The Best of Banff Nat’l Park

Banff is a wonderful town to visit any time of year, but the spring has some special activities and highlights, and if you visit during this season, you're in for a real treat. The daytime temperatures in spring range from about 4℃ in March to 14℃ in May, so you won’t have to bring all your heavy winter gear unless you're planning on taking advantage of some winter activities in the mountains. Along with great things to do in the town itself, there are also plenty of ways to stay active and have fun in Banff this spring.

Hit the Shops

Banff is a beautiful and quaint town with a village-like feel, and you could easily spend all day walking up and down the streets and checking out all the local shops, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. There are some larger brands, but also plenty of independent shops where you can mingle with the locals and pick up some great clothes and gear for the coming summer.

Hit the Slopes and Enjoy Spring Skiing

One of the coolest things about Banff in spring is that you can relax on a patio in town one day and gear up to go skiing or snowboarding the next. There are plenty of places where you can take advantage of spring skiing around Banff, including Sunshine Village, Mt. Norquay, and Lake Louise, where you can enjoy the snow well into May.

Take a Hike (Or Go for a Bike Ride)

Banff is a paradise for outdoor lovers, and spring is a great time to head out for some trips on the trails. Some of the best biking spots include Sundance Canyon and Tunnel Mountain, and a few of the best hiking can be found at Lake Louise, Bow Falls, and Emerald Lake.

Take a Hike in the Sky

If you're feeling even more adventurous and want to take advantage of some of the most breathtaking views the area has to offer, head to the Columbia Icefield to venture out onto the Glacier Skywalk. The skywalk is a glass-floor walkway and observation platform that are perched 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley, giving you an unparalleled view of the mountains and the valleys below.

Take a Hike on a Glacier

While you're at the Glacier Skywalk, you can head over to the Columbia Icefield for the Glacier Adventure. Along with getting a tour of the glacier on a large ice bus, you'll also get to set foot on the actual surface, making this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the majestic history and power of nature.

Soak in the Hot Springs

Whether you spent the day exploring the city, adventuring in the trails, or hitting the slopes, a trip to one of Banff’s hot springs is a great way to end the day. You can either pop into the Banff Upper Hot Springs in Banff National Park, or take a trip to Radium or Fairmont Hot Springs, both of which are two hours or less from Banff.

Try a Boat Cruise

The largest lake in Banff National Park is Lake Minnewanka, and once the ice melts in late May, you can take boat tours of the lake to learn about the history, geology, and flora and fauna in the area.