Welcome to the best things to do in Banff in the summer!
My husband and I just spent the week here, and it was a dream come true.
The scenery was breathtaking, the mountain towns were so CUTE, and the food was delicious.
On today’s post, I’ve rounded up all of the things you don’t want to miss in Banff in the summer.
Let’s dive in.
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Banff Essentials
Top Tours & Experiences In Banff
- Banff Gondola Ride Admission
- Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway: Full-Day Tour
- Columbia Icefield Adventure
Where To Stay In Banff
Budget-friendly
Mid-range
Luxury
How To Get Around Banff
When you’re visiting Banff, I highly recommend having your own car.
Make sure to reserve your rental car in advance on RentalCars.com.
Short on time? I recommend booking a Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Tour!
1. Explore Downtown Banff
The town of Banff is so gorgeous!
It’s full of cute shops, hotels, and restaurants, framed by dramatic mountain views.
You’ll most likely stay here on your Banff trip, and it’s super walkable.
Banff Avenue is Downtown Banff’s main street, which is pedestrian-only in the summers.
Lined with chateau-style buildings and gift shops, it’s a really fun stroll.
You MUST grab a bite at Three Bears Brewery & Restaurant, where we had the most delicious food and drinks.
Plus, the pub is super cute inside with a beautiful rooftop patio!
For sweet treats, head to COWS Banff, an ice cream shop that’s so good the line will literally wrap around the building.
If you’re looking to do some shopping, you’ll find everything from Lululemon and Patagonia, to mom and pop stores with local goods.
Banff also boasts a rich history, and there are plenty of historic sites and museums to check out.
One of which is the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel, which has been a local landmark for over 130 years.
I’ll be honest, in Banff’s peak season (July and August), Banff town gets REALLY crowded.
Parks Canada does a good job of managing the crowds and traffic, but it can still be pretty hectic.
Make sure to book your lodging as far in advance as possible, or try checking out the nearby town of Canmore.
More on that later!
2. Visit Lake Louise
Of course, one of the most famous locations in Banff (and on Instagram) is the picturesque Lake Louise.
This gorgeous blue lake gets its color from sunlight reflecting off of the fine rock dust that glaciers produce.
Lake Louise is certainly unmissable in Banff in the summer.
But with the way Lake Louise is typically lumped together with Banff, you’d think it was right next to town.
However, it’s not!
Lake Louise is actually about a 40 minute drive west of Banff town.
It even has its own, tinier town, Lake Louise Village.
Be prepared for Lake Louise to be crowded at pretty much all times of the day.
Although, we visited several times at different times of the day, and never had issues getting parking, which was nice.
Once you’re at the lake, most people immediately stop and take pictures at the first viewpoint, the boardwalk.
But if you want pictures with the iconic rocks and less people, keep walking a little further down the shoreline.
If you’re looking to stay somewhere near Lake Louise, the only lakefront property is the stunning Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.
There are also a handful of accommodations in Lake Louise Village, just a 10 minute drive from the lake.
3. Visit Moraine Lake
Next on our Banff summer bucket list is the absolutely stunning Moraine Lake.
This breathtaking lake and its iconic Valley of the Ten Peaks have even been featured on the Canadian $20 bill.
Or in my husband’s words, it’s “like Lake Louise on steroids” lol!
And I kind of agree, because Moraine Lake’s water is even more vibrant blue, and the mountains are even more dramatic here.
I think Lake Louise is just more famous because it’s easier to get to, and more developed.
Moraine Lake is in the general Lake Louise area, accessed by a 15 minute detour off of Lake Louise Drive.
Moraine Lake is also notoriously hard to get into with your own car, as there are only 100 parking spots available.
These spots usually fill up by 4:30-5:00 am in the summer!
After that, they’ll literally close the road to cars until more parking frees up.
Of course, you could always opt to take the shuttle instead.
But if you want to drive yourself to Moraine Lake, and don’t want to wake up insanely early, try heading there after 8 pm.
