Bow Lake has a pull-off lookout point on the side of the road, with picnic benches nearby. Or you can pull into Num Ti Jah Lodge (now called The Lodge) to get different views of the lake.
Hike to Bow Glacier Falls
If you have the time while at Bow Lake, consider hiking to Bow Glacier Falls. It is 4.6 km with 250 meters of elevation gain, from the parking lot and one of the best Banff waterfalls to see. With little elevation gain and stellar views, it’s a fun half day out. Plus you skirt Bow Lake almost the entire time – it’s well worth it.
Hike Parker Ridge
If you plan to drive between Banff to Jasper, it’s well worth it to leave a few extra hours open in your schedule to hike Parker Ridge.
Parker Ridge is an easy hike in Banff that provides stunning views of the Saskatchewan Glacier. Seriously, it’s rare that I am rewarded with such beautiful views for low effort, and August is the perfect time to complete this easy Banff hike.
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
One of the most popular things to do in Banff in August is head to Lake Minnewanka and get out on the water! Here you can take an hour-long panoramic cruise that heads to Devil’s Gap at the end of Lake Minnewanka and back.
It’s a unique natural feature that looks out to the east and the plains of Alberta while enveloped in a mountain amphitheater. You’re guaranteed spectacular mountain vistas while you cruise across the emerald water.
You can buy individual tickets for the Lake Minnewanka cruise, but for the best deal, consider purchasing the Banff Jasper Collective’s Banff Explorer Pass, which includes the Banff Gondola, Columbia Icefield Adventure – Including the Skywalk, Maligne Lake Cruise, and the Golden Skybridge. Lake Minnewanka cruises open for the summer season in mid-May, and they run until October.
If you’re a beer lover, you can really enjoy the Lake Minnewanka Cruise by booking the special Beer Voyage Cruise in the summer. This 90-minute cruise runs daily at 5 p.m. and allows guests to enjoy local craft brews while enjoying the views!
Banff Gondola
You may have heard of the Banff Gondola as it’s a pretty famous thing to do in Banff. The gondola brings you up Sulphur Mountain in just eight minutes, climbing to 2281 meters (7486 ft) above sea level. You climb 698 meters very quickly!
Once at the top, you’ll have panoramic views of the Bow Valley and down towards the town of Banff. One of my favorite views of Cascade Mountain is from here. There’s a coffee shop up here, as well as Sky Bistro, one of the most scenic restaurants in Banff. It’s usually pretty cool and windy up here, but in August you stand your best chance at a warm day!
One of my top tips is to head here first thing, as it gets busy after 9 a.m. on an August day!
Lake Louise Summer Gondola
As summer arrives and the snow gives way, the Lake Louise Ski Resort transitions to its summer operations, and this is when you can enjoy the Lake Louise Summer Gondola.
Visitors can effortlessly ascend the mountain using chairs and cable cars, treating themselves to breathtaking mountain vistas out to Lake Louise without the need for strenuous hiking. Once at the top, savor a meal at the Whitehorn Restaurant, or join one of the guided hikes Lake Louise offers.
Is August a Good Time to Visit Banff?
If you love hiking, canoeing, mountain biking, cycling, and bright blue lakes, August in Banff is the perfect time for you. You can’t go wrong with the warm weather you will experience in one of the most beautiful parks in the world.
Is Banff Crowded in August?
August is the busiest time of the year in Banff National Park. To escape the crowds, you’ll have to stay away from the shores of Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, Two Jack Lake, and other hotspots like Johnston Canyon and the Banff Gondola.
In general, the further and higher you hike, the fewer people you will see. If you start your adventures at sunrise, and don’t mind starting a hike at 4pm, you’re also guaranteed to see fewer people. If you are concerned about crowds consider exploring Yoho National Park, Kootenay National Park, or head to the Town of Golden.
Festivals
Like music? Then, head to the funky Canmore Folk Music Festival. This long weekend of music and mayhem has been going on since 1978.
Pros and Cons of Visiting Banff in August
Pros
- Beautiful summer weather
- All lakes are thawed and bright blue!
- Moraine Lake is accessible.
- Long, warm, and sunny days.
- Biking and hiking season in full swing.
- Most scrambles are good to go!
Cons
- It’s very busy
- It’s the most expensive time of year.
- Attractions may be booked if you haven’t planned in advance.
- Chance of wildfire smoke
Our Favorite Tours and Excursions in Banff
- Banff Gondola: Get up on top on Sulphur Mountain!
- Banff Hop on Hop Off: Explore the park at your own pace.
- Lake Minnewanka Cruise: Enjoy a guided tour on the largest lake in Banff.
- Guided Glacier Hike on The Athabasca with IceWalks: Because when else can you walk on a glacier?
- From Banff: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Sightseeing Tour
- Radventures Earlybird Explorer: Sunrise at Moraine Lake with treats!
