Visiting Banff in June? Here’s All You NEED to Know
If you plan to visit Banff in June, be prepared for a bit of sunshine and warmth and a bit of unpredictable weather. In general, June is a lovely time to visit, and one of the best times to visit Banff. Early June is shoulder season, so crowds are lower than in July and August, but they quickly pick up towards the end of the month.
While June in many other parts of the world typically means summertime, in the Canadian Rockies, it means sun, rain, cold temperatures, and a whole lot of changing weather that is very unpredictable. That being said, most of the snow has melted at lower elevation points, and many of the glacial lakes have completely thawed by now, making it a great time to enjoy all Banff has to offer.
Things to Know Before Visiting Banff in June
What’s the Weather Like
It’s starting to feel like summer by the time June arrives. June is officially the end of the ski season in the Rockies and winter (boo), but that doesn’t mean Banff isn’t without anything to do (yay).
June is an excellent time to visit Banff for hiking; the trails start to get popular in June, particularly on weekends. Many trails are still wet and muddy, and the higher elevation peaks requiring scrambling will still have plenty of snow on them, so they are best left to hiking in July.
June is often the wettest month of the year and when it rains the most in the Rockies. Though, the rain may be annoying while on vacation, it is often desperately needed in the Rockies (which are very dry). The rain in May and June helps fight the chance of forest fires later in the season.
Even though day temperatures are pretty high (we’re talking highs of 19°C), it’s still very cold once the sun goes down, hovering just above 5-7°C. The good news is that most glacier lakes are now thawed, and you can enjoy those sweet baby blues you’ve seen in photos.
Getting to Moraine Lake becomes possible in June, with Moraine Lake Rd opening on June 1st, 2024. So, if seeing the most famous lake in Canada is on your list, you’ll finally be able to see the magnificent body of water. The bad news? Crowds are coming.
Early June is your last chance to score a few shoulder season prices; once mid to late June and July hit, accommodation options narrow, and prices in Banff creep up. Hopefully, you have booked your accommodation already. If you plan to go camping in June, it’s best to book your camp reservations early.
Banff can still be quite rainy and wet in June. So when it’s nice out, you better get outside and play! Rain jackets and water-resistant shoes are your friends during this month, and we recommend having them in your suitcase!
What to Pack for Banff in June?
Don’t plan on busting out the shorts and flip-flops quite yet. June is truly a mixed bag. Some days, you can get away with shorts, tanks, and Tevas and Chacos, while others, you may want to put on a toque.
Leggings and a fleece will come in handy, as will a packable rain jacket and hiking boots. However, don’t hesitate to bring warm weather clothes—you never know what the mountains have in store for you this time of year.
I know you probably want to pack one clothing style, but if I’m being honest, I would pack for both cooler spring weather and summer. If you are visiting towards the last week of June, it just might feel like a true summer. This is Alberta, after all!
Packing layers and lightweight, breathable hiking clothing will keep your bag light! Almost every night, you will need a jacket. We recommend a packable puffy for lightweight comfort. For ideas of what we love to wear in the Rockies, see our recommended gear section.
Do You Need Bear Spray in June?
Yes, if you are doing any hiking in Banff you need bear spray in June. The bears start to come out of hibernation in April and May, and it’s best to start thinking about them when hiking.
That being said, if you don’t have many hikes or bikes planned and intend to spend most of your time on Banff Avenue or enjoy paid Banff attractions like the Banff Gondola or the Open Top Tour, it’s unlikely you’ll need bear spray.
Familiarize yourself with bear safety protocols before embarking on hikes. We recommend carrying bear spray all year round while hiking in the backcountry. Did you know bears aren’t true hibernators and can awaken at any time? You can purchase bear spray at Atmosphere and Snowtips Bactrax in Banff, as well as Valhalla and Canadian Tire in Canmore.
Can You Visit Lake Louise in June?
Lake Louise should be completely thawed by early June unless it’s been exceptionally cold. Visit Lake Louise in June, and the water will be so blue your eyes may hurt!
