What to Pack for Banff in Fall: Your Complete Hiking Clothing Guide

Fall in Banff is such a great time to visit! The weather is cool but warms up nicely during the day, the days are still long, and the crowds start to let up as you enter the shoulder season. A trip to Banff means you’re going to be spending a lot of time outside, so you need to pack accordingly to stay warm and comfortable!

If you’re unsure about what to take on your trip to Banff, you’re in the perfect place! In this Banff packing list, we provide suggestions on essential items to bring and what you can skip. 

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Weather in Banff in the Fall

Banff weather can change fast, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast a week before your trip. In general, temperatures are cooler and fluctuate quickly, especially in the mountains and at higher altitudes.

September Weather & Packing (Average Temps)

• Mornings: 20s–30s °F
• Afternoons: mid-60s °F
• Tips: Early mornings on hikes or for sunrise can be chilly, so dress in layers. Wind at higher elevations can make it feel colder than it is.

October Weather & Packing (Expect Snow/Ice)

• Mornings: teens–30s °F
• Afternoons: 40s–50s °F
• Tips: Snow and ice are more likely. Layers are essential, and consider waterproof shoes/boots for trails.

Layering Is Key

Most mornings, we left our Airbnb before sunrise, so we bundled up and gradually shed layers as the day warmed. Here’s what we typically wore:

• Thermal base layer
• Long-sleeve shirt
• Hiking pants
• Jacket
• Gloves
• Wool socks
• Beanie

With layers, you can stay comfortable all day, whether you’re hiking, sightseeing, or chasing sunrises.

Clothing to Pack

Long Johns or Thermal Base Layer– for those early mornings, you’re going to want a few pairs of thermals to keep you warm. There are a lot of great options on amazon. During the winter months you can also find some at Tj-Maxx for a good price

Hiking Pants– You’ll spend most of your time in hiking pants, so you’ll want to find a few good pairs. They should have multiple pockets and be quick dry in case you encounter rain or snow. I personally love this pair from Moosehill, they are light weight and have enough room for me to fit a layer underneath them.

Long Sleeve Shirts– this is your second layer over to put over your base thermal. You may want to choose a top that is a little looser since you’ll have something under it.

Quarter Zip Fleece: These are perfect to wear hiking or just while walking around town. They are also the perfect thickness to fit under an outer shell on those extra chilly days. One of these will suffice, however if you want options, like me, then I recommend packing 2.

Beanie– essential to keep your head warm!

Wool Socks– you want to make sure your feet stay dry and warm!

Waterproof/Windproof Outer Shell– always a good idea to have one stuffed in your backpack. Weather can change quickly, especially on top of mountain so its best to be prepared!

Hiking Boots– hiking boots are essential for the trails in Banff. If you don’t already have a good pair, you should look for a pair that has good ankle support, traction, and are water proof. I have been wearing Columbia boots this year and love them!

Bathing Suit– even though its getting cold you may want to swim in a hot spring or visit Kananaskis Nordic Spa (I definitely recommend visiting!)

Town/Dinner Wear– You probably won’t want to wear hiking pants all the time, so pack 2–3 casual outfits for exploring town or heading out to dinner. Nothing fancy is needed—a nice pair of jeans and a cozy sweater will do perfectly.

Hiking Gear & Accessories

Selfie Stick/Tripod– these come in hand when you find yourself at the end of the trail and theirs no one around to take your photo! Also great for setting your phone up to capture some videos of the gorgeous scenery.

Sun Glasses– you’ll be spending a lot of time outside so they’ll come in handy.

Hiking Backpack– essential when hiking around Banff. Not only to store extra layers in but also snacks, bear spray, and plenty of water!

Bear Spray– very important! Hopefully you don’t have to use it, but its best to be prepared because bears do live in Banff. Depending on where you’re flying from you may not be able to bring it on the plane. However coming from the US we were allowed to bring it in our checked bag and take it back home with no issues. Note that it cannot be in your carry on and it needs to have USEPA on the label.

Microspikes– if you’re visiting in late October or early November, microspikes are a must-have, as ice can make trails slippery and hazardous.

Hiking Poles– collapsible ones want take up much space in your luggage and will make hiking a little easy.

Portable Charger– I always take one with me anytime I travel. Between getting directions, taking a bunch of pictures, and long days, its best to have a portable charger on hand so you never find yourself with a dead phone.

Refillable Water Bottle– being outside and moving around a lot, you want to make sure you’re staying hydrating. There are water fill up stations around the town of Banff for you to keep your bottle full.

Headlamp/Flashlight– if you plan on doing any sunrise or sunset hikes, make sure to bring a headlamp—you’ll be hiking in near pitch-black conditions without one!

Sunscreen– its easy to forget to bring sunscreen since you’ll be bundled up, however you still need to protect your face! I got a little sun burn on my face the first day because I didn’t think about applying on.

Chapstick– your lips will get sunburned and dry so be sure to keep some in your hiking backpack.

Planning a Trip to Banff?

Be sure to checkout our other articles when planning your trip to Banff:

• Experience the Best Of Banff: 7-Day Itinerary for Outdoor Enthusiasts
• 10 Things to Know before Visiting Banff National Park
• The Ultimate Cost Breakdown for a Trip to Banff
• The Best Way to Experience Moraine Lake
• The Ultimate Adventure: Hiking to Lake Agnes Tea House and Little Beehive
• The Best Banff Viewpoints