Leaf peep and find solitude at Banff & Lake Louise
Embraced by glacier-capped peaks and dotted with turquoise lakes, Banff National Park is dazzling any time of year. But in September, Canada’s first national park really comes alive.
There are two reasons to visit Banff in the fall: the leaves have begun to turn, and a stroll into one of the area’s many trails can bring welcome solitude. By September, Banff’s crowds have gone back to school or work, and the park’s 1000km of trails are yours for the taking. But the larch trees are the star of the show here, because come September they begin their yearly autumn turn, igniting the hills and mountainsides in bright flashes of yellow and gold.
The aptly named Lake Louise Wonderfall festival also begins in September and features special activities like guided hikes, horseback rides and photography workshops. Price-conscious travellers can also score a deal at this time, because the festival also features accommodation and activity packages.