Hiking to the Fairview Lookout, Lake Agnes Teahouse, and even the Beehives is attainable now as the snow has melted in many higher-elevation places. Although, attempting summits like Devil’s Thumb and Fairview Summit will need a few more weeks.
I love visiting Lake Louise in June because it’s summer, the weather is often terrific, the water is Kool-Aid blue, and the crowds aren’t at their peak…yet. Early in the month, you’ll probably still be able to get parking at Lake Louise without all the hassle of arriving at the crack of dawn too.
It’s possible to rent a canoe at Lake Louise by the middle of the month and hit up the water. Or you can always bring your own as well. Moraine Lake Road will be open on June 1st, after a long winter. A fun thing to do is combine Lake Louise with Moraine Lake for the day!
Can You Visit Moraine Lake in June?
The access road to Moraine Lake is typically open by the first week of June, making it a great time to visit. However, keep in mind that visiting Moraine Lake is no longer as simple as driving up and parking your car in the parking lot. You cannot drive to Moraine Lake and getting to Moraine Lake requires advanced planning. We recommend using the Moraine Lake shuttle run by Parks Canada, or using a local bus operator like the Moraine Lake Bus Company and Via Via Shuttle. You can also choose from a variety of Moraine Lake Tours, like this one from Radventures.
The good news is that Moraine Lake should be thawed entirely by mid-June, although there may still be a few ice patches floating around. Moraine Lake is a glacial lake, meaning it recedes in the winter. This means that early June may not be as blue or full as you have seen in photos. Though come mid to late June, Moraine Lake is shining in all her splendor.
Once Moraine Lake Lodge opens up, you can soon rent a canoe and paddle around the beautiful lake. Scrambles like the Tower of Babel are also safe and good to go by mid-June, though you’ll have to wait for the high summits like Effiel Peak and Mount Temple. There’s still quite a bit of snow lingering about.
Things to Do in Banff in June
Bike the Legacy Trail
The Legacy Trail is a 27 km paved trail that runs between Banff and Canmore and is an excellent way to get active and take in the views. It’s one of the best things to do in Banff in June as the trail is snow-free. I bike the Legacy Trail a few times a week and love the challenge and workout. The views never cease to amaze me.
If you have your own bike, that’s ideal, but you can also rent bikes for the day at Rebound Cycle in Canmore or Banff Cycle in Banff. Expect the trail to take a little over 2 hours on a road bike and 4 hours on a mountain bike round trip (Banff to Canmore and back). It all depends on your fitness level and bike experience. We find it’s best to break it up with a beer in Banff or Canmore before heading back from where you came!
Hike in Kananaskis Country
Kananaskis Country is a provincial park right next to Banff National Park. It’s a bit lower in elevation, so when the snow at elevation hasn’t quite melted in Banff yet, you can head to this part of Alberta. There are some fantastic hikes in Kananaskis, and the mountains are just as beautiful. Some of my favorite early season hikes in Kananaskis are Prairie View Lookout, Porcupine Ridge, Wasootch Ridge, and Read’s Tower.
Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is said to be one of the most beautiful drives in the world. And after driving it many times, I would have to say I agree. It honestly never gets, no matter how many times you make the journey. The Icefields Parkway runs from Banff to Jasper and has plenty of lakes to stop at, waterfalls, and photo points along the way. I love driving it on weekdays in June, as the summer crowds have yet to take over the roads.
Get an early morning start and stop off at Herbert Lake, hike to Hector Lake, and explore Mistaya Canyon. If you don’t have the whole day, the Glacier Discovery Center is a great turnaround point, or continue past that and drive all the way up to Jasper, seeing Tangle Creek Falls, Athabasca Falls, and Sunwapta Falls!
Don’t have a car? Join this Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway Full-Day Tour
Hike Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is a highlight for many on their trip to Banff, and it’s an easy Banff hike that’s good for families and those with limited mobility. The trail through Johnston Canyon moves through the center of the small canyon until reaching the Upper Falls.
