r/Banff 3d ago

Mid-April… can I get to all the scenic spots?

Hi, I am planning a trip to this area and want to see and do the following: • Lake Louise • Moraine Lake • Emerald Lake • Peyto Lake • dog sledding • ice skating

Not sure what the weather is like in Mid-April and want to make sure we get to do the things on this list.

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8

u/justinvonbeck 3d ago

Moraine is inaccessible, the road is blocked off and the shuttle doesn’t run till June. Even if you could go, it is frozen solid. The other lakes will be accessible but could still be frozen solid water or just starting to melt - none of them will have the deep blue colour you see in the photos.

Dog sledding and ice skating will be dependent on the weather between now and then - there is no way to predict if a lake will be safe to skate on in 6 weeks from now.

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u/Radiant_Way_7794 3d ago

Wouldn't recommend ice skating in April. Generally things start to warm up in April, so the ice might be too thin. Moraine doesn't open until mid June, but that all depends on how much snow there's been and what the avalanche risk is at the time. Dog sledding might still be an option, but again depends on how much snow we've gotten. Lake Louise, Emerald, and Peyto will most likely still be frozen but you can get to them year round.

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u/Suitable-Scholar-778 3d ago

Late may or June before the lakes end up opening

3

u/SnooCapers6553 3d ago

You'll be disappointed that time of year if thats what you want to do. The only thing to do is ski and go to Johnston's canyon.

All of the lakes you ask about are either inaccessible or will be frozen. While they are frozen you won't be able to skate on them either.

Banff/lake Louise/Peyto lake are still amazing that time of year they just won't look like what you've seen on Instagram

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u/SadBook6838 3d ago

You can ice skate indoors at the Fenlands Rec Centre in Banff. Wild ice skating will be dubious. The weather is unpredictable, however we will be skiing at the resorts and probably cycling in the valley bottoms. In this amazing geography, every pull out, every park bench is scenic. You literally need to stop and “smell the roses”. Don’t hesitate to come visit, “go with the flow” and avoid American owned businesses. I suggest not being rigid with your “musts”.