Canada has already been on my travel bucket list for quite some time. Yet, it was only a year and a half ago when I finally decided to make my dream come true. I knew that Canadian Rockies are the destination I am heading to, so I did some research to learn when it is the best time to visit. I bought my flight tickets half a year in advance having enough time to plan the trip and get ready for all the situations. However, it is only when you experience the country on your own that you realize the best tips and tricks for your visit. Read my 5 tips how to explore Canadian Rockies without crowds.

This is one of the best advice one can give you. To get ahead of all the tourists, go exploring in the early morning. During summer months, it won’t be too cold, sun will be already up in the sky and if you are super early, you can enjoy even sunrise! When the weather is not good in the morning, you can still go in the evening. Tourists will be tired after long day, sun will be up until 10pm giving you plenty of time and you can also enjoy sunset. On the lakes, water is usually calm in the mornings and evenings, giving you the best opportunity to take stunning shots of reflections on its surface. Being the only one at the spot gives you not only space for taking amazing landscape photos and selfies, but mostly the space to enjoy the moment and relax.

You can’t go exploring only in the mornings and evenings and sit at home during the whole day. When you arrive to popular tourist destination in the rush hour, you can still avoid or at least minimize the crowds. Go against the flow. Check where all the people are going and take the other direction. The first lookout and the biggest crowds don’t necessary mean the best view. Mostly it is the easiest one. Go and find the hidden one – the better one.

Most tourists take the easiest and shortest tracks. Setting off on a longer hike will take you the “abandoned” places. Check the guide books for the recommended trails in the area, what is their difficulty and consult the map to find your way. You will not only avoid the crowds and see the beautiful yet unexplored nature, but have a better chance of spotting wildlife.

Another way how to enjoy Canadian Rockies without crowds is to enjoy water sports on the lakes. Many of them offer various possibilities – you can rent a canoe, paddle boat, water bicycle or a boat. You can choose the one that suits you best, only avoid guided cruises. As this is one of the favorite attractions on most popular Canadian lakes, many tourists will think alike. The good thing however is that once on the lake, everybody ushers its own way. Go exploring Maligne lake. With its 22km length you might escape all the crowds easily – just be prepared to paddle a lot 🙂

Canada and especially Canadian Rockies are undoubtedly beautiful throughout the whole year. To travel around easily and explore the country by hiking, it is best to visit at the beginning or at the end of summer. That means mid June or September. You will avoid the crowds, hottest days of the year and closed trails of the shoulder season (July and August). To decide between June and September, the latter one might be a bit better. Weather in September is more stable compared to rainy June, however this might mean the advantage of June (less tourists). When travelling to the Canadian Rockies, check Canadian public holidays, prolonged weekends and school holidays too.

To find the best time for your visit is the first step. Now, when you know all the tricks how to pick the right one, you can start searching for the best flight ticket deals and plan your journey. To get inspired, you can read my Canadian Rockies Itinerary: From Calgary to Vancouver in 2 weeks.

Love & happy travels,
RLT

P.S.: If you have any questions that popped up in your head during reading, different experience or suggestion, please share it in a comment below 😉