In spite of you going on a “vacation”, planning a trip to a new destination can be an exciting, challenging and sometimes stressful exercise. When to go, where to stay, what to see and do and where to eat are all decisions that take considerable time and effort in planning. And, of course, you want ensure that you make good choices to maximize your precious holiday time.
There are so many great things to do in and around Banff National Park, Lake Louise and the area to the east of Banff known as Kananaskis Country, it’s tough to make choices. From hikes to gondola rides, boat cruises to helicopter tours, there are activities to suit every adventure level.
For those interested in more “active” choices, here’s our “Fab 5” activities that we believe should not be missed.
Ziplining
Just west of Lake Louise, Awesome All-Season Adventures operates exciting zipline tours that descend down the mountainside, crossing the Majestic Kicking Horse River. You’ll ride in comfortable harnesses along 3 dual Ziplines (Zip side by side) at lengths from 90 metres to 500 metres. The course was carefully designed to start with a very easy low to the ground short zip and work your way towards the last zip at 40 metres high assisted by gravity to get you reaching speeds up to 70 kms per hour!
Go Climbing!
Located in Canmore, Alberta at the gates of Banff National Park, Yamnuska Mountain Adventures is one of Canada’s premier providers of mountaineering, ice climbing, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, hiking and trekking experiences in the Canadian Rockies. For over 30 years, their brand is known for quality mountain experiences, safety and well organized itineraries. Programs are suitable for beginners, intermediate and advanced climbers.
Ride the Rapids
Just west of Lake Louise, Wild Water Adventures offers daily rafting trips on the famous Kicking Horse River. From easy family trips to the best “hold on to your hat” experiences found in Western Canada, you are sure to enjoy your time with the company rated number one on Trip Advisor for activities in the Canadian Rockies.
Alternatively, Maligne Rafting Adventures provides outstanding tours on a selection of rivers near Jasper, Alberta where the unparalleled scenery (along with the fresh mountain waters) will leave you breathless!
Ride ‘em Cowboy!
The Mountain Horse has been an important part in the exploration and enjoyment of the Canadian Rocky Mountains for more than 250 years. Legends in the Canadian Rockies, Banff’s Brewster family in Lake Louise, and Holiday on Horseback in Banff have helped the past stay alive. For generations they have been sharing the spectacular nature of the Rockies and its remarkable surroundings with visitors from all over the world. Rides range from a couple of hours to a full day, including meals.
Choosing any of these five outstanding activities will ensure that you’ll have made a great choice on your vacation, at least when it comes to the question of “what to do” in and around Banff National Park.