Shoulder season is upon is. It’s that awkward time of year when summer is officially over but winter hasn’t yet begun. Given this year’s unusually warm temperatures, some of us are questioning when winter will even show up. This time of year isn’t popular for tourists in the small mountain towns. But for locals and weekenders who can come by on a regular basis, this time of year is one of the best. The towns are quieter, the restaurants are accessible, and the whole place has a calm-before-the-storm feeling. Here’s what you’ll find us doing during the shoulder season.

Walk Along the Bow River

There’s a reason this walk is crawling with tourists most of the time. It’s gorgeous! And it’s easy. Whether you’re in Banff or Canmore, it’s right in town. In Banff, walk down to Bow Falls. In Canmore, go check out the Engine Bridge and pretend you’re on an episode of The Last of Us. Grab a coffee to accompany your walk – we recommend Wild Flour in Banff or Beamers in Canmore.

Eat at a Local Restaurant

There are so many great local restaurants in Banff and Canmore, and during the shoulder season, they need your business. In Banff, check out Shoku for modern Japanese-Asian cuisine, or get great sushi at Banff Sushi Bistro. Tooloulou’s is a classic spot for Cajun Creole comfort food, and if you’re feeling swanky, Grizzly House has stood the test of time as an excellent night out. In Canmore, One98eight is a fantastic night out with delightful food from Chef Anand Kelkar. Hunter is a new restaurant offering an elevated steakhouse experience or check out Bridgette Bar for their excellent happy hour. See what’s new at Rustica for an evening you won’t soon forget.

Not sure where to eat? We have an entire website for that! Check out The Dining Guide and find your next great meal.

Bike the Legacy Trail

This is a fun, relatively easy bike ride between Banff and Canmore that has some great views and a cool viewpoint along the way. Heading from Canmore to Banff? Pack a lunch and enjoy it at Cascade Ponds. This area is typically busy during the summer, but this time of year, you can find picnic tables to sit back and enjoy the views. Biking from Banff to Canmore? Come into town to enjoy Riverside Park, which is also typically quiet this time of year. We think this trail is the best during the shoulder season!

Check Out a Museum

No matter how long you’ve been in the mountains, there’s always something new to learn. Have you been to the Cave & Basin in Banff? What about the NWMP Barracks in Canmore? The history of this area is fascinating, and you never know what you might learn when you take a moment to actually learn it. The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies also has rotating art exhibits, which make for a great excuse to stop by and see what they have to offer. The Buffalo Nations Museum is well worth a visit – you never know what you might find!

Go on a Popular Hike

Have you ever been to Troll Falls? Or the Blackshale Suspension Bridge in Kananaskis? What about Chester Lake? Have you hiked to the top of Tunnel Mountain recently? These hikes are usually busy during the summer, but they’re popular for a reason. Take the time to check them out while they’re quiet during the shoulder season. You can see what all the fuss is about without actually fussing with the crowds. Make sure you’re prepared for all-season hiking, and know that despite the balmy temperatures in town, it’ll get chilly fast as you climb in elevation.

Kate barker