Once you’ve made it in, be sure to make the quick hike up to the Rockpile, which offers panoramic views of the lake.
Canoeing is also one of the most iconic things to do here, which you can rent at the dock.
4. Ride a sightseeing gondola
Riding a sightseeing gondola is one of the best ways to experience stunning, panoramic views, without the stress of hiking.
It’s one of the best things to do in Banff in the summer!
There are technically four different sightseeing gondolas/chairlifts in the Banff area, and each one provides a different experience.
Here, I’ll explain the differences, so you can pick the right one.
Let’s dive in.
Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola is the most popular sightseeing gondola, and the go-to for most people.
That’s because it’s only a 5 minute drive out of Downtown Banff, and has a ton of stuff to do at the peak.
The enclosed gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, offering beautiful views of the town and the Bow Valley along the way.
At the top, you can grab a cocktail or bite to eat at the Sky Bistro.
There are also plenty of walking paths and view points to enjoy.
There’s even a discovery center that kids will love.
Lake Louise Gondola
You’ll find the Lake Louise Gondola at the Lake Louise Ski Resort.
Here, you can choose to ride in an enclosed gondola, or an open-air chair.
At the top, there’s a beautiful viewing deck, and an extensive network of trails to hike.
Or, you can just relax with a beer at the Whitehorn Bistro.
Best of all, this is the BEST gondola to take if you want to see wildlife.
Due to its remote location, the ski area frequently gets grizzly bears that can be seen from the lift.
In fact, we rode this chairlift in hopes of seeing bears, and weren’t disappointed!
We got to see a mama grizzly bear and her cub, calmly grazing beneath us, both on the way up and the way down.
It was truly amazing, and one of the highlights of our trip!
Mt. Norquay Chairlift
The Mt. Norquay Chairlift is a great option for those that want an open-air experience, close to Banff.
Located in the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, this chairlift is the one that Marilyn Monroe rode in the summer of 1953, while filming A River Of No Return.
At the top, you’ll find a mid-century modern-inspired chalet, housing the Cliffhouse Bistro.
The cozy bistro, along with its surrounding viewing decks, offer some of the most postcard-worthy views of the mighty Mount Rundle.
For the adventurous, this is where you’ll find the Via Ferrata, a fun climbing experience that takes you even higher up the mountain.
Banff Sunshine Chairlift
Another open-air lift near Banff, the Banff Sunshine Chairlift is actually the highest lift-accessed sightseeing elevation in the Banff/Lake Louise area!
It’s also the only chairlift that offers access to three pristine alpine lakes: Laryx, Grizzly, and Rock Isle.
5. Visit Fairmont Banff Springs
Fairmont Banff Springs is a year-round luxury resort that’s provided legendary hospitality for over 130 years.
Known as Canada’s “Castle in the Rockies,” it boasts a rich history, and was named a National Historic Site in 1988.
Today, it’s still one of the most desirable places to stay in Banff, with unbeatable views.
Even if you’re not a guest at the hotel, you can still visit to admire the medieval-inspired architecture, shopping, dining, and wonderful amenities.
Make sure to add a decadent Afternoon Tea in the Rundle Lounge to your Banff bucket list.
As one of the nine restaurants in Fairmont Banff Springs, the Rundle Lounge boasts some of the best views on the property!
6. Hike to Lake Agnes Tea House
Speaking of tea, but in a drastically different setting, you don’t want to miss Lake Agnes Tea House.
This hike is one of the best things to do in Banff in the summer.
I mean… how often do you get to hike to a beautiful, remote lake, with delicious snacks waiting for you?
You can only reach this tea house by taking the Lake Agnes Trail, a moderately challenging 4.6-mile roundtrip.
The trail begins at the Lake Louise shoreline, and ascends past Mirror Lake (another alpine lake) and a waterfall.
Once you reach Lake Agnes, you’ll find the adorable, historic tea house.
