Banff Summer Packing List: Must-Have Items for Your Trip

Wondering what to pack for your summer trip to Banff? You’ve come to the right place!

Even though summer (June through August) is the warmest time of the year in Banff, the unpredictable mountain weather means you need to be prepared for everything, from warm afternoons to chilly mornings and the occasional rain showers.

I visited Banff in late May and early June and quickly learned that layering is key!

Mornings were cold (often in the 30s°F), with temperatures during the day reaching the 50s°F and 60s°F. Some higher elevation hikes still had snow and even on sunny days, temperatures dropped into the 30s°F at night.

If you’re visiting during the peak summer months (July and August), you won’t experience as much of that early-season cold. However, I still recommend packing layers, especially for early morning hikes!

In this Banff summer packing list, I will cover everything you need to know about what to pack, how to prepare, and what to expect weather-wise for your summer trip to Banff!

Banff was truly a dream destination for me, one of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken. Check out my 7-Day Banff Itinerary if you want to see exactly what we did!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I will get a commission if you decide to purchase through those links, at no cost to you. Thank you for your support!

Banff Summer Packing List Essentials

1. Base Layers & Hiking Clothes

Since you will likely be spending most of your time outdoors, you will want moisture-wicking clothes that are perfect for hiking.

• Moisture-Wicking T-Shirts & Tank Tops – The temperatures can get warm during the day, especially if you’re hiking in the direct sun. Depending on the weather that day, I alternated between short-sleeve shirts and tank tops.
• Lightweight Long-Sleeve Shirts – Great for layering and keeping the sun off your skin on long hikes. Merino wool is a solid choice because it stays odor-free, so you can wear it multiple times without washing. UPF sun shirts are also a good option for sun protection.
• Hiking Shorts & Leggings – I mostly wore leggings for hikes since that is what I prefer, but shorts are perfect for the warmer summer days.
• Hiking Pants – Long hiking pants are a great option as well. I love these Baleaf ones!

2.  Outer Layers & Rain Gear

I recommend packing layers for those early morning hikes that you can easily take off once it warms up.

• Lightweight Fleece or Down Jacket – I wore a fleece jacket almost every morning to keep warm until the temperatures warmed up for the day. A light down jacket would work great as well.
• Rain Jacket – Banff gets occasional rain showers in the summer, and I was glad to have a rain jacket when this occurred. This packable rain jacket was great and fit in my suitcase easily.
• Collapsible Backpack – I like bringing a collapsible backpack on hikes to store our clothing layers throughout the day. It’s super convenient and doesn’t take up much space in your luggage. This is the backpack I use!

3. Comfortable Footwear

• Hiking Boots (Waterproof Recommended) – Some hiking trails can be muddy or even have lingering snow in June. These are my favorite hiking boots and leave me blister-free!
• Hiking Socks – Bring wool or moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry and comfortable. These are my favorite socks for hiking!
• Comfortable Tennis Shoes – Perfect for exploring downtown Banff or the nearby town of Canmore. I love Hokas, specifically the Clifton 9s.
• Sandals (Optional) – If you’re planning to relax by the water or want something easy to slip on after a long hike.

What to Pack for Hiking in Banff in Summer

Even if you’re doing shorter hikes, you still want to be prepared with the essentials!

• Daypack – A lightweight backpack for carrying water, snacks, and clothing layers. Here is the one I use on all my trips!
• Reusable Water Bottle – Hydration is essential while hiking, especially at higher elevations. The tap water in Canada is safe to drink so I recommend using a reusable water bottle.
• Bear Spray – A must if you’re hiking, even on popular trails, since Banff has bears. You can rent or buy it in town since you can’t fly on a plane with it. We got our bear spray rental from Snowtips Bactrax which is in downtown Banff. It only cost $39 CAD for a 6-day rental, and the employee demonstrated how to use it as well.
• Sunscreen & Sunglasses – The sun is strong in the mountains, and I got a little sunburnt on my first day because I underestimated it!
• Hiking Poles (Optional) – Hiking poles are useful for steep hikes and make it easier on your knees.
• First Aid Kit – Even a small kit with band-aids and blister pads is good to have!
• Headlamp (Optional) – If you plan on doing sunrise or sunset hikes.
• Garmin Mini (Optional) – If you’re hiking on less-traveled trails and won’t have cell service, it’s a good idea to have one in case of an emergency.

