Things To Do
Summer Sightseeing
The summer months in Banff are made for exploration and outdoor adventure and it’s the best time to see the iconic turquoise glacier lakes that Banff National Park is known for including Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. As temperatures climb and the snow melts, Banff’s remote regions offer the chance to spend blue-sky days hiking, wildlife watching, and tucking into alpine picnics. But to truly appreciate Banff in the summer, we recommend exploring with a local guide. Not only will you learn more about the region you’re visiting, but you’ll get the chance to enjoy a few extra-special experiences – from trekking to a remote teahouse in the mountains, to visiting an abandoned mining town, to riding across the Athabasca Glacier on board a massive Ice Explorer vehicle.
Whitewater Rafting
Truly thrilling rapids through Horseshoe Canyon. Experience exhilarating whitewater on the Bow River, with optional cliff jumping for the adventurous. A half-day whitewater tour that offers adventure lovers rafting thrills and excitement close to Banff, Canmore and Calgary. The Horseshoe Canyon section offers spectacular scenery, big waves and up to Grade IV whitewater. Experience a sense of remoteness while you raft your way through shale canyons and awesome whitewater. This river class is 3 – 4. For a family fun rafting experience, check out the Kananaskis River trip, suitable for those aged 5 - 95.
Via Ferrata
Feel on top of the world. Exhilarate your senses. Experience views of Banff rarely seen. Italian for “iron road”, Via Ferrata is an assisted climbing experience along four breathtaking routes on the cliffs above Mt Norquay. Climb ladders, cross suspension bridges, and marvel at the grandeur of the mountain vistas that surround you. The views are wild, but you’re safe and secure throughout your journey. Led by a highly experienced ACMG-certified guide, you wear a harness that is always attached to the mountain’s steel cable pathway, securing you to the rock at all times. With four amazing routs, leave your worries behind, live in the moment and get set to explore!
Canoe & Kayaking
Glide through crystal clear waters in a kayak or canoe on one of Banff National Parks stunning lakes. Canoeing and kayaking are a great way to experience nature's tranquility, sights and sounds of the great Canadian Rockies. Banff Canoe & Kayaking Rentals Lake Louise Canoe Rentals Moraine Lake Canoe Rentals Emerald Lake Canoe Rentals
Day Hikes
Rushing rivers, snow-capped peaks, alpine meadows, and glacially-carved cirques make the wilderness surrounding the town of Banff a popular destination with hikers. Trails lace the Banff area, ranging from low-elevation strolls along boardwalks to more strenuous full-day outings that lead seasoned hikers to some of the best alpine passes the Rocky Mountains have to offer. Guidebooks and topographic maps are available at the Visitor Centres, cell phone coverage is not reliable throughout the national park. Always let someone know what trail you are hiking and what time you should be back. Kananaskis Hikes Banff Hikes| Lake Louise Hikes
Sightseeing Gondola & Chair Lift
For an unforgettable view of the Rocky Mountains without the strenuous hike up to the top, Gondolas are a great choice for families, groups and couples! Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff on the Banff Sightseeing Gondola or feel the thrill of an open-air chairlift at Mt Norquay on the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift – both just a few minutes from downtown Banff!
Heli Sightseeing Tours
From the air, take in the breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains in Canmore or immerse yourself in the history of the local indigenous tribes of Kananaskis. Alpine offers a multitude of sightseeing tours to suit everyone's needs. Get a birds-eye view of The Three Sisters, soar over Mount Assiniboine, or even land in the continental divide at Marvel Pass to explore the pristine mountain meadows and wildflowers. With 9 different tour offerings, operating out of two locations, there is something for everyone!
Golf Courses
Envision yourself standing at the edge of an immense, untouched wilderness reserve, gazing out across the 600 acres of peaks, grasslands and valleys. Feel the warmth of the sunshine as you take a deep breath of fresh mountain air. In this setting, you are easily distracted by the natural beauty. Focus instead by aligning yourself to spectacular mountain vistas or a crystal clear rundle stone pond. This is the reality of playing a round of golf in the Canadian Rockies. Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel Silvertip Golf Course Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club Kananaskis Country Golf Course
Bike Rentals
Banff National Park features some of Canada’s most scenic roadways and trails, making it an exciting destination to explore on two wheels. Rides here will take you through beautiful sub-alpine forest, next to sparkling waters of glacier-fed lakes and under Banff’s most iconic peaks. Rides are available to cyclists of all kinds, from those content to pedal along scenic roads to mountain enthusiasts eager to tackle a rocky, root-laden single track. Go out for a quick spin or pack up your panniers for a longer tour; there’s a perfect bike ride awaiting you in Canada’s flagship national park. Bactrax Bike Rentals Banff Adventures Bike Rentals Banff Cycle Bike Rentals