They serve sandwiches, pastries, soup, and of course, tea.
Also, they DO accept credit cards.
Make sure to try the Mountain Bars, which are a house favorite!
From Lake Agnes, you can turn around and head back down, or continue on to Little Beehive or Big Beehive.
Little Beehive and Big Beehive are both rock formations named for resembling beehives.
In fact, Big Beehive towers over Mirror Lake, where you can really see the resemblance.
Both the Little Beehive and Big Beehive trails reach the top of their respective summits, offering birds-eye views of Lake Louise and its surroundings.
7. Rent a bike
If you want to switch things up from hiking, renting a bike is one of the best things to do in Banff in the summer.
There are plenty of shops that rent bikes in Banff, typically for a daily rate.
One of the most popular biking trails in Banff is the Sundance Canyon Trail.
This trail features beautiful views of the river, mountains, and sometimes wildlife.
If you’re up for a longer adventure, gear up for the Banff Legacy Trail.
This is a 25.2-mile roundtrip that connects Banff with Canmore.
Although that might sound intimidating, renting an e-bike can actually make the journey effortless, with 360-degree views along the way.
8. Hike Johnston Canyon
Johnston Canyon is one of the most popular hikes in Banff National Park, for good reason.
For one, it’s unique in that the trail has literally been built into the side of the canyon.
For much of the hike, you’ll be walking directly above Johnston Creek, on raised catwalks bolted to the side of the canyon.
So cool!
Second, it’s almost completely paved and relatively flat, making it great for all ages.
That also means it can get pretty crowded.
We made the mistake of going in the middle of the day on a Saturday, and it was a zoo!
So visit early in the morning, if you want to beat the crowds and find parking.
There are three stops on the Johnston Canyon trail.
The first is Lower Falls, a pretty waterfall with a cool cave overlooking it.
The next stop is Upper Falls, a tall, impressive waterfall.
(Unfortunately, the viewpoint at the bottom of Upper Falls is currently closed for safety concerns. But you can still view the falls from the upper platform.)
After that, some of the crowds thin out before the last stop, the Ink Pots.
The Ink Pots are a series of mineral springs that show off beautiful hues of blue and green.
The pools differ in color because they all fill at a different rate!
9. Drive the Icefields Parkway
One of the best things to do in Banff in the summer is drive the Icefields Parkway!
This scenic drive connects Banff with Jasper National Park.
It’s one of the most beautiful drives in the world!
Along the way, you’ll be spoiled with non-stop views of towering mountains, glaciers, lakes, and waterfalls.
Some of the most popular stops on the Icefields Parkway are Peyto Lake, Athabasca Glacier, and Athabasca Falls.
With no stops, the drive from Banff to Jasper is about 3.5 hours.
So while it’s possible to drive the Icefields Parkway as a day trip, considering time for stops and hikes, it makes one long day.
Ideally, I recommend booking a night or two in Jasper, if you have the time.
That way, you can make the most of your time in Jasper without feeling rushed.
Related: 10 Best Things To Do In Jasper National Park
10. Admire Peyto Lake
Peyto Lake is located on the Icefields Parkway, and you should definitely make time for a visit.
Even if you don’t have time to drive the whole Icefields Parkway, Peyto Lake is a must-do in Banff in the summer.
The 1 hour and 11 minute drive from Banff is well worth it, for one of the most iconic views in the Canadian Rockies.
Peyto Lake’s turquoise water is so stunning, it looks like something you’d have to hike for days to find.
Yet, it’s only a few minutes from the highway!
The turnoff for the parking lot isn’t clearly marked for Peyto Lake, so make sure to follow signs for Bow Summit.
From there, you’ll park and set off on a quick hike.
Shortly, you’ll reach the Peyto Lake viewpoint.
To make the viewpoint more accessible, Parks Canada has installed a new deck with railing.