If you’re looking for the best trails, check out my list of the best hikes in Banff!

Other Must-Have Essentials for Your Banff Summer Trip

• Swimsuit – If you’re planning on visiting Banff Upper Hot Springs or taking a dip in a lake. We saw someone get into Lake Louise in late May, and it had only thawed a few days earlier. I can’t imagine how cold it was!
• Towel – A small, quick-dry towel is great if you’re swimming or want to dry off after a rain shower.
• Camera or GoPro – Banff is incredibly photogenic! I swear there was a photo-worthy opportunity around every corner. I use my iPhone for pictures, but if you want higher quality photos or need more storage, a camera or GoPro is a good option
• Portable Phone Charger – Long days out can drain your phone battery fast, especially using Google Maps and taking photos. I always carry a portable charger and used it every afternoon when my battery got low. It’s also useful for safety so you don’t lose trail directions if a hike takes longer than expected.
• Plug Adapter (If Visiting from Outside North America) – Canada uses Type A/B plugs.
• Lightweight Gloves & Hat (Optional) – It got pretty cold in the mornings when we visited in late May and early June so gloves and a hat were nice to have!

My favorite activity we did in Banff was riding the Banff Gondola. The views from the summit were seriously unreal! You can book your ticket through this link.

Complete Banff Summer Packing List: What I Packed for My 7-Day Trip

I visited Banff in late May and early June (2024) and here is everything I brought with me for my week long trip.

Clothing

• 5 Pairs of Leggings – Perfect for hiking and casual wear
• 1 Pair of Jeans – Great for wearing to dinner in downtown Banff. But, to be honest, I wore leggings most of the time. 😂
• 1 Pair of Waterproof Hiking Pants – Great for rainy days or muddy trails
• 2 Tank Tops – Ideal for layering on warmer days
• 2 Lightweight T-Shirts – Great for hikes or casual wear
• 3 Long Sleeve Shirts – Useful for layering in cooler mornings and evenings
• 2 Sweatshirts – Comfortable to wear on chilly nights
• 1 Fleece Jacket – A must-have for warmth!
• 1 Rain Jacket – Great to have on hand for rain showers
• 1 Pair of Gloves – Mornings can be cold, especially in early summer

Footwear

• Hiking Boots – Waterproof boots are best!
• Comfortable Tennis Shoes – Great for walking around town
• Sandals – Perfect for relaxing after hikes
• 3 Pairs of Wool Hiking Socks – Helps keep feet dry and blister-free
• 7 Pairs of Casual Socks – Enough for a full week

Gear & Accessories

• Collapsible Backpack – Great for carrying water, snacks, and layers
• Portable Charger – Essential for long days
• Reusable water bottle – Hydration is key, especially at higher elevations.
• Electrolytes – Great to add to your water for added hydration. LMNT watermelon is my favorite!

Final Tips for Packing for Banff in Summer

• Layers – Even if the forecast looks warm, temperatures can drop quickly in the evening or at higher elevations.
• Check Trail Conditions – If you’re hiking in early summer (June), some trails may still be snowy or muddy. I had to adjust my plans because of snow in some areas and the hikes still being in avalanche territory. You can check out the current status of trails here.
• Bring a Mix of Clothes – You’ll want a mix of hiking gear, casual outfits for dinner, and a few warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings. We noticed no one really dressed up for dinner here, so you can definitely go to restaurants in your hiking attire. Which I really appreciated!

I hope this Banff summer packing list helps you get ready for your trip!

Check out my blog post where I provide 40 carry-on packing tips to maximize space in your luggage! I packed in just a carry-on suitcase and personal item for my week long trip to Banff.

Weather in Banff During Summer

Banff’s summer weather can vary, so packing for all weather conditions is key. 

