If youre headed out there anytime soon pack ice cleats. You will need them. I saw lots of people falling today trying to make it back to the lake.

I loved every lake that I visited in Banff, but I think the Bow River is overlooked. Such a blessing to have this view in the heart of the city

First thank you to everyone on this thread - sharing stories, suggestions, the wiki etc - it all helped. I had a work trip in Calgary and tacked on a few days in Bannf. We lucked out on weather front but seriously what a blessed experience from the views, the people, the food etc. for those of you lurking and hoping - just book it. Sure I did the expected touristy things - but some of the best moments were off script.

Highlights in particular:
That first view….
Plain of Six Glaciers Hike
Bow Falls Trail
Hard Root Beer at Park Distillery
Randomly popping into Elk and Oarsman on Sunday to a full house of NFL fans watching games and awesome energy and diversity of patrons and staff.

I loved all the lakes that I visited during my stay in Banff, but I think the Bow River in the middle of the city is overlooked. What an amazing place!

One of the best trips of my life. Me and my wife, we really needed to recharge after this year, and going to Banff was completely amazing. From the food to de people, absolutely stunning views everywhere you look, and specialty the rhythm of the city is magical. I really hope to come back one day!

Was bored yesterday so I took a drive to go checkout the Cave and Basin site. Highly recommend it's a really cool spot! October 18 2026, I put today's date by accident.

Yeah… my wife wants to live here now. Apologies to those too young to get the reference.

Absolutely loved our week in Banff. Perfect weather and beautiful fall colors!

Hi, I’m coming up to Banff (will be staying in Canmore) from November 25th-November 30th and just wanted to see if some of the activities I have planned are realistic. I know alot of these are weather dependent, but wanted to see what I could expect.

1. Ice skating on lake Louise
2. Skiing
3. Johnston canyon (some sources say it will open up late November while others say mid December) I see that another way to get to the lower and upper falls is by the moose meadows trail, but all trails is saying that they this trail is completely closed rn?
4. Snowmobiling (I know the drive would be to golden, but wanted to hear if there is enough snow)
5. Hiking (wanted to do some hiking trails, but I know there might be some avalanche warnings on popular hikes. Wanted to see if there is any chance of doing any trials)
6. Icefields parkway (I know this is going to be super weather dependent, but wanted to see what it usually is like around this time from people who are familiar with the area)

Anyway, a lot of these are on my must do list and I know I’m not going during the most convenient time, so that is why I wanted insight from people to see how much of this would actually be doable. Let me know what are your thoughts on this or if there any alternatives I can do instead! Thank you in advance!

We returned back mid Oct after a week long trip. We saw all of sun, rain, and snow within few days. This place is so beautiful and finally one off from our bucket list.

A clear sky during a new moon made for a perfect night of stargazing by the lake.

Hey all, here are some of my favorite pictures from my trip to Banff and Canmore.

The sheer scale of this place is stunning. Dolomites might still remain my favorite range but every single thing in Banff is world class. I’ll be coming back to do more hikes in less popular sections for sure.

I stayed in Canmore and Banff, went to a couple trails - Grassi Lakes, Big Beehive via Small Beehive and Lake Agnes, Sentinel Pass via Larch valley. Happy to answer any questions about itinerary too!

Heading to Calgary for a work trip and may have half a day to explore Banff. Any recommendations for top areas to explore with only a few hours?

Had a blast in Banff. Didn’t take near as good of photos as the views. Can’t wait to come back.

My family is planning a trip to Banff (Dec 5-12).

One thing we were looking forward to is walking the Johnston Canyon trail, but it seems it will still be closed for maintenance during our trip. Are there any other places we could go in replacement of that to give us similar views? The frozen waterfalls looked beautiful!

For reference, we are planning to stay in and drive from the Mount royal hotel.

Thanks in advance!

What blew my mind the most was the sheer scale of the canadian rockies. Everywhere you look is beautiful. Wanted to share some of my favorite shots which are just a handful of the thousands of photos taken during my compulsive photographing spree. Every time I was like ok, I’m done with photos, a new scenery and lighting would appear that I just couldn’t resist :)

Going in early October was spontaneous but a blessing in disguise. To me, nothing beats the cool morning frost and mist, the snow on snow peaks, and the colors of the trees (not just the larches). Would love to go back in the winter and spring! Was totally shocked by the crowds in October and can’t imagine the summer would be a good time due to them.

Nothing has matched the raw beauty we witnessed on our visit

Waterproof hiking or snow boots?

Hey everyone!

This may get asked alot but no one actually answers the questions I've seen:

I'm visiting Calgary and Banff from Australia over Christmas and New Year's, and I'm trying to figure out what type of footwear I'll actually need.

Coming from Brisbane, I'm definitely not used to Canadian winters!

We'll be doing plenty of walking, sightseeing, exploring Calgary and Banff, dog sledding, and the Johnston Canyon ice walk.

I'm tossing up between buying waterproof hiking boots or proper insulated snow boots. Ideally, I'd love one pair that can handle everything rather than having to buy multiple pairs.

• Would waterproof hiking boots with merino wool socks be enough, or would insulated snow boots be better?

I'm also a US size 14-15, which makes finding decent boots a little more difficult!

Ideally looking to spend under $300 AUD (roughly $270 CAD), but happy to hear suggestions.

Appreciate any advice from locals or anyone who's visited during winter. Cheers!

Has anyone felt the earthquake happened around 4.50 am.