Renowned for its jewel-coloured glacial lakes, Rocky Mountain peaks, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, Banff, Alta., is Canada’s first National Park and part of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks UNESCO World Heritage Site. From world-class skiing and dogsledding in the winter to high-elevation hikes and paddleboarding in the summer, Banff boasts year-round activities for visitors of all ages. However, Banff and its surrounding areas can get busy, with more than four million visitors yearly. So, to escape the crowds and still experience the area’s snowy peaks and natural beauty, we visited Banff during the spring, right before the crowds began to pick up.
In April and May, iconic bodies of water like Lake Louise, Bow River, and Moraine Lake start to thaw and flow again, and more hiking trails become available. Simultaneously, wildlife emerges from hibernation, and popular activities like the Columbia Icefields Adventure and the famous glass-floored skywalk open. Although this shoulder season may not have the warmest weather or access to the highest peaks, Banff in the spring allows visitors to truly experience this wilderness icon of Canada without waiting in line for a view.