Our Favorite Swimming Holes Can be Found Just Outside Banff, Alberta, in the Canadian Rockies

Banf, Canada is one of the best destinations in the Canadian Rockies for outdoor recreation, and that includes water sports –  fishing, boating, kayaking and canoeing, among others.  But in the warm summer months that also means swimming, and there are plenty places to swim.

Of course your local hotel and resorts likely has its own pool. But what about swimming outdoors? While it is true that some of the lakes and rivers around Banff are glacier fed, which makes them plenty chilly even in the summer months, there are a few favorite local swimming holes around Banff – and the various hot springs, of course.

Cascade Ponds

This is one of our favorite spots, as it is with many locals. It’s a perfect spot to get together with friends and family when the weather is warm for a dip, a cookout, a picnic, and just hanging out. The water is shallow, and there are plenty of grassy areas – it’s perfect for families with young children.

The Cascade Ponds swimming area includes:

• public washrooms
• covered picnic shelter with wood stove
• outdoor picnic tables with fire pits
• walking trails
• beach area

To get to the Cascade Ponds area, take the Minnewanka loop road from the interchange on the Trans-Canada Highway a few kilometers northeast of Banff. This narrow, winding road takes you to the following popular places, including Cascade Ponds day use area.

Johnson Lake

This lake is larger and deeper than Cascade Ponds, and during the warm summer months, it is popular with picnickers, hikers – there are several trails winding through this area –, sunbathers, fishermen, and swimmers. There is a large sandy beach here, as well as a shallow wading area, which makes it another family favorite.

The Johnson Lake recreation area includes:

• outhouse facilities
• outdoor picnic tables
• a hiking trail around the lake
• fishing
• sandy beach area
• a rope swing located on the opposite side of the lake

To get there, take the Minnewanka loop road as if you were going to Cascade Ponds as explained above. Further on a road branching off the loop runs to Johnson Lake.

Please be aware: these are not municipal swimming pools but rather natural lakes. Swimming in them is unsupervised, so please be careful; there are no lifeguards on duty.