The nearly perfect summer climate in Banff Alberta is a paradise for travelers and you will surely want to extend your stay. While our main focus is to assist you in making reservations at one of the many quality Banff hotels you will surely want to enjoy a few of these summer activities after you check-in.

The scenery is absolutely spectacular and the humidity is low.  This means you can clearly see the mountains,  rivers,  and valleys as the visibility is high.  The low humidity also makes for perfect hiking, golfing, fishing, tennis or any other activity you can think of since you will not be easily worn out from the heat and humidity.  The heat?  Well that’s not much of an issue here in Banff.  Summer temperatures often average 21 to 22 degrees Celsius, which is in the low 70′s Fahrenheit! For me personally, this is the ideal temperature range.

Pure Prisitne lake near Banff

The other amazing thing about summers in Banff are the long sunny days. It seems like the sun is always shining happily in Banff.  As the summer solstice approaches,  you can expect daylight to linger later than 11 P.M. at night! This makes long extended hikes,  golf outings,  rafting,  fishing relaxed and enjoyable activities.  There is rarely a need to rush once you arrive in Banff.  Relax, get some healthy exercise and enjoy a few of these top ten summer activities in Banff.

Hiking in and around Banff

The absolute sheer numbers of fantastic hiking trails in and near Banff is mind boggling.  Some people say there are more trails here than anywhere else in the world! Your sure to find tons of great trails to match your fitness level and sense of adventure. We also recommend just walking around the city of Banff and soaking in the relaxed beauty. To help you find your way around, we added a Banff map complete with the option to view at street level. This will make it easy to find the trailheads for the many hikes starting in the city of Banff.

Short loops originating from the town of Banff offer an excellent way of breaking in your legs and preparing for longer treks.  The locals have long known about the many short hikes originating in Banff. These short excursions can often be completed between breakfast and lunch and are a perfect way to get started hiking in and around Banff.  For more information about trails the locals love visit the Town of Banff website Trail guide.

For most visitors,  a trip to Banff includes hiking in the world famous  Banff National Park. This is truly one of the most beautiful and inspiring national parks on the planet.  Get yourself a comfortable pair of shoes, some water and snacks and of course a camera and start enjoying the many wonders of Banff National Park.

Whitewater Rafting – Float trips – Canoeing -  Kayaking

If you are like me,  spending time on the water rejuvenates and invigorates like no other activity.  Banff offers many water based adventure opportunities from relaxing boat tours, to full on whitewater rafting or Kayaking.  Conoes can be rented in Banff and you can easily find a route that matches your skill and time frame.  For the whitewater enthusiasts, the Bow river has a variety of sections from slow and peaceful to wet and rowdy.  Banff is also a great place to get into Kayaking on the many peaceful lakes.

Biking – Cycling/Touring and Mountain Biking

Getting around Banff on a bicycle is for many, the perfect option.  Bikes can easily be rented in Banff and the roads are becoming much more bike friendly. The addition of the  ‘sharrows’  allows motor vehicles and bicyclist to share the road safely.  Bicycle touring in and around Banff combines both a great workout and fantastic scenery, an excellent combination.  For mountain bikers,  Banff national park has many trails that are now open to bikes and new trails in and around Banff are being added all the time.  For more information about mountain bike approved trails and logistics visit the Parks Canada Banff section

Horseback riding

Something about being in the Banff mountains reminds me of horseback riding.  It seems a perfect way to navigate the long trails.  Both short day-trips and long extended horseback riding camping trips can be easily arranged.  You may be surprised as I was, how amazingly nimble and steady footed these horses are on these mountain trails.

Sightseeing By Air – Helicopter and Airplane Trips

One of  the best ways to experience the majesty of these mountains is to view them from the air.  Banff has close to a half dozen sightseeing companies that specialize in helicopter and airplane trips.

For more check out Top Ten Summer Activities in Banff – part 2

We continue exploring things to do in Banff in the summertime. There is now a helpful interactive map of Banff with street-view to help you plan your summer in Banff. The long sunny days and perfect weather make the following activities enjoyable, relaxing and memorable. One travelers tip to keep in mind; Always bring your camera along no matter what you are doing. Even a simple golf outing can turn into an excellent photo opportunity to catch the local wildlife such as elk or geese and the majestic mountains are always a favorite among photographers.

