Winter to Summer Magic in the Rockies!
It’s nearly time to say goodbye to the snow season of 2023 and officially welcome the warmer months as Banff National Park continues to thaw and leave the sleepy winter season behind! While powder hounds and ski enthusiasts may be sad to say goodbye to some of the best hills you’ll find across North America, there are still plenty of reasons to celebrate the beauty of the wild and explore Banff all year round.
Below, we’ll take a look at some of the best ways to enjoy the shoulder/transition season of spring and get a few last-minute “winter” kicks in, as well as some warm weather favourites you can enjoy for summer. Read on to learn more!
How Long Does the Winter-Summer Change Over Last?
If you’ve spent any time in the Rockies, you’ll know that the weather is a particularly tricky beast to tame and predict. While other parts of Alberta may be well on their way to “official” spring weather, the higher altitude in the Rockies means that snow often persists much later into the year, with certain trails and areas throughout Banff National Park keeping their frosty covering until late May or even into early June! This means that visitors that may have missed out during the main months of Winter can still sneak in a few last-minute adventures with a little planning (and a little luck) if you prepare quickly!
Last-minute winter adventures include:
Johnston Canyon Ice Walks
Ice walks are a fantastic way to explore during shoulder season, and Johnston Canyon is one of Banff’s most popular spots for adventurers that want an up-close view of the beauty of nature frozen in motion. Strap on your crampons and navigate the sturdy man-made paths through Johnston Canyon traversing to either the lower or upper falls, and you’ll be treated to wondrous views of rushing water temporarily suspended in time as it slowly defrosts again in time for summer. With both guided and self-explore options available, those with relatively good mobility can easily navigate the canyon, and unlike other tours, you can bring your leashed dog along for the ride, so Fido doesn’t have to sit this one out!
Snowshoeing and Cross Country Skiing
While there’s still snow on the ground, winter enthusiasts can enjoy one last hurrah that doesn’t involve a day on the ski hill by renting snowshoes or cross-country skis and adventuring across one of the many trails in the area by foot. It’s worth noting, however, that if you do choose to venture forth unguided during the thaw season, you need to be aware of high-risk areas for avalanches and should avoid travelling solo just in case, as weather can change even more rapidly during the transition from spring to summer.
The Banff Gondola
If you’re not keen on getting too damp (shoulder season can be a little messy), but don’t want to miss out on awe-inspiring views, the Banff Gondola has you covered all year round. This bucket list-worthy tour takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you’ll find incredible panoramas of multiple mountain ranges, a gorgeous interpretive centre, and fine dining courtesy of the Sky Bistro. Perfect for even the littlest of explorers, this is an absolute must for anyone wanting an unbeatable view of the Rockies!
Skywalk Tours
If big views and thrills are your jam, the Columbia Icefields present a unique way to explore nature and learn about the history of the Rockies via a breathtaking skywalk that treats you to waterfalls, wildlife and plenty of views of an ancient landform. These one-of-a-kind tours take guests across a sky-high platform over 918 ft in the air, with a glass platform awaiting you at the end of your walkway for unrestricted views of the ice field that are sure to take your breath away. Each tour is approximately 1hr in length and runs from May through Mid-October (weather permitting).
Packages and more
Want to double, triple, or even quadruple your fun? Banff Adventures offers a variety of vacation packages designed to help you make the most of your time in the Rockies. Each package features some of our top excursions and treats like gondola passes, canoe rentals, horseback riding, and more. Find your perfect summer package here!
Don’t let FOMO strike for 2024!
If you missed out on your chance to make the most of winter 2023 in the Rockies, there’s no need to worry! While the summer months are just around the corner, Banff Adventures is proud to be your all-access pass to Rocky Mountain adventures all year round. If you’re already planning for winter 2024 and planning to visit during ski season from abroad, take a look at our winter offerings and contact our team to make sure you’re the very first in line when booking time comes again for next season. In the mean time, let us help you plan the perfect warm weather get away and enjoy the sunshine of the mountains in summer!
Contact our team today to learn more!
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