Banff National Park - October ‘25

Early October in Banff National Park is the shoulder season which means less crowds, cool weather, and elk rutting season. It had snowed just a couple days before and again just after we left, experiencing a perfect window of clear autumn days. Coming from the prairie lands in the US, the mountains never cease to impress me with their quiet beauty and power. Alpine lakes with their intense blues don’t seem real in comparison to muddy rivers and lakes.

I spent an entire afternoon meandering and sitting along the Lake Moraine shore trail after bailing on a hike with my friend. We were hoping to spot some late season larch trees but I struggled with the altitude. In the end, I was more than content to photograph along the lake and sip the cold brew coffee I had brought along in my travel thermos. You don’t always need to bag a peak to have an epic adventure.

Banff National Park & Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada

Season: Early October

Notable locations: Icefields Parkway, Lake Moraine, Lake Louise, Sulpher Mountain