Golfing In The Mountains

Although there is only one golf course in the Banff area,  I seriously doubt you will be disappointed.  The Banff Springs Golf Course is challenging yet peaceful and serene.  This amazing course should be on every golfers bucket list. There are actually two course here, a full 18 hole course designed by Stanley Thompson in 1928 and a shorter 9 hole Tunnel Mountain course. The course is about a half hour walk from the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel and frequent shuttle buses ferry golfers back and forth from the clubhouse to the hotel.

To get a preview of The Banff Springs Golf Course you can view a course flyover.

Fishing in Banff Alberta

Whether you prefer lake fishing, or river fishing there is something in or near Banff that will get you excited. The Bow river is said by many to offer some of the best fishing in the world. The Bow river below Banff has over 40 kilometers or 25 miles of gold medal catch and release waters with a healthy population of wild trout that will keep you challenged. The nearby lakes have lunkers hidden in the depths and there are many great guide services to help you catch them.

Camping In And Around Banff National Park

With the  spectatular mountain views,  pristine streams,  rivers and lakes and abundant wildlife,  you can be assured that Banff offers some great camping opportunities.  Your camping trip can be combined with the activities previously mentioned above such as horseback riding,  fishing and hiking to make the trip of a lifetime.  Don’t forget your camera, and leave only footprints!

Banff Summer Festivals And Events

There are many festivities in Banff during the summer months with something for everyone.  This year Banff Bikefest will have four days of cycling competition from June 16-19 with $20,000 in cash prizes being given away.
If you want to sit back and enjoy some great music and arts, then the Banff Summer Festival has just what the doctor ordered.  The Summer Festival boasts professional artists from around the world specializing in a variety of artistic mediums from Jazz to Animation to mask making and story telling.  The Banff Summer Arts Festival runs from May to September. For more information, pricing and schedules visit the Banff Centre website. You may also want to follow the locals as they enjoy  concerts at the Eric Harvie Theatre or watch  a play in Central Park.

Hidden Ridge Resort Banff Alberta Canada

Chillaxing in Banff

Ahhh… One of my personal favorites.  Sometimes with all the great things to do in and around Banff we get too caught up in doing.  I like to take some time to just BE.  Chillaxing is the combination of Chilling out and Relaxing.  Find a nice viewpoint, a beverage of choice, a few good friends and family and just Chillax!

The Hidden Ridge Resort Hotel in Banff offers the ultimate combination.  Soak away your pains while taking in some of the most spectacular scenery in the area. This is just one of the many excellent Banff hotels with scenic views and perfect atmosphere for chillaxing and recovering from the stress of life.

I hope you enjoy your stay in Banff. If you have any other suggestions of summer activities in Banff, please leave a comment below.

The Fairmont Banff Springs Banff Alberta


The Fairmont Banff Springs
Rates starting from 254 per night

The Fairmont Banff  Springs- Canada’s ‘Castle in the Rockies’- is located on the banks of the scenic Bow and Spray Rivers. Cradled by the surrounding majestic Rocky Mountains- in the heart of Banff National Park.  The is one of the top Banff hotels and shouldn’t be missed. The Fairmont has everything you could ask for in a modern resort plus extraordinary scenery in all directions. You deserve it, treat yourself to the best of Banff at the Fairmont Banff Springs hotel and resort.

The The Fairmont Banff Springs
405 Spray Avenue Box 960
Banff Alberta Canada

For the best rate call 403-762-2211 and Mention Promo Code: HBC3897
to make a reservation.

For more information about the The Fairmont Banff Springs Banff Alberta

Spruce Grove Inn Banff Alberta


Spruce Grove Inn
Rates starting from 98 CAD per night

The Spruce Grove Inn built in 2003 is one newest Banff hotels. This 3-star- Canada Select hotel with 120 spacious well-appointed and modern guestrooms offers an upscale and premium product to its sister property next door. All rooms have individual climate controls and air conditioning, touch-tone direct-dial telephones with voice mail, coffee and tea makers, hair dryers, colour cable televisions and free high-speed internet both wireless and wired. The Spruce Grove Inn has its own reception desk. However, in order to provide our guests with a comprehensive product, the remaining facilities and services are shared between the two side-by-side hotels with the pool, jacuzzi, sauna, garden patio, lounge, liquor store and restaurant being on-site at the Banff Voyager Inn. For use at anytime, but especially during the colder winter period, there is a brightly illuminated indoor corridor connecting the two hotels so guests do not have to venture outside even if for just a 50 meter stroll.

