Winter
Looking for the best things to do in Banff in April?
To enjoy the best of Banff in April, you have to know what Banff is like in April. So, that’s where we are going to start. We put together a list of information that answers travelers’ most asked questions about Banff in April.
What you can expect from the weather this month
The weather starts to show its first hints of spring when April in Banff rolls around. The temperature averages around 10℃ during the day, but it still gets chilly at night.
You can most definitely visit Banff in April!
April is a great time to visit Banff. It’s not yet peak season for tourism, so you will most likely get to experience the culture and sights without too much tourist traffic.
You will still be able to find some snow
The snow does begin to thaw in April, but that certainly doesn’t mean that it will be gone. While you’re in town in Banff and Canmore, you most likely won’t encounter much snow, but once you start hitting those higher elevations, snow will be covering the ground and a few flakes might even fall.
You can totally hike here this time of year
There are so many great places to hike in Banff in April. You can hike through Marble Canyon, Johnston Canyon, around Lake Lousie and so many other wonderful locations in Banff National Park. If you are planning on going to higher elevations, you will come across lots of snow, so just make sure to dress accordingly.
What you should wear during your trip
Because temperatures can fluctuate depending on your altitude and time of day, layers are the best way to go. Packing in light layers will allow you to easily adjust depending on where you are and what time of day it is. That being said, you will still want to pack a good pair of boots and a warm jacket.
Now that you have some of the essential information about what to expect from Banff in April, we can dive into the best things to do while you’re there! Banff activities in April start to transition from winter to spring just like the weather.
These are some of our favourites:
1. Go horseback riding or take a horse-drawn tour of Banff
Let the horses do the walking so that you can soak up their beauty and Banff’s. Whether you prefer to ride the back of a horse or tour Banff from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage, nothing beats experiencing Banff with a horse leading the way. You can take a 1 hour horseback ride in Banff on a friendly horse along the tranquil Bow River, or a scenic carriage ride through the Town of Banff that’s big enough for the whole family.
2. Explore an underground cave in Grotto Canyon
Caving is the perfect activity in Banff in April because seasons don’t matter beneath the ground in the Grotto Canyon caves. The temperature in the caves stays the same year-round (5℃) so even though the weather in April can fluctuate from warm to pretty chilly, this activity is always reliable.
3. Meet wolfdogs at the Wolfdog Sanctuary
We can’t forget the popular Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. Located just 45 minutes from Banff, this non-profit sanctuary shows guests their unique habitat, sustainability, and allows you to interact with these wolfdogs. Not only are these animals awesome, but some of them are famous! This Wolfdog sanctuary in Alberta is the home of the wolfdogs famed for their appearance in Game of Thrones and another one of the wolfdogs is the cousin of ‘Ghost’ the direwolf from the show! You’ll want to make sure to book a tour to secure your chance to meet these wolfdogs and all their friends.
The best Banff activities in April
Wolfdog Sanctuary - Intro
Evening Wildlife Safari
Carriage Rides
Horseback Ride - Bow River 1 Hr
Wolfdog Sanctuary - Interactive
Canmore Caves Explorer Tour
Canmore Caves Adventure Tour
Columbia Icefield Tour
4. Take a Banff Wildlife Tour
If you want to spot wildlife, it helps to have a guide with an expert eye. April is a great time to see wildlife in Banff and your chances only go up when you have a guide that knows where to go and where to look. Why is April in Banff a great time to search for wildlife you ask? As the snow melts, it’s the start of the spring grazing season! Animals such as deer, elk, and bighorn sheep can be often spotted and you might even be lucky enough to spot a bear as they start to come out of hibernation! Join an Evening Wildlife Safari and take a guided bus tour of Banff’s wildlife hotspots as the guides share their knowledge of the park’s animals.
5. See an ancient glacier with the Columbia Icefield Tour
Want to see, touch and even taste an ancient glacier? Well, you can do that and more! The full-day Columbia Icefields Parkway Tour allows you to stand on a glass-floor glacier skywalk at 918 feet (280 metres) with a birds-eye view over the stunning mountain and glacial vistas. This ancient glacier has so much to offer and the Columbia Icefields Parkway Tour that begins mid-April -early May will make sure you don’t miss a thing. Get ready to travel to the Columbia Icefields along the Instagram-worthy Icefields Parkway Highway.
6. Snap your best shots visiting Banff’s best photo spots
When you visit Banff, you’ll want to make sure you remember every detail. The Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour is one way to make sure that you can capture every memory (and picture). April in Banff is the perfect time to take this morning tour – you’ll visit some of the best sightseeing spots while the mountain tops are still dusted with snow and learn about the park’s history and wildlife. We might even see some wildlife up close! Get your cameras ready!
Have More Questions About Travelling to Banff in April? We have Answers.
Is Banff Open in April?
Absolutely! Banff is open and finally beginning to thaw. You can enjoy the towns of Banff and Canmore to get away from the snow, but still experience it up in the mountains. It is the best of both worlds.
Is April a good time to visit Banff?
Although Banff’s springtime highs can reach 10℃ or 15℃, there’s still snow in the mountains for skiers and some spring activities are starting including horseback rides, wildlife viewing and caving.
When can I see bears in Banff?
Bears start to come out of hibernation in April, which makes spring an ideal time to spot bears in Banff before they head higher into the alpine during summer. Taking a Banff Wildlife Tour can help you spot them.
Where can I see wildlife in Banff?
Banff National Park is home to animals including elk, deer, bears, bighorn sheep, and coyotes which can be sighted on a wildlife viewing tour or hot spots such as Lake Minnewanka and the Bow Valley Parkway.
Where can I see wolves in Banff?
Located an hour from Banff, the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary is a not-for-profit sanctuary that rescues abandoned wolfdogs and allows visitors to meet wolfdogs up close and learn about wolves.
Is it Cold in Banff in April?
The weather in Banff in April starts to warm up with average daytime highs of 10℃ to 15℃, but it can get down to around 3℃ at night. That means that it can reach beautiful temperatures some days, but it can also be a little chilly at times.
Does Banff have glaciers?
Banff National Park has hundreds of glaciers and icefields, many of which can be viewed on the iconic Icefields Parkway drive. The popular glacier is located two hours from Banff and the popular Columbia Icefield Tour can drive you there and show you all you need to see.
How can I visit the Columbia Icefield?
The Columbia Icefield is located along the Icefields Parkway, two hours from Banff. Visitors can self-drive to the Athabasca Glacier or join a small group Columbia Icefields Parkway Tour.