What to Wear in Banff: The 3-Layer Mountain Rule, Hiking Boots, Bear Spray & Microspikes

In the Canadian Rockies, the old local saying is true: 'If you don't like the weather in Banff, wait fifteen minutes, or climb 300 metres.' Even in the middle of July and August, when afternoon temperatures in Banff Town reach a sunny 24°C (75°F), standing at the lakeshore of 1,885-metre Moraine Lake early in the morning is often a crisp 2°C to 5°C (36°F, 41°F). Never pack only shorts and t-shirts; dress using the 3-Layer Alpine System.

Five Essential Packing Rules for Banff (June to October)

1. The 3-Layer System (Moisture-Wicking Base + Packable Down/Fleece Mid-Layer + Waterproof Shell): start your morning shuttle to Moraine Lake or Lake Louise wearing a breathable merino or synthetic t-shirt, a fleece pullover or lightweight packable puffer jacket, and a hooded waterproof rain/wind shell (plus a warm knit beanie and light gloves for sunrise photos). in the late morning as you hike uphill to Lake Agnes Tea House, you peel off the puffer and windbreaker into your backpack and hike in a t-shirt.
2. Broken-In Trail Runners or Waterproof Hiking Boots (Skip Smooth Street Sneakers): the steel catwalks inside Johnston Canyon are constantly wet with waterfall mist, and the trails to Lake Agnes, Little Beehive and Peyto Lake have tree roots, loose scree and occasional early-June/late-September snow patches. Wear shoes with deep lugged rubber tread.

3. A 20 to 25 Litre Daypack + Bear Spray in an Exterior Holster: because you cannot fly on a commercial airplane with bear spray in your luggage, rent or buy a canister of Bear Spray at any outdoor shop on Banff Avenue or at the Trailhead Kiosk upon arrival, and clip it to your hip belt where you can reach it in 2 seconds.
4. Swimsuit for the Banff Upper Hot Springs + Polarized Sunglasses: even on a cool evening, you will want your swimsuit for the 40°C outdoor mineral pool of the Banff Upper Hot Springs; and polarized sunglasses make the turquoise colours of Peyto Lake and Moraine Lake pop.
5. Visiting in May, October or Winter? Pack Clip-On 'Microspikes / Ice Cleats'. From October through May, packed snow and ice cover the Johnston Canyon catwalks and Lake Agnes trail, a standard fare pair of rubber-chain microspikes (or rented in Banff Town) lets you walk on solid ice without slipping. Check seasonal weather before flying.