The Spruce Grove Inn
545 Banff Avenue
Banff Alberta Canada

Call and Mention Promo Code: HBC3897
to make a reservation.

For more information about the Spruce Grove Inn Banff Alberta

Banff Caribou Lodge And Spa Banff Alberta


Banff Caribou Lodge And Spa
Rates starting from 119 CAD per night

The impressive hand hewn logs that accent the buildings exterior and lobby create the spectacular ambience of this mountain lodge. The massive fieldstone fireplace that dominates the lobby invites you to relax in front of warm crackling flames. The Caribou Lodge and Spa stands out among Banff hotels the lodge features 195 well-appointed rooms including 6 spectacular loft suites. Facilities include The Keg Steakhouse Bar- Red Earth Spa- high-speed internet access in all guest rooms- a heated underground parkade- and an exercise room with 35 person jetted hot pool- a steam room- and exercise equipment. Downtown shops and restaurants are accessible via a pleasant 10-minute walk or by the complimentary evening shuttle service. The friendly and outgoing staff is always happy to provide information or suggestions on any of Banffs many exciting activities. Banff 0 mile N .

Banff Caribou Lodge and Spa Luxury and Pampering on a budget!

The Banff Caribou Lodge And Spa
521 Banff Avenue
Banff Alberta Canada

Call and Mention Promo Code: HBC3897
to make a reservation.

For more information about the Banff Caribou Lodge And Spa Banff Alberta

Blue Mountain Lodge Banff Alberta


Blue Mountain Lodge
Rates starting from 92 CAD per night

Blue Mountain Lodge is a Banff bed and breakfast located at the corner of Caribou and Muskrat Street. We are only two blocks from shopping, restaurants and ski-tour departure points. If you are looking for Banff ski packages we can help you out. In Additional to a superb location- Blue Mountain Lodge features a number of helpful amenities for our guests. We have ten cozy European-style BB rooms- each with its own private bath with a shower a television and a spectacular mountain view. You will enjoy our hearty buffet style breakfast and we also have coffee tea and hot chocolate available anytime. In the afternoon partake in one of our home baked cookies. Just a short walk from Blue Mountain Lodge you will find a variety of scenic woodland trails. You can put on your cross-country skis at our door and start you day the mountain way. At our Banff bed and breakfast you will appreciate our smoke-free environment. Blue Mountain Lodge also welcomes children over 8 years of age. Located in Banff in the heart of Banff National Park .

The Blue Mountain Lodge
137 Marten Street
Banff Alberta Canada

Call SynXis Corporate Support 1-303-595-2535 or 1-877-367-2269 and Mention Promo Code: HBC3897
to make a reservation.

For more information about the Blue Mountain Lodge Banff Alberta

Buffalo Mountain Lodge Banff Alberta


Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Rates starting from 179 CAD per night

Nestled on nine acres of forested land mountainside on Tunnel Mountain. Buffalo Mountain Lodge pampers guests with simple pleasures, like comfortable, cozy rooms with wood burning fireplaces, peaceful and distinctive indoor and outdoor surroundings and award winning Canadian Rocky Mountain cuisine. Most of all the Lodge is committed to a high degree of personal service for all guests.. The main Lodge complements its natural setting, featuring handhewn timber construction, high open-beam ceilings and huge field stone fireplace. It includes a registration area, lounge, dining room, meeting rooms workout facility and outdoor stainless steel hot tub and recreation area. With the sights of the town just a short stroll away and the grandeur of the mountains just out your door, there is something here for everyone.

The Buffalo Mountain Lodge
Tunnel Mountain Road
Banff Alberta Canada

Call 403-410-7417 and Mention Promo Code: HBC3897
to make a reservation.

For more information about the Buffalo Mountain Lodge Banff Alberta

Banff Rocky Mountain Resort Banff Alberta


Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
Rates starting from 81 per night

The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort is nestled at the base of picturesque Rundle and Cascade Mountains in Banff National Park. Located 4km from downtown Banff, the resort combines spectacular natural beauty with activities and amenities sure to make any visit a memorable delight. Banff Rocky Mountain Resort welcomes you and your pet. Since we are in a national park, we request that your pet be on a leash and under control at all times. There is an extra pet charge of $20.00 plus GST per pet per night. A maximum of two pets are allowed. The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort is located at the corner of Tunnel Mountain Road and Banff Avenue, just a few minutes from the community of Banff. The resort is located 80 miles/128 KM west of Calgary.