Here’s what you can expect:

• June: Highs around 65°F (18°C), lows around 40°F (4°C). Hiking trails at higher elevations may still have snow.
• July: Highs around 72°F (22°C), lows around 45°F (7°C). One of the best months for hiking with mostly warm days.
• August: Highs around 71°F (22°C), lows around 42°F (6°C). A great time to visit, though it’s busier with tourists.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind:

• Chilly Mornings and Evenings – Even in July and August, the mornings are still cool usually.
• Rain Showers – Summer in Banff can bring occasional rain, so a rain jacket is a must.
• Temperature Drops at Higher Elevations – If you’re hiking in higher elevation areas, expect it to be colder than in town.
• Long Daylight Hours – In June, you’ll have 16+ hours of daylight, giving you plenty of time to explore!

I visited Banff in late May and early June, and while it was still beautiful, I had to plan around lingering snow on some hiking trails in higher elevation areas.

Next time, I am going to plan my visit between late July through September for the best hiking conditions.

Check out my blog post about visiting Banff in May if you’re wondering if it is a good time for your trip. I cover everything you need to know!

Essential Things You Need to Do Before Your Trip to Banff

Here are a few important things to check off your to-do list to make sure your trip goes smoothly.

1. Get Your Canada Discovery Pass

There are two types of park passes you can get: Daily Passes and the Discovery Pass.

Which one makes more sense depends on how long you’ll be in Banff.

The Discovery Pass is valid for a full year and can be the cheaper option if you’re staying for multiple days.

Since we were in Banff for 8 days (Monday to Monday), it was more cost-effective to get the Discovery Pass instead of buying daily passes for each day.

If you’re unsure which pass is best for your trip, this website can help you calculate the best value.

You will need a parks pass if you’re visiting or staying in the towns of Banff or Canmore.

The pass covers entry into Banff National Park, Yoho National Park, Jasper, and more.

2. Confirm Your Phone Plan Works in Canada

If you’re coming from the U.S., make sure your phone plan includes coverage in Canada or look into getting an international plan. 

I use Verizon, which includes Canada in my plan, but double-check with your provider before your trip to avoid roaming charges.

3. Check Your Passport Expiration Date

If you’re traveling to Canada from another country, your passport must be valid for at least six months past your planned departure date.

4.  Bring a Credit Card with No Foreign Transaction Fees

Make sure your credit card has no foreign transaction fees, or you’ll end up paying extra every time you use it internationally, which adds up fast. 

It’s an easy thing to overlook, but avoiding those fees will save you money on your trip.

I have the Chase Sapphire Preferred credit card, and I highly recommend it!

5. Download the AllTrails App

If you’re planning to hike in Banff National Park, the AllTrails app is great to have.

I use the free version and always save my planned hikes ahead of time.

That way, when I get to the trail, I can open the map and use the “Navigate” feature to make sure I stay on the hiking trail.

The app also has a “Directions” button, which makes it easy to find the trailhead.

Since cell service is spotty in some areas, saving your hikes beforehand ensures you can still access the maps offline when you are out on the hike.

6. Book Your Accommodation in Advance

Summer is Banff’s busiest season, and hotels can book up fast. 

If you haven’t already, make sure to book your accommodations well in advance, especially if you want to stay at places like Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise or Moraine Lake Lodge.

I recommend booking 4 to 6 months ahead if possible. The earlier you book, the cheaper it usually is too!

We stayed at Banff Inn during our trip, and I highly recommend it. 

The rooms were clean, the beds were comfortable, and it was a more affordable option compared to other hotels in Banff.

We paid $1,261 for 7 nights, which came out to approximately $180 per night.

Check out this interactive map below for accommodation options in Banff and the surrounding area!

For more accommodation options, check out my Where to Stay in Banff blog post, where I cover everything from luxury hotels to more budget-friendly choices.

7. Reserve a Rental Car in Advance

Renting a car? Book it early, as demand in the summer is high!

I recommend booking at least 4 to 6 months in advance to get the best rates.

We rented a car from Calgary International Airport, and I definitely recommend it. It makes getting around so much easier!

We booked our car 6 months in advance through Expedia, and we got a great deal on a car from Budget at the airport rental center.

For 8 days (Monday to Monday), the cost was around $397 CAD, which I thought was a pretty good price considering rental car prices can be pretty steep!

8. Download Offline Maps

Cell service is spotty in the mountains, so I recommend downloading Google Maps offline before your trip.

First, you will download the Google Maps app on your phone. Then, you can search for Banff, zoom out to cover the entire area you want, and then download the offline map.