Be forewarned, it’s possibly the busiest trail in all of Banff, so in peak season, you’ll need to arrive early, before 8:30am, even in June, if you want to avoid some of the crowds. That being said, Johnston Canyon offers some splendid natural features, and its accessibility to everyone makes it a stand-out. If you’re up for a bit of a bike and hike day, consider joining this eBike tour!
Canoe on Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka is the largest lake in Banff and is located just 20 minutes from the town of Banff. It’s a great lake to head to if you just want to chill by the water for the day, but it’s also great for canoeing or renting a motorboat. Though please be safe, the winds are strong here. Lake Minnewanka is one of the only lakes in the park where you can rent yourself a motorboat with a group and enjoy the views from the lake!
Lake Minnewanka Scenic Cruise
Cruises on Lake Minnewanka typically ramp up around mid-May, and by June, they are in full swing. This hour-long panoramic cruise heads to Devil’s Gap at the end of Lake Minnewanka and back and is one of the best ways to see the lake.
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. Along the way, a guide will share stories about the area and the lake’s importance to the Stoney Nakoda people. If you’re a beer lover, look into their Beer Voyage cruise!
Stand Up Paddle on Two Jack Lake
Two Jack Lake is another great lake that is a beloved stand-up paddle boarding spot. Head here with a paddleboard, kayak, or canoe and take to the water. There’s ample parking here on weekdays in June that makes it easy to launch a boat from (however, parking on weekends is another story). Make sure to wear your life jacket as falling in the water in June would surely shock you. These lakes in Banff are freezing, and hyperthermia can set in quickly.
Enjoy Patio Season
June in Banff means patio season is starting! Long days and warmer weather mean it’s the perfect time to enjoy a beer at one of the best breweries in Canmore or Banff on their patio. I particularly love the patio at Grizzly Paw in Canmore and Three Bears Brewery in Banff. However, every patio is perfection when you have the Rocky Mountains in front of you.
Have a BBQ on Cascade Ponds
One of my favorite things to do when summer rolls around in Banff is enjoy a fire at Cascade Ponds. There are firepits and picnic tables all around the ponds; all you have to do is bring firewood and marshmallows. Before building any fires, it’s a must to see if there is a fire ban. If it’s been dry there, you have a high chance of starting a wildfire. You can double-check on the Parks Canada Bulletin page.
Enjoy Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies. Located on the Icefields Parkway past Bow Lake is this bright blue lake that almost resembles a fox head. To reach the viewing platform is just an easy 10-minute hike!
Get into the Backcountry Via Horseback
Come late June, Banff Trail Riders will start their backcountry tours again. Enjoying one of these tours is a once-in-a-lifetime experience not many get to have. If you have the time and are interested in a remote backcountry experience, I would highly suggest booking the 5-night trip back to Halfway Lodge.
You’ll enjoy getting back into the backcountry on one of their gorgeous houses, sleeping in a cozy Banff cabin, and eating delicious home-cooked food, all while seeing views few in the park get to see. You can see our full review of this experience here: Horseback Riding in Banff With Banff Trail Riders.
Mt Norquay Via Ferratta
Want to get into the mountains, but have the safety of a harness, cable, and a mountain guide? Mt. Norquay’s Via Ferrata is the perfect thing to do for those looking for a real adventure in the Canadian Rockies.
What is a Via Ferrata? This is an assisted climbing experience up Mount Norquay. Four different routes vary in length and difficulty. This experience is perfect for any visitor in Banff who wants a bit of an adrenaline rush, with many different options for families too.
If some of your group wants to hang off the the side of a mountain and some want to just chill, we also recommend the Mt Norquay Summer Chairlift that takes visitors up to the Cliffhouse Bistro, one of the most scenic restaurants in Banff.
Bike the Bow Valley Parkway
One of the best things to do in June is bike the Bow Valley Parkway. We always consider June to be a great bike month, as most paths are clear of snow now and are fantastic for cyclists and mountain bikers. My favorite road to cycle in June is the Bow Valley Parkway.
