First Time in Banff? Start With These Summer Activities!
Discover the best things to do in Banff in summer. From gondola views to glacier tours, explore top experiences with Banff Adventures.
Are you planning a charming summer getaway in the Rockies this year? Have you been searching for the perfect summer activities for you and your family? Well, you've come to the right place! Banff in the warmer months is full of extraordinary experiences, perfect for lasting memories (and photos!).
In this short blog with Banff Adventures, let's explore several popular things to do in Banff during the warmer months. For 30 years, we've been bringing joy-filled journeys to families and friends visiting the Rockies. Let's dive in!
What's Banff Like in the Summer?
Once the snow melts, Banff offers an entirely different magical experience from its frosty winter counterpart. Long, sun-filled days give you plenty of time to explore the stunning, natural scenery of the Rockies. From wildflowers covering the alpine meadows to rivers running fast, it’s truly mesmerizing. Wildlife is also out in full force, from curious elk grazing near forest edges to furry pikas scampering along rocky formations. The park truly comes alive during the warmer months, and so does the list of things to do in Banff! Below are some visitor favourites.
#1: Soar Above Banff on the Gondola!
One experience to prioritize on your summer itinerary is the Banff Gondola. On your eight-minute ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain, watch as the town of Banff shrinks below as six alpine mountain ranges come into full view. At the summit, standing 2,281 metres above sea level, you'll have unlimited time to explore the top of Sulphur Mountain!
Breathe in the crisp alpine air as you stroll the scenic, one-kilometre boardwalk. Enjoy the sweeping, panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and deep green forests stretching out below. Head inside to learn all about the fascinating story behind the mountains at the Above Banff Interpretive Centre and Theatre. When hunger strikes, choose from several exceptional dining options with views just as impressive.
#2: E-Bike Your Way to Johnston Canyon!
Explore the Rockies like never before, as you cruise along scenic paths on an exhilarating e-bike tour! E-bikes are great for riders of all experience levels and are a wonderful way to see the park's natural beauty with a little extra power on the pedals!
Once you grab your e-bike from our location in downtown Banff, you'll find plenty of scenic routes waiting for you! Embark on our newest e-bike tour, the Johnston Canyon Ride! Follow the Vermilion Lakes trail, where Mount Rundle stands tall and regal against the crisp blue sky. Then ride further along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway before getting to Johnston Canyon. There, you’ll enjoy a guided tour all the way to the postcard-perfect, cascading Lower Falls. Make sure to bring your camera!
#3: Step Onto the Columbia Icefield!
See the mystical landscape of the Rockies like never before! Few places on Earth let you stand on a glacial sheet of ice in the middle of summer, but the Columbia Icefield is one of them. Located along the Icefield Parkway, this massive ice field feeds several of the continent's major river systems. Step aboard the Ice Explorer, a massive all-terrain vehicle that drives you right onto the Athabasca Glacier!
While you're there, walk the Glacier Skywalk, the glass-floored observation platform perched 280 metres above the Sunwapta Valley. Talk about experiencing new heights!
#4: See Lake Louise & Moraine Lake!
Picture yourself standing at the edge of Moraine Lake, its brilliant turquoise water framed by the Valley of the Ten Peaks rising behind it. This glorious sight is among the most photographed in the entire country, and was once prominently displayed on Canada’s twenty-dollar bill. A short drive away, Lake Louise offers its own glacier-fed turquoise waters with the grand Fairmont Chateau in the background. Both lakes are at their most vibrant in the summer months, when thawed glacial rock flour gives the water its signature blue-green colour.
Adventurers should note that Moraine Lake is only accessible in the warmer months by bike, on foot, shuttle, or on a guided tour. We have several tours and shuttles to see both sights, either separately or as a combined experience!
Know Before Visiting the Park
Before you start exploring all the things to do in Banff, there are a few things visitors should know.
- You'll need a Parks Canada pass to enter Banff National Park. Requirements vary by season, so make sure to check before leaving.
- Banff is the most visited national park in Canada. As a result, spots for popular activities fill up fast, so booking ahead makes all the difference.
- Many areas and activities require a reservation or a tour guide, so plan before starting your day.
For more information for first-time visitors, check out our guide!
Experience Magical Wonder in Banff
There’s no shortage of magical things to do in Banff! Experience the wonder of the Rockies in summer with our activities, tours, and packages.
Banff Adventures is here to help take the guesswork out of your summer planning. These experiences fill up fast, so book your spots in advance and contact our friendly support team for further assistance.
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