Every month in Banff National Park has its own unique qualities and May has the perfect cross-section of seasons! While slopeside activities go out with a bang, the summer’s best experiences begin to trickle in.

Here is your guide to exploring Banff National Park in May:

1. Lace Up Your Hiking Boots

As the snow continues to melt, some of Banff National Park’s best hiking trails start to open up! Several lower-elevation hikes take you to scenic viewpoints, around the first mountain lakes to thaw, and on flatter terrain, so you can get your mountain legs working again. Check out 10 Early Season Hikes for some great options! 

2. Spot Some Wildlife

Did you know Banff National Park is home to 56 different species of mammals? Springtime is one of the best times to spot wildlife in the park, whether it is mountain goats grazing by the roadside or grizzly bears waking from their winter slumber. Remember to view wildlife from a safe distance and check out our blog about how you can be a more responsible visitor in Banff National Park!

3. Take a Swing At It 

Every golfer knows the smell that sends tingles down their spine when they step onto the course. Around here, it's fresh-cut grass and fresh mountain air. The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course goes unrivalled when it comes to its scenic backdrops and a thoughtful layout. A round here is the perfect way to spend a spring day.  

4. Feel the Energy at Events

Banff and Lake Louise are known for their world-class events that run throughout the year. May is no exception: enjoy the tradition of the ever-popular Slush Cup, immerse yourself in the area’s arts and culture at a Banff Gallery Hop, listen to live music from some of Canada's best artists at Banff Sunshine’s Untracked Concert Series, and rejuvenate your soul at the Banff Yoga Festival. For a full schedule of events, check out the Events Calendar. 

5. Pick Up a Paddle

Springtime means the waterways are melting. One of the best ways to experience the beautiful Bow River is right from docks of the Banff Canoe Club right when it first opens. You will find it's quieter on the river than in peak season and higher water levels mean you may be able to paddle all the way to Vermilion Lakes! 

6. Gear Up for a Great Adventure

Perhaps you’ve put some of Banff and Lake Louise’s larger attractions at the top of your bucket list? Tick them off while you're here! Look for grizzly bears from the Lake Louise Summer Gondola, take a cruise on Lake Minnewanka aboard the Banff Lake Cruise, or get up-close-and-personal with icefields and canyons on the Glacier Adventure and Glacier Skywalk.