Why is that? Well for most of June, Parks Canada closes a section of the Bow Valley Parkway to vehicles to give cyclists and wildlife the right of way. This closure lasts for most of June, but it’s best stay up to date with closure dates for June 2024 here. It’s a fun ride for all as it’s paved and crosses many beautiful stop-offs like the Storm Mountain Lookout, Johnston Canyon, and Moose Meadows.
You can go for as long as you want and then turn around and head back to your car. Or you can cycle all the way to Lake Louise and back for an epic 100km+ day!
Enjoy a Gondola Experience
All the Banff Gondolas will be operating in June. Yes, there are multiple Banff gondolas to enjoy in the summertime! The most well-known and popular is the Banff Gondola, where you can purchase tickets that get you great views over the Town of Banff. It’s open year-round and is the busiest gondola in Banff, but there are plenty of facilities on top of Sulphur Mountain to handle everyone. They also stack their entrances, ensuring there are not too many visitors at once.
There is the Lake Louise Summer Gondola, which provides stunning views over Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier. You even stand a chance of seeing a bear while going up!
Lastly there is the Sunshine Gondola, the Sunshine Village Gondola is Banff National Park’s largest gondola, holding up to an impressive 8 people per cabin, and is a fun thing to do if you plan on hiking Sunshine Meadows.
It’s not a gondola, but it’s worth mentioning that the Mount Norquay Summer Chairlift opens for the summer season in June and is an excellent way to get incredible views over Banff while having a delicious meal at Cliffhouse Bistro.
Banff Hop On Hop Off Bus
The Banff Hop on Hop Off Bus has become quite popular recently. The hop-on-hop-off bus is exactly what it sounds like – a bus that lets you hop on and off when you want! The bus starts in Banff and stops at Johnston Canyon, the Lake Louise Gondola, Lake Louise, and finally, Moraine Lake. It’s the best tour for those who are short on time but still want to see as much as possible in one day.
We recommend utilizing your time to enjoy a hike around Moraine Lake, like up to Sentinel Pass, or some of the Lake Louise hikes, like the Plain of Six Glaciers or Lake Agnes.
Buses depart 7 days a week from either the Moose Hotel and Suites on Banff Avenue or The Banff Heritage Train Station. Just note that the later you depart, the fewer places you can explore. The buses come back to Banff at 4:55 PM and 6:00 PM. Book that bus here.
Canmore Nature Float
If you want to enjoy the scenery from the water without putting in too much effort, we recommend a float tour out of Canmore. Imagine floating with stunning mountain views, picturesque glacial waters, local wildlife, and beautiful spruce and pine shorelines. The tour departs at various times throughout the day from the Canmore Boat Launch on the Bow River, and is fun for all ages who want to get out on the water.
Walk on a Glacier!
If you have never walked on a glacier, we consider the Glacier Walk Tour a must do! Starting at the Glacier Discovery Center, certified guides will take guests to the toe of the Athabasca Glacier and beyond. This is a much more physical tour than the standard Columbia Icefields Tours, where you take a massive truck to the glacier, and instead, you’ll feel a huge sense of accomplishment knowing you worked for your glacier views!
Is June a Good Time to Visit Banff?
June is a fabulous time to visit the Rockies. The weather is starting to get warm, the lakes are thawed, and everyone is excited for a few months of summer after a long, cold winter. Locals can be found on their bikes or on numerous trails, and visitors are in a great mood now that they have finally made it to one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Crowds have yet to arrive in masses, and plenty of hikes are attainable now. In early June, you’ll even be able to score some lower prices on Banff accommodation before the summer season is in full swing.
The only downside is that it can still be unpredictably cold and the weather can be a bit of a mixed bag. You certainly won’t be jumping in any lakes yet, and many mountain summits will still have snow lingering about.
Visiting Banff in June
Pros
- Cheaper prices on accommodation and car rentals at the beginning of the month.
- Most lakes are thawed.
- Moraine Lake is accessible.
- Fewer crowds than in July and August.
- Some sunny, warm and pleasant days.
- The longest days of the year! The sunrise is well before 6am and sets around 10pm.
