Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies is a very popular tourism destination year round. There is amazing skiing in the winter months, and the summer months are even more spectacular with an abundance of activities and experiences to choose from. The resort towns of Banff and Lake Louise have kicked in to full swing for the summer and there is no shortage of activities to do. We have compiled our list of favourites to help you plan your itinerary:
1. Golf
With the Fairmont Golf Springs Golf Course located in the heart of Banff and many more picturesque courses in the surrounding area, it is easy to add in a little game into your vacation. The Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course has a challenging 27 hole layout, and offers breathtakingly beautiful scenery that will make you feel like you are living in a postcard!
2. Eat
Banff is well known as being a beautiful, natural destination with incredible mountains and scenery, however it’s culinary excellence is sometimes not as well known. Enjoy all different types of cuisine in this little resort town from true elegant Canadiana at the Maple Leaf, to the hip and cool contemporary steakhouse Saltlik, to top notch pub fare and brew at the Banff Ave. Brewing Company.
3. Hike
One thing there is no shortage of in Banff and Lake Louise are great areas to hike. Choose from every difficulty level and enjoy some tours along rivers, lakes and mountain peaks. For a special treat, take a guided hike and explore some hidden areas around the Banff National Park. A visit to Sulphur Mountain is definitely a popular thing to do, and if hiking all the way up is too much for you, consider just jumping on the Banff Gondola. The mountain views are truly spectacular!
4. Shop
The shopping strip along Banff Avenue can be described as quaint, and you certainly won’t find any big box stores here. But magically you can still find whatever you need! Grab a coffee and take a stroll down the main street and enjoy some great stores such as the Banff Sweet Shoppe, About Canada, Roots and Lululemon.
5. Spa
While there are many great places to pop in for a treatment or two in Banff, one of the best places to visit is the Willow Stream Spa at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Spread out over 38,000 sf it has everything you are looking for in a spa, including a European Mineral pool, three waterfall plunge pools, an outdoor hot tub, steam rooms, jacuzzi, an inhalation room, sauna & private lounge. There are also many treatment rooms and an extensive menu of spa services available. Don’t forget about the fitness centre, pools and hot tubs – this isn’t just an in and out kind of place. Prepare to indulge for several hours at the least!
6. Get Active
Outdoor active adventures in this area goes without saying. From river rafting to horseback riding to atv tours and mountain biking the choices are endless! For a truly unique experience try a Heli Yoga experience – from the tops of the spectacular mountains your yoga experience has never been so breathtakingly beautiful!
Photograph Credit to:
Banff Lake Louise Tourism/Paul Zizka
