When is the best time to visit the Canadian Rockies?

When is the best time to visit the Candian Rockies?

There's no specific 'best time' to visit the Canadian Rockies with each season offering a different perspective of the naturally breathtaking landscape. While there is a peak season (summer), when you choose to travel to the Rockies largely depends on what you want to see and the kind of activities you want to do while you're there. If you fancy seeing snow-capped mountains and vast lakes covered with ice thick enough to skate on then travelling to this wondrous region in winter simply makes sense. Or, if you actually want to see the turquoise colour of Lake Louise and hike through meadows filled with blooming wildflowers then travelling in spring and summer is the best time to visit.

The climate of the Rockies is known to be subarctic, meaning cold and snowy winters with mild but sunny summers. Temperatures in the winter can get down to freezing levels and weather patterns are often unpredictable, however, there isn't a bad time to travel to the Canadian Rockies as long as you're properly prepared.

Summer in the Canadian Rockies

Best for: kayaking on lakes, hiking, and white water rafting.

Summertime is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit the Canadian Rockies as the weather is relatively mild but still sunny (although the temperature can climb into the 30°Cs) and you can participate in activities that aren't available during winter due to the ice and snow. These activities include kayaking on Lake Louise, hiking to glaciers and other high-altitude vantage points, and river rafting. The downside of travelling during summer is the increased accommodation prices, low availability, and larger crowds but if that doesn't concern you then you're guaranteed to have a magical time.

Alpine fields and meadows also start to bloom once the last of the winter frost disappears and chances are you'll be able to spot several animal species, such as bears and elk, grazing on snow-free grass.

Autumn in the Canadian Rockies

Best for: hiking, boat tours, and bike riding.

The biggest drawcard to visiting the Canadian Rockies in autumn is the mesmerising reds, oranges, and yellows adorning the trees throughout the national parks. The vibrancy of the autumn colours really adds another layer to the already outstanding landscape and will have you feeling as if you've stepped into a magical land only read about in children's books. Temperatures are getting colder with an average of 10°C but if you rug up properly (with appropriate cold-weather gear) it shouldn't affect you too much.

Hiking is one of the best ways to see as many of the beautifully coloured landscapes as possible with more hikes open than in winter (due to snowfall), You can also embark on boat tours across lakes, as well as bike riding along relaxing mountain trails.

Winter in the Canadian Rockies

Best for: ice skating, snowshoeing, and other snow activities.

There are many pros to visiting the Canadian Rockies in the wintertime including fewer crowds in popular destinations, lower accommodation and activity prices, and snowy, wonderland-esque landscapes but there's also a chance your holiday could be interrupted by unforeseen weather conditions such as avalanches or road closures. With this in mind, take care when driving and make sure you're checking local weather channels for any warnings.

Temperatures in winter can also get down to an eye-watering -5°C (and the wind chill factor can make it feel even lower) so if you plan on travelling during the months of December, January, and February make sure you pack appropriate clothing and wear lots of layers when you're out and about.

While it may be cold, winter in the Rockies is also extremely fun with ice skating and snowshoeing activities on offer.

Spring in the Canadian Rockies

Best for: camping, hiking, and wildlife spotting.

Not only will you be treated to nice, warm weather and sunny days if you're travelling to the Rockies in the spring, but it's also extremely likely you'll come across animals with their cubs in tow. This is especially true for bears as they've had their babies after their long winter hibernation but you should always heed warning signs when it comes to the wildlife and never put yourself in a situation where you're too close to a mumma bear and her cub.

If you want the best of both worlds, spring is the perfect time to travel as alpine meadows are in full bloom and grassy plains are nice and green, but there is still snow on mountain tops left over from the winter season. The chance of rain is slightly higher during March, April, and May, however, it's unlikely to be particularly heavy or to last very long.

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