Transitioning from Ski Season to Hiking Season in Banff

There is a unique time of year in Banff when skis are still strapped to roof racks, hiking boots are coming out of storage, and nobody is quite sure what season it is. 

One day you're carving spring turns, and a few days later, you're hiking a dry valley trail under warm sunshine. Snow still covers the high alpine, but down in town, patios are filling up, and the mountains are starting to feel like summer again. 

Welcome to spring in Banff!  

For many visitors, this in-between season is one of the best times to explore the Canadian Rockies. Crowds are lighter, wildlife becomes more active, and there are plenty of opportunities to experience both winter and summer adventures during the same trip. 

 

Spring in Banff | Photo Credit: Phil Forsey

When Does Hiking Season Start in Banff? 

 

Banff's hiking season doesn't begin with a single opening day. Lower-elevation trails around Banff and Canmore are often the first to dry out starting late April through May, while higher alpine routes can remain snow-covered well into June and July. 

Trails like Tunnel Mountain, Johnston Canyon, Fenland Trail, and Sundance Canyon are often great places to start as conditions improve. The key is checking trail reports and being prepared for changing mountain weather. 

Part of the fun of spring in Banff is that every week looks a little different. Snow melts quickly, rivers swell with runoff, and new trails become accessible throughout the season. 

 

Wild Mountain Goats in Banff National Park | Photo Credit: Nick Hase 

The Best Part About Shoulder Season? Variety. 

 

Most mountain destinations are either in winter mode or summer mode. Banff gets both!  

You can spend the morning exploring a hiking trail, enjoy lunch in town, then head up a gondola for panoramic mountain views. Depending on snow conditions, you might even find skiers and snowboarders still making turns high in the alpine. 

That overlap is what makes this time of year so special. 

 

Lake Louise Summer Gondola | Photo Credit: Phil Forsey

Take Your First Steps Into Summer at Lake Louise Ski Resort

 

One of the first signs that summer is arriving in Banff is the opening of the Lake Louise Gondola. The ride offers a completely different perspective of the mountains. Visitors can choose between an enclosed gondola cabin or an open chairlift while climbing high above the valley floor. 

Keep your eyes open on the way up. The slopes below are known for wildlife sightings, including bears, elk, and mountain goats. 

At the top, you'll find sweeping views of the Canadian Rockies and access to hiking trails that let you continue exploring on foot. 

 

Summer views at Banff Sunshine Village | Photo Credit: Nick Hase

Discover Sunshine Meadows at Banff Sunshine Village Ski and Snowboard Resort 

 

One of the most anticipated signs of summer in Banff is the opening of Sunshine Meadows. 
Known for its incredible wildflower displays, pristine alpine lakes, and sweeping mountain views, Sunshine Meadows is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in Banff National Park. Located about 20 minutes from Banff, the area sits high along the Continental Divide, where Alberta and British Columbia meet. 

What makes Sunshine Meadows especially unique is that visitors can access this alpine landscape with very little effort. During the summer season, guests ride the Banff Sunshine Sightseeing Gondola to Sunshine Village before continuing on the Standish Chairlift, reaching elevations of over 2,400 metres without having to tackle a steep climb. 

At the top, the Standish Viewing Deck offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints in the Canadian Rockies. From here, you'll look down on the sparkling waters of Rock Isle Lake, Grizzly Lake, and Larix Lake, surrounded by mountain peaks stretching in every direction. 

For hikers, Sunshine Meadows offers something for every ability level. Families can enjoy short scenic walks, while more adventurous visitors can explore longer loops that wind through alpine meadows, across the provincial border, and past some of the most beautiful landscapes in the park. 

 

Via Ferrata at Mt Norquay | Photo Credit: Nick Hase 

Start your Adventure at Mt Norquay Ski Resort 

 

If a regular hike isn't enough, the Via Ferrata at Mt. Norquay offers one of the most unique adventures in Banff National Park. 

Meaning "iron road" in Italian, Via Ferrata combines elements of hiking and climbing into a guided mountain experience. Participants follow a series of fixed ladders, iron rungs, bridges, and safety cables while traversing steep alpine terrain high above Banff. 

No climbing experience is required. If you're comfortable hiking and have a sense of adventure, Via Ferrata offers an unforgettable way to experience the mountains from a whole new angle. 
With routes ranging from beginner-friendly to more challenging options, it's a great activity for families, groups, and anyone looking to push beyond the trail. 

 

Summer Skiing Attire | Photo Credit: Jill Scarpato

And Sometimes Winter Sticks Around 

 

Banff has a habit of holding onto winter longer than expected. 

While hikers are exploring valley-bottom trails and summer activities begin to ramp up, snow can still linger in the high alpine. In the right conditions, SkiBig3 guests may even have the opportunity to ski and ride into the summer months. 

It is one of the things that makes Banff so unique: the chance to experience both ski season and hiking season in the same destination.  

For the latest summer skiing updates, keep an eye on SkiBig3's social media channels as the season approaches. Book your summer activities with SkiBig3 today and start exploring the North!