For a good reason, Banff National Park is known for its breathtaking beauty, and in the summer, it truly shines. In the Canadian Rockies, summer is the ideal time to reconnect with nature and get away from the routine. Here are our top ten recommendations for summertime visits to Banff. Start making plans for your trip to Banff right immediately!
1. A place to breathe
If there was ever a moment to venture outside and take in the crisp mountain air, it is right now! It has been demonstrated that being in nature improves our mood, so why not get in touch with nature in one of the most breathtaking locations on earth? Roll the windows down and take in the expansive views while enjoying the open areas. It will benefit you, we assure you.
2. Hiking is a must
Summer is the ideal time to hike in Banff, which is a hiker’s paradise. Banff has enough to offer everyone, whether you’re a novice hiker or an expert mountain enthusiast. Our go-to beginner’s hike gives breathtaking views of Banff town and the surrounding area and is called Tunnel Mountain Trail. Given that it only takes 1.5 to 2 hours, this little hike is the ideal way to begin or end your day.
3. Native Wildlife
Okay, so we can’t precisely guarantee that if you visit Banff you’ll encounter wildlife, but there’s a great chance. You’re sure to see some of the amazing wildlife that makes Banff National Park home, such as the elk and deer that wander through the town of Banff, coyotes, grizzly bears, and perhaps even moose.
If you’re fortunate enough to come across any local wildlife, make sure to always remain a safe distance and keep in mind that even if animals are frequently seen in the region, they are still wild. Before you approach the national park, brush up on your understanding of wildlife safety and keep a healthy distance from all animals. Also, remember not to feed them.
4. Great Golf
In Banff, there are countless outdoor pursuits to keep you busy, but don’t overlook golf! The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course is certainly already on the bucket lists of avid golfers, but if you’ve never played before, why not pick up a club and give it a shot while you’re in the heart of the Canadian Rockies?
5. Taking to the Waters
Water sports may not immediately spring to mind when considering Banff National Park, but summer is the finest season for getting out on the water (or in the water if you’re feeling really daring!).
Ready for a challenge? Try rafting on whitewater! Try canoeing or kayaking with assistance from the Banff Canoe Club for a slower pace. Get on a Lake Minnewanka cruise and let someone else drive! Try the Beer Voyage boat, which is brand-new this year, and sip on regional beers while admiring the scenery!
6. The Amazing Food Scene
Banff National Park is home to breweries, distilleries, farm-to-table meals, bakeries, and local Alberta meat. Although you may have come for the sights, the food scene will have you coming back. We could dedicate an entire blog post to discussing where to dine and drink in Banff, but for now, we’ll offer a few recommendations.
The Bear Street Tavern serves pizza for lunch, Wildflour Bakery serves coffee and pastries to start the day, and Banff Ave. Brewing Company serves local beer to satisfy your thirst. Before your mouthwatering steak meal at 1888 Chop House, enjoy a pre-dinner cocktail on The Lookout Patio and take in the greatest views of Banff.
7. Relaxation and Sleep
As much as everyone else, we enjoy an action-packed, mountainous holiday, but we equally enjoy taking the time to relax and treat ourselves. The many spas in the vicinity are the ideal spot to unwind, unwind, and refresh in Banff.
8. The Amazing Blue Lakes
To believe it, you must see it. Pictures don’t do the glacier-fed lakes in the Canadian Rockies justice, but a photo of Moraine Lake might get you more Instagram likes than ever before. Sunlight reflecting off the silt or rock flour that enters the lakes with the glacier runoff gives them their mesmerizing blue hue.
This region’s lakes begin to melt in the late spring, and the further into summer you travel, the more vividly coloured the lakes become. For the best viewing of the lakes, we suggest travelling in July or August.
9. Beautiful Mountain Drives
Does this sound ideal to you? It does to us: windows down, music playing, vistas of mountains, and blue skies! Driving may not seem like a top tourist attraction, but driving over the mountains in the summer definitely qualifies! Travel up to Lake Louise after Banff, then on to Jasper for the ultimate Rockies road adventure.
One of the most beautiful drives on earth, the trek along the well-known Icefields Parkway is a must-do while you’re in the region. We know the ideal spots to stay along the journey, just in case. Your Rockies road trip will be elevated by visiting the Canadian icons Fairmont Banff Springs, Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge!
10. Ascending to new heights
Even though hiking is one of the most well-liked summertime activities in Banff, both locals and visitors agree that there are times when you just want to reach the summit without donning your hiking boots and working up a sweat.
You’re in luck since there are so many more options besides walking to experience those breathtaking mountaintop views. To view Banff National Park’s natural splendour from above, take a ride on the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola, Norquay Chairlift, or Banff Gondola.