Here are more instructions on how to do it.

Once the map is downloaded, you can use it to get driving directions. It will automatically switch to the offline maps if you lose cell service.

Banff Travel FAQs

1. Do I Need Bear Spray in Banff?

Yes, carrying bear spray is a must when hiking trails in Banff National Park and the surrounding area.

The park is home to both grizzly and black bears, and while encounters are rare, it’s important to be prepared. 

Always stay alert, make noise while hiking, and know how to use bear spray properly.​

You can rent bear spray from Snowtips Bactrax in downtown Banff.

It cost $39 CAD for a 6-day rental, and the employee gave us a demonstration on how to use the bear spray

During our trip to Banff in late May and early June, we never saw a bear while driving or on a hike. But, we did keep bear spray with us while hiking at all times to be safe.

2.  Are There Mosquitoes in Banff During Summer?

Yes, there are mosquitoes in Banff, especially in June and July, near water and in forested areas. 

You can buy insect repellent at one of the stores in Banff if you notice it becoming a problem.

We visited Banff in late May and early June and didn’t get any mosquito bites, so it wasn’t needed for our trip.​

3. What is the Best Time to Visit Banff?

Summer (June through August) is the best time to visit Banff, thanks to the warm weather and open hiking trails.

However, it’s also the busiest season.

If you want to avoid the crowds, consider visiting in late May or early October, but keep in mind that weather can be less predictable during these shoulder months.

In June, some higher elevation hiking trails might still have snow, so if your main goal is to hike, I recommend planning your trip for July through September for the best hiking conditions.

We couldn’t do the big hikes I initially wanted to do (like Plain of Six Glaciers) due to it still being in avalanche danger territory during our visit in late May and early June.

Next time, I will plan my trip to Banff between July and September for the best hiking conditions.

4. How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Banff?

I recommend a minimum of five to seven days to experience the highlights of Banff and the surrounding area, like Yoho National Park.

This allows time to see the popular lakes, go on several hikes, and explore nearby areas such as Yoho National Park and Canmore without feeling too rushed. 

We visited for seven days, and it was a great amount of time for us.

But, if I am being honest, I think I could spend an entire month there and never want to leave!

5. What are the Best Photo Spots in Banff?

I am convinced there is no area in Banff that is not stunning!

The iconic photo spots include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, the Banff Gondola summit, and Vermilion Lakes at sunrise or sunset. 

You will find photo-worthy spots in every area!

Check out my other Banff blog posts to help plan your trip!

• The Perfect One Day in Canmore Itinerary: Top Things to Do in This Charming Mountain Town
• How to Plan the Ideal One Day in Banff Itinerary
• Is Visiting Banff in May Worth It? – All You Need to Know
• How to Visit Moraine Lake at Sunrise – All You Need to Know
• 20 of the Best Hikes in Banff National Park You Need to Experience
• 18 of the Best Lakes in Banff You Need to See On Your Trip
• Must-Know Guide About Johnston Canyon: One of Banff’s Most Popular Hikes
• The Ultimate 7 Day Banff Itinerary for a Bucket List Trip
• Yoho National Park Itinerary: Unforgettable Day Trip from Banff
• Where to Stay in Banff: Best Hotels for Every Budget

Helpful Tips For Planning Your Trip to Banff

• Recommended Activities: I highly recommend checking out the Banff Gondola, Via Ferrata, White Water Rafting, and Lake Minnewanka Cruise.
• Best Hikes in Banff: Plain of Six Glaciers, Little Beehive & Big Beehive, Johnston Canyon, Peyto Lake, Tunnel Mountain – read more on my best hikes in Banff blog post!
• Where to Stay in Banff: I loved our stay at the Banff Inn and would 100% recommend! The Canalta Lodge and Moose Hotel & Suites are great options too.
• Rental Car: If you’re wanting to get a rental car in Banff, I recommend using Expedia or Rentalcars.com for the best deals!
• Flights: Look for the best flight deals using Aviasales.
• Airport Transfer: Use the Banff Airporter to get you from the Calgary Airport to your hotel in Banff if you don’t have a rental car.
• No Rental Car: If you don’t have a rental car, consider using the Hop-On and Hop-Off Bus or joining a guided tour of the most popular sights.