And if you are ready for another adventure, there are plenty of ATV tours or horseback rides that leave and return to the town after trekking along the Bow River, or join the Banff Canoe Club to canoe or kayak to paddle down it! After traveling across six continents and 80 countries with Cameron, she settled down in the stunning Canadian Rockies. Just a five-minute drive away from Lake Minnewanka is Two Jack Lake. READY MORE CANDA & USA TRAVEL INSPIRATION? 30 BEST Things to do in Banff in the Summer, Canmore Nordic Center for a much better trail network. And to get back down to ground level, there are plenty of trails to explore. As such we thank you in advance should you decide to click & buy. With over 100 ancient glaciers, cascading waterfalls, rock spires, and emerald lakes set in sweeping valleys of thick pine and larch forests that are filled with wildlife its no wonder Conde Naste Traveller named is as one of the best scenic drives in the world. The route between Lake Louise and Jasper is one of the most beautiful road trips in the world. You can read all about theHealy Pass hike here. This hike is only 6km roundtrip and has a 60m elevation gain. Choose from the wide selection of prime cuts and signature side dishes, before washing it down with a glass from the award-winning list of house wines. All support is much appreciated! USA AUSTRALIA MALDIVES Go Whitewater Rafting on Kicking Horse River, Visit The Cave and Basin National Historic Site, Our Top Tips for Visiting Banff in Summer, Final Thoughts on the Best Things to do in Banff in the Summer, Back Away From The Gram: Influence in the Travel Industry, best places to visit in the Canadian Rockies, Road Trip Essentials for your Road Trip Packing List, Road Trip Songs for your Road Trip Playlist, Road Trip Quotes to Inspire You to Hit the Highway. The vehicle is open glass and has a great canvas top roof so you get to enjoy the views with storyteller guides in period costume the whole time, telling stories from 1938 to today. Walk off your indulgent meal by taking the Sulfur Mountain boardwalk to Sansons Peak the true top of Sulfur Mountain before heading back to the observation deck for one final 360 degree view of the valley below. The temperature is perfect, the sun is shining, and the famous glacial-fed blue lakes are sparkling. Id say 90% of the people that head to Moraine Lake stay for an hour or so, take photos, and leave. Within walking distance of the town of Banff, the Bow Falls lie on the Bow River and are yet another example of the striking natural beauty found within Banff National Park. Moraine Lake, situated in the stunning Valley of 10 Peaks, is truly a sight to behold. Each post is carefully crafted to (hopefully!) Canoeing on Lake Louise has become one of the signature summer activities for visitors to the Canadian Rockies, and it is easy to see why. However, be warned it is a busy one in Banff in the summer. A fun and relaxing way to explore the Bow River; we have canoe, kayak and SUP rentals. Our packages include instruction, and equipment to turn your river adventure into an incredible memory. But having a horse will help you get far back into some unknown passes. If you go out to eat for every meal youll put a bit of a dent in your wallet. Or enjoy an al fresco feast at the newly opened 360 Dome Dining Experience, surrounded by views of the mountains. Bow Lake is another stunner thats a brilliant aquamarine color on a summer day. Its warmer and not wind affected like so many other lakes in the Canadian Rockies. From hiking to canoeing, cheese fondues to gondola rides, horseback riding in Banff, lakes hikes and a sightseeing tour (or two! A 10-minute drive from Lake Louise, through the winding Moraine Lake Road, you will stumble upon a modest car park with seemingly little going for it. August is the best time to scramble as most of the snow has melted off the mountain peaks. Despite being a brilliant place to visit all year around, its in the summer when Banff truly earns its world-renowned reputation. With so many lakes and rivers in the Banff and Lake Louise areas, a spot of Stand Up Paddleboarding should be at the top of your list of things to do in Banff in Summer! If you have found the content on this site helpful to your trip planning please consider supporting The Banff Blog. Then this is the trip for you! Join over 300,000 travel lovers and get monthly updates direct to your inbox. Visit an exciting underground world with a descent into a cave on Grotto Mountain.We have highly trained and experienced guides to take you through the entire way. We love the hike in the winter due to the summer crowds, but there is good reason to visit in the summer. The reason is its unique shape that resembles a fox and absolutely mind-blowingly blue water. We broke down exactly how to get to Moraine Lake here. Join a tour to see the famous Lake Louise & Moraine Lake. This is a great way to see Banff at your own pace! If you are looking for other great breweries, check out Three Bears Brewery on Bear Street or Grizzly Paw in Canmore. The