15 Epic Things to Do in Banff This Summer
Heidi KellerWondering what to do in Banff in Summer? You are in the right place!
You know those stunning, turquoise-blue mountain lake photos you see plastered all over “most beautiful destinations in Canada” lists?… Yep, that’s beautiful Banff, Alberta.
I’ll be totally honest, I’m typically not a huge fan of ultra-touristy areas, but even I’ll admit, there’s a reason why some destinations like Banff National Park are top destinations.
Sometimes I like to visit ultra-hyped places just to see if I agree they’re worthy.
⭐️⭐️ Spoiler alert: Banff is 100% worth the hype!
With a record-busting 4.5 million visitors annually, Banff National Park not only holds the crown as Canada’s First National Park but one of the most beautiful destinations in North America.
Since the summer months are the absolute peak season in Banff, you’ll want to plan your visit carefully. Doing so will ensure you hit many of your top wish list must-dos.
Guide Along
Here’s one of my favorite travel tips – GuideAlong – Audio Tours App. We would have missed so much without it! You’ll hear stories, local tips & directions play automatically, all based on your location. Best of all they don’t need a cell signal, they work offline with GPS.
So, what is there to do in Banff in the Summer? Let’s get into it!
Embrace the Natural Beauty: Outdoor Adventures in Banff
From the awesome heights of Sulphur Mountain to the shores of Moraine Lake, Lake Minnewanka, and, of course, the crown jewel, Lake Louise, the Canadian Rocky Mountains are sure to stun in all their natural glory.
Everywhere you turn, there’s a scenic view worthy of bucket list proportions.
Hiking and Trekking Trails in Banff
When you’re heading off to explore Banff National Park, hitting the trails is undoubtedly on your list of must-do activities.
With so many beautiful options, you’ll need to narrow them down to some top choices.
Some of the very best places for hiking along the Icefields Parkway and the surrounding Bow River area include Sulphur Mountain, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, and Lake Agnes.
Sulphur Mountain
Whether you opt to ride the famed Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain (yep, it’s worth the money) or hike up yourself, you’ll be richly rewarded with some of the very best views of the Canadian Rockies.
Note: should you decide to hike up rather than take the gondola, it’s about a 4,000-foot elevation gain to the top; this is not an easy trail.
I highly recommend spending the money to take the Gondola up. The views along the way are incredible, and the kids will have a blast.
✅ You can get your gondola tickets ahead of time by clicking here!
Once atop Sulphur Mountain, you’ll find an easy, half-mile boardwalk trail. Both the boardwalk trail and the observation deck afford spectacular 360-degree views of Banff National Park.
You’ll also find an award-winning restaurant atop Sulphur Moutain, along with a stunning interpretive center featuring interactive exhibits for all.
Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail
This moderate trail rewards hikers with a visit to an adorable teahouse in the middle of the forest. Yep, it’s exactly as adorable as it sounds.
Clocking in at 4.6 miles, this out-and-back trail typically takes about 3 hours to complete.
⭐️ Parking at the trailhead at Lake Louise is competitive, and be aware the teahouse closes mid-day, so plan to hike early.
Lake Louise Lakeshore
Ah, Lake Louise….the mother of turquoise lakes…the crowning jewel of Banff National Park.
Yes, the parking lot will likely be jam-packed, and parking is not free, but yes, Lake Louise is absolutely worth it.
Parking at the lake costs $21 Canadian, but it’s a steal for the views you’ll find here. Expect big crowds at the trailhead, even on a rainy day, but hit the trail, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely.
This 2.8-mile out-and-back hiking trail runs along the shores of the most famed lake in Canada.
Visiting Lake Louise is sure to top any list of the best things to enjoy while in Banff.
⭐️ Plan for two to three hours to fully enjoy this spectacular lakeshore.
Johnston Canyon
Beautiful Johnston Canyon offers two main hiking options: the Lower and Upper Falls Trails. Both are considered easy and relatively short, with the Lower Trail being just over a mile round-trip and the Upper just over 2 miles both ways.
Plan for a one-hour hike for the Lower Trail and two for the Upper. You’ll traverse catwalks along the way and even hike through caves to greet waterfalls along the trails.
⭐️ Be aware that the road to Johnston Canyon is closed from May 1st to June 25th and the entire month of September.
During these scheduled closings along the Bow Valley Parkway, the canyon is much more difficult to access and definitely less family-friendly.
Canoeing and Kayaking
Want to get active but also off your feet?… Canoeing and kayaking are excellent choices for exploring Banff.
Popular spots for paddling in Banff include Lake Louise, Lake Minnewanka, the Bow River, and Vermillion Lakes.
Leave yourself one to three hours for canoeing/kayaking at any of these gorgeous spots.
Seeing Banff by water is also among the best ways for viewing wildlife in the park.
If you’re lucky, you might just spy moose, elk, wolves, bighorn sheep, and possibly even Grizzly Bears or Black Bears.
✅ Looking for wildlife? Check out this guided wildlife tour!
Unwind and Relax in Banff
For those craving more relaxation, the town of Banff and surrounding areas offer many options for rejuvenation.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Nestled amongst the mountain peaks of the surrounding Rockies, this hot spring topped my personal list of must-dos while visiting Banff.
While some fellow travelers we met along the trails opted out of this low-key experience, I knew it was something we didn’t want to miss.
⭐️ Banff Upper Hot Springs are open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, and they don’t take reservations. Spots are available on a first-come basis.
One locker token per person is provided, along with your entrance fee, but be aware lockers require one token each time you lock them.
