Autumn Activities to Fall in Love With

August 9, 2022

Fall Mountain Adventures that will Leaf you Speechless

If you’re sad to say goodbye to summer and can’t wait for ski season to start, you might not have experienced the magic of autumn in Canada’s Western Mountains. See and do the best fall has to offer in comfortable sweater weather. Point your sense of adventure west to experience fall activities that will leaf you speechless. Cozy up in layers, reach for a pumpkin-spiced anything, and check out our top autumn activities in Canada’s Western Mountains.

Larch Valley Hiking

An outdoor hike in the Canadian Rockies in itself is rewarding year-round. But fall is quite possibly the most comfortable season to explore the Rockies. Wool socks, cozy sweaters and layers of shirts, shells, and scarves; shed a layer when you’re working up a sweat on the ascent, or bundle up when summit views give you the chills.

Fall activities and Hikes in Banff National Park, Larch Valley CR Paul Zizka — Photograph by Paul Zizka

Comfort aside, there’s something very special about autumn Rocky Mountain hikes, especially in Lake Louise. You’re sure to find gold in the forest—golden larches, that is. Each year, locals and visitors alike expectantly await Larch season. The forest-green needles of larch trees turn a tantalizing gold color during a short timeframe from mid-September to early October. Plan the perfect outing and choose your own view with a 360° virtual hike through Larch Valley. There are several hiking trails near Lake Louise suited for different ages and abilities.

PLANNING TIP
Looking to venture further off the beaten path? The Mountain Adventure Guides at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise know these mountains by heart, which means you’ll stop at the best places for pictures. Don’t forget to pack your camera!

Horseback riding in Banff

Sometimes four legs are better than two, especially if you want to cover more ground with ease. Saddle up to explore the spectacular colors of the Rockies this fall by horseback—a bucket-list activity in Banff National Park. Several stables offer hourly, half-day and full-day horseback riding tours until mid-October. Trot through golden larches and colorful trees, along the winding bow river, and beyond.

Horseback Riding to Six Glaciers Teahouse, *photograph courtesy of Banff Lake Louise Tourism & Paul Zizka*

You’ll appreciate the sweeping mountain scenery from a new, higher point a view—closer to the falling leaf action. Check out Banff Trail Riders or Brewster Stables for unique horseback riding experiences in Banff National Park.

PLANNING TIP
Fuel up for your adventure with a hearty breakfast or lunch beforehand, or stock up on snacks from STOCK at the Fairmont Banff Springs to enjoy later on the trail. They have pumpkin spice treats and everything nice to nibble on.

Wildlife Safaris in jasper

Not only do savvy travelers take advantage of the quieter fall season in the Rockies, but the wild locals seem to enjoy fewer crowds as well. Fall is a great time of year to spot some of the most timid critters and national park residents on a wildlife safari. They take full advantage of extra space to themselves to forage and stock up for hibernation.

Bighorn sheep in the Canadian Rockies, Fall activities CR Coulter Schmitz — Photography by Coulter Schmitz

Some of the best occasions to see rare wildlife occur in mid-October to late November. Local guides at SunDog Tour Co. know the best places to spot Jasper’s wild residents and capture insta-worthy photos from a safe distance. Join a Wildlife Discovery Tour or book a private journey.

PLANNING TIP
You may never be far from spotting wildlife when you stay at Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Several four-legged guests (like elk, deer, bears, and bighorn sheep) are known to make appearances at the lodge, golf course and surrounding trails. You never know which wild local may greet you steps from your Signature Cabin.

Whooshing Through Whistler’s Treetops

If you’re venturing further west beyond the Rockies to the stunning West Coast Mountains, you won’t want to miss the adventure hub of Whistler. There’s no shortage of fantastic fall adventures to experience with the entire family. Soar through a kaleidoscope of colors on a ziplining adventure. Or get up close and personal with the leaves on an aerial high-ropes course with spectacular views of the surrounding forests. Activities aside, there are plenty of perks of fall travel to Whistler for the savvy traveler.

Dual Zipline experience in Whistler, *photograph by The Adventure Group*

PLANNING TIP
Thinking of getting away this fall with the entire family? With spacious suites and multi-room family offers, there’s plenty of room for the entire family at Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Enjoy even more space for quality time with the kids and grandparents when you book a Fairmont Gold stay.

More Autumn Inspiration

Fall in love with even more Autumn activities in Whistler for the entire family, or plan the ultimate romantic escape to Jasper this fall. Play in any kind of weather together with the top rainy day activities in Banff and Lake Louise for the entire family.