7 Things to Do in Banff and Lake Louise in Summer

In Banff and Lake Louise, adventure is woven into the landscape, towering peaks, turquoise alpine lakes, rushing rivers, and deep‑cut canyons invite you to do more than simply take it all in. Located in the heart of the Canadian Rocky Mountains, this iconic mountain destination is where unforgettable moments are made by stepping outside your comfort zone and experiencing the outdoors from fresh, exhilarating perspectives.

From canoeing on Lake Louise, hiking legendary mountain trails, and scenic helicopter tours over the Rockies, Banff and Lake Louise offer once‑in‑a‑lifetime outdoor adventures.

What's in the Guide:

• Saddle up For a Horseback Tour
• Join a Guided Hike Through the Mountains
• Paddle on an Alpine Lake
• Scale a Via Ferrata
• Experience Whitewater Rafting in the Canadian Rocky Mountains
• Descend Into the Canyons on a Guided Adventure
• Explore the Mountain Peaks by Helicopter

1. Saddle up For a Horseback Tour

Soak in panoramic views of Banff and Lake Louise from the saddle of a horse on a guided horseback riding adventure in Banff National Park. Horseback riding in the Canadian Rocky Mountains offers an unforgettable way to explore scenic river valleys, mountain trails, and historic routes once used by early explorers.

Several local outfitters offer guided horseback tours ranging from short day rides to immersive multi‑day pack trips. Choose from relaxed scenic rides along the Bow River, routes to historic tea houses, or overnight horseback adventures deep in the backcountry.

Ride into the heart of the Banff National Park with unforgettable guided horseback tours from Banff Trail Riders, Timberline Tours Ltd., and Brewster Adventures.

2. Join a Guided Hike Through the Mountains

If you want to experience Banff National Park with confidence and local insight, joining a guided hike in Banff National Park is an ideal way to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Experienced Banff hiking guides know the trails, terrain, and ever‑changing mountain conditions, helping you hike safely while sharing knowledge about wildlife, history, and alpine landscapes.

From scenic day hikes in Banff to fully custom hiking tours, guided experiences allow you to focus on the views and adventure, while local experts take care of navigation, safety, and route planning. Companies such as White Mountain Adventures, Discover Banff Tours, Great Divide Nature Interpretation, and Yamnuska Mountain Adventures can help you explore the trails of Banff and Lake Louise with local expertise.

3. Paddle on an Alpine Lake

Paddling in Banff National Park is a true bucket‑list experience in the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Visitors can enjoy canoeing on Lake Louise, canoeing on Lake Minnewanka, or paddling the Bow River in Banff with the Banff Canoe Club.

For those looking to explore independently, stand‑up paddleboard rentals in Banff make it easy to access some of the park’s most iconic turquoise lakes and waterways. Rent a stand-up paddleboard from Black Diamond Rentals or the SkiBig3 Adventure Hub and experience Banff’s alpine lakes from the water.

4. Scale a Via Ferrata

For an unforgettable guided climbing adventure in Banff National Park, Via Ferrata delivers an adrenaline‑fuelled way to scale the Canadian Rocky Mountains, no prior climbing experience required. This heart‑pounding mountain experience combines hiking and climbing with thrilling exposure as you move high above the valley floor. Safely clipped into steel cables, you’ll ascend sheer rock faces, cross airy suspension bridges, and edge along dramatic cliffside routes using fixed ladders and rungs, all while surrounded by sweeping alpine views.

Mt. Norquay’s Via Ferrata routes offer an epic adventure right in the town of Banff. For the ultimate bucket‑list thrill, take a helicopter flight to the remote CMH Bobbie Burns Hut and tackle the Mt. Nimbus Via Ferrata, where big terrain and jaw‑dropping views create one of the most exhilarating guided climbing experiences in the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

5. Experience Whitewater Rafting in the Canadian Rocky Mountains

One of the most exhilarating ways to experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains is from the seat of a river raft, surrounded by towering mountain peaks and rushing alpine water. Rafting around Banff National Park offers unforgettable summer adventures for every skill level, with trips ranging from gentle, scenic river floats to one‑of‑a‑kind whitewater rafting experiences.

The Kicking Horse River and Kananaskis River are standout whitewater rafting locations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains, offering some of the region’s most memorable rafting experiences. Whether you’re new to rafting or looking to push your limits, experienced local outfitters such as Chinook Rafting, Hydra River Guides, Canadian Rockies Rafting, and Wild Water Adventures offer guided trips designed for a wide range of abilities and comfort levels.

6. Descend Into the Canyons on a Guided Adventure

You can experience canyoning in Banff National Park as one of the most unique ways to explore the Canadian Rocky Mountains from the inside out. With trusted local operators like Bow Valley Canyon Tours and Banff Canyoning, you’ll go beyond the trail and into dramatic rock corridors, cascading waterfalls, and sculpted canyon walls.

These guided canyon tours combine hiking, rappelling, and hands‑on canyon exploration, with certified guides providing instruction and all necessary equipment. It’s an immersive canyoning adventure that lets you experience a side of the Canadian Rocky Mountains few visitors ever get to see.

7. Explore the Mountain Peaks by Helicopter

Taking to the skies on a helicopter tour is one of the most unforgettable ways to experience the Canadian Rocky Mountains, offering a bird’s‑eye view of towering peaks, massive glaciers, and remote alpine terrain few ever get to see. Heli tours unlock access to breathtaking locations.

Whether you’re touching down on a remote mountaintop for a heli‑hiking adventure, casting a fly rod into pristine high‑alpine lakes, or simply soaking in the scenery on a sightseeing flight. From start to finish, the flight itself is part of the thrill, delivering jaw‑dropping views and once‑in‑a‑lifetime photo opportunities at every turn.

Discover unforgettable helicopter experiences with Alpine Helicopters Inc., CMH – Summer Adventures, and Rockies Heli Tours Canada, and don’t forget your camera, you’ll want proof of this epic adventure.

From one of a kind moments to awe‑inspiring scenery, adventure in Banff National Park is about stepping beyond the ordinary and experiencing the landscape in unforgettable ways.

In Banff and Lake Louise, guided outdoor experiences offer a deeper connection to the mountains, rivers, and valleys that define this iconic destination. Whether you’re seeking unique experiences or meaningful time in nature, these unforgettable things to do in Banff and Lake Louise turn a mountain getaway into a truly memorable adventure.

Ready to start planning your unforgettable adventure to Banff National Park? Use our Trip Builder to begin planning your Banff and Lake Louise getaway.