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Banffvacations.net Summer Activities
Ski season is nearly upon us, but we will list various Spring and Summer activities so you can plan and get a jump on next season's activities. There is something for everyone — year-round in Banff/Lake Louise. Please follow the links below to discover the varied outdoor activities for summer.
Hiking
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| Hiking Banff/Lake Louise |
Self-Guiding Trail Opportunities at Banff National Park
Consider Banff National Park your classroom. Stroll along a self-guiding trail and learn about the park's colourful human and natural history. These trails are short, well-built and easily accessible to help you make your own discoveries. For longer trails, ask for the park brochure "Drives and Hikes in Banff/Lake Louise" or purchase one of the many trail guides available for this area.
Banff Townsite Area
Fenland — The land through which this trail passes is slowly changing from marsh to forest. Beaver, birds, and other wildlife may be seen. The trailhead is at the forty Mile picnic area on the west side of Mount Norquay Drive. A brochure describing the features of this 2 km loop trail is available at the trailhead.
Tunnel Mountain Hoodoos
A short asphalt path climbs gently past a number of viewpoints making it easy for walkers to see hoodoos - pillars of glacial till. There are superb vies of the Bow Valley and across to Mount Rundle. The trail starts in the parking lot on the south side of Tunnel Mountain Road, east of Tunnel Mountain Campground.
Bankhead
This 1.1 km loop trail starts in the parking lot on the east side of the Lake Minnewanka loop road, 7.4 km from Banff townsite. With the help of a brochure and interpretive signs you can explore the ruins of a coal mining operation. A hiking rail follows the abandoned Bankhead railway line south to the Cascade ponds day use area, 2.5 km away. A few ruins of the residential area of Bankhead are located in the Upper Bankhead picnic area, northwest of the parking area.
Cave and Basin
The 0.8 km Discover Trail is a boardwalk built on the hillside above the Cave and Basin Centre. It takes you past the vent (the opening in the roof of the Cave) and to a spring flowing out of the hillside. Signs explain the geology and human history of the area. Benches along the trail allow you to relax and enjoy the views. The 0.5 km Marsh Trail is another boardwalk. From it you will see the luxurious vegetation that thrives on the warm mineral water flowing down the hillside and get a bird's eye view of the large marshes below. Along the boardwalk are benches, telescopes and signs telling of the natural history of this fascinating area. On the marsh itself are a floating boardwalk and a bird blind for photographers and birdwatchers.
Bow Valley Parkway
Johnston Canyon
You can walk inside this canyon! Along the first 1.1 km to the Lower Falls are signs describing the effects of water in creating this canyon. It is an additional 1.6 km to the Upper Falls with more waterfalls and signs describing life in the canyon.
Lake Louise Area
Bow River Loop
This 7.1 km loop follows both banks of the Bow River. Signs introduce you to the Bow river ecosystem and some of its residents. This loop is easily accessible from the campgrounds, hostel, railway station and village centre.
Moraine Lake Rockpile
You don't have to hike far or high to get to one of the best views of Moraine Lake and the Valley of the Ten Peaks. From the parking lot, a well-constructed trail runs to the top of the rockpile. The round trip distance is less than a kilometre.
Icefields Parkway
Bow Summit
This trail starts in the lower parking lot off the Icefields Parkway, 44 km north of Lake Louise. You climb through a fragrant forest to a view of brilliantly coloured Peyto Lake and the Mistaya Valley to the north. The trail continues beyond through forest and meadow. Signs along the way tell you much about this amazing world at the upper reaches of the sub-alpine life zone. The total round-trip distance is 2.1 km.
Mistaya Canyon
A canyon as spectacular as Maligne or Marble Canyon, Mistaya is easily reached on a 300 metre trail. From the pull-off on the Icefields Parkway, 75 km north of Lake Louise or 5 km south of Saskatchewan Crossing, the trail leads down an old road. Look right into this deep, narrow and dangerous canyon from the bridge spanning the Mistaya River. Please stay well back from the unfenced edge of the canyon, especially if the rock is wet.
Banff/Lake Louise Tourist Information
Banff Lake Louise Tourism
P.O. Box 1298
Banff, Alberta, T1L 1B3
Canada
Phone:403.762.8421
Fax: 403.762.8163
Web: BanffLakeLouise.com Summer Activities
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