What to Do in the Canadian Rockies if You Don't Hike

Enjoy the views and soak up the scenery this summer

What's there to do in the Canadian Rockies during the summer? Ask any local and they'll likely list off all the fantastic hikes they know. Trekking through the trails or scrambling up steep summits sounds perfect for some, but it's not everyone's idea of fun. Not to worry. You won't miss out on the beauty of the Rockies if you decide to skip the hikes. Here's some suggestions for the best activities in Banff, Jasper, Canmore and Kananaskis Country, no hiking boots required.

Banff

One of the great things about the Canadian Rockies is the abundance of picture-perfect scenery. You don't even need to venture far from the town site to score stellar views. A stroll down Banff Avenue is a must if you're looking for a low-key way to explore. But why not take it up a notch and ride to the top of a mountain?

The Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain is a great way to see everything from new heights with minimal effort. Explore the boardwalk or savour the view with a meal at Sky Bistro. You can also take in the iconic views from the Lake Louise Sightseeing Gondola or Banff Sunshine Sightseeing Gondola. If you opt for the Banff Sunshine gondola, take a quick ride on the Standish Chairlift to see the beauty of Sunshine Meadows.

If heights just aren't your thing, opt for a relaxing paddle at the Banff Canoe Club. You can rent kayaks, canoes or even stand-up paddleboards and enjoy the water. A trail ride with Banff Trail Riders is another great option to get out in nature. Even better? Some of the trail and wagon rides wind along popular hiking routes, like the Sundance Loop near the historic Cave and Basin National Historic Site. Luckily, you get to explore without having to put all those steps in.

Jasper

One of the best experiences in the Canadian Rockies has to be a road trip up the famous Icefields Parkway from Banff to Jasper. It's so spectacular, you'll want to leave lots of time to stop along the way. Be sure to brake for shimmering Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield Skywalk and neighbouring Columbia Icefield.

When you reach the quaint alpine town of Jasper, there's plenty to see and do no matter your adventure tastes. The Maligne Lake Cruise to Spirit Island is a no-brainer, considering you get to see one of the most photographed places on the planet. While you're checking off world-renowned attractions, don't forget that Jasper is the second-largest dark sky preserve in the world. The lack of light pollution means the night sky is next-level. You can learn more about it at the Jasper Planetarium and take a guided tour to explore the wonders in the stars above.

It's nearly impossible to visit Jasper without spotting wildlife – Alberta sports 600 species, after all. One of the safest ways to watch wildlife is alongside a professional guide. Maligne Adventures offers a variety of tours throughout Jasper National Park. Their vehicle-based, evening wildlife search provides some of the best opportunities to view animals like grizzly bears, mountain goats and deer.

Canmore and Kananaskis Country

The town of Canmore and rugged Kananaskis Country are an ideal day trip from Calgary. Despite the convenience, expect that you'll probably want to stay longer in this mountain oasis. Kananaskis Village is about 101 km (63 mi) from Calgary, and Canmore is just a little farther up the road. In Kananaskis Village, you'll find a relaxing respite at the Kananaskis Nordic Spa. It's conveniently situated next door to the Pomeroy Kananaskis Mountain Lodge if you want to extend your stay.

This Nordic Spa offers a large outdoor area dotted with hydrotherapy pools you can soak in while soaking up the gorgeous scenery. There's several steam rooms and saunas to bring on the heat or chill out in an outdoor heated hammock (yes, they exist!). You can also treat yourself to an indulgent massage or a bite to eat at Two Trees Bistro.

Outdoor lovers are spoiled for choice in Canmore. Book a relaxing round of golf at Silvertip Resort or get out in nature with a bike rental from Gear Up Mountain Sport and Rentals. You can pedal your way through easy routes like Policeman's Creek or directly into the town of Banff on the paved Legacy Trail. For mountain biking, head up to the Canmore Nordic Centre for trails at all levels. Score mountain bike rentals directly at the Nordic Centre, courtesy of Trail Sports.

Canmore is also an ideal place to try stand-up paddleboarding, or SUP, as it's also known. Bow Valley SUP has all the equipment you need (and even lessons) to have fun on the water in Canmore and Banff. Some of the best spots to SUP include the Rundle Forebay Reservoir and Quarry Lake in Canmore. Or, venture further out to Lake Louise, Vermilion Lakes, Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka in Banff National Park.