waterfalls in the canyon are roaring come July as the snow melts high in the surrounding mountains. For our full Banff attractions guide see here! Another one of our favorite places to have a beer in Banff in the summer is the Waldhaus Pub near the Banff Springs Hotel. The mountains towering over Lake Minnewanka are seriously impressive all year round. There are always some curious ducks and geese on the water, and if youre lucky, you might even spot a beaver. Watch the Upper Falls descend over 40m into the river below, before heading back through the forest to the trailhead. Quite simply, it would be easy to walk up and down Banff Avenue all day long exploring Banff centre is certainly one of those activities that cannot be underestimated when visiting Banff National Park. People flock all over the world to see the Canadian Rockies in the summer months. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Perfect for any visitor in Banff with many different options for families too. Enjoy a magnificent cruise, which consists of a 1.5 hour interpretive tour of the lake and surrounding area. The Farmers Market happens in Banff Central Park at 110 Bear Street. (Psst, a great easy hike in the area is called the C-Level Cirque and gives amazing views over Minnewanka for low effort). The drive itself is stunning, but there are so many pull-offs along the way. Cascade Mountain towers over the town of Banff and has been on every postcard of Banff National Park for years. And remember sharing is charing (and we thank you in advance!). Exploring the streets of downtown Banff is an adventure in itself, and around every corner there are new and fascinating sites waiting to be discovered. Whether it be buying a coffee or (even better) purchasing a unique print for your home from The Banff Print Shop all purchases help with the upkeep of this site that is updated daily. If youre brave you can jump in for a few seconds! Get the Best of Sin City! That means staying away from extremely popular places like Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Sulphur Mountain, and Peyto Lake. This is an easy hike that can be done in under an hour and is an iconic thing to do in Banff. The Rocky Mountains have some of the best fishing; mountain scenery and both wading and boat trips. eer lovers can enjoy the Lake Minnewanka Beer Voyage Cruise in the summer. Or alternatively, Johnson Lake is one of the best lakes in Banff to take a dip in. Via Ferrata (Italian for iron road) is an assisted climbing experience along four breathtaking routes on the cliffs above Mt Norquay using cables, ladders and bridges. Once you arrive at Johnstons Canyon, it is a short hike to the two main attractions Lower Falls and Upper Falls. The many restaurants, bars and stores inside may have changed over time but one thing remains the same the world-class service on offer cannot be rivaled. Seriously you cannot visit the Canadian Rockies and not go hiking at least once, I personally think its the best place to hike in the world. The Icefields Parkway is one of the most beautiful road trips you can take in the entire world. There are also plenty of Banff sightseeing and wildlife tours that you can join if you would rather not drive and just concentrate on taking in the view! The Banff Gondola is just 5 minutes from the town of banff, on the shoulder of Sulphur Mountain. Lake Louise, while not AS scenic as Moraine Lake is still pretty darn mesmerizing. On the 8-minute, 698m journey to the top, you are treated to wonderful panoramic views of the valley below. Moraine Lake is about an hours drive away from Banff town, and only twenty minutes further than Lake Louise. Itineries, tips, stories and giveaways - exclusive to MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld subscribers! It isnt until you venture through the parting in the trees however, before you discover the true beauty that lies behind. Its hard to get anything better than Banff in the summer. The Sulfur Mountain Gondola, better known as Banff Gondola, can be found at the base of Sulphur Mountain at the end of Mountain Avenue in Banff, Alberta in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. Learn all about the natural and cultural history of the mountains; discover the hot water that seeps from the rocks, smell the minerals and explore the trails. Not to mention including a few perfect hotels in Banff to base yourself and Banff travel tips to help you make the most of your trip! 15 UNMISSABLE Things to do in Banff in Summer [2022 Guide! A holiday to Banff is not a cheap one. Sulfur Mountain Gondola provides timeless views of the Rocky Mountains, and you need to get a piece of the action. In 2018, we decided to settle down in one of the most beautiful places on earth, The Canadian Rockies. In this article, you shall be introduced to some of the best things to do in Banff in summer you will discover the best places to visit in Banff National Park as well as some of the incredible activities you shouldnt miss out on during your stay. Lake Louise is frozen solid from late