Top Summer Activities in the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies offer an incredible variety of outdoor activities, making them a year-round adventure destination. Whether you visit during the warm summer months or the magical winter season, there’s no shortage of ways to explore the breathtaking landscapes. Below are some of the top activities to experience in both summer and winter.

Columbia Ice Explorer – Walk on a Glacier

Location: Athabasca Glacier, Icefields Parkway
Experience: Take a once-in-a-lifetime journey aboard the massive Columbia Ice Explorer, a specially designed vehicle that travels across the Athabasca Glacier. Guests can step out onto the ancient ice, drink fresh glacial water, and learn about the retreating glaciers of the Canadian Rockies.

Gondola Ride to Sulphur Mountain – Panoramic Views of Banff

Location: Banff, Alberta
Experience: The Banff Gondola takes you to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, offering stunning views of Banff, the Bow Valley, and surrounding peaks. At the top, visitors can explore boardwalk trails, visit an interpretive center, and dine at the Sky Bistro, which features panoramic windows.

Canoeing on Lake Louise & Moraine Lake – Paddle in Paradise

Location: Banff National Park
Experience: Canoeing on Lake Louise or Moraine Lake is one of the most serene ways to enjoy the Rockies. Paddle across turquoise waters while surrounded by towering peaks and glaciers. Canoe rentals are available, but early mornings are recommended to avoid crowds.

Hiking to the Lake Agnes & Plain of Six Glaciers Tea Houses

Location: Lake Louise, Banff National Park
Experience: These two famous hikes lead to historic tea houses, where visitors can enjoy homemade baked goods and warm drinks with breathtaking alpine views. The Lake Agnes Tea House is a shorter hike with a picturesque mountain lake, while the Plain of Six Glaciers Tea House offers a longer trek with dramatic glacier views.

Exploring Johnston Canyon & Maligne Canyon – Waterfalls & Walkways

Locations: Banff National Park (Johnston Canyon) & Jasper National Park (Maligne Canyon)
Experience: Walk along scenic catwalks and wooden bridges through deep limestone canyons to witness rushing waterfalls and rock formations. Johnston Canyon offers Lower and Upper Falls, while Maligne Canyon features some of the deepest limestone walls in the Rockies.

Boat Cruise on Lake Minnewanka & Maligne Lake – Scenic Water Adventures

Locations: Banff National Park (Lake Minnewanka) & Jasper National Park (Maligne Lake)
Experience: These guided boat cruises offer breathtaking views of mountain landscapes and hidden gems. The Lake Minnewanka Cruise takes you across Banff’s largest lake, while the Maligne Lake Cruise leads to Spirit Island, one of the most photographed locations in Canada.