Outdoor Summer Activities in Banff & Canmore
The Canadian Rockies offers so many options for fun, outdoor summer activities! There’s so much to explore and enjoy in Canmore and Banff. The alpine trails are free of snow, the wildflowers are out, the sun is shining and there’s so much to explore and enjoy. Summertime in the Rocky Mountains offers something for everyone in the family to love.
Summer in the Canadian Rockies is generally from June to September with July and August being the warmest months. If you’d like to hike the higher elevation trails it’s best to visit late summer or early fall once the majority of the snowpack has melted. Check out Canmore’s weather and climate, but keep in mind that Canmore is located in what we call ‘Valley Bottom’ and can be much warmer than the mountains that surround us.
Hiking Johnston Canyon on the Bow Valley Parkway in Banff National Park – Photo: Paul Zizka
One of the best ways to enjoy summer activities in the Rockies is to take part in a guided tour. We recommend checking out The Adventure Hub, a locally operated tour booking platform. Choose from a selection of partners tours including horseback riding, cave tours, brewery, distillery tours and many other fun local tours in Canmore and Banff. They offer the ability to select from winter or summer activities.
The Banff Gondola
Take a brief 8-minute ride up the Gondola on Sulphur mountain and you’ll gain some of the best views of the Bow Valley. It is easily accessible from downtown Banff, and if you’d like to skip the ride down there is a well used hiking trail that allows you more time to soak in those views.
Golf in Canmore & Banff
With 6 world-class golf courses and 135 of the most beautifully laid out holes, Canmore offers some of the best golf courses in the Canadian Rockies. Find out for yourself why Canmore is such a popular hub for golf enthusiasts from all over the world.
- Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course
- Kananaskis Country Golf Course
- Silvertip Golf Course
- Stewart Creek Golf & Country Club
- Canmore Golf and Curling Club
- Brewster’s Golf, Kananaskis Ranch
Canoeing, Kayaking, Rafting and Stand-Up Paddle-boarding
If you’re looking for a river adventure there are many different companies in Canmore and Banff where equipment can be rented and lessons can be taken on basic technique, including Banff Canoe Club, Kananaskis Outfitters, and Bow Valley SUP & Surf.
Canmore and Banff are also home to undoubtedly one of the best selections of rafting companies in the Rockies. Choose from different levels of experiences, from a sunset float through town to a fast-paced whitewater adventure.
River Rafting on the Bow River in Banff, Alberta – Photo: Paul Zizka
Rafting Companies in Canmore & Banff
- White Wolf Rafting – (Snowy Owl Sled Dog Tour’s sister company!)
- Canadian Rockies Rafting
- Canmore River Adventures
- Canmore Raft Tours
- Kananaskis Whitewater Rafting
- Chinook Rafting
Adventure Tour Companies Near Canmore
Have you ever dreamt of having the skills required to safely go mountain climbing, scrambling and mountaineering during your stay in the Canadian Rockies? Check out these locally run companies in the area; Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, Ridgeline Guiding Services, Canadian Rockies Mountain Guides, Cloud Nine Guides and OnTop Mountaineering.
Mountain Biking in Banff & Canmore
The Banff and Canmore area is a very popular location for people who like to cross country and downhill mountain bike. There are a few rental shops in town: Rebound Cycle, Gear Up and Trail Sports. For a list of trails around Canmore check out Trail Forks.
Mountain Biking at Tunnel Mountain in Banff – Photo: Noel Hendrickson
Hiking Trails Around Canmore
One of the things that makes Canmore such an amazing location is being surrounded by world-class outdoor recreation spaces and experiences. The hiking opportunities here are some of the best in the world! Here are a few links to different trails in the area; Banff and Beyond, Town of Canmore, Alberta Parks and Tourism Canmore and Kananaskis.
After selecting your trail it’s always a good idea to check trail conditions before heading out. Alberta Parks offers trail reports/closure information related to animals, weather, upgrades or safety.
Another thing to consider is wildlife sighting and closures. The Wildsmart program publishes a bear report (you can have it sent to your email while you’re visiting, as well as trail closures and warnings.
Additionally, we suggest contacting the local visitor information centres in Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Kananaskis to ask about trail conditions and area closures before heading out, especially if it’s a remote trail. The staff there may have hiked the trail you’re looking to explore recently, or spoken to someone who has. There’s no online substitute for local “beta” or tips and tricks for trails in our area and we’re happy to offer it, safe and happy visitors are our favourite kind.