Victoria Day (May Long Weekend)
Victoria Day, a long weekend for Canadians, a day honoring Queen Victoria, the unofficial start of Summer, and there is no better place to celebrate than in the Canadian Rockies. Canmore and Banff start bursting with life as the days grow longer, nature fully awakes from its slumber and more and more outdoors activities become available. This year the celebration is held on the 19th of May. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, here’s your guide to making the most of your May long weekend and Victoria Day in Canmore & Banff.
Outdoor Adventures
With the arrival of summer comes the rebirth of outdoor activities and adventures. Let’s see what this entails.
Skiing (Kind of)
With the unofficial start of summer, the ski season comes to an end. So why wouldn’t it go out with a bang? Answer is, it does go out with a bang! It’s none other than the Slush Cup hosted at Sunshine Village on the same day as Victoria Day. For those who don’t know, slush cup is a competition where people try ski or snowboard across a pool of water. It’s a day of fun, laughter and excitement.
Canoeing / Kayaking
The iced over lakes, streams, and rivers start to melt and come alive again which means that kayaking and canoeing become available! Some spots we highly recommend are Lake Minnewanka, Quarry Lake, and of course Bow River.
Golfing
By this time of the year the snow disappears and the green turf reappears. Golfing in Canmore and Banff can be very popular so be sure to start booking your golf sessions soon. The courses in Canmore include: Silvertip Resort, Canmore Golf & Curling Club, and Stewart Creek. There is also a course in Banff: Fairmont Banff Springs. If you’re looking for something a little casual, CanGOLF is a great alternative.
Hikes
Take advantage of the drier trails and explore popular hikes like the Grassi Lakes Trail in Canmore or the Johnston Canyon Lower Falls trail in Banff. Remember to check trail conditions before you go, as some higher elevation trails may still have snow.
Leisure in Town
Sometimes adventuring in the mountains all day can be exhausting which is why a laid back leisurely day is sometimes necessary.
Patio Season
You’re outside, the suns hitting your face, you’re surrounded by stunning mountain views and to top it off you’ve got an ice cold drink in front of you. Patio season just sounds divine doesn’t it? Plenty of restaurants, pubs, cafes offer outdoor seating so you can enjoy some patio drinks after a day in the mountains.
Exploring Downtown
Downtown Canmore and Banff have lots to offer, from the local shops to the charming streets and the vibrant atmosphere, strolling through downtown is lovely. Some of our favourite shops in Canmore are Stonewater, Unlimited and Valhalla. Downtown Banff has a lot more to offer with shops so we definitely recommend checking it out too!
Relax and Rejuvenate
After spending a whole day out in the mountains, sometimes all you need is to relax and rejuvenate. One Wellness center in Canmore offers multiple different services such as saunas, compression therapy, polar plunge and more. Banff Upper Hot Springs is also a great spot to relax as you watch the sunset over the mountains.
Tips
Spring weather can be super unpredictable, in the morning it could be snowing and in the evening the suns out with blue skies. Make sure to pack and dress for variable weather. Victoria Day is also a popular time for Canadians to travel so be sure to book accommodation in advance! Have a look at our properties here. With the start of summer, the bears come out of their dens to get their tan on. Be sure to be bear aware, all information about bear safety can be found here. Wildlife is also very active during the summer months so be sure to respect their space and never feed them.