What to Pack for Banff in Summer: Canadian Rockies Packing List for a Great Trip

Wondering what to pack for Banff in summer? I just got back from a trip with my family and I’m happy to share what I packed that was needed and what could have been left behind! I’ll also share some other considerations to assist you as you pack for what I know will be an epic and beautiful trip!

Let’s jump in and review a Canadian Rockies packing list for the summer!

What to Consider for Your Banff Packing List

After spending 5 days in Banff, I am happy to tell you things to consider so you can be prepared, but still manage to pack in a carry-on if that’s your goal. Even though I only had a carry-on and backpack, I still managed to over pack!

Here are some things to consider as you figure out what to pack for Banff.

How Much Hiking are You Planning?

If you plan to do any hikes, you’ll want to be prepared. While most of what you’ll be doing is enjoying the outdoors in some capacity, that doesn’t mean you’ll need hiking attire. Even though I wore workout clothes the most, I also overestimated how much I needed and over packed.

Also, some tours may require you to be appropriately dressed. For example, the Sunset at Moraine Lake & Stargazing Tour specifies to be dressed appropriately for nature walks and being outdoors.

Workout Shoes vs Hiking Boots

I took my Columbia hiking boots because they are comfortable and I knew we were doing a couple hikes. My younger sister and brother wore their normal workout shoes and did just fine! About half of us were in hiking boots and the other half in normal workout shoes. While our hikes were tough, they were not technical.

If you are visiting for the first time and only planning hikes similar to ours (Sulphur Mountain and Lake Agnes Tea House with Little Beehive), then you would probably be good with workout shoes. Just make sure they have good traction in case of rain or slippery areas. If you are considering hiking boots, I bought mine a few years ago and they are serving me well!

What to Pack for Banff in Summer

Let’s get started on what to pack for Banff in Summer! I packed in a carry-on and small backpack, but ultimately still over packed since the accomodation had a washer and dryer.

Hiking Boots or Trainers

About half the group was wearing hiking boots and the other half workout shoes. The two hikes we did were not technical, but it was rocky in parts. If it rains during your trip, hiking boots or workout shoes with good traction are a must.

If you are looking for affordable hiking boots, I bought these Columbia hiking boots a few years ago and they are affordable! They are very comfortable with good traction, which offers me more confident footing when hiking.

I took three pairs of shoes, but actually could have just taken two pairs. My hiking boots and another pair of athleisure shoes. The boots I brought for dinner outfits were not necessary and ultimately just took up space.

Athleisure Attire

The clothing I wore the most was workout or athleisure attire. It’s comfortable for driving and appropriate for walking or hiking. Since Banff National Park is so beautiful, you’ll want to be spending time outside to admire it!

You don’t need a lot of special gear if you’re doing some of the popular hikes. Just consider workout or hiking pants that are lightweight and quick dry.

Dinner Attire

I definitely got mixed information when it came to dinner attire in Banff. Generally speaking, casual clothing is acceptable in most places. However, if you do want to dine at certain restaurants like some at the Fairmont, then no athleisure clothing is allowed. Think smart casual and you’ll be good in any restaurant.

Oh and it’s also worth noting, the temperature doesn’t cool down too much by dinner since the sun doesn’t set until 10PM. It was strange leaving dinner and it still being light outside.

Eye Mask for Sleeping

I love long, summer days, but I wasn’t prepared for Banff long, summer days! Unless you are certain that the hotel or accommodation you booked has blackout curtains, I suggest taking an eye mask. Our Airbnb did not have blackout curtains and with the sun setting late and rising relatively early, I wish that I had an eye mask!

Toiletries

Of course, don’t forget your toiletries! If you are packing a carry-on, there are a few products that make it easier. Using as many solids instead of liquids is one tactic. If I don’t have enough room, I’ll take shampoo and conditioner bars and pack a deodorant stick.

I also utilize small containers to pack things like my face wash, face lotion, and toothpaste.

Backpack

I took a backpack, but also used it as my personal item. If you plan to drive around rather than hiking, then you may not really need a backpack. However, I found it very useful!

Bear Spray

You actually don’t have to buy bear spray as there is an option to rent it while in Banff. There’s also a chance your hotel or Airbnb will have one you can borrow. However, if you plan on hiking, you should ensure someone in your group has bear spray!

Water Bottle

It’s important to stay hydrated, especially if you plan to do any hikes! It’s also better for the environment to grab your water bottle from home and refill it instead of grabbing the single use plastic water bottles.

Optional Extras

Swimsuit

If you plan to visit the hot springs, go on a paddle, or enjoy a pool if that’s an option, then be sure to pack your swimsuit. I took mine, but never used it. However, it’s a small enough item making it worth bringing just in case!

First Aid Kit

I’m not sure if anyone in my family had a first aid kit, but it is certainly a good idea to have on hand! We didn’t do any crazy hikes, but it’s certainly worth having if you plan to do longer and more difficult hikes.

Hiking poles

Even though we only did two of the more popular hikes, I would have loved having some hiking poles! It’s certainly not a requirement, but worth considering if you plan to do a lot of hikes!

Bug Spray & Sunscreen

You can definitely just buy both once you’re in Banff. Even on a sunny day, the sunshine is not as intense as during a Florida summer, but that doesn’t mean sunscreen isn’t a good idea!

The surprising one for me was the need for bug spray. I wore pants to hike, but I definitely had mosquitoes landing on me! If you tend to get bit a lot by mosquitoes, you will definitely want some bug spray!

Portable Phone Charger

It’s worth taking a portable phone charger if you’ll be doing longer hikes. Since service is either spotty or even non-existent in places like the Icefields Parkway, you will want extra battery in case of emergency.

My Packing Wins and Losses

Wins

I am so glad I packed my hiking boots and plenty of workout clothing. Light jackets and flannels were perfect for the beginning of the week, and my warm jacket came in clutch when the snow and rain rolled in.

I’m so happy I took out the sweatpants I was considering taking and just wore pajama shorts as it was plenty warms indoors.

My water bottle was utilized the whole week and the electrolytes I brought came in clutch on the hikes! I’m also glad I brought my supplements, because they really helped me stay healthy.

I took my small purse, which was perfect for walking around Banff or when heading to dinner. However, my backpack was used the rest of the time and it worked well as my personal item on the flight.

Losses

I took nice boots to wear to dinner, but in the end they just took up space. Most of the dinners, I just wore the athletic attire or the one pair of jeans I packed. I did wear them the last night simply because I packed them, but I really could have just left them behind.

I really wish I had an eye mask for sleeping! There were nights we had to get to bed for an early start the next day and the eye mask would have been useful! Not to mention the outdoor lights that shined through the thin curtains at night. If you are booked at a hotel, you may not need them, but if your accommodation is a home rental, consider taking a sleep mask or asking if they have blackout curtains.

I forgot my knee brace, but thankfully my sister remembered hers and didn’t need it! Going down was rough on the knees and though I don’t own hiking poles, they would have come in handy!

If you’re finalizing your Banff packing list, hopefully these wins (and fails!) help you fine-tune your own.