The Banff Rocky Mountain Resort
1029 Banff Avenue P.o. Box 100
Banff Alberta Canada

Call and Mention Promo Code: HBC3897
to make a reservation.

For more information about the Banff Rocky Mountain Resort Banff Alberta

Banff Voyager Inn Banff Alberta


Banff Voyager Inn
Rates starting from 77 CAD per night

The Banff Voyager Inn built in 1964 with 88 guestrooms offers modest full-service 2-star-Canada Select, accommodations at affordable prices. All rooms feature two queen size beds, private balcony, bath and shower combination, colour cable television and direct-dial telephones with voice mail and free high-speed internet-wireless only. The Banff Voyager Inn is a comprehensive product with a pool, jacuzzi, sauna, garden patio, lounge, liquor store and restaurant. The Banff Voyager Inn offers small to medium sized conference and meeting facilities and will strive to meet any budget minded meeting planners objectives of receiving a comprehensive product while keeping costs in-line. Whether you are just passing through, or staying for an extended period, our location affords everyone many opportunities to enjoy the myriad of fun and interesting cultural and tourism oriented activities in the Banff area and Rockies Region. It is a short 10-minute stroll along wide paved sidewalks to the downtown Banff shopping and dining area. There are public transport and taxi services available as well. Pick-up and drop-off at the hotels lobby entrance.

The Banff Voyager Inn
555 Banff Avenue P.o. Box 1540
Banff Alberta Canada

Call and Mention Promo Code: HBC3897
to make a reservation.

For more information about the Banff Voyager Inn Banff Alberta

Banff International Hotel Banff Alberta


Banff International Hotel
Rates starting from 102 CAD per night

Experience warm hospitality and exceptional comfort from an ideally located base. The location is exceptional and provides walking access to all restaurants, shops and attractions. The hotel is modern, spacious and richly decorated with lots of wood and warmth to blend into the local surroundings. Ski and sightseeing buses pickup curbside. Spacious and elegant, our elegantly decorated and luxuriously appointed guest rooms have been designed with comfort and luxury in mind. An impressive and timeless style was achieved by using the finest quality fabrics and materials. Oak furniture – from huge armoires and classic writing desks, to nightstands and cocktail tables – was locally designed and carefully handcrafted exclusively for the Banff International Hotel. It is our attention to details such as oak trip accents throughout, textured wall coverings, marble bathroom vanities, damask bed coverlets with matching drapes, bronze-finish lamps with cream colored silk shades, floor lamps, local artwork and plush carpeting that allows our accommodations to rival Banff's best. The focal points of our impressive lobby are the central stone and log fireplace, rustic cedar beams, unique furnishings and extensive oak woodwork throughout that radiates warmth and captures and conveys the "nature" atmosphere and characteristics of the surrounding mountains. Guests can search for the perfect gift in the extensive "International Boutique" shopping area or enjoy refreshments in the lively open-concept "Lobby Lounge", complete with a second stone fireplace. enjoy complimentary use of the whirlpool, sauna, steam room, exercise room and underground parking. the "Mountain Grill" restaurant serves an ever-popular menu featuring Canadian Beef and Seafood and a visit will ensure a memorable dining experience. Banquet facilities will accommodate groups of up to 400 persons for a variety of functions. Functionality and superb comfort have been complimented with a carefully selected range of available room amenities and services including hairdryers ceiling fans, windows that open, coffee/tea makers, radio/alarm, pay- per-view movies, satellite TV, Nintendo, marble bathrooms and data jacks. Services include safety deposit boxes, currency exchange, coin laundry, dry-cleaning, business services, umbrellas, curb side pick-up point for sightseeing, airport and ski area transfers, multi-lingual guest service agents, concierge services, full-size individual ski lockers and tune-up area.

The Banff International Hotel
333 Banff Avenue
Banff Alberta Canada

Call 403-762-5666 and Mention Promo Code: HBC3897
to make a reservation.

For more information about the Banff International Hotel Banff Alberta