Summer season is just around the corner! And with it, visitors to Banff can expect new life, stunning views, and an array of outdoor activities that are sure to excite every traveler. Come along with us as we set our sights on warmer temperatures, outdoor adventures and share more of our favorite local summer activities. 

Read on for more.  

Hiking 

While hiking in Banff surely is not limited to one season, hitting the trails in the summertime boasts a completely different environment from what is available in the colder months. Trails reopen and the possibilities for exploring become endless! Some of our favorite summer hikes include: 

• Tunnel Mountain 
• Healy Pass  
• Cory Pass 
• Johnston Canyon 
• Two Jack Lake Trail 

And SO many more!  

Biking 

Banff is home to some of the most incredible road and mountain biking. Whether you are traveling with your own bike or looking to rent one when you arrive, there’s a local trail for everyone – ranging from easy to advanced. Feel the fresh air and cruise through your vacation!  

White Water Rafting 

Looking for an adrenaline packed activity? Whitewater rafting with Chinook Rafting may be the perfect fit! With over thirty years of experience in leading trips down both the Horseshoe and Kananaskis Rivers, Chinook Rafting has an exhilarating experience available for everyone. As the closest rafting location to the Resort, choosing Chinook means you will spend more time on the water and less time getting to your destination. 

Golfing 

For those wanting to enjoy the outdoors but also play around, The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course combines stunning panoramic views with a challenging course only the Banff area could provide. Located along the scenic Bow River at the foot of Mount Rundle, the Banff Springs Golf Course features a highly regarded eighteen-hole Stanley Thompson course and a nine-hole Tunnel Mountain Course, totaling over 7,000 yards. The course reopens for the season in early May.  

Gondola Rides  

Enjoy a more leisurely activity to take in the picturesque sites of Banff by hopping on the Banff Gondola, located just under an hour from the Resort. This re-imagined experience showcases views from six mountain ranges, all from atop the Sulphur Mountain summit. Once at the top, the fun doesn’t stop! Stroll the boardwalk to Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson’s Peak, learn about Canada’s first national park, and even grab a bite to eat at Castle Mountain Café or Sky Bisto. 

Canoeing and Kayaking  

Explore the waterways of Banff by renting a canoe, kayak, or paddle board with Banff Canoe Club. Floating down the Bow River is a peaceful way to experience Banff National Park in a unique way that not all get to do. If you prefer a guided experience, Banff Canoe Club also offers multiple excursions to fit the whole family. Rentals open back up for the season on May 12, 2023 and are available on a first come, first serve basis. 

The summer season in Banff brings offers visitors the opportunity to maximize their outdoor time and take in some of the best sites Alberta has to offer. Whether you plan to take a leisurely gondola ride, get your heart racing while white water rafting, or hike to a beautiful summit, you can’t go wrong with whatever summer activity you choose! 

No matter the season you visit, Banff provides its visitors with unique and inviting options for taking in mother nature’s beauty. Be sure to follow our blog for more upcoming seasonal activities and events!