Banff: When To Go

Peak Season: mid-June to mid-September; December to mid-March There are actually two high seasons. The 60-degree summers, when Banff overflow with visitors, are the real peak of Canadian Rockies activity; winter, when temperatures drop to the 20s, ushers in the skier/boarder hordes.

Off Season: May to mid-June; mid-October to November The in-between seasons are too cold for summer sports (temperatures range from 30 to 50 degrees) and not snowy enough for winter romps. While most hotels remain open, activities are limited and some restaurants close

Sweet Spot: Mid-March to April; mid-September to mid-October Spring skiing after Easter and autumn leaf-peeping are delightful, as are the sparse crowds. Hotels offer discounts as well. Fifty-degree temperatures are common.