Luxury Rail Tours and Other Things to Do in Banff, Alberta Canada
Lake Minnewanka
If you are looking for a place to go on your next vacation, then Banff might be a great place to start. Lake Minnewanka offers an incredible view of the Rocky Mountains, and there are so many things to do in the park that you’re bound to find something that suits your interests.
During the warmer months, you can go kayaking, take a hike along the lakeshore, or simply relax. A one-hour boat tour of the lake or one of the Train tours Banff has to offer are some perfect ways to spend a day in the great outdoors. The lake freezes up in December, but it remains a perfect location for ice skating.
Try Canoeing, Kayaking, and Hiking if you’re looking for something different to do in the park. Located in the Canadian Rockies, the resort town of Banff is situated in the heart of Banff National Park. Along Banff Avenue, you can choose between château-style hotels, boutiques, and souvenir shops.
You will be surrounded by 6,500 square kilometers of parkland and a variety of wildlife. The town itself offers a variety of activities for all ages. The area around Lake Minnewanka is open all year round, but is most enjoyable in the warmer months of June to October.
Canoeing
If you’re planning a canoeing trip in Banff, Alberta, you’ll probably want to do it in the summer months. Summer is the peak canoeing season in Canada, and the Bow River can be the best place to canoe in this area. Be sure to have your park receipt ready for display on your windshield.
You can get one at the park’s entrance kiosks or order online. Canoeing in Banff’s many lakes is the perfect activity. The clear water and turquoise-blue lakes are a sight to behold. The water is also great for SUPing (https://.wikipedia.org/Standup_paddleboarding) or rafting. You can choose from the three bodies of water in the park, and most of them are accessible through Forty Mile Creek but for a more challenging canoeing adventure, try the Elbow Lakes.
If you’re looking for a shorter canoeing adventure, consider the Lake Louise to Banff trip. This 22-km section is much more scenic than Pyramid Lake, and it’s much cheaper. You can even bring a SUP along to paddle. Unlike Pyramid Lake, Lac Beauvert is relatively small, and has plenty of sheltered pockets. Canoeing in the park can be expensive, so it’s best to book ahead to avoid disappointment.
Kayaking
If you are interested in kayaking in Banff Alberta, Canada, you’ve come to the right place. Alberta offers a diverse landscape of rugged mountains, forests, badlands, and beautiful national parks. The province is also home to many lakes, from small turquoise glacier-melt lakes buried beneath high alpine cirques to secluded pristine waters that rank among the largest north of the Great Lakes.
Although there are no operators that provide glacier kayaking in the park, you can rent a canoe and paddle board at three of the region’s lakes. Rental rates range from $45 CAD per hour to $100 CAD for a half-day trip, and most trips last for at least three hours. If you don’t have your own kayak, there are several companies that rent canoes in the park.
Hiking
You’ll never be bored while hiking in Banff, Alberta, Canada. The beautiful park has a wide variety of hiking trails to suit all levels of fitness, so click here for more. The Bow Valley Parkway and the Banff Springs Road offer access to a number of hikes in the area. The Bow Valley Parkway is easily accessible by car, and the trails at Johnston Canyon Lodge and the Johnston Canyon Bungalows are easily accessible by shuttle.
The hiking trails in the park are reminiscent of alpine national parks. Hiking through the park will give you the opportunity to experience all four seasons in a single day and you’ll have the chance to spot bears. Always make sure to pack appropriate gear and stay within the designated hiking areas.
Icefields Parkway
Icefields Parkway is open all year around. Although it’s most popular during the summer, it is less crowded in the late spring and early fall months. The drive can be treacherous in winter and there’s no cell phone reception, so check the Alberta Safe Driving tips page for more information. Be prepared to wait for a while if you get stuck.
There aren’t many restaurants or fuel stations along the way, so you may have to wait for someone to pick you up. Before you start driving along the Icefields Parkway, make sure to pick up a map and plan your route. There are plenty of photo ops along the way, including Bow Lake and Crowfoot Glacier.
From there, you can also hike to Athabasca Glacier and Bow Glacier Falls, two moderately-easy hikes that cover about 5.5 miles each. For even more spectacular views, take a bus tour or go on a glacier cruise.
Mount Rundle
For a fun adventure, climb Mount Rundle, a prominent wedge-shaped peak in the Canadian Rockies. Mount Rundle is a relatively easy scramble, but all mountains have dangers. You may want to go during the summer season when the weather is warmer. After you’ve conquered the mountain, consider a day trip to nearby Sunshine Village or the Canadian Rocky Mountains.
Hike up the famous Mount Rundle for great views and breathtaking vistas. It is popular for its scenic hikes as seen here and is a great way to get some exercise. You can also go fishing, camp, or simply relax. There are several great trails to explore, including the popular Sulphur Mountain Trail. This four-mile hike gains about 2,000 feet.
Regardless of your skill level, you’ll be rewarded with views of Mount Rundle, Banff’s famous glacier. If you have never been to the park, consider visiting one of the national parks. The park is home to a variety of different species of animals. During the summer, you can enjoy wildlife tours led by experienced guides.