October to early June, Lake Louise Canoe Rental: 6 Tips You Need to Know. It is difficult to imagine a better view of the Canadian Rockies than from the top of Sulfur Mountain, towering over the town of Banff. Lake Louise is frozen solid from late October to early June, but during Lake Louise in the summer you can take a canoe out and enjoy the fresh air. Norquays Via Ferratais the perfect thing to do in the summer for those looking for a real adventure in the Canadian Rockies. Youll see 30 art installations along a walking trail. No matter the season its an easy hike in Banff along a well-maintained trail suitable for all ages. Banff National Park is the birthplace of Canadas national park system and is home to over 1600km of maintained hiking trails. These sightseeing tours are perfect for the whole family, especially kids! Or if you prefer, similar to Lake Louise, you can choose to explore the lake on a canoe easily rented from the Moraine Lake dock. We hope our guide to the best things to do in Banff in Summer has been a huge help planning your trip, and if you know of anyone else that needs a little bit of inspiration or assistance in planning their Banff break, please be sure to share on social media: Facebook, Flipboard, Twitter or grab one of the images from below for Pinterest. We have summer packages for what many have been calling a Fishermans Paradise. These tours include transportation to conveniently get you from your hotel to the destination of choice. The Lake Agnes Teahouse trek is a popular thing to do in Banff for visitors to Lake Louise. Once finished show your Strave or Garmin activity to the staff at Banded Peak Base Camp for a free beer and Parkway to Pint t-shirt. Head up the Bow Valley Parkway to Lake Louise on a road bike for one of the best rides of your life. One of the top things to do in Banff National Park is to stroll along or take a boat ride on Lake Minnewanka. It makes a great place for a nice picnic, canoe, or you can hike to wonderful Bow Glacier Falls, one of our favorites in Banff. The Tower of Babel scramble and Eiffel Peak hike are much harder and should be reserved for experienced hikers, but provide epic views over Moraine Lake. Learn more on the about us page! This is also a place where you can meet one another when you need adventure buddies. It is one of the most iconic activities in the whole of Canada, and your summer visit to Banff National Park would not be complete without experiencing it. This means that if you click on any of the links in this post (and make a purchase) I may receive a small commission at absolutely no cost to you. Aptly named the Castle in the Rockies, the Banff Springs Hotel has been providing legendary hospitality since the first guests walked through its doors in the late 1800s. No Banff National Park itinerary would be complete without mentioning the Banff townsite that the national park was named after. The mountains of Banff rise up around it and provide the perfect backdrop to any photo. Moraine Lake is the equally stunning Banff Lake, if less well-known, counterpart of Lake Louise. Johnstons Canyon, rather criminally, is not spoken about quite as much as some of the other signature attractions in Banff National Park making it even more special to visit, before everybody else finds out about it. There are quite a few storybook vistas in the park, but Healy Pass rivals the best of them. Just note that if you think youre going to make your visit to Moraine Lake quiet and easier by visiting in the off-season you may want to think again. AFRICA INDONESIA SRI LANKA. Warning, the deck space is pretty limited so youre lucky if you snag a seat on the weekend. Located in the heart of Banff National Park, the world-renowned Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a quintessential luxurious hotel, acting as an extravagant accommodation option for your stay in Banff. Offering equal parts drenching and delight, push yourself to the little on this adrenaline-pumping activity in Banff. The closest one to town is Vermilion Lakes which sits right below beautiful Mount Rundle and is so fun to canoe on. Its one of those bucket list experiences I would recommend to anyone that truly wants to live out those old western dreams. A summer hike is visceral as the roaring water reverberates through the canyon and into your chest. If that is full (which it frequently is), you will have to try your luck at overflow parking 2km away and take a bus to Lake Louise and then get on another shuttle bus to Moraine Lake. Now we live in Canmore and spend as much time as possible exploring and hiking around Banff. If youre gonna go for a swim in one of the Canadian Rockies lakes, Banff in the summer is the time to do it. PLUS a FREE Travel Packing Checklist or FREE Roadtrip Packing List to help get you on the road! Learn to Climb in some of the word's best climbing areas of Banff, Canmore or Lake Louise, or join us on our Via Ferrata - a different kind of mountaineering led by our certified guides. In the summer its a busy place to hike, picnic, canoe on, or