Why Visit Banff in April?
Thinking of visiting Banff in April? It’s one of the most underrated times of year to come-fewer crowds, spring skiing, waking wildlife… and yes, you might still need your winter jacket. Let’s talk about why April in Banff might just surprise you.
Today, we’re diving into what it’s really like to visit Banff in April-what’s open, what’s not, what to pack, and how to make the most of this in-between season.
Let’s get into it.
What to Expect in Banff in April
There are two things I absolutely love about Banff in April. First-sunrises and sunsets. They happen at such reasonable hours! You don’t need to be up at 4 AM to catch that morning glow over the mountains. And second, April (and even May) gives you those bright, longer days paired with snow-covered mountain peaks. When you get a bluebird sky and that contrast between the white snow and the deep blue? It’s absolutely stunning. You don’t get that same crisp contrast in summer.
So what should you expect weather-wise in April?
It’s a bit of a mix. Daytime highs typically range from 5 to 10°C (low 40s to low 50s Fahrenheit), and overnight lows are often below freezing. Some days you’ll get that beautiful spring sunshine; other days might bring fresh snow.
Trails at lower elevations start to thaw, but you’ll often be walking on a mix of ice, slush, and mud-especially in the mornings. You’ll still see snow all around and the lakes are still frozen, so plan for cold mornings and changing conditions throughout the day.
Why People Love Visiting Banff in April
Since I run a fairly large Facebook group for Banff travellers, I get to see firsthand the feedback from people who visit-and I have to say, I’ve never heard a single complaint about visiting Banff in April. In fact, people are usually surprised by how much they love it. They talk about how peaceful it is, how nice it is to explore without crowds, and how beautiful the mountains look with fresh snow still on the peaks.
Now, is it the right time of year for serious hiking? Probably not. But if you’re coming for sightseeing, relaxing, wildlife viewing, and maybe a little spring skiing-April might be perfect for you. And if seeing turquoise lakes isn’t a dealbreaker, it’s a pretty special time to visit.
Best Things to do in Banff in April
For some reason, our family always ends up doing the most skiing in the spring. The snow just hasn’t been great in November or December the past few years, and once the holidays roll around, we’re usually travelling. But every April, I’m reminded how much I love spring skiing…no frozen fingers, sunny chairlift rides, and lunch on the patio at the top of the mountain? Yes, please.
All three ski hills, Sunshine, Lake Louise, and Norquay, are still open in April and typically have excellent spring conditions. Sunshine even stays open into May. It’s quieter, the snow is soft, and the après scene just feels a little more relaxed.
But even if you’re not a skier, there’s still so much to do in Banff in April, as long as you’re open to a mix of winter and spring activities.
Easy Walks & Lower Elevation Hikes:
- Tunnel Mountain – One of the best early season hikes with rewarding views.
- Fenland Trail – A peaceful forest loop just minutes from downtown Banff.
- Bow River Trail or Marsh Loop – Flat and scenic, great for a relaxed walk.
- Grassi Lakes (in Canmore) – Accessible on warmer days if conditions allow.
- Johnston Canyon – Still features frozen waterfalls in early spring, just bring microspikes.
- Johnson Lake – Beautiful and peaceful this time of year.
Biking: If the roads are clear, the Legacy Trail between Canmore and Banff is an awesome paved ride. You can also bike to Vermilion Lakes or around town, which is great for families or a casual afternoon.
Indoor Banff Activities:
- Banff Upper Hot Springs – A classic for good reason. Go early for fewer crowds.
- Cave and Basin Historic Site – Family-friendly and weatherproof.
- Museums – The Whyte Museum and Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum are both great indoor options.
- Local cafés & shops – Try Whitebark Café, Wild Flour, or grab a cozy lunch in Canmore.
Wildlife Viewing:
This is a great time to spot wildlife. Bears begin emerging from their dens in April, and elk are still very active. We’ve had some great sightings this time of year, just remember to view them safely from your car, and always carry bear spray if you’re hiking.
Other Activities:
- Ice skating at Lake Louise might still be possible very early in the month.
- Guided snowshoe tours are sometimes offered still offered through resorts or operators.
- Scenic drives like Tunnel Mountain Drive and the Bow Valley Parkway are peaceful and full of photo ops.
So whether you’re skiing, hiking, soaking in the hot springs, or just enjoying the quiet scenery, April offers plenty to keep you busy. And if you want a full list of ideas and extra tips, I’ve written a detailed guide to visiting Banff in April.
What You Can’t Do Yet in Banff in April
So now let’s talk about the part that might be a little disappointing. You can’t come to Banff in April expecting to see those iconic turquoise lakes.
Lakes like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Emerald Lake? They’re still completely frozen and in most cases, still snow-covered. Some smaller lakes like Johnson Lake might start to thaw near the end of the month, but even then, it’s hit or miss.
Another thing to be aware of is avalanche danger. April still has a high risk in many areas, especially on higher elevation hikes. This includes the Lake Agnes Tea House trail, the Big and Little Beehives, and really anything beyond tree line.
If you’re not trained in avalanche safety and don’t have the right equipment, it’s just not the time for those hikes. Stick to lower elevation trails, check Parks Canada’s trail reports before heading out, and play it safe.
What to Pack for April in Banff
One thing you really need to be ready for in April is changing weather. It can honestly feel like four seasons in one day. So when it’s time to pack, bring options.
Here’s what I recommend:
- Warm layers including a thermal base layer and insulated jacket
- Waterproof hiking boots with good grip
- Microspikes for traction
- Hat, gloves, and scarf
- Sunglasses and sunscreen (the snow glare can be intense!)
- A rain jacket or waterproof shell (you’ll be glad you brought it)
- And of course, bear spray if you’re heading out on any trails
I’ve learned the hard way that April is not the month to under-pack. Even if you don’t use it all every day, having options makes all the difference.
Top Splurges to Consider in Banff
Alright, let’s wrap up with our listener question of the week, which came from a Friday Q&A in the Facebook group. The question was: What’s one splurge you’d make while visiting Banff?
And I loved this question so much. My answer? A helicopter ride over the Rockies. It’s absolutely breathtaking and gives you a whole new appreciation for the scale of this place.
Other top splurges shared in the group included:
- Afternoon tea at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise
- Dinner at Sky Bistro after the Banff Gondola
- Dogsledding or horseback riding
- Spa days at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa
- Overnight stays at Moraine Lake Lodge (June to October) or one of the Fairmont hotels
Ready to Plan Your Trip?
If you’d like help building your perfect Banff itinerary (or just want to make sure you don’t miss anything) I offer 1-on-1 Banff Travel Consultations and a collection of pre-built Banff itineraries to make planning easy. I’ve helped thousands of travelers have an unforgettable time here, let me help you too.