This does kind of obstruct the view, but you can fortunately just hike around the railing to get that perfect Instagram shot.
11. Explore Canmore
If you’re looking for more affordable lodging and food, or simply need a break from the hustle and bustle of tourists, head to Canmore!
Canmore is a town 20 minutes east of Banff, that I actually turned out to love.
Even on a weekend in peak season, Canmore never felt crowded, and was much more relaxed than Banff.
I also found more trendy shops, cafes, and yoga studios here, which are really my vibe.
Canmore also serves as a gateway to lesser-frequented hikes around the town, and in the Kananaskis Country.
12. Visit Lake Minnewanka
Banff’s largest lake, Lake Minnewanka, is a sight to behold.
It doesn’t have the same shocking blue color of Moraine Lake or Lake Louise.
It’s rather an ocean-blue that’s beautiful in its own right.
In my opinion, this is the lake you come to if you want to actually enjoy a lake day, pack a picnic, and just chill.
For that reason, I recommend this as one of the best places to visit in Banff in the summer.
It’s massive, so there’s plenty of room for everyone to spread out, with lots of shoreline and picnic tables.
You can also rent kayaks and canoes here, or even take a boat tour around the lake.
I recommend visiting on a sunny day, when the water will be most vibrant.
13. Experience the Via Ferrata
If you’re feeling adventurous, you’ll definitely want to check out the Via Ferrata
This is one of the most unique things to do in Banff in the summer.
The Via Ferrata, or “iron road” in Italian, is an assisted climbing experience on a series of metal rungs, ladders, and suspension bridges.
And you’re securely harnessed and attached to the steel pathway the entire time!
This is an amazing way to experience Banff’s scenery where no car or trail can go, literally with a safety net.
How amazing does that sound?! (And I’m scared of heights by the way)
Located in the Mt. Norquay Ski Resort, tours range from 2 hours for beginners, up to 8 hours for the most advanced.
You can find more information and make reservations on their website.
14. Rent a canoe
Canoeing on a stunning lake is one of the most quintessential Canadian activities.
And there are plenty of places to do it!
Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are some of the most iconic places to canoe, and both offer lakeside rentals.
Of course, for such a premium location, expect to pay a pretty penny for the experience.
We canoed on Moraine Lake, which starts at $130 CAD per hour.
However, canoeing on the vibrant blue water was at the top of my bucket list, so it was totally worth it to me!
Lake Minnewanka also offers canoe and kayak rentals, starting at $45 CAD for a single kayak.
Also, many people don’t know this, but you can actually use your own boat on any body of water in Banff.
Of course, the most challenging part can be transporting it.
Note: In order to prevent the spread of non-native aquatic species, you need to obtain an Inspection Permit or a Self-certification Permit to launch your own watercraft. You can find more information on the Parks Canada website here.
15. Hike Tunnel Mountain
One of the best hikes right near Downtown Banff is Tunnel Mountain.
This trail is fairly easy, with excellent views of Banff, Fairmont Banff Springs, the Bow Valley, and the surrounding mountains.
Tunnel Mountain was ironically named after a tunnel that was proposed, but never built.
In fact, it’s not technically a mountain- it’s way shorter than the other mountains.
That’s why the hike to the summit is perfect for families, or anyone looking for an easily accessible hike from Banff.
Do you need a car in Banff?
Visiting Banff without a car is possible, but requires more planning.
There’s no Uber in Banff, although there are local taxis.
To reach Banff from the closest airport (Calgary), consider taking the On-It Transit.
This is an affordable option, but you’ll have to plan ahead with the bus schedule and cover your own transportation to the bus station.
You could also book a private shuttle, which is a more convenient, but more expensive option.
In the Banff and Lake Louise areas, Parks Canada has also set up a reliable shuttle system to mitigate traffic.
You can rely on the shuttles while you’re inside the park.
However, if you want to explore places like the Icefields Parkway and Jasper, the only way to reach them is with your own car.
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