Summer in Banff is when the Canadian Rockies come fully alive. Turquoise lakes thaw, wildflowers bloom, trails open to high alpine meadows, and the days stretch until 10 PM. Here are 30 things to do during the warmest and most beautiful season in the park.
Hiking
- Lake Agnes Tea House: Hike to a tea house at 2,135m — hot tea and scones with a mountain lake view
- Plain of Six Glaciers: Walk to the foot of six glaciers from Lake Louise
- Sentinel Pass via Larch Valley: Banff's highest accessible pass at 2,611m
- Johnston Canyon to Ink Pots: Waterfalls and turquoise mineral springs
- Tunnel Mountain: Easy panoramic hike, 30 minutes from downtown Banff
- Sunshine Meadows: Alpine wildflower meadows on the Continental Divide
- C-Level Cirque: Moderate hike to a glacial amphitheatre above Lake Minnewanka
- Sulphur Mountain via trail: Skip the gondola, hike to the summit for free views
Lakes & Water
- Canoe on Lake Louise: Paddle turquoise water beneath Victoria Glacier
- Visit Moraine Lake: The Valley of the Ten Peaks — Canada's most photographed view
- Swim at Johnson Lake: One of the few swimmable lakes in Banff (still cold!)
- Kayak on Lake Minnewanka: The largest lake in Banff National Park
- Stand-up paddleboard on Two Jack Lake: Calm water with Mount Rundle reflections
- Visit Peyto Lake: The fox-shaped turquoise lake viewed from above
- Bow Falls walk: Scenic waterfall minutes from downtown Banff
Adventures
- White-water rafting: Class III-IV rapids on the Kicking Horse River
- Via ferrata at Mount Norquay: Clip into cables and traverse cliff faces
- Horseback riding: Trail rides through the Bow Valley with Banff Trail Riders
- Mountain biking: Trails for all levels throughout the park
- Caving at Rat's Nest Cave: Underground exploration near Canmore
Scenic Drives & Gondola
- Icefields Parkway: The most scenic drive in North America
- Bow Valley Parkway: Wildlife corridor between Banff and Lake Louise
- Banff Gondola: Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for 360-degree views
- Lake Minnewanka scenic drive: Loop past Three Jack Lake and Johnson Lake
Wildlife & Nature
- Wildlife watching on Bow Valley Parkway: Bears, elk, eagles, and wolves
- Sunrise at Vermilion Lakes: Reflections, mist, and moose sightings
- Sunset at Two Jack Lake: Mount Rundle glowing in golden light
Town & Culture
- Explore Bear Street: Banff's best food, coffee, and galleries
- Banff Upper Hot Springs: Even in summer, the hot springs are wonderful at sunset
- Whyte Museum: Learn the human history of the Canadian Rockies
Book your summer accommodation on Expedia and reserve guided summer tours and activities early — they sell out fast.
Summer Tip: Start every day early. Parking at popular trailheads fills by 9 AM from late June through August. Set your alarm for 6 AM, grab coffee and a pastry from Wild Flour Bakery, and be at the trailhead by 7 AM. You'll beat the crowds, see more wildlife, and have the best light for photos.