Things to do in Banff and Lake Louise in July

Summer in the Canadian Rocky Mountains is a magical time. The sunlight mountains come alive with wildflowers in every hue, animals as small as chipmunks and as large as moose roam, and birds take up their summer residence.

It’s one of the most popular times in Banff and Lake Louise and for good reason. Hiking, canoeing, camping, biking, dining, historical sites, and spas are just a few of the draws.

Here’s what you can expect to see, do, and experience in Banff and Lake Louise in July.

The Weather

July and August are some of the warmest months in the mountains. They’re often our driest, but don’t be surprised if you see snow-capped mountain tops. It can snow every month of the year here, which mainly applies to the higher elevations on your adventures. Town, lower elevation hikes, and roadways often remain clear.

Long, hot days and cool nights give you the perfect combination for a day of exploring followed by après drinks in the evening on the patio or pedestrian-priority Bear St.

Banff Daytime 23°C (73.4°F)

Banff Overnight 7°C (44.6°F)

Lake Louise Daytime 21°C (69.8°F)

Lake Louise Overnight 5°C (41°F)

What to Pack

It’s time to pull out your summer wardrobe, with one exception. You’ll want to bring shorts, t-shirts, sandals, and sneakers on your visit. Just don’t forget a light jacket and pants for when the nights cool down.

Sunscreen and ballcaps are handy to have to prepare you no matter what the weather delivers.

If you're heading up the mountains, bring quality hiking boots and a backpack for water and snacks. Even in the summer, they can still get snow, so check the forecast ahead of time and bring winter clothing if you have your sights set on higher elevations.

You can pick up all your hiking gear right in Banff or Lake Louise at one of the outdoor stores like Wilson Mountain Sport, the North Face, Smartwool, or Monod Sport.

Ticks are a minimal worry here, but air on the side of caution when you’re out in nature and wear DEET bug spray, long, light-coloured pants tucked into your socks, and a long-sleeved shirt.

Rain is less common than in other months, and when it does rain, it usually only lasts a short while. Most locals tuck inside a café or restaurant for a quick bite or drink to wait it out and then head back out on the town.

What to See and Do

Banff Gondola Free Shuttle

Looking for a fun way to beat the heat and take in the sights? Enjoy an 8-minute ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain on the Banff Gondola. Take a stroll along the 360-degree viewing platform, venture out along the boardwalk trail, or immerse yourselves in the interactive exhibits. With plenty of dining options available, you can also enjoy your peak views with peak cuisine!

This summer, visiting the Banff Gondola is even easier with the Free Banff Gondola Shuttle, included in your daily ticket to ride the gondola. This service runs daily every hour from July 1 to September 4. Pick-ups and drop-offs are at the Banff Information Kiosk (Banff Train Station) and the Elk + Avenue Hotel along Banff Avenue. You can find the full schedule here.

*Please note parking at the Banff Gondola is limited

On the Water

The waterways have finally melted enough to take a breathtaking paddle.

Lake Louise is best seen by canoe, where you can cut through the still turquoise waters with the bow of your rental. Once you’re in the middle of the lake, look above you and wave hello to hikers perched for lunch at the top of the Big Beehive.

To see Banff from a different perspective, rent a canoe on the Bow River. If the water is high enough, you can make your way toward Vermilion Lakes to keep exploring. Animals are often spotted along the banks, so keep your eyes peeled for muskrat, beavers, osprey, and maybe even elk if you’re lucky!

We still don’t recommend swimming unless you’re in for a polar dip. Water temperatures remain cold here, even throughout the summer.

On the Mountain

You don’t have to be a hiker or mountaineer to get to the top of a mountain. There are four gondolas between Mt. Norquay, Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Sunshine, and Banff Gondola. Each offers unique experiences like cliff-top dining, hiking, and hard-to-beat views.

If you want to exert a little more effort, try your hand at Mt. Norquay’s Via Ferrata. A guided and assisted climbing experience, you’re harnessed the whole time and have expertly placed holds to place your hands and feet. Multiple courses vary in length and degree of difficulty.

Free Bike Valet on Banff Ave

Banff and Lake Louise have some of the best cycling opportunities in Canada, with roads like the Bow Valley Parkway to ride and countless mountain biking trails. But what do you do with your bike after enjoying any of the numerous cycling experiences available in the Banff and Lake Louise area?

You end your day by taking advantage of the free Bike Valet and exploring the Banff townsite. Whether you are looking to grab lunch on a patio, do some shopping, or even just indulge in a sweet treat, use the Banff Bike Valet to store your bike while exploring the town.

The valet is located in the Pedestrian Zone south of the Visitor Centre building (224 Banff Ave), beside visitor services tents operated by Parks Canada and Banff and Lake Louise Tourism. Your bike will be stored under the watchful eye of one of our local, knowledgeable, expert visitor services team. Need a suggestion for lunch? A good route to ride? Ideas for things to do off your bike? Our Visitor Services team member can point you in the right direction

Time: 10:30 am to 7:00 pm
Days: 7 days/week, June-September
Location: Just south of the Visitor Centre (224 Banff Ave)
Cost: Free

July Events

Art in Nature Trail

Starting July 1, explore the wonder of art and nature intertwined on the Art in Nature Trail in the heart of the Banff townsite. The revitalizing power of the wilderness is the inspiration for 20 art installations lining the walking trails in the heart of Banff. Regional artists have crafted each art piece as a tribute to the strength and beauty of nature.

The Art in Nature Trail follows the banks of the Bow River in an exploration of creativity, offering a different perspective for all who revere the Rockies.

Location: Trails Along the Bow River in Banff
Event Dates: July 1 to September 30
*No tickets or registration required.

Banff Farmer’s Market

The Banff Farmer’s Market (formerly the Banff Mountain Market) is a summer tradition held every Wednesday from 10 am to 6 pm until October 9, rain or shine. The market is located in Central Park, right off Banff Ave and offers a beautiful mountain backdrop.

The market provides an excellent selection of over 80 local and regional vendors selling fruits, vegetables, food trucks, artwork, jewelry, apparel, beauty products, coffee, and much more. Pick up something fresh and local on your next mid-week journey to Banff.

Location: Banff Central Park (110 Bear St)

Event Dates: Every Wednesday (May 29 to October 9)

Time: 10 am to 6 pm

Canada Day

Canada Day falls on July 1st yearly. It’s a holiday for many residents who take to the lakeshores, trails, and pubs to celebrate.

In 2024, the Canada Day Parade will return to Banff Avenue and Bear Street! This celebration includes floats, bands, and other entertainment and will start at 4:30 pm and run until 6:00 pm.

The best viewing spots for the Parade are between Fox St. and Moose St., and pre-parade entertainment will start around 3:45 p.m.

Check the Town of Banff's website for this year’s events.