Banff & British Columbia Summer Trip Itinerary (July 2018)

In July 2018, we traveled to Banff as a reward for my husband’s job. What started as a work-related trip quickly turned into an unforgettable Banff National Park summer vacation, filled with iconic hotels, outdoor adventures, and a road trip into British Columbia. By extending our stay, we were able to experience some of the best hikes in the Canadian Rockies and Columbia Valley.

If you’re planning a Banff summer itinerary and wondering whether it’s worth combining Alberta and British Columbia in one trip, this experience gave us a clear answer: absolutely.

Where to Stay in Banff: Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel

Hotel: Fairmont Banff Springs

Staying at the Fairmont Banff Springs is an experience on its own. Known as the Castle in the Rockies, this luxury hotel offers stunning mountain views, historic architecture, and direct access to the Bow River. It’s an ideal base for exploring Banff National Park attractions while enjoying a resort-level stay.

Best Things to Do in Banff in Summer

Bow River Float Trip – Scenic & Relaxing

The Bow River Float Trip is one of the most relaxing activities in Banff. The float covers approximately 7 km along the Bow River, passing Bow Falls and offering uninterrupted views of the surrounding Rocky Mountains. It’s perfect if you want a peaceful way to experience Banff’s landscape without strenuous hiking.

Banff Gondola & Sky Bistro Experience

Sky Bistro sits at the top of Sulphur Mountain, accessible via the Banff Gondola.

The gondola ride alone provides breathtaking views over Banff, but dining at Sky Bistro elevates the experience. This is one of the best spots in Banff for panoramic mountain views, especially at sunset.

Via Ferrata at Mt. Norquay – Challenging & Rewarding

The Via Ferrata at Mt. Norquay was one of the most memorable adventures of the trip.

There are five routes available: Explorer, Ridgewalker, Alpinist, Skyline, and Summiteer. While I don’t remember exactly which route we did, I clearly remember how challenging it felt and how empowering it was to push past fears. The views from the route are absolutely worth it.

Exploring Banff Town & Surroundings

Walking around Banff town, strolling along the river, and doing short hikes is a must. Banff is busy in summer, but the scenery explains why. It's spectacular in every direction.

We also drove through Canmore, a town we say we want to stay in every single time we pass through. It remains high on our list for a future trip.

Extending the Trip: British Columbia Road Trip

Base Camp: Fairmont Hot Springs, BC

After Banff, we extended our trip into Fairmont Hot Springs, staying in a family friend’s cottage. This location made a perfect base for exploring hiking trails in southeastern British Columbia.

Fairmont Hot Springs quickly became our base for exploring the region, and as I later realized while looking back at photos, we actually completed two big, challenging hikes during this part of the trip.

Best Hikes Near Fairmont Hot Springs & Columbia Valley

Hoodoos Trail (Windermere / Fairmont Hot Springs)

The Hoodoos Trail is an easy-to-moderate hike of about 3 km round trip and takes roughly 1 hour.

This trail leads to unique sandstone hoodoo formations and offers stunning views over the Columbia Valley, Columbia Lake, and the surrounding Rocky Mountains. It’s one of the best short hikes near Fairmont Hot Springs.

Pedley Pass & Pedley Ridge – Most Challenging Hike

This was the most challenging hike of the entire trip, but also one of the most rewarding.

Pedley Pass and Pedley Ridge offer steep climbs, well-maintained trails, and incredible panoramic views. Access involves a rough road, but the effort is worth it for hikers looking for a serious adventure in British Columbia.

Lake of the Hanging Glacier – Purcell Mountains, British Columbia

One standout hike during our British Columbia stay was the Lake of the Hanging Glacier, located deep in the Purcell Mountains. This challenging but incredibly rewarding hike leads to a striking turquoise alpine lake surrounded by hanging glaciers, including views of Jumbo Glacier, with waterfalls cascading down the cliffs. The scenery feels raw and untouched, offering a true wilderness experience without the crowds often found in the Rockies.

The trail begins near the Horsethief Creek area and requires good fitness, with rugged terrain and some scrambling involved. Looking back at our photos, it’s clear just how intense and memorable this hike was. With wildlife sightings like marmots and pikas and constantly changing alpine views, it remains one of the most impressive hikes of the entire trip.

Johnson Trail at Lillian Lake

The Johnson Trail at Lillian Lake was a perfect mix of hiking and relaxation.

After completing the hike, we jumped straight into the lake to cool off, a refreshing reward on a warm summer day.

Final Stop: Enderby Cliffs Hike & the Okanagan

After leaving Fairmont Hot Springs, we continued our road trip through the Osoyoos and Penticton, before finishing in Vernon to meet up with a co-worker. They suggested the Enderby Cliffs hike, and it turned out to be the perfect final adventure.

The Enderby Cliffs trail offers elevated views above the town of Enderby, with sweeping perspectives over the Shuswap region and the North Okanagan. After the hike, we went with them to Adams Lake, a peaceful and refreshing way to wind down after weeks of exploring.

Final thoughts: Banff, Alberta, Southeast British Columbia, and the Okanagan are absolute must-visits. The landscapes are beautiful, the hikes are unforgettable, and this is the kind of trip where taking your time truly matters. Slow down. Hike often. And soak it all in.