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. A little rain is always welcomed by locals in August!
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.
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 go 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.
Yes, you can visit and it is beautiful. However, remember what I said about August crowds? Well those especially turn up for Lake Louise.
Yes, you can visit and it is beautiful. However, remember what I said about August crowds? Well those especially turn up for 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 or go for a hike on one of the manywhich will get you away from the crowds at the lakeshore.
If you thought July at 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.
There are so many 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.
When I want to relax under the sun with amazing mountain views, I’ll head to Cascade Ponds. It’s a great spot for relaxing, and it’s just a five-minute drive from Downtown Banff.
Here you can get in the water if you’re brave, but I really love to head here with a picnic basket. There are multiple picnic tables and even firepits if you want to bring more ingredients. Please remember to Leave No Trace.
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
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.
