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Spring in Alberta is a season of contrasts: think snowy ski runs meet sunny patios. The weather warms and the days stretch, but the crowds remain smaller until late May. Consider Alberta the ultimate shoulder-season destination.
Get inspired by the best things to do in Alberta in spring.
Skiers and snowboarders, rejoice! Alberta has one of the longest and best ski seasons in North America. Most mountain resorts are usually open through April and some continue well into May, so carve the slopes and enjoy those bluebird days. Don't forget your sunscreen.
Spring skiing is a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Special events, live music and sunny days all create a lively atmosphere for the final weeks of the ski season. Catch Mount Slushmore at Lake Louise Ski Resort in April or Slush Cup at Banff Sunshine Village in May. Pull up a seat to watch skiers and riders skim across a pool of ice water. Some make it, while others cause a big splash.
Spring means animals become more active, and a wildlife tour is the safest way to spot them. Keep your camera ready as you look for bears, lynx, elk, deer, eagles and more.
In Jasper, join Jasper Tour Company for an Indigenous perspective on the lands and wildlife of the national park.
Discover Banff Tours’ Evening Wildlife Safari sets out when animals are most active. It's one of your best bets to spot them. Or join their Discover Banff and Its Wildlife Tour to see top landmarks while looking for wildlife.
Camping is a year-round pastime, even when the snows of winter are still holding on. Not ready to brave the elements in a tent? Spring glamping blends comfort and nature.
Mount Engadine Lodge is a serene retreat. The glamping tents accommodate up to four adults—you can even bring your dog. The tents include private washrooms and showers, a gas fireplace and gourmet meals. Rent some outdoor gear to explore the surrounding trails and wilderness.
Tucked beside the Kananaskis River, Sundance by Basecamp is a peaceful getaway for families, couples and adventurers.
Well-appointed trappers’ tents are a comfortable home base, with a wood-burning stove, cozy bed with premium linens, hardwood flooring and solar-powered lighting. You can even rent cooking gear, so you can pack light. And it’s all just over an hour from Calgary.
The height of glamping luxury awaits at Skyridge in Kananaskis Country. The adults-only boutique micro cabins feature plush furnishings, heated floors, full kitchens and private patios. Plus, you’ll have incredible views of the surrounding wilderness through huge windows.
Near Bragg Creek, Elevated Escapes Glamping encourages guests to “disconnect to reconnect.” Their glamping domes are beside the Elbow River on an Indigenous-owned campground called OneSpot Crossing. Each dome is decorated to combine style and comfort with the area’s natural beauty.
Comfort, nature and culture combine at the Métis Crossing Sky Watching Domes.
There's minimal light pollution here, so the clear ceilings are a stunning way for some cozy stargazing (or even the northern lights if you’re lucky). Domes have running water, a kitchenette, electricity, private washrooms and heated floors. They can even accommodate families.
Be sure to take time to visit the white bison at their wildlife park and you might even spy a bison calf getting its hooves under it.
Elk Island Retreat is a hidden glamping gem 40 km (25 mi) east of Edmonton. Get comfy in one of the geodomes and try out Canada’s first wood-fired mirrored sauna. Elk Island National Park is only 3 km (2 mi) from the campground, where you can hike and spot wildlife (watch for bison).
Unwind in a family- and pet-friendly geodome at Glamp Good, situated in the boreal forest. Immerse yourself in nature without being far from amenities. You’ll be close to restaurants, a distillery, beaches, plus a Nordic sauna and shower house onsite.
There are countless hiking trails for all experience levels in Alberta. Many of them are doable in spring, particularly in May as the weather warms up and the snow melts. May hikes sometimes even yield early wildflowers.
Spring hiking requires preparation since conditions can be unpredictable. Keep hikes on the short side (under three hours), and always check trail reports before hiking.
If you’re not an experienced hiker, hiring a local guide like Zuc’min Guiding, Uplift Adventures, Canadian Rockies Escapes or others based on the area you’d like to explore.
Try these popular spring hikes:
Summer may be known as festival season, but a lively lineup fills the spring calendar, too. Think ski festivals, culinary events and live music.
Jasper celebrates spring with two can’t-miss festivals. The Jasper Pride & Ski Festival welcomes folks from all walks of life for 10 days of events and skiing in mid-April. Starting at the end of April, Taste of Spring is a must for foodies. You can even kick off your eat-a-thon in Jasper by participating in the Jasper Canadian Rockies Half Marathon on April 25.
Culture takes centre stage in April. The Calgary Comic and Entertainment Expo transforms Stampede Park into Western Canada’s largest pop-culture event. Catch celebrity panels, cosplay contests and shopping.
Meanwhile, the Calgary Underground Film Festival (CUFF) screens standout independent and genre films. See why it’s earned a reputation as a top indie showcase.
Local and international indie filmmaking is celebrated during the NorthWestFilmFest in April. Grab some popcorn and settle in for documentaries and vintage classics.
In May, visit the International Children’s Festival of the Arts in St. Albert. The festival inspires the next generation of artists through cultural experiences and performances.
The Calgary Stampede is the most famous of Alberta’s rodeos, but the Drayton Valley Pro Rodeo and Grande Prairie Stompede start the season in May. Embrace Western spirit with events like chuckwagon races, barrel racing and bull riding.
There are spas, and then there are Alberta spas. Find your bliss among the Canadian Rockies, in the city and everywhere in-between.
There’s nothing like soaking your stress away in a thermal pool surrounded by mountains. BASIN Glacial Waters is the latest addition at Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. The luxurious retreat is inspired by the natural surroundings, highlighted by indoor-outdoor design. It’s a must if you’re staying at the Chateau, and the spa is exclusive to hotel guests.
Everwild Canmore brings a playful vibe to relaxation. It’s Alberta’s newest Nordic spa, and a thermotherapy circuit is the focal point. Don't miss the saunas (try the music-infused Melt and Flow Chinook Sauna), heat lodge or the salt lodge.
Picture a European-style spa in the middle of Calgary. SKA Thermal Spa features a hydrotherapy circuit, dry saunas, a steam room and rest areas. A social hour at 5 p.m. brings lively music to the spa, and it’s the perfect way to recharge after a long day playing outside.
The Sage and Spruce Indigenous Spa at Métis Crossing is opening in 2026. Guests will take in culturally rich offerings, including the Fire & Ice Wellness Experience. It pairs a cedar-infused sauna with a cold plunge ritual for complete relaxation.
Spring runs from late March through May in Alberta. Average temperatures vary by region and can change rapidly from one day to the next. Fat, fluffy snowflakes and baking sunshine, nippy winds and mild mornings are all possible in an Alberta spring.
Here's what you need to know about spring weather in Alberta:
