What to Pack for Banff (& Jasper!) ☼ Rockies Packing List

The Rockies are a pretty laid back place, even if you’re visiting towns like Banff, Canmore and Jasper. Athleisure looks are popular here, because a casual walk around town can easily turn into a hike!

You don’t see that many fancy outfits, but in the winter you’re guaranteed to spot a few of the ubiquitous puffer jackets. (Definitely an improvement over the gigantic winter coats we wore as kids.)

This post should give you lots of ideas for what to bring with you when you visit Banff or Jasper National Park.

Rockies Summer Packing List

Summer is pretty short in the Canadian Rockies, lasting only from June to August. Still, it’s one of the best times to visit, especially if you want to go hiking, see all of the iconic landmarks in their full glory, and enjoy the best of what the Rockies have to offer.

Aim for lightweight layers that are quick drying and don’t take up much space when packing. That way you can peel layers on and off as the day progresses. Bring a day bag that you can fill with an extra long sleeve top, light sweater or jacket, and a waterproof layer in case it rains.

We recommend buying these items ahead of time so you can watch for good deals. You can buy clothes in Banff or Jasper if you forget something, but the stores here are definitely on the pricey side. Think Patagonia, The North Face, Canada Goose and Arc’Teryx.

Rockies Winter Packing List

Bring these extras with you if you’re visiting the Rockies in the winter time, from around December to February.

The temperatures can sometimes drop as low as -30°C (-22°F)! But with that said, on average they’re pretty tolerable: typically ranging from -6°C to -15°C (21°F to 5°F).

The Rockies also experience chinooks: warm winds that can make the temperature feel like spring even in the middle of winter. They aren’t guaranteed, though, so make sure you pack for the cold!

Down coats are by far the best accessory for Banff in the winter time! They keep your temperature regulated better than synthetic materials, so you aren’t constantly zipping and un-zipping your coat. Synthetic materials are, of course, the vegan option if you prefer.

Accessories & Toiletries

It’s no joke that you’re closer to the sun in the Rockies! It’s much easier to get sunburnt here than in lower elevations. That’s just as true in the winter as it is in the summer. The air is also super dry, so a little sun protection and moisturizer go a long way here.

The Rockies can also get quite smoky in the summer and fall from wildfires in Alberta and British Columbia. If you have asthma or other respiratory troubles, bring your inhaler with you and possibly a mask. It can also be helpful to check the air quality while you’re planning your trip.

Hiking Gear

There are many short hikes close to town, like Tunnel Mountain and Johnston Canyon in Banff. You probably wont need any hiking gear for these short hikes, or to visit places like Peyto Lake and Lake Louise. If you do plan to do some longer hikes, or head out into the back country, you might want to pack some specialized hiking gear.

Bear spray is the one item we recommend buying after you arrive, because you can’t fly with it. You can find bear spray in just about any store in Banff, Canmore or Jasper. Keeping your bear spray in a holster is a necessity because you wont have time to dig through your backpack if you encounter a bear.

Ticks aren’t super common in the Rockies, but we have seen the odd one. They’re mainly a concern on narrow trails where you’ll brush up against shrubs and bushes. If you’re worried about ticks, we recommend wearing pants on the trails rather than shorts.

Camera Gear

Visiting the Rockies is a once in a lifetime trip and you’ll want to have memorable shots for when you get back home! Your camera phone will probably serve you well at famous places like Lake Louise, but if you plan to photograph wildlife it probably wont get you in close enough.

For specific recommendations, check out our gear page:

Extra Activities

If you’re road tripping to Banff or Jasper in your own vehicle, consider bringing some of these extras with you. Believe it or not, you can fish in many of the lakes here! You’re also allowed to use your own canoe at places like Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, which can save you some money in rental fees.

We hope that made packing for the Rockies so much faster and easier! Enjoy your stay!