Looking for the best things to see and do in Banff in October?
With cooling temperatures comes the changing of the seasons and the colours of the leaves. October is the best month to see the fall colours in Banff National Park, with snow-capped mountains as the perfect backdrop.
1. See Banff’s fall colours
As fall sets in, it’s the perfect time to see the leaves change colour in Banff. The morning Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour takes you to some of the most scenic viewpoints in Banff – and we might even see some wildlife along the way!
2. Visit Lake Louise before it freezes
Want to see Lake Louise before it freezes for the winter? The water usually begins to ice over in October before it freezes in November, so October is the perfect time to visit this famous lake. Take a scenic drive along the Bow Valley Parkway and then enjoy an hour of free time to wander the famous shoreline on the Discover Lake Louise Fall Tour (please note that Moraine Lake closes in early October but can be visited until this time on the Discover Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Louise Tour).
3. Take a Halloween ghost tour
With Halloween approaching, discover Banff’s ghostly past on a guided evening stroll through the paranormal with stories of haunted landmarks, unsolved mysteries and terrifying encounters at hotels.
The best Banff activities in October
Banff Ghost Walk
Horseback Ride - Spray River 1 Hr
Banff Sightseeing Gondola
Horseback Ride - Bow River 1 Hr
Discover Banff & Its Wildlife
Columbia Icefields Parkway Tour
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
4. Take a fall horseback ride
Take a one-hour horseback ride along the Bow River (or a one-hour ride crossing through the Spray River in early October) as you look out to the fall colours along the Bow River and snow-capped mountains. Banff trail rides run daily until mid October and are perfect for beginners, and you might even see some elk during their rutting season.
5. Package Deal: Banff Lake Cruise + Banff Gondola
Combine two of Banff’s most popular attractions in a combo package deal! Relax on a 1 hour sightseeing cruise on Banff’s largest lake, Lake Minnewanka, and then soar to the summit of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola. The lake cruise operates until mid October (weather permitting), and the Banff Gondola operates year round.
6. Hike with a local guide
As fall colours linger into October, there’s still plenty of hiking trails waiting to be explored. Some of our favourite guided hikes include the Plain of Six Glaciers at Lake Louise and Larch Valley at Moraine Lake. Please note that guided hikes operate until mid October, but private hikes are available on request at any time of year.
Is October a good time to visit Banff?
October is the best month to see fall colours in Banff National Park, with snow-capped mountains as the perfect backdrop.
Is Banff open in October?
Banff National Park is open year round, and October is a great time to take enjoy the fall colours and cooler weather with less crowds.
When does Lake Louise freeze?
Lake Louise usually begins to ice over in October before it freezes in November, and thaws in June each year. The best months to see the turquoise waters is July and August.
What can I do for Halloween in Banff?
Banff Ghost Walks are the perfect Halloween activity, with stories of haunted landmarks, unsolved mysteries and terrifying encounters at hotels.
Can you hike in Banff in October?
As fall colours linger into October, there’s still plenty of hiking trails to be explored including the Plain of Six Glaciers at Lake Louise and Larch Valley at Moraine Lake.