Banff National Park sees mild summers and cold, snowy winters. It's been said that the most reliable characteristic of Banff and Lake Louise's weather is its unpredictability. Be prepared!
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The best times to visit Banff are June to August and December to March. Nature lovers will want to get to the park when the weather is warm and welcoming (and while the hotel rates in town are at a reasonable level).
Technically yes, you can swim at Lake Louise, but it probably won't be for long. The water temperature rarely gets above 4°C, meaning you only have about 15 minutes or so until you become hypothermic.
Lake Louise itself is 61 km from the Town of Banff. The drive takes about 45 minutes along the TransCanada or an hour if you drive the scenic Bow Valley Parkway.
The town is well-policed and has a low crime rate. Women should still take the usual precautions when traveling, such as avoiding walking alone at night and being aware of their surroundings. Additionally, Banff is a popular tourist destination, so there are plenty of people around to help if needed.
When you have enough layers for your upper body, your lower body shouldn't get cold, even if you're wearing shorts. You can always wear shorts during the summer in Banff, especially during a long hike. If the weather forecast looks questionable, wear hiking pants or leggings.