- Mt Norquay Via Ferrata: Conquer your fear of heights
Our Top Banff Travel Tips
Download AllTrails
If you plan to do any hiking (including the hikes mentioned on this list), download AllTrails first. Alltrails gives you the latest review of a hike, as well as all the logistical information you may need.
If you pay for AllTrails Pro, you’ll also be able to download offline trail maps to your phone. We use AllTrails for every hike. It’s not the be-all and end-all of hiking information, but it’s a great resource to use in conjunction with hiking guidebooks and websites.
Consider Renting a Car
Being in North America, your options for transport are limited. Most visitors to Banff will rent a car in Calgary, which is the easiest way to get around. Renting a car in Banff ensures that you can get to where you want to go on your own schedule.
Depending on your travel season, car rentals in Calgary can be quite affordable. In June, you may be able to find shoulder season rates if you book well enough in advance.
Other Transport Options
You may not feel comfortable driving in Canada, and that’s okay! There are other options to get to and from Banff and around the town. However, they are limited, so keep that in mind. To get from YYC to Banff, the Banff Airporter is one of the best options.
Once in Banff, there is the Roam bus system to get around town, and in the summer, it runs to Lake Louise, while in the winter, it will easily get you to Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Ski Resort.
Get a Parks Pass
Don’t forget that you’ll need a Parks Pass for your visit to Banff. Every visitor to the park must have a valid Parks Pass, and yes, Parks Canada checks. You can read all about the Banff Park Pass here.
Where to Stay in Banff in August
The Rimrock
Is a super great pet-friendly option in Banff. It’s close to Sulphur Mountain and the Banff Hot Springs. It’s one of the most popular places to stay in Banff, so book it in advance.
Emerald Lake Lodge
One of the most sought after places to stay is Emerald Lake Lodge on Emerald Lake. It’s the only place to stay in the area and will provide stunning views of Emerald Lake at sunrise and sunset!
The Malcolm Canmore
If you opt to stay in Canmore, you can stay at one of the most amazing hotels in the Rockies for less than you would pay in Banff. Their pool views of the Three Sisters is worth the stay alone.
Hopefully, this helped you determine if you want to visit Banff in August. If you have any other questions leave a comment or see our Canadian Rockies travel guide for more articles about photography spots, lakes, hikes, and everything else.
Plan Your Trip to the Canadian Rockies
- Recommended Experiences: There are many things to do in the Rockies, but our top recommendations include the Banff Gondola and a cruise on Maligne Lake to Spirit Island in Jasper. If you want a stress-free way to get to Moraine Lake, we highly recommend looking into Moraine Lake Bus Company.
- Hotels in the Rockies: There are many places to stay, from luxury hotels to wilderness cabins. See all our favorites here.
- Get to Banff or Canmore Without a Car: The Banff Airporter provides fantastic service connecting you from the Calgary International Airport (YYC) to Banff or Canmore.
- Get Around: We suggest renting a car to get around. You can search for rental cars on Rentalcars.com. For a campervan trip, you can check prices and compare on Outdoorsy.
- Cheaper Airfare: We also use Going for airfare deals and travel credit cards to earn points on purchases. Those credit card points can be redeemed for free flights and hotels! Our favorite cards is the Capital One Venture X (which has an insane welcome bonus right now) as it has no foreign transaction fees.
- Hop On, Hop Off: This tour is taking Banff by storm. It’s exactly what it sounds like, hop on and off a bus to visit all the best attractions at your own pace!
↓ Ask Your Questions ↓
The Banff Blog Private Facebook Group is your headquarters for Canadian Rockies travel advice and information, including hike and off-season travel information. You can also meet new adventure buddies.
Hello Natasha,
Thanks for a great article. I plan to mountain bike the great divide trail from Banff to Jasper. How is the mosquito situation in August? I also heard about horse flies.
I am looking forward to exploring the beautiful Canadian rockies on mountain bike.
Cheers,
Samer Atassi
The mosquitos, in early August in Jasper, can be particularly bad. Though it’s all about timing and weather as it can change from week to week. We would recommend bug spray and perhaps a Mosquito Net Hat Head Cover just in case!
Will I need time to adjust to the altitude in Banff? Can I plan on hiking the day after we arrive without issue? coming from Texas
It’s tough for me to say if you will suffer from altitude sickness as every one is different. Have you previously had issues at high altitudes? I will say that most visitors are typically fine, including all of our parents who have visited before. Still it might take time for you to adjust – or maybe it won’t!
Your post has been super helpful with planning my trip! We are going to moraine lake in August with a inner lake connection to lake Louise. We were wondering what food options are available at moraine lake or lake louise? Should we pack our own lunch? Thanks!
We suggest you pack your own lunch. The only food options are at the Fairmont Chateau and they’re pretty expensive at Lake Louise. That said many people love the high tea there for a special experience. At Moraine Lake there is a small cafe.
This is very helpful and beautiful