theMilesWeKeep

Chasing Winter (in June): A Girls’ Hiking Trip to Banff

January 27, 2026

This past weekend, winter reminded us it’s not quite done yet.

Snowy forecasts, icy sidewalks, that sharp cold air that makes you pull your coat tighter and romanticize mountains you don’t live near anymore. It felt fitting—almost necessary—to think back on one of my favorite trips we’ve ever taken: our girls’ hiking adventure to Banff.

Because if winter has a personality, Banff wears it beautifully.

We took this trip in early June of 2022, which—counterintuitively—is one of the best times to visit. The crowds of peak summer haven’t arrived yet, the snow is still clinging to mountaintops, wildlife is active, and most hiking trails are finally reopening after winter closures. It’s a shoulder season sweet spot that rewards a little flexibility and a lot of awe.

The Lakes That Don’t Look Real

Some places look filtered in photos. Banff looks filtered in real life.

Lake Louise was everything you imagine—glacial blue, still, framed by towering peaks. Even with lingering snow and cold air, it felt alive. Trails around the lake were open, but conditions changed quickly depending on shade and elevation.
Lake Moraine was the emotional peak of the trip. That iconic viewpoint hits differently when you’ve hiked up to it, breathless not just from elevation but from the realization that this is real. Early June access can be limited, so planning ahead and staying flexible is key—but it’s worth every ounce of effort.
Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka offered quieter, moodier moments. Fewer people. Wind on the water. Wildlife sightings that made us stop mid-sentence. These were the lakes where we lingered, layered up, and just… stood there.

Hiking, Safety, and Respecting the Mountains

Early June means most trails are open, but not all trails are predictable.

Avalanche warnings were still posted in certain areas, and conditions could change fast. We checked trail reports daily, respected closures, carried layers, and never assumed “open” meant “easy.” Banff is stunning, but it’s also powerful—and it rewards humility.

One of the best ways to get perspective (and give your legs a break) was taking the cable cars. Floating above the valleys, watching the scale of the landscape unfold beneath you, made everything click. The hikes. The warnings. The weather. The respect.

This place isn’t meant to be conquered—it’s meant to be witnessed.

Wildlife Encounters & Quiet Moments

We saw wildlife almost daily—elk, cardinals, deer, and moments where everything went silent and we collectively held our breath. There’s something grounding about being reminded that you’re a visitor in someone else’s home.

Evenings were simple. Warm meals. Rehashing the day. Sore legs and full hearts. That kind of tired you only get from being outside all day with people you love.

Why This Trip Still Sticks With Me

Maybe it’s because we took it as a girls’ trip, no big agenda beyond being together and moving through beautiful places. Maybe it’s because the weather kept us honest. Or maybe it’s because Banff, feels like a place in transition—between seasons, between stillness and summer.