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7 Things to Do in Summer in Banff and Lake Louise

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Apr 11, 2022|
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Adventure
Canoeing Moraine Lake Banff National Park Jake Dyson

It's time to start planning your essential summer mountain adventures! So lace up your boots, pack your bag and check out these summer adventures in Banff and Lake Louise.

1. Saddle up for a horseback tour

Travel back in time and soak in the panoramic views of Banff and Lake Louise from the saddle of a horse. Several outfitters offer guided horseback tours ranging from day trips to multi-day adventures. Watching the sunset from the door of your canvas tent after a day on the trail will make you feel like some of the intrepid early explorers of the area. Check out Banff Trail Riders, Timberline Tours Ltd. and Brewster Mountain Pack Trains.

A cowboy introduces his horses to girls in Banff and Lake Louise, AB A cowboy introduces his horses to girls in Banff and Lake Louise, AB A cowboy introduces his horses to girls in Banff and Lake Louise, AB

2. Join a guided hike

If you want the full Banff National Park experience, consider hiring a guide for your next mountain adventure. Not only will they deliver you to the doorstep of breathtaking views, they will also be your encyclopedia of natural history. Have a question about that mountain? They’ll set you straight. Curious about the type of bird soaring overhead? No problem! There are several organizations that offer guiding services ranging from simple day trips to custom mountain adventures. Check out: Great Divide Nature Interpretation, Canadian Rockies Alpine Hiking, Discover Banff Tours, White Mountain Adventures, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures and Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise.

Hiking Sentinel Pass Banff National Park Jake DysonHiking Sentinel Pass Banff National Park Jake DysonHiking Sentinel Pass Banff National Park Jake Dyson

3. Paddle on an alpine lake

From the cover of National Geographic to countless postcards around the world, paddling on a turquoise mountain lake is truly a bucket list experience. There are plenty of paddling options that exist in the park - from paddling on Lake Louise to the Banff Canoe Club on the Bow River. Check out some of our other paddling blogs 8 Jaw-Dropping Paddles in Banff National Park and Canoeing and camping on Lake Minnewanka. You can also rent your own stand-up paddleboard in Banff and explore one of these lakes on your own. Try picking one up from Black Diamond Rentals, the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub, Radventures, or Bow Valley SUP.

Canoeing Bow Lake Banff National Park Noel HendricksonCanoeing Bow Lake Banff National Park Noel HendricksonCanoeing Bow Lake Banff National Park Noel Hendrickson

4. Scale a Via Ferrata

Looking to scale a mountain but don’t know where to start? Why not try your hand at Via Ferrata - a guided experience on steel bridges and rungs up sheer rock faces. In the town of Banff you can explore several routes at Mt Norquay. Those looking to extend the adventure can hop on a helicopter and fly up to the CMH Bobbie Burns Hut where you’ll explore the thrilling Mt Nimbus course.

Climbers reach the summit of the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata, Banff National Park, ABClimbers reach the summit of the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata, Banff National Park, ABClimbers reach the summit of the Mt. Norquay Via Ferrata, Banff National Park, AB

5. Buckle up for rafting

One of the finest ways to explore the Canadian Rockies is from the seat of a river raft. There are several rafting options depending on the type of adventure you’re looking for - beginners will enjoy the Bow River safari and Hoodoo tour, while adrenaline junkies will enjoy crashing their way through rapids on one of many alpine rivers in the area. For gentle river floats check out Rocky Mountain Raft Tours, for whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River take a tour with Chinook Rafting, Hydra River Guides, Wild Water Adventures, or explore the Kananaskis River with Canadian Rockies Rafting or Chinook Rafting.

Hydra River RaftingHydra River RaftingHydra River Rafting

6. Camp in the backcountry

Take your camping game to the next level with a trip into the backcountry. Banff National Park has extensive network of backcountry campsites to explore and ambitious backpackers will love linking together the many trails into a proper adventure. Prime backpacking season stretches from May to October, although trails at a higher elevation may remain snowbound until June. Visit the backpacking page at Parks Canada for all of your information and trip planning information. Campsites book up quickly, so be sure to book early or look for dates mid-week. Don't forget that you'll need a Parks Pass - find more information at by reading our Guide to the Parks Canada Pass.

Hiking Sentinel Pass Banff National Park Jake DysonHiking Sentinel Pass Banff National Park Jake DysonHiking Sentinel Pass Banff National Park Jake Dyson

7. Try your luck with Heli fly fishing

Getting up in a helicopter offers not only a unique perspective on the mountains, but it will also allow help you reach the remote corners of the Canadian Rockies. Whether you decide to touch down on a remote mountaintop for a heli hiking adventure, or explore high-alpine lakes with a fly rod, or explore a sightseeing tour, the journey to your destination might just be the most memorable moments of your trip. Check out Alpine Helicopters Inc, CMH - Summer Adventures and Rockies Heli Tours Canada. Bringing a camera is mandatory!

Are you coming to Banff National Park?

Make sure you purchase your Parks Pass in advance for express entry into the park. All of the details, including frequently asked questions can be found in our Guide To The Parks Canada Pass.

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Real Banff is an inside look at the events and activities around the park, brought to you by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. Our mission is to have a post on pretty much everything that is available for you to do in Banff, Lake Louise and beyond.