

Photo: John Price
When to Visit the Rocky Mountains
Each season has its pros and cons for visiting the Rocky Mountains.
Check out our breakdown below to help decide which is the best fit for you:
Summer
(July/August)
Pros:
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Hottest weather
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Beautiful glacier lakes
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Safer roads for travelling
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The most hikes accessible
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Kids are out of school (for families)
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Cons:
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Most expensive time to visit
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Busiest time to visit
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Potential for wildfires/smoke

Winter
(November - April)
Pros:
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Winter sports (alpine and cross-countryskiing, snowboarding)
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Cheapest time to travel (except December/Christmas)
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Less people
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Cons:
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Lakes are frozen (November – June)
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Less hikes accessible due to avalanche risk
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Highway travel can be challenging/dangerous
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Road to Moraine Lake, Lake O’hara, and Takkakkaw Falls closed
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Shortest days in the year (gets dark early)

Fall (September/October)
Pros:
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Similar to Summer, but a bit less expensive
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Lakes are still unfrozen/beautiful
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Students are back in school, so less people
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Cons:
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Potential for snow
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Potential for snow to affect travel on highways
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Still quite busy in September - visitors are always surprised at crowds

Spring
(May/June)
Pros
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Cheaper than summer
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Students are still in school, so less people
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Longest days of the year in June, plenty of time for activities
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Road to Moraine Lake, Lake O’Hara, and Takkakkaw Falls opens; boat cruises and Icefields open (June)
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Cons:
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Lakes are likely still frozen (until early June)
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Hiking trails can still be off limits due to avalanche risk (depends on weather)
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Rain most likely in this season
