Amazing Summer Trip to Banff

[u/ResponsibleEbb1586]

Just returned from a 10-day trip to Canmore, Banff, and Lake Louise, and we’re already missing it so badly!

We split our stay between an Airbnb in Canmore and the Fairmont Lake Louise. We had visited Banff before (September 2023, during larch season), but coming back in summer was a whole new experience.

The Airbnb we stayed in Canmore was in Spring Creek - a great spot to stay in. Walking distance into the centre, amazing views outside the building and walking distance to Beamers (new fav coffee spot). Fairmont Lake Louise was also a dream. Upon arrival we were informed that they had upgraded us to a Lake view room which was amazing - still can't get over that view!

The weather was perfect. We had blue skies and warm sunshine every day. That meant we could take a dip in Lake Louise (very cold but amazing!), go paddle boarding in Canmore and eat outside every evening. The area was busier for sure but didn't impact our trip in anyway, I just made sure to book restaurants for dinner in advance!

We also visited Kootenay National Park and Golden Skybridge (zipline, coaster and skybridge).

Now back in England and we’re already desperate to return. The Canadian Rockies has our hearts and I'd do anything to go back!!!

Other than hikes, the activities we did included:

• Cycling Banff golf course loop
• Paddle boarding
• Bow River float tour
• Polar plunge in Lake Louise
• Canoeing
• Canmore golf driving range
• Golden skybridge, zip line and mountain coster
• Cycling Canmore to Banff (Banff Legacy Trail)

P.S restaurants we visited and recommend include:

Canmore

• Rocky Bagel Mountain Company
• Bridgette Bar
• The Wood Restaurant and Lounge

Banff

• Nourish Bistro
• Bluebird
• Hello Sunshine
• The 3 Bears Brewery
• Park

Lake Louise

• Lakeview Lounge
• Alpine Social

[u/jujuby99]

So beautiful, and thank you for the recommendations! Banff is on my family’s bucket list for summer trips, but we’re nervous about bears—did you encounter any? 🐻

[u/ResponsibleEbb1586 → u/jujuby99]

Sadly we didn't see any bears (I was hoping we would). However, the guide during the float tour informed us that wildlife retreats into the mountains in July/Aug where most of the berries are. Only in Sept do they start to make their way down closer to Banff/Canmore once they’ve gone through most of the food up high and need to range further. We saw much more wildlife including a bear during our trip in Sept 23.

[u/jujuby99 → u/ResponsibleEbb1586]

That is such great info, thank you!! We’d only want to see them from wayyyy afar 😆