When fall arrives in Banff, one of the most beautiful places to witness the shift of seasons is Vermilion Lakes. Just a short drive or bike ride from downtown Banff, this trio of lakes lies quietly against a backdrop of forest, wetlands, and the jagged silhouette of Mount Rundle. In autumn, the lakes reflect a changing world above and around them, golden trees, soft skies, and the first whispers of winter, offering a moment of calm and colour for any traveller seeking to slow down and connect with nature.
A Landscape Alive with Stillness and Wildlife
Vermilion Lakes are formed by the Bow River and include wetlands, channels, and three main bodies of water. The reeds and marsh grasses bordering the lakes create a richly textured foreground, while the peaks stand guard in the distance. Photographers often arrive at dawn or dusk, hoping to catch that perfect moment when the still water mirrors the mountains and sky. Wildlife is ever present: birds drift across the surface, beavers or muskrats slide through channels, and deer or elk graze quietly at the fringes of the marsh. It feels alive, even in stillness.
Finding Your Way to Vermilion Lakes
In fall, the path to Vermilion Lakes leads via Vermilion Lakes Drive, or by connecting trails such as the Fenland Trail, which meanders through forest and marshland before reaching wooden docks and viewpoints. These docks are ideal vantage points to pause, breathe, reflect, and take in the view. Walking or cycling along the paved road offers gentle elevation, minimal effort, and maximum reward, especially in crisp autumn air. The golden larch or aspen trees and fiery underbrush pair beautifully with Mount Rundle’s spine, creating chapel-like scenes of light and shadow.
The Quiet Beauty of Fall in Banff
Visiting in fall also offers a quieter experience. The crowds that fill summer lift off, leaving more space for momentary stillness. Parking along the lakeside is easier, the walkways are more peaceful, and the mood becomes contemplative. For those staying at Johnston Canyon Lodge & Bungalows, Vermilion Lakes makes an ideal day trip. Start early, bring a thermos of tea or coffee, and allow yourself to wander slowly, stop often, and savour views without rush. Midday reflections, golden leaves gently drifting, mirrored peaks, these are the small seconds that lodge life is made for.
Evenings of Calm and Mountain Light
In the evenings, after returning from lakeside strolls, guests can sit by the cabin windows or in common rooms and watch the light shift westward. The sky deepens, the reflections fade, and the air cools, you sense that autumn is giving way to something quieter. And that is the charm of fall in the Rockies: the transitions, the soft endings, and the promise that winter brings its own beauty to follow.
Take Home the Spirit of the Season
If you make time to visit Vermilion Lakes during your stay at Johnston Canyon, you will carry home more than photographs. You will carry a sense of place, a pause in your rhythm, and a memory imprinted by water and mountain. Don’t forget your camera, warm layers, and a willingness to wander slowly, nature does the rest.