Things to do while visiting Banff during the Summer
Summer is truly the best time to visit Banff. There is so much to do that you need at least a few days to feel that you have seen everything. Here is a list of some of our favorite activities to do in summer.
If you’re wanting an early morning adventure, we suggest the Lake Louise Tea House hike. It’s about a 45 min drive from the heart of Banff, and the hike to the tea house is about 3.6 km. This moderate hike allows for spectacular views of the infamous Lake Louise as well as a lovely rest spot for lunch at the Lake Agnes Tea House. If the sun is making you feel extra optimistic you can also continue the hike up to the Beehive for an aerial view of Lake Louise.
The Banff Gondola is a classic attraction that allows you to see a view that once was only seen by birds. The gondola is great for families and has interactive activities as well as two restaurants, a café, and a giftshop all with a spectacular view of the surrounding mountain range. Your visit to the Banff Gondola is not complete until you follow the wooden boardwalk to the old weather station that once was known as the Cosmic Ray Station but has since been marked a historical landmark.
If you aren’t sick of the hot sun, you can take a dip in the Banff Upper Hot Springs, and soak in the views of the Rocky Mountains while physically on the cliff side of Sulphur Mountain. The admission is about $9, and you can also rent bathing suits and towels for an additional charge if needed. Do yourself a favor and make sure to visit this HOT attraction.
Cave & Basin National Historic Site is a place to take you back in time and learn about the history of Banff. For a small admission fee, you can go right into the cave to witness for yourself the natural hot water source. For no charge, you can also walk the surrounding grounds and follow the wooden staircases that scale sulphur mountain to explore where the springs began and immerse yourself in the history behind the discovery.
Mt. Norquay Lookout is a great place to get an aerial view of the town and is best enjoyed at sunrise and sunset. During the summer this is the ideal spot for a picnic so bring a blanket and you’ll be sure to enjoy this scenic spot of the Bow Valley. Whilst you’re there you might also get the chance to see some mountain goats wondering around the cliff side.
If you’re looking to be refreshed from the hot sun, then Johnson Lake is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a day of swimming with the whole family. Don’t forget your sunscreen as the elevation increases your chances of looking like a lobster. Johnson Lake is very popular in the summer, so we suggest arriving early to get a spot for your lakeside setup. Oh, and there’s mountains too but I’m sure we’ve all already figured that out.
The Banff Canoe Club is located right behind Bow View Lodge, and it gives you the chance to paddle along the Bow River all the way to Vermillion Lakes. This activity gives you great odds of seeing wildlife and we highly recommend checking it out if you have a couple free hours in your busy itinerary this summer. You are able to rent Canoes Kayak’s and Stand-up Paddle Boards
If you’re wanting an easy hike right in the town of Banff, we suggest Tunnel Mountain trail, it’s 4.5 km round trip and the trail head is in walking distance to downtown, but it will add on to the km of your adventure of course. This hike allows you to see the Fairmont Banff Springs and its spectacular golf course. Don’t forget to take a pic at the top with the classic red Adirondack chairs that Park Canada have placed in some of the most scenic places in Canada’s National Parks.