Last updated on February 26th, 2023 at 03:39 am
Spring hikes around Banff can be hard to decide on as snow can linger in the alpine long into summer and many trails continue to be snowbound or pose avalanche threats into June. I’ve compiled a list of my five favorite spring hikes around Banff to help!
Spring in Banff is one of my favorite times, warm sunshine and mostly empty trails as the summer rush of tourists hasn’t arrived and many who are in town are still skiing as the long winter doesn’t end until mid to late May for some of the ski hills!
1. Boom Lake
Distance: 5.1km one way
Elevation: 185m gain
A hike to Boom Lake can be a perfect spring hike in Banff National Park. It’s quieter during the shoulder season and it’s likely you’ll have the lake almost to yourself. Take spikes, a lot of this trail in through the trees so the trail can be icy. If it’s not icy….it is typically wet and muddy in the spring so gaiters and greater boots will make it a more enjoyable hike!
While many enjoy to walk out on the lake in winter, don’t be enticed by footprints in the snow out onto the lake. In spring it becomes a risky business! Along with thin ice there is high avalanche risk across the lake, better to enjoy the sounds and sites of an avalanche from the end of the trail.
2. Lake Minnewanka Shoreline
Distance: 8.8km to Aylmer Pass Junction
Elevation: Minimal change
The trail which follows the shoreline of Lake Minnewanka is a great option for a spring hike in Banff. Snow free early in the season makes it a popular option for hikers and cyclists. It gets really busy out here on a weekend so midweek may be a better option!
There are plenty of opportunities for early season backcountry camping along the Lake Minnewanka trail as well with Parks Canada backcountry campgrounds bookable year round but these sites will be snow free in May typically, if not earlier!
There is also the option to trek on up to Aylmer Pass for incredible views of Lake Minnewanka. This trail to the lookout is snow free early, making it a great option for a spring hike, the pass usually holds snow much longer.
Note this trail passes through prime Grizzly Bear habitat and is also renowned for ticks in the spring so make sure to check yourself when you get home!
3. Tunnel Mountain
Distance: 2.1km one way
Elevation: 300m gain
A popular year round option, Tunnel Mountain makes a fantastic spring hike in Banff. Located right in town, this trail is packed on a weekend, or any day in summer. Making spring the perfect time to ascend this beauty. You may need spikes, the trail sees a lot of traffic and can get icy quickly.
Short and steep and filled with switchbacks this trail can be difficult for some but slow and steady will get you to the top. The views looking down the valley towards Randle are phenomenal from the upper sections of the trail. At the summit, there is a nice rock area to sit and take in the views over the town of Banff. There are even some Parks Canada red chairs just before the summit.
4. Barrier Lake Lookout
Distance: 5km one way
Elevation: 625m gain
Located just outside of Banff National Park on the northern edge of Kananaskis is Barrier Lake. A climb through the forest gets you to Barrier Lake Lookout, a perfect spring hike to a viewpoint overlooking the lake.
People hike to Barrier Lake Lookout year round but spring is perfect. Like many of the other hikes, this place is packed on weekends and during the summer months. So spring is the perfect time to head out on this trail.
The view from the lookout is beautiful but on a good day you can hike up to the summit of the Yates Mountain where there is a fire lookout, it is manned so if you make it this far, please read and obey the signs. You can then loop back via Jewell Pass and complete the loop back to the car. However in spring this can be hard with soft, slushy snow making the ascent to the summit very difficult.
5. Ink Pots Via Johnston Canyon
Distance: 5.9km one way
Elevation: 335m gain
Johnston Canyon is an incredibly popular hike year round, hit the trail first thing in the morning or later on in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience! The busiest part of the trail is to the first waterfall, some people make it to the second waterfall but considerably fewer people make it to the ink pots, which in my opinion is a highlight of the hike.
The ink pots are a series of small pools which are a variety of shades of blue and green, hence the name, ink pots! They are connected by trails and bridges, so it’s a great spot to enjoy some lunch and soak up some sun as much of the rest of the trail is in the trees!
Again due to the large number of hikers who use this trail it can get notoriously icy! I wouldn’t attempt this trail without ice cleats at least in my backpack….just in case!
What You Need For Spring Hiking
When it comes to Spring hiking around Banff, you can expect all the seasons in one trip. Sun, snow and rain can all be in the weather and trails can be slick. There are a few pieces of gear which will make your spring hike go a lot more smoothly!
- Ice Cleats
- Rain Jacket – I rock a three layer Patagonia one, breathable but highly waterproof
- Light synthetic down – I love the Arcteryx Atom Lt
- Bear spray – they wake up earlier than you think
- Gaiters – for any deep snow you might encounter
- Hiking boots – I love North Face boots, their Futurelight membrane keeps my feet toasty and dry!
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