Entrance fees range from $14.25 Canadian for kids to $16.50 for adults, and children under 3 are free.
We brought our own towels and swimsuits to save on rentals. The hot springs are kid-friendly, featuring a very shallow, cooler area within the hot tubs.
With breathtaking mountain views from your hot springs adventure, you’re sure to feel well-rested for the next day’s adventure.
Banff Avenue Shopping and Dining
The town of Banff itself is as quaint and adorable as you’d expect from a beautiful mountain town.
The streets here offer leisurely strolls dotted with high-end clothing, boutiques, and more.
You’ll also find delicious eats all around town. For a delicious brunch, head to Brazen. If Indian food is more your style, check out Zyka Elevated Indian Restaurant.
For a crowd-pleasing family meal, mosey over to Una Pizza and Wine Banff. Top off your day with a delicious cone at Old School Bus Ice Cream.
Yes, it’s literally an ice cream shop serving cones out of an old school bus…so fun!
Banff Summer Arts Festival
Feeling artsy? Check out the Banff Summer Arts Festival. Here, you’ll find visual, literary, and performing arts all in one place. With over 150 events from May to August, you’re sure to find something that piques your interest.
Experience the Thrills: Adventure Sports in Banff
Whitewater Rafting in Banff
Looking for an adrenaline rush? Look no further than whitewater rafting down the Kicking Horse River.
No need to be an experienced rafter, as Banff offers a variety of river rapids from Class One to Four. It’s a great place to try this exhilarating sport!
✅ Book a Rafting Trip Here before they Sell Out!
Mountain Biking
Thinking of heading out mountain biking? Banff features over 223 miles of gorgeous mountain biking trails! With everything from beginner to experienced trail options, there’s something for every level biker.
If you prefer to stay outside the main tourist area, hook up with Alberta 66 Mountain Biking for on-site glamping and mountain biking tours or lessons near Kananaskis.
For heading out on your own in the heart of Banff, refer to the Parks Canada website, which lists each biking trail alongside its corresponding difficulty level.
Rock Climbing and Via Ferrata
For true adventure seekers, check out Banff’s options for famed Via Ferrata tours.
This unique experience features a blend of bouldering, hiking, traversing, and rock climbing, all in one thrilling experience.
Beginners are welcome! Banff’s most regarded Via Ferrata is located on Mount Norquay, and offers four distinct tour options, from a beginner’s jaunt to the challenging Summiteer option.
For experienced wanderers, check out the Via Ferrata at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
✅ This is the best Via Ferrata Tour in Banff! Book Early!
Discover Banff’s Cultural Heritage: Museums and Historical Sites
Banff Park Museum National Historic Site
Welcome to the oldest natural history museum in Western Canada! Located right in beautiful downtown Banff, this museum features over 5,000 zoological and botanical exhibits.
Housed in the oldest federal building in all Canadian National Parks, you’ll have the chance to enjoy this gorgeous turn-of-the-century building.
Be sure to sign your kids up for the Xplorers Club, and they can earn a souvenir by completing different activities.
⭐️ Only have one day in Banff? Check out this 1-day itinerary!
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
This amazing historical site is home to land considered sacred for Indigenous Peoples for over 10,000 years.
Here you’ll find informative exhibits, educational short films, and seasonal activities. If you have a historical buff among your crew, Cave and Basin is a must-see!
Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies
Whyte Museum is another wonderful museum you’ll find in Banff. Dedicated to celebrating the peoples, cultures, and environment, this museum respects the traditional values of local Indigenous Peoples.
Here you can connect with nature via history, art, and connecting with others. This important cultural center is a wonderful complement to any trip to Banff.
Things to do in Banff in Summer FAQs
Is Banff worth visiting in the summer?
Summer is high season and an excellent time to visit Banff!
How many days do you need in Banff in the summer?
Banff deserves a full week of exploration at minimum, but even 4-5 days can provide a sampling of the area.
What is the best month to visit Banff?
Banff is at it’s finest from May to August.
How expensive is Banff?
Banff is a popular tourist destination and therefore priced more expensively than many parts of Canada.
How should I dress for Banff in summer?
When visiting Banff in summer, you should dress in layers, as the weather changes quickly at elevation, and mountain tops may be quite windy.
Do you need a car to get around Banff?
No! Banff proper, along with Banff National Park, has excellent public transportation options. Plus, the town of Banff is very walker-friendly.
Should I stay at Lake Louise or Banff?
Lake Louise is much more sleepy than Banff proper, with far fewer options. It’s often pricier.
What airport do you fly into to go to Banff?
Calgary International Airport is the closest major airport to Banff.
What US city is closest to Banff?
Spokane, Washington is the city that is the closest to Banff, Alberta.
Do you need a passport to go to Banff Canada?
Yes, adult US residents must present a valid passport in order to enter Canada, however, children may be permitted to enter Canada with an expired passport, or another government photo ID.
Do they speak English in Banff?
All written language in Banff is in English, and 98.9 percent of residents speak English here.
Can you see the northern lights in Banff?
Banff is a wonderful spot for viewing the northern lights. The best time to see them is from October to mid-April.
Final Thoughts on Visiting Banff in Summer
Whether you opt to see beautiful Banff by hiking, paddling, biking, or shopping your way through the gorgeous Canadian Rockies, you’re sure to enjoy your time here.
If, like most, you’re looking to soak in all the natural beauty of the area, don’t forget to check out nearby Yoho and Kootenay National Parks. With three beautiful National Parks, all aside from each other, it’s a nature-lover dream.
If you have a week or more, enjoy the scenic drive two hours north to the famed Jasper National Park.
