Ultimate Banff Summer Guide for Adventurous Families
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All photos in this post were taken by me during our trip. I love capturing real experiences to give you an authentic look at what to expect.
Banff Summer Travel Guide for Adventure-Loving Families
Banff National Park is an unforgettable summer destination, offering breathtaking landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and plenty of opportunities for adventure-loving families. From glacier hikes to scenic drives and charming mountain towns, there’s something for everyone. If you’re planning a trip, this guide will help you make the most of your time in Banff!
Why Visit Banff in Summer?
Banff comes alive in the summer with endless daylight hours, vibrant wildflowers, and incredible hiking conditions. While it’s a popular time to visit, the stunning scenery and unique experiences make it well worth the trip. Here’s why summer is the best season for families looking for adventure:
- Perfect Weather – Mild temperatures make it easy to spend long days exploring.
- Wildlife Watching – Spot bears, elk, and mountain goats along scenic drives and trails.
- Epic Hiking Trails – Access to world-famous hikes like Lake Agnes Tea House and Johnston Canyon.
- Outdoor Adventures – Kayaking, glacier walks, and sunset river strolls add to the experience.
Where to Stay: Canmore vs. Banff
While Banff is the go-to destination, we opted to stay in Canmore, and it was one of the best decisions of our trip. Here’s why:
- Less Crowded – Canmore is quieter and more relaxed than Banff but still close to the park.
- More Affordable – Hotels, vacation rentals, and dining are more budget-friendly.
- Great Location – A short drive to Banff National Park, Bow River, and Kananaskis Conservation Center.
- Charming Downtown – Delicious restaurants, local shops, and scenic walks along the Bow River.
If you prefer to be in the heart of the action, Banff offers plenty of accommodations, but you’ll need to book early due to high demand in summer.
Top Things to Do in Banff (For Families Who Love Adventure!)
Scenic Drives & Hikes
- Bow Valley Parkway – A stunning alternative to the main highway with scenic viewpoints and wildlife sightings.
- Johnston Canyon – Walk along the catwalks through this breathtaking canyon. (Tip: Go early or late in the day to avoid crowds! The hike takes about 1-2 hours round trip.)
- Tunnel Mountain – A family-friendly but steep hike with rewarding panoramic views. (Tip: Take travel watercolors and paint the views from the top! The hike takes about 1.5-2 hours round trip.)
- Lake Agnes Tea House – A steep climb of about 4.5 miles round trip with 1,300 feet of elevation gain, but you’re rewarded with delicious tea and food! (Plan for 2.5-3 hours round trip, longer if you plan to stay and eat at the tea house. Lines are long in the summer!)
- Little Beehive Hike – A challenging but rewarding hike with better views than Big Beehive. (Tip: This trail has sheer drop-offs—only experienced hikers and children who understand safety should attempt it! Expect about 4 hours round trip.)
Lakes & Rivers
- Moraine Lake & Lake Louise – Take the shuttle to these iconic lakes (Tip: We booked our shuttle pass directly through Parks Canada. It’s under the day-use section!),
- Rent a Canoe at Moraine Lake – Enjoy paddling on the stunning turquoise waters. (Tip: Even in July, it’s chilly at the lake, so bring a jacket. This was the highlight of our trip!)
- Go For a Swim – We swam in Lake Louise, Lake Agnes, Bow Lake, and Bow River—it was freezing but absolutely worth it!
- Evenings at Engine Bridge & Bow River – Peaceful sunset views of the Three Sisters. (Bonus: The glacial river is perfect for icing sore muscles after a long hike! We did this almost every night—it was freezing but so refreshing!)
Scenic Gondolas & Chairlifts
- Norquay Chairlift – A short but scenic ride up to an incredible viewpoint, plus a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy a meal with breathtaking mountain views.
- Sunshine Meadows Gondola & Chairlift – A stunning ride up to one of the most beautiful alpine meadows in Banff. The views from the top are incredible, and the restaurant offers a great place to relax and take it all in. (Tip: This gondola is more kid-friendly and has more activities at the top, making it a great option for families!)
- Banff Gondola – One of the most popular attractions in Banff, this gondola takes you to the top of Sulphur Mountain, where you’ll find breathtaking panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. At the summit, explore the scenic boardwalk that leads to the historic Cosmic Ray Station and Sanson’s Peak. There are also dining options at the top, including Northern Lights Alpine Kitchen, which offers delicious meals with stunning mountain views.
Icefields Parkway & Glacier Adventures
- Athabasca Glacier Hike – We booked a guided glacier hike with Ice Walks, which was an incredible experience. A guide is required to hike on the glacier, and they provide all necessary equipment. (The hike took about 3-4 hours.)
- Mistaya Canyon & Peyto Lake – Stop at these breathtaking viewpoints on your drive back. (Both require short hikes—about 15-30 minutes each—to get to the viewpoint.)
- Bow Lake – We set up hammocks here, had a picnic, and took in the incredible views.
Psst – we have a full blog post with our favorite stops! Check it out here.
Tips for Families & Adventure Seekers
- Book Shuttles Early – Parking at Lake Louise is impossible in summer, but a shuttle pass guarantees you a spot. Moraine Lake is only accessible by shuttle, and both lakes are included in the Parks Canada shuttle pass (40% of tickets are released in mid-April, with the remaining 60% released two days before your desired shuttle date.)
- Start Your Hikes Early – Popular trails like Johnston Canyon and Lake Agnes Tea House get crowded by mid-morning.
- Pack for All Weather – Even in summer, temperatures can drop, and weather changes quickly in the mountains.
- Safety First – If hiking with kids, be mindful of steep drop-offs and always bring bear spray.
Where to Eat & Relax
- Downtown Canmore – We loved the restaurants on Main Street, offering delicious food and a relaxed atmosphere.
- Scenic Picnic Spots – Pack a lunch and enjoy a meal at Bow Lake or by the Bow River in Canmore.
- Unwind by the Water – Spend your evenings at Bow River’s Engine Bridge area, soaking in the mountain views at sunset.
- Explore Downtown Banff – Enjoy a well-earned dinner after a day of hiking.
Final Thoughts
Banff in the summer is a dream destination for adventurous families. Whether you’re hiking to alpine lakes, exploring scenic drives, or simply taking in the mountain views, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences. Ready to start planning your trip to Banff National Park? If you’re still not sure if Banff is the destination for your family, check out this post with 10 stunning photographs of Banff. It will have you ready to book your plane tickets!
Happy Travels!
💛 Michelle
