My Favourite Tours & Activities In The Canadian Rockies

✨ The Canadian Rockies are amazing even with just hikes and scenic drives, but a few well-picked tours or activities can make a trip feel even more memorable.

Here are some of my personal favourites if you want to add a few great experiences to your itinerary.

ㅤ

🚡Scenic Gondolas

• Banff's Sulphur Mountain Gondola - Sulphur Mountain is one of Banff’s most iconic spots (and for good reason)... You get endless views of the Bow Valley, Banff's town, and iconic peaks all around like Bourgeau, Cascade, Norquay, the Rundles, and more - There are even some restaurants up top, a bar, and occasional events. All by cheating with a gondola lol!
  Want to go? Book here: Banff Gondola

• Sunshine Meadows Gondola - A great option if you want huge alpine views without committing to a full mountain hike. In summer, this sightseeing experience includes the gondola up to Sunshine Village, plus the Mount Standish Chairlift, which takes you deep into the backcountry, to an elevation of about 2400 metres, for sweeping 360-degree views. You can even spot Mount Assiniboine in the distance, towering high at 3618 metres tall!
  Want to go? Book here: Sunshine Meadows Gondola

ㅤ

🛥️Banff's Best Water-Based Experiences

• Lake Minnewanka Cruise - A fun activity on Banff’s largest lake. The Lake Minnewanka Cruise offers a guided 1-hour scenic boat tour across Lake Minnewanka, with commentary about wildlife, geology, and the submerged ‘ghost town’. It’s a fun and informative way to take in the surrounding peaks from the water.
  Want to go? Book here: Book Lake Minnewanka Cruise

• Lake Louise Canoe Rentals - One of the most iconic Canadian Rockies experiences. Paddling the bright turquoise water beneath Victoria Glacier is mesmerizing. Canoe rentals are available at the Lake Louise Boathouse on a first come, first served basis. As of 2025, prices were $160 (+GST) for 30 minutes or $170 (+GST) for 60 minutes. Pricey, yes, but a memorable way to soak in the views from the water.
  Please note: The Boathouse only accepts card payment

ㅤ

🏞The big bucket-list one

• Columbia Icefield Adventure - Easily one of the most iconic Icefields Parkway experiences. It combines a ride onto the Athabasca Glacier (an experience that you can only get in a few places round the world), along with the glass-floored Skywalk. An incredible and unique memory!
  Want to go? Book here: Columbia Icefield Adventure

ㅤ

Tips from Dev

I’d usually save these for:

• rest days between bigger adventures

• trips where you want a mix of hiking and easy sightseeing

If you only pick one or two, I’d probably lean toward the Sunshine Meadows Gondola for the views, and the Columbia Icefield Adventure for its uniqueness.