Intro

I finally decided to pay Canada a visit, and it was a rather hasty decision made back in September that left me with a hard time choosing the optimal time to go. I normally have a strong preference for the wintery, cold, and abandoned feeling that this beautiful season tends to evoke. It's just that I feel the most free during that time; it creates a more raw connection to nature, and everything else in the world seems to fade away and mean nothing. However, I was aware that the road leading to the famous Lake Moraine typically closes for the season in mid-October due to the dangers posed by avalanches. With this crucial information in mind, I decided to plan my visit between October 5 and October 12, knowing that it would allow me to experience the beauty of the area just before the winter set in.

What to expect

Autumn starts in the Rockies from mid to late September, giving you a great chance to see golden larches. By mid to late October, winter begins, and I hoped to catch the last of the larches and some snow-covered mountains. Instead, I ended up with clear blue skies and temperatures of 22C/70F. As a Swede, I dislike the heat and missed the cold. Still, the Rockies are stunning year-round, with towering mountains and beautiful emerald lakes everywhere.

How to get here

Closest International airport is Calgary airport (YYC) so that was my final destination and a rental car was waiting for me at the airport. The drive to Canmore is about an hour and a half with a nice highway all the way, outside of Calgary it gets really dark so keep that in mind if arriving late.

There is also a bus service from the airport (YYC) to Banff, for most accurate information look at Airport Shuttle Express webpage.

Where to stay

Canmore

Canmore is a tourist town with everything you need (Starbucks, Mc Donalds, Subway, Gas stations …) But I must say it was a surprisingly charming town, only low buildings and I got the feeling they with purpose built it to look like an older town, even though the town is an old coal town so with all right.

I staid at Canadian Rockies Chalets, it was like an apartment and the check-in was smooth and easy even at very late arrival. I can highly recommend it. Canmore is like most towns in Alberta a stone throw away from the main highway 1 and will take you to most places in the Alberta region. Canmore is also the first town when entering the mountain region from Calgary airport.

Banff

Banff is probably the most famous town in the area with two ski-resorts nearby, its also the first municipality in Canada to be incorporated inside a national park. I didn’t stay in Banff due to high rental prices but I most say I really liked the town more than expected, it sure is a tourist town with great many souvenir shops and restaurants but its all wrapped up in a nice and cosy blankett. Parking can be somewhat of a problem some times so walking is the best way of transportation. Make sure to book accommodation early on since its a very popular place to stay.

Weather

Not much to say about the weather conditions during my recent hike, as I previously mentioned, it was really “great”—warm and sunny, which was somewhat pleasant. However, I am not entirely sure if this is the normal weather pattern for this particular period of the year. It did seem to be a bit warmer than what I would typically expect. The mornings and evenings were quite chilly, dropping down to around 0C/32F, so it's wise to expect freezing temperatures during the night. It's crucial to be careful and check the weather forecast thoroughly before you head out, as this area is located in the mountains, which means you should always be prepared for rapid weather changes at any time throughout the year.

Getting around

In the Canadian Rockies (Banff area) you only have the towns, Banff and Canmore in the south and Jasper in the north. Not much in between so you will spend some time on the roads, the main highway between Banff/Canmore and Jasper is called Highway 1 but after Lake Louise you have to take road 93 to continue north since Highway 1 turns to the west at that point. The drive from Banff to Jasper is about 4 hours and a half but expect the double if you plan to stop (And you will !). I know they have some buses running and they seemed nice but a car is the real option if you are going for photography. Roads are very nice and I strongly recommend road 1A that runs parallell with highway 1 from Banff to Lake Louise, its an amazing road, much smaller than the highway and beautiful scenery. Also note there is regulations regarding walking around on the trails, some places there is a minimum of 5 people or youre not allowed to walk around. Its also mandatory to have bear spray in many places. bear spray is possible to rent or buy in most tourist shops with hiking theme.

What to wear

I would say prepare for cold but as in my case, expect anything. During mornings/evenings it can for sure be cold !

I recommend at least the following:

• Good hiking boots

• Thermal underwear

• Hiking pants

• Something warmer over your hiking pants

• Really good gloves, preferably thinner ones under a pair of thicker ones

• Hat

• Down jacket or normal jacket with jumper.

National Parks

To enter the stunning national parks, you must possess a valid ticket, which you can conveniently purchase either on-site at the entrance booths or online in advance. It is highly advisable to be sure to check out Parks Canada's official webpage for the most up-to-date information and any changes regarding park entry requirements before you embark on your adventure. You will find not only great trails listed but also all the essential information you need to enhance your visit on their webpage. Additionally, please note that it is mandatory to carry bear spray while hiking, as this is crucial for your safety in bear country. Furthermore, on certain trails, it is required that you hike in small groups; this is meant to ensure both safety and conservation. However, if you do arrive at the start of a trail and find yourself alone, you can always wait there and politely ask other hikers if you can join them to form a group that is large enough to meet the trail requirements.

Photography

For landscape photography in the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, I highly recommend, without hesitation, that you make your way to the stunning Lake Louise, which is truly a must-visit location. This beautiful, iconic lake is certainly a sight to behold, and its picturesque views make it a popular destination; however, do anticipate encountering a substantial number of visitors during the daylight hours, especially on weekends and holidays. My primary objective during my trip was, without a doubt, to capture the renowned Moraine Lake at sunrise, as it offers an incredible opportunity for unique shots in the soft morning light. To achieve this, it is essential to arrive here VERY early, significantly before dawn, since the area tends to get crowded incredibly fast, and the available parking spots are fewer than you might think. Additionally, it's crucial to ensure that the road leading to these scenic spots is open, as this road can sometimes be subject to seasonal closures or maintenance, so checking the conditions in advance will make your experience much smoother.