When is larch season?

At Sunshine Meadows, larch season usually occurs from mid-September into late September, when the alpine larch needles change from green to brilliant yellow and gold before falling for winter.

The peak is often around the third week of September, but there is no fixed date. Cooler temperatures, elevation, weather, and the timing of the first significant snowfall can shift peak colour from year to year. In some seasons, good colour begins around mid-September; in others, the strongest display comes closer to late September.

Laryx Lake is particularly appropriate for an autumn visit because the surrounding area contains alpine larch. During peak colour, the combination of golden trees, alpine meadows, blue-green lakes, and surrounding mountains creates a very different landscape from the summer wildflower season.

The main complication is the summer sightseeing operating season. Sunshine's gondola and Standish Chairlift generally finish summer operations around the latter part of September, so the best larch colours can occur close to the end of sightseeing season.

If your main goal is seeing golden larches at Sunshine Meadows, I would aim for roughly September 18-25, while checking that the gondola and Standish Chairlift are still operating for your intended date. Weather at this elevation can already be cold, and early snow is entirely possible. Book the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish ChairliftBooking the Banff Sunshine Village Sightseeing Gondola & Standish Chairlift Admission includes All taxes, fees and handling charges. Banff Gondola Home