This guide for what to wear in Banff and Jasper in August and September is helpful for traveling in late August or early September for one week. This guide is also best suited if you are planning to do lots of hiking, and also wander around town.
Since Banff and Jasper are located in the mountains, the air tends to be chillier and can change quickly, so layers will be your best friend. In late August and early September it is not unusual to experience snow, rain, and warm sunshine – all in the same day!
Suggestions for what to wear in Banff and Jasper
- 1 puffer coat. A small coat that can easily be rolled up and stored is perfect for hiking. If it is small and light then it is easy to take off and store in a backpack.
- 1 hat. A winter hat, or a headband, to keep you warm when temperatures get cool.
- 1 baseball hat. To help keep the sun off your face on the warmer days.
- 2 sweaters. Wearing either a sweatshirt (zippered or pullover) is another layer that can be worn under your jacket.
- 4 pants / leggings. Moisture wicking is ideal, but if you have clothing sensitives then cotton will also be ok.
- 1-2 pair of shorts. Shorts may be a good item of clothing to bring along during the warmer days.
- 1 bathing suit. If you plan to enjoy hot springs, or swim in a hotel pool, then bringing a bathing suit is a must.
- 1 pair of hiking shoes. Hiking shoes are so dependent on the individual. My favourite brand of hiking shoes is Merrell with a little bit of ankle support, but nothing too high. It is all what is most comfortable to you. My only suggestion is to ensure that they are water resistant.
- 1 pair of walking shoes. If you are hiking all day and then want to explore the town of Banff or Jasper in the evening, putting hiking boots back on could be the last thing you want to do. Bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes (running shoes, flats, whatever is comfortable!) to wear too.
- 1 rain poncho. For a rainy day, bringing a rain poncho is a quick and easy way to protect you and your backpack from the rain.
Tip: For your hiking backpack, I recommend a bag with hip straps that can take the strain off your shoulders.
Outfit examples
my outfit at Moraine Lake.
Other items to pack for Banff and Jasper
- Sunscreen. Being higher up in altitude can make you more prone to burning, so always wear your sunscreen.
- Sunglasses. Don’t forget to protect your eyes too from the sun!
- Water Bottle.
- External Charger. I never leave without my external charger. It will ensure that your phone stays charged if you need to call for help, or use the AllTrails App to navigate trails, and take photos.
- First Aid Kit (bandaids, polysporin, alcohol wipes)
- Snacks. Who wants to be hangry while hiking? Not you!
- Bear Spray. last in the list, but certainly not least is Bear Spray!! Always bring it with you on hikes. Bear Spray can be purchased at the tourist information centre, sports stores, grocery stores, and sometimes your hotel may even give you a bottle for free. It cannot be carried across the border since it is considered a weapon.
Suggested Reading: One week in Banff and Jasper Itinerary
What would you wear in Banff and Jasper in August and September? Let me know in the comments below!
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