Activities in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are one of the best mountain sports destinations

There is so much to do in Banff that it’s often tough to plan a trip here. If there is a mountain sport or outdoor activity, you can find it in the Canadian Rockies. Everything from whitewater rafting and pony rides to rock climbing and scenic gondola rides is on offer in the summer.

The reliable winter conditions make it a destination for winter activities such as ice climbing, sleigh rides, skiing, ice skating, and snowshoeing. No matter the season, there is something to be done. This page presents some options.

Sightseeing

There is a lot to do around Banff that’s accessible for everyone. They’re popular stops, attractions, and activities in the Canadian Rockies that offer extraordinary mountain views. Some of the sightseeing activities in the Rockies include photography, walking paths, gondola rides, and scenic lake cruises.

You can enjoy many activities year-round, but the greatest number of options are in the summer months. This corresponds with the high season as visitors flock to the mountains to take in the grandeur of Moraine Lake, wildlife, warm weather, and thousands of wildflowers. Winter has its own unique set of attractions, but most of them are limited to a short scenic viewpoint.

icefields parkway

Icefields Parkway

Widely regarded as one of the most scenic drives in the world. The road connects the village of Lake Louise to Jasper, passing under towering peaks.

banff-gondola

Scenic Gondola Rides

There are several options for a scenic gondola ride. The Banff Gondola is the most popular for good reason, but each is unique.

Maligne Lake Cruise

Arguably the most beautiful lake in all of the Canadian Rockies, Maligne Lake is a stunner. There is no better way to take it all in with a scenic cruise along the lake to the coveted Spirit Island.

Vermilion Lakes Sunset Landscape

Photography Locations

There is no shortage of epic vistas and incredible viewpoints around Banff. Check out some of our favourite spots to take a photograph.

Easy Walks

You don’t need to spend the entire day out on the trail to enjoy nature in Banff. A wide range of easy walks and paved paths offers plenty to explore.

moraine-lake-canoes-at-sunrise

Sunrise At Moraine Lake

Watch the sunrise over the renowned Moraine Lake. This has become increasingly popular over recent years.

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Hiking

A wide range of hiking trails offers visitors expansive glaciated icefields, forested valleys, towering peaks, sparkling emerald lakes, and close encounters with wildlife. There are over 1600 km of maintained hiking trails in Banff National Park alone – meaning so many beautiful hikes in the Canadian Rockies! The towns of Banff, Canmore, Lake Louise, Field, and Jasper are located in the Canadian Rockies and offer excellent bases for exploring the mountains. Then you have all the provincial parks – this region is just one big natural playground!

If you’re keen to hike or want to see the lakes, you have a narrow summer window: the lakes and peaks are locked away in snow and ice for most of the year. But if you’re ready to get out and get after it, you won’t be disappointed.

cameron on the little beehive

Hiking At Lake Louise

Lake Louise offers some excellent hiking trails, including Lake Agnes, The Beehives, and The Plain of Six Glaciers.

Best Hikes In Banff

This is the classic Banff attraction that whisks visitors to the top of Sulphur Mountain. It offers excellent views of the town of Banff and the Bow Valley.

Heart Mountain scramble

Kananaskis Country Hikes

Some of the best hikes in all of the Canadian Rockies can be found in the neighbouring provincial parks. We spend significant time exploring these trails.

Winter Hikes

The snowy trails and cold weather aren’t a deterrent for many who still want to enjoy nature. Check out these winter hikes you can enjoy any season.

banff hikes

Best Larch Hikes

Every fall, the larch trees around Banff turn gold and attract thousands of eager hikers. The landscapes during this time are at their finest.

Lake O'Hara Shoreline

Lake O’Hara

Few places in the Rockies feel as special as the hiking trails around Lake O’Hara. The only downside is it’s a mission to reach the hiking paradise.

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Adventures

There is no shortage of mountain adventures to be had around the Canadian Rockies. If you can think of the sport, we have it: from biking to whitewater rafting, climbing to horseback riding. We recommend hiring a local guide if you’re uncertain about how to do any of this safely. There are so many adventures to enjoy in Banff, it’d be tough to list them all!

Beginner Scrambles

A favourite pastime of many locals is scrambling to the top of Banff’s numerous peaks.

biking the bow valley parkway

Biking Around Banff

We spend a lot of time on our bikes in the valley. You can enjoy everything from epic road rides to leisurely paths on an e-bike.

The Best Places for SUP

With all the gorgeous lakes and waterways, it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s a great place to paddleboard.

Guided Glacier Walk

Probably our most recommended tour is a guided “ice walk” up the Athabasca Glacier. It’s an amazing opportunity to learn and explore.

Via Ferrata

No climbing experience is required to scale a mountain cliff using a via feratta. These set routes allow beginners to climb up rock faces via ladders and cables.

Banff Trail Riders

Horseback Riding In Banff

This is a little gentler, but a horseback ride through the park is a highlight for many.

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Winter Activities

Banff is magical in the winter with a fresh blanket of snow over the mountain peaks and frosted forests. Craggy peaks feel grander in the winter, but perhaps it’s simply the crisp air. If there is a winter activity you love, the region has it in abundance. We have everything from wild ice skating to downhill skiing and dog sled rides. You’re truly spoilt for choice of winter adventures in the Canadian Rockies!

Banff in winter sees a fraction of the visitors it does in summer, but it is an amazing time to visit. A love of winter is essential for those who live in Banff, as it feels like it’s nearly half the year.

Lake Louise Ski Resort

Our home mountain and favourite local ski resort. We know the mountain better than most and share all our secrets.

Wild Ice Skating

Few destinations in the world are better for wild ice skating than the Canadian Rockies. Lace up those skates!

snow sculptures on bear street for snowdays

Snow Days Festival

Every winter, the town of Banff hosts its annual Snow Days Festival, featuring impressive snow carvings and a range of events.

nordic skiing at the canmore nordic center in April

Cross Country Skiing

There are many cross-country ski trails that are free to use and maintained around Banff. We’ve learned to fall in love with the sport, and it’s definitely worth trying!

Dog Sledding in Canmore

Go For A Dog Sled Ride

Thanks to all the snow in Canmore and Lake Louise, which offer sled-dog tours. We love dogs, and getting rushed through a winter wonderland on a sled is a treat.

snowshoeing

Snowshoe

Strap on a pair of snowshoes and hit the snowy trails around Banff. We highly recommend booking a tour up the Sunshine Gondola for a magical experience.

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