even rent a motorboat. June through September is a busy time in the park, but theres a good reason for it as all adventure activities are on offer. If all of that sounds too much hop on the Legacy Trail and ride to Canmore for some beers at the Grizzly Paw Brewery. Did you know you can actually climb Cascade Mountain? With your hunger satisfied, why not work your meal off with a walk to Bow Falls? MakeTimeToSeeTheWorld is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. A more relaxing way to get to know Banff and the Rocky Mountains; take a float tour down the Bow River Go as a group, as the boats are spacious and led by experienced and fun guides. Hopefully this article has inspired you to visit Banff National Park in the summer, and has given you a good understanding of what to expect on your Canadian Rockies summer adventure. The picture above is the one of the views you can expect on the trail in case you need a little more convincing. Read all about horseback riding in Banff. We receive compensation if you make a purchase, but it won't cost you anything extra. Take a nice stroll around Johnson Lake and enjoy the mountain scenery. Moraine Lake Road closes between (approximately) October 10 to May 22. Banff is huge, the second largest park in Canada to be exact. Located on Banff Avenue this two-story restaurant and bar serve up delicious food and great beer. The Best Las Vegas Tours (On & Off the Strip), Things to do in Cincinnati & Day Trip Ideas, Visiting Denver (Top Tips to Know Before You Go), 100+ BEST Travel Quotes To Fuel Your Wanderlust, The ULTIMATE Road Trip Packing List (inc PDF Checklist), 30 of the Best Hong Kong Photography Spots (inc. Map), If you plan to visit most of the attractions in our list, we recommend you invest in the Banff Park Pass which offers daily visits to all the mountain national parks (Banff, Jasper, Yoho National Park, Kootenay, Waterton, Elk Island, Mount Revelstoke, and Glacier National Park). It has scenic views and isnt as wind-affected as nearby Minnewanka. While the original hot springs can be found at the historical site of Cave & Basin, the main commercial hot springs can be found at the very end of Mountain avenue, 2 miles outside of the town of Banff. You can see some of my favorite Banff hikes here. Avoiding the crowds in Banff in the summer is actually easier than you would think. Looking to try Canyoning for the first time? With its rising popularity and millions of Instagram location tags youll have to arrive well before 6 am to grab a parking spot between June and September. These tickets are super reasonable price-wise and give you the benefit of a locals knowledge of the area and can be combined with your Gondola and Chairlift tickets to get the best of both the above and on-ground views. It is just short of a 5km round trip, and with an elevation gain of just 260m, it is a fantastic day hike that can be enjoyed by even beginner hikers. When you reach the top of the 7.6 kilometers (round trip) heavily trafficked out and back trail youll find a teahouse and stunning Lake Agnes. Some of our favorites are: TheBanff Blog Facebook Groupis your headquarters for the Canadian Rockies travel advice and information. Lake Minnewanka is one of the largest lakes in Canada that is just a ten-minute drive away from the town of Banff. Which means you just have to get off the beaten path a little bit to avoid the crowds. We broke down exactly how to get to Moraine Lake here. During the summer Banff runs an awesome Bike to Beer Trail. One of the best things to do in Banff in the summer is head to Banff Ave Brewery for a drink. Come see the ancient rock and mineral formations in this unique summer activity. For beer, snacks and epic views, try and grab a patio table at the Rose & Crown, perched above Banff Ave. Banff summer runs from June to September but remember to pack layers. You cant visit Banff Canada without driving even a small distance on the Icefields Parkway. If youre wondering how to Canoe on Lake Louise, you are certainly not alone. Banff is a tourist town and prices are higher than many other places in Canada. Some of my favorite scrambles in the Canadian Rockies areJimmy Simpson,The Onion,EEOR,andMist Mountain. The fallout from the discovery led the Canadian government to declare Banff as the countrys first ever national park. The lake gets its unique colour from the nearby glaciers. Lake Louise is a glacier-fed lake that sparkles bright turquoise blue under the sun. First up, is to visit Lake Minnewanka. One of the best things to do in Banff in the summer is to hop on a horseback and get deep into Banff National Park. Its beautiful to look at, but you dont just have to stop there! The hike starting point is a short drive from the town of Banff and climbs a gradual pass until unveiling a pristine alpine meadow. Our experienced crew will guide you through this rugged paradise richly steeped in history. Mt. Ride double or take your own machine down the trails and past the incredible scenery and long abandoned mines of the Rocky Mountains. To get a