When to go — Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are ideally visited from June to September for hiking or from December to March for skiing. Summer (June-September) is the absolute season: pleasant temperatures (15-22 °C by day, 5-10 °C at night), all trails open (1,600 km in Banff alone), turquoise lakes at peak colour (peak mid-June to mid-August), Icefields Parkway 100% accessible, intense wildlife viewing (bears, elk, marmots). But extreme saturation: Banff and Lake Louise packed in July-August, Moraine parking full by 5:30am (mandatory shuttle since 2023), accommodation to book 6 months ahead minimum.

September is the best compromise: significantly thinner crowds after Labour Day (1st Monday of September), still pleasant climate (12-18 °C by day), turquoise lakes still vibrant. Larch Valley (Larch valley near Moraine Lake) offers its annual gold foliage spectacle in late September (2nd half) — one of Canada's most beautiful autumn hikes.

Winter (December-March) is exceptional for skiing. SkiBig3 Pass (3 resorts: Banff Sunshine 3,300 acres, Lake Louise Ski Resort 4,200 acres, Mt Norquay) gives access to all three resorts for CAD 250-330/day. Powder among the continent's best (annual snowfall 6-9 metres). Complementary winter activities: Banff Upper Hot Springs (38 °C, open year-round), snowshoeing, ski touring, snowmobiling, northern lights viewing from Jasper (International Dark Sky Reserve). But extreme cold: -15/-5 °C average, possible spells at -30 °C, -25 °C gear essential.

Shoulder season (April-May, October-November) is less favourable. May-early June: mud season (mud, melting snow, high-mountain trails closed, lakes still frozen). October-November: first snows from mid-October, progressive secondary road closures, Moraine Lake closed. Prefer summer or winter.