- Biking the Bow Valley Parkway car-free!
- Summer attractions like the Mt Norquay Chairlift, Sunshine Gondola, Jasper Skywalk and Athabasca Glacier Experience open mid-month.
- Beautiful snow-capped peaks still.
- Biking season in full swing.
Cons
- Unpredictable and changeable weather.
- You may get some rain.
- It can still be a bit chilly – pack a jacket.
- High mountain summits still have snow (not great for scramblers)
- Chance of wildfires
Is Banff Rainy in June?
May and June are the rainiest months in the Rockies, so I would advise packing an excellent rain jacket, weatherproof hiking pants (we love our Kebs!), and waterproof hikers. An average vacationer in June will likely see half sunny days and half overcast/mixed days. It’s best not to rely on weather apps too much. Mountain weather is extremely unpredictable and can change at a moment’s notice. Though no weather websites are ever 100% accurate, our favorite websites to look at are Windy.com and Environment Canada.
I know rain can really suck on vacation, but if it’s raining in June, that means there is a lower risk of wildfires for the summer. And rain is better than smoky skies any day of the week!
If it’s raining on your vacation, some great things to do are check out the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, book the Eat the Castle Food Tour, soak in the Banff Hot Springs, or go bowling at High Rollers.
Festivals in June
If you’re a runner set your calendar for June 16th, 2024 as this marks the day of the Banff Marathon. The Banff Marathon, Half Marathon, and 10K provide participants with one of the most extraordinary and stunning running experiences on Earth! If interested, it’s best to register soon as spaces do sell out!
June is also a fantastic time to enjoy the farmers markets in both Banff and Canmore. The Banff Farmers Market is on Wednesdays from 10-6 at 201 Buffalo St. The Canmore Mountain Market is every Thursday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. at Elevation Place (700 Railway Ave).
Our Top Banff Travel Tips
Download AllTrails
If you plan to hike (including any hikes mentioned on this list), download AllTrails first. It gives you the latest review of a hike and 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 for 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 a good option.
Once in Banff, there is the Roam Bus System to get around Banff without a car. In the summer, it runs to popular places like Lake Louise, while in the winter, it will easily take you to Lake Louise Ski Resort and Banff Sunshine Ski Resort.
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
For a small mountain town, Banff has a plethora of accommodation options. Some of our favorites are
Banff Springs Hotel
The most luxurious place to stay in Banff. Definitely a splurge, but worthwhile if you are celebrating a special occasion.
Johnston Canyon Bungalows
Cabins at the base of Johnston Canyon! These are a fantastic getaway for a few nights that will have you away from the noise of Downtown Banff.
Tunnel Mountain Resort
A no frills, but super comfortable place to stay in Banff. It’s not on Banff Avenue, but a short drive, bike ride or walk away. Very quiet!
Stay in Canmore!
You can always stay in the nearby town of Canmore! One of our favorite hotels in Canmore is The Malcolm on Policemen’s Creek!
↓ 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.
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!
Thank you for all of your great tips. You saved us from traveling too early. We are now planning late June as a result. Appreciate you!
Glad this helped!
Very well detailed Blog with pics for the month of June.It helps as we are planning after 15th June,2022.
Glad it helped – enjoy your trip!
We have a trip planned for the week of June 6th into the following week, what are we realistically looking at in terms of times we need to get to the popular trails like Moraine Lake, Lake Agnes and Beehive, Johnson Canyon, Lake Minnewanka? Is it truly get there by sunrise or earlier or can we get there by 8-9am? Also can you do later day trips, like forget the early morning arrival and arrive at 2pm when the morning crowd had dispersed elsewhere? Thanks.
Moraine Lake and Lake Louise are the main sights you need to be concerned about arriving super early at. The rest will be busy, but parking shouldn’t be a problem.
Are there any music shows or park ranger talks scheduled on Friday/Saturday June 7/8?? Something interesting for three old ladies who are past the hiking/biking age but still want to learn about and enjoy the area?
I’m not aware of any, but you can check with the Town of Banff as they may have more info!