Visiting Banff and Jasper before peak season will not only save you a ton of money, but it will also help you beat the crowds. Hotels and Airbnb's are cheap and the trails are clear.
Here are my top 3 things to do in early season Banff and Jasper:
1. Visit Mt Assiniboine
Few people ever get to see Mt Assiniboine due to its remote nature but even fewer get to see it with snow. Even though snow will be present on some parts of the trail, with proper gear it is very doable to hike in from Sunshine Village. You can read more about backpacking in Mt Assiniboine Provincial Park here.
Mt Assiniboine at Sunset
2. Camp at Two Jack Lake
Two Jack Lake is a must visit location in Banff National Park. It can be very hard to get a campsite during peak season but it's not so bad in May. If you're looking to see some wildlife from the comfort of your own car then this is the place to be. In one day at the lake I saw many elk and bighorn sheep as well as a grizzly bear. If you're looking for somewhere to camp near town then look no further.
Bighorn Sheep at Two Jack Lake
3. Drive the Icefields Parkway
The Icefields Parkway is the road that connects Banff to Jasper. This is undoubtedly the best way to see a lot of what this area has to offer in a short period of time. When traveling from Banff to Jasper this road will most likely take you the whole day if you include stops. Must see locations along the way are Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, the Waterfowl Lakes, and Athabasca Falls.
Peyto Lake
Athabasca Falls