great view all you have to do is to park and hike up a simple 10-minute path to the viewpoint. Oh yea, and theres also a Canadian resort ghost town under the lake. Lake Louise is the other iconic lake that millions from around the world flock to Banff to see. Your email address will not shared with anyone else. Johnston Canyon is one of the top attractions in Banff year-round and can attract a crowd. See the glaciers, fierce mountain peaks and exquisite rivers from a whole new angle, one that few ever get the chance to experience. ), summer in Banff National Park has something for everybody. Its a huge park that very few people really get out in, most stick to the main sites. This is an assisted climbing experience up Mount Norquay. This follows the path up the Lake Moraine rockpile and into the valley. Bow Lake, Peyto Lake, Herbert Lake, Hector Lake, Sunwapta Falls, and Athabasca Glacier are just to name a few (but here are all of the amazing stops). Learn more on our about us page! To make the most of driving the Icefields Parkway I would start early (6 am) and allocate at least two days. If you want an easy activity you can rent a canoe, but the more adventurous should consider a few of the hikes around Moraine Lake. One of the newest experiences in Banff is taking a vintage tour! document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); BUCKET LIST INSPO For nature and animal enthusiasts, we have tours to help you learn more about the diverse landscapes and wildlife of Banff National Park. 22 FUN Things to do in Kananaskis Country, 30 Helpful Tips for Hiking in Banff for New Hikers, check out our shop for unique prints and souvenirs. Just 3km from the town of Banff, this large glacial lake, surrounded by towering peaks, is famous for its boat tours and cruises that visitors have been enjoying for over 100 years. Why not begin your Banff summer adventure in the place that started it all? If there is a style of biking you enjoy youll find an abundance of scenic places to get on a bike in Banff in the summer. An easy approach, an ideal location to learn rappelling, and amazing scenery all make this trip the perfect choice for your first canyoning experience. Lower Falls, the smaller of the two waterfalls, can be found less than 1.5km into the simple out-and-back hiking trail, and is best viewed from inside a small cave, dug deep into the canyon walls. Back in 1883, when workers on the Canadian Pacific Railway discovered a natural, thermal spring bubbling out of the ground just outside of the township of Banff, they couldnt have known how much of an impact it would have on Banff, and Canada more widely. But there are many around Banff, Canmore, Jasper, and Kananaskis. Moraine Lake is the most popular thing to do in Banff, and arguably the most popular sight to see in all of Canada, perhaps only behind Niagara Falls. You dont have to stay at a hotel when you visit Banff in the summer! Natasha lives in Canmore, Alberta. This is by no means all the things you can get up to Banff in the summer. Banff Trail Riders is a local company that can take visitors deep into the backcountry via horseback in the summer. If you have time I highly suggest hiking to Bow Glacier Falls behind the lake. This man-made lake is 21 km long and 142 meters deep and helps power Banff with hydroelectric power. Choose to venture up the short Moraine Lake Rockpile hike, to get the quintessential view of the lake and the surrounding mountains. Certified and experienced hiking guides take you around some of the best sights around Banff. With the ten peaks rising high over the glacier waters Lake Moraine is certainly a Banff attraction to see. And if hiking isnt your thing, a panic by the shores of the lake is a wonderful way to soak in the scenery. Four different routes vary in length and difficulty. This iconic lake is the picturesque picture of Canada (seriously, just Google image Canada and see what comes up). We spent a week in the backcountry with Banff Trail Riders and it was marvelous. Each of the installations has been created by regional artists. If you want to mountain bike in Banff there are a few okay mountain bike trails, Look up Star Wars and Top Notch on Trailforks for an idea of what they are like. Experience the thrill of seeing the Rocky Mountains from thousands of feet up; our helicopter tours are a photographers dream come true! Every summer until October 6th the Banff Famers Market runs on Wednesdays from 10-6. Ever since that day, people have flocked in their millions to soak in the incredible wildlife and serene landscapes on offer throughout the national park. ), How to Spend One Day in Brighton (A Locals Guide). Read our guide on how to hike in Banff safely and our favorite hikes in Banff. St. Piran, or Devils Thumb. Read my full Disclosure here. This makes for a unique zipline adventure! One of the best things to do in Banff in the summer is to go hiking. 15 TOP Tips for Visiting Miami on a Budget (by a local! in the insta-famous, luxurious, castle-esque Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.