Summer Guide to Banff: Sightseeing, Hiking & Mountain Dining

 

Looking for summer activities in Banff National Park? Head into the mountains with SkiBig3 and discover alpine wildflower meadows, scenic sightseeing lifts, mountaintop dining, and unforgettable views across the Canadian Rockies.  

Each of the three resorts, Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise Ski Resort, and Mount Norquay offer a completely different experience. With so many options and a ton of variety, it’s easy to add adventure, scenery, and local flavour to your Banff itinerary. 

 

Beautiful views from Sunshine Meadows | Photo credit: Nick Hase 

 

Wander Through Sunshine Meadows 

 

High above the treeline, Sunshine Meadows is one of the most spectacular alpine landscapes in Banff National Park. During the short summer season, the meadows come alive with colourful wildflowers, alpine lakes, and wide-open views that stretch across the Continental Divide. 

The journey starts with a scenic gondola ride followed by the Standish Chairlift, bringing you directly into the heart of the alpine. From there, a network of hiking trails makes it easy to explore.

Wildlife is also part of the experience. Marmots whistle from rocky slopes, pikas dart between boulders, and mountain sheep are often spotted on nearby ridgelines. 

If you're looking for alpine scenery without committing to a full backcountry adventure, Sunshine Meadows is one of the best places to experience the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies. 

 

Sightseeing at Lake Louise Ski Resort | Photo credit: Nick Hase 

 

Ride the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola 

 

Few places showcase the scale of Banff National Park quite like the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola. Rising above the valley floor, the gondola offers sweeping views of the Bow Valley, surrounding peaks, and one of the best opportunities in the park to spot wildlife from above. 

Along the way, keep an eye out for grizzly bears, black bears, elk, deer, and mountain goats that are frequently seen on the slopes below. 

Once at the top, take time to explore the hiking trails or settle in for lunch at Whitehorn Bistro, where mountain views stretch in every direction. Back at the base area, Banded Peak Base Camp serves a Smokehouse BBQ menu, making it an easy place to start or finish your day. 

If you're also planning to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, several sightseeing and shuttle packages make it easy to combine everything into one itinerary. 

 

Mount Norquay's Via Ferrata | Photo credit: Nick Hase 

 

Adventure Above Banff at Mount Norquay 

 

Just a few minutes from downtown Banff, Mount Norquay offers a mountain experience unlike anywhere else in the park. Its smaller size, rich history, and close proximity to town make it an easy addition to any summer itinerary. 

The sightseeing chairlift climbs above the Bow Valley, revealing panoramic views over Banff, Cascade Mountain, Mount Rundle, and the surrounding peaks. At the top sits the Cliffhouse Bistro, a historic mountaintop restaurant originally built in 1956. Whether you're stopping for lunch, dinner, or simply a coffee with a view, it's one of Banff's most unique dining experiences. 

For visitors looking for something more adventurous, Mount Norquay's Via Ferrata delivers an unforgettable experience. Guided by certified experts, climbers follow fixed cables, ladders, and suspension bridges across the mountain while safely secured the entire time.  

 

 

Experience All Three SkiBig3 Resorts This Summer 

 

Each SkiBig3 resort offers something completely different, making it easy to build a summer itinerary that goes beyond the usual stops in Banff National Park. 

If you're planning a summer trip to Banff, make time to experience all three resorts. You'll discover iconic views, unforgettable adventures, and a different perspective on the mountains that make this corner of the Canadian Rockies so special.