Looking for the best things to do in Banff in May?
It’s May and we’re not the only ones after the fresh air – our furry neighbours are waking up, feeding on berries in the low valley bottoms and giving wildlife watchers a show! As summer inches closer lakes start to thaw it’s the perfect time for water activities such as whitewater rafting and lake cruises.
1. Evening Wildlife Safari
Our daily Wildlife Watching Safaris are in full-swing and giving guests a treat while animals await snow in the high alpine areas to melt. We often spot elk, deer and bighorn sheep on this tour, and typically bears will start to become more active from mid May onwards. Wondering what we’ve seen lately on this tour? Check out our guides’ report!
2. Cowboy Cookout Horseback Rides
Speaking of animals, horseback riding and cowboy BBQ cookouts have begun! The horses are frisky with the crisp morning air and waiting for adventure, and the cookouts are the perfect activity for the whole family with your choice of horseback ride or wagon ride with a delicious steak cooked to order!
3. See Lake Louise and Moraine Lake
The lakes are starting to thaw and spring is a great time to visit Banff National Park’s most popular lake, iconic Lake Louise. Towards the end of the month the access road to Moraine Lake re-opens and visitors can see two famous lakes on one tour! Make the most of your visit on the evening Deluxe Lake Louise Tour by visiting both lakes after the crowds have left for the day, with an early dinner in the log cabin ambiance of charming Baker Creek Bistro.
4. Whitewater Rafting
Rafting season is finally here! The snow has melted and the rivers are rising – come and join us on three whitewater rafting rivers near Banff. May is a great month for rafting because the river levels are high and there’s lots of fun to be had. And it’s the perfect rainy day activity, you’ll be surprised how much fun it is to be out on the river in the rain!
5. Banff Lake Cruise
Banff’s largest lake, Lake Minnewanka, is also the only lake in Banff National Park open to public motorized boating. Take an interpretive 1 hour cruise on the lake’s emerald waters surrounded by forested pine and spruce trees and towering peaks.
6. Learn about Banff’s haunted history
Spend a spooktacular evening unearthing ghastly ghosts, ghouls and mysterious events lurking in the shadows of Banff’s historic streets on an evening ghost tour.
