Visiting Panorama Mountain Resort in Summer: You’ll LOVE It
Most people know Panorama for skiing. But if you’re looking for a family-friendly mountain escape that’s fun, relaxing, and easy to get to, Panorama Mountain Resort in summer is a hidden gem worth exploring.
Planning a summer trip with kids can feel overwhelming. You want adventure, time to relax, and a spot that’s not packed with tourists. And we found that ski resorts in the summer is the answer… in fact, we visited 4 mountain resorts and towns this summer including Bromont in the Eastern Townships, Mont-Tremblant in the Laurentians and Stoneham the La Jacques-Cartier.
And this was our second summer in a row spending a full week at Panorama. We mixed a bit of work, summer camp, and mountain adventure into one simple, fun, and flexible trip. Just three hours from Calgary, through Kootenay National Park, it’s the kind of staycation that leaves everyone happy.
If you’re looking for ideas on how to spend a weekend at Panorama in the summer with kids, here’s how we made the most of our time because Panorama Mountain Resort is not just for winter.
Thank you, Travel Columbia Valley, Panorama Mountain Resort and Kootenay River Runners, for offering us tickets for the Mountain Coast and the Rafting Adventure. We had a blast, and all opinions are my own.
Why Choose Panorama in Summer?
If you’re wondering what to do in Panorama BC summer, you’ll be pleased to know that there is a LOT to do… enough to keep you busy for a week (especially if you’re exploring the surrounding Columbia Valley) But it’s also a great place to visit because Panorama doesn’t have the rush you find in bigger mountain towns.
It’s quiet, relaxed, and surrounded by nature. You don’t feel like you’re in a tourist hotspot, even in the middle of summer.
Plus, in the heart of the Panorama Mountain Village, you’ll find a walkable layout that makes life simple. No long drives between activities. You can walk from your condo to the pool, grab a snack, or hit the trails within minutes.
And there are lots of activities right in the Upper Village. With the Panorama Summer Activity Card, you get easy access to a variety of fun things to do in one place. The kids can bounce on the Euro Bungy, race down the mountain coaster, or play a round of mini-golf. There’s also gold panning, tennis, a climbing wall, and the scenic Mile One chairlift ride. Most of these are right in the Upper Village, so you don’t need to plan your whole day around driving or logistics.
But the best part (and summer hack) is the fun summer camp the kids will actually enjoy. You don’t need to book months in advance to get a spot at PanoKids Adventure Camp. A few days ahead is usually enough.
My kids are pretty picky when it comes to camps (I blame all our travel and adventures), but they LOVE this one. The days are packed with fun: Euro Bungy, hot spring pool time, tennis, games, and even gold panning. It gives them freedom and fun while you get a few hours to yourself.
Things to Do in Panorama – Itinerary Sample
If you’re planning a family weekend at Panorama and wondering where to start, here’s a sample itinerary based on how we spent our days.
Day 1: Exploring Panorama Resort and Upper Village Fun
Start your day with a cozy stop at Fireside Café & Lounge. The kids loved their hot chocolate, complete with a giant marshmallow, while we enjoyed a strong coffee to kick things off.
Then, it’s time to take advantage of the Panorama summer activity card.
With your Panorama Summer Activity Card in hand, head out to try all the fun in the Upper Village. Some favourites from the day included:
- Gold panning
- Mini-golf
- Climbing wall
- Tennis courts
- Scenic Mile One Chairlift ride (tip: hike the 3 km Fort Hide N’ Seek trail from the top)
- Euro Bungee (my kids’ favourite)
After lunch, it’s time to head to the next big hit: the Wild Rider Mountain Coaster. This ride winds down the mountain. You control your own speed with hand brakes, which makes it fun for everyone. And if I’m totally honest, it was scarier than I thought it would be. The twists and turns bring bursts of laughter, and the views of the valley and surrounding peaks make it a ride you’ll want to do more than once.
BONUS: If your family still has energy to burn, take a short bike ride on the Valley Trail. It’s a flat, easy path that loops through the forest with great views.
Then, slow down after a busy and active day at the hot pools. If you are staying on-site at one of Panorama Mountain Resort’s accommodations, you have free access to the Panorama Spring Pools. There are two pools (one of which is more like a giant hot tub) and two hut tubs, plus two fun waterslides. My kids couldn’t get enough of it. They had so much fun! I did try it a few times, too.
Wrap up your day with dinner at Alto Kitchen & Bar. Their pizza is a great pick after a full day outside.
Day 2: Rafting Adventure
Start the day early for a fun rafting adventure. Kootenay River Runners offers whitewater rafting adventures right at the base of Panorama Mountain Resort, but if you have younger kids, it’s best to drive to the Radium Hot Spring office, where you’ll raft on the Kootenay River with class II-III rapids.
But first, stop at Big Horn Café (or Kicking Horse Café in Invermere) for coffee and a quick bite before the 8:30 AM meeting time.
The rafting tour runs from about 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM and is perfect for families with kids aged 5 and up. You’ll drive about 30–40 minutes into Kootenay National Park, then hop in the river for a half-day of splashes and scenery.
Halfway through, you stop on the shore for snacks… and not just granola bars. Think hot drinks, charcuterie, cheese, and fresh cinnamon buns. Such a fun surprise in the middle of the wilderness. Of course, the kids were the first in line when it was time to grab a snack.
Before heading back to Panorama, don’t miss a stop at Screamers Ice Cream Cafe in Radium for a sweet reward. We all deserve a little treat.
Day 3 (Optional): Camp for the Kids, Yoga for You
If you’re staying longer, PanoKids Adventure Camp is an excellent option for Day 3 (and more days). You only need to book a few days in advance, which is amazing for a last-minute mountain getaway, and our kids absolutely love this camp. Activities include the Euro Bungee, pool time, tennis, games, and so much more. It’s the second year in a row we put the kids in the Panorama Mountain Resort Kids Camp for a few days, and I have a feeling it won’t be the last one.
While the kids are at camp, take time for yourself. My husband sadly had back-to-back work meetings, but I joined a mountain-top yoga session with Panorama Yoga at the top of the Mile One Express Chairlift, and it was the perfect mix of calm and incredible views. I feel so lucky to have had this experience.
After camp pickup, drive into Invermere to spend the late afternoon at Kinsmen Beach. Let the kids splash in the lake or play at the park while you relax on the sand.
End the day with dinner at Birchwood Restaurant. We shared the cheese fondue as a starter, and it was a hit.
How to Get to Panorama from Calgary
Panorama Mountain Resort is about a three-hour drive from Calgary, making it an easy summer road trip with kids. Here’s how to get there:
- Start on Highway 1 (Trans-Canada Highway) heading west out of Calgary.
- Just past Banff, take the exit for Highway 93 South toward Radium Hot Springs.
- Drive through Kootenay National Park, then turn onto Highway 95 South.
- In Invermere, follow the signs for Panorama Mountain Resort, and take Panorama Drive up the mountain (about 20 minutes from town).
It’s a beautiful drive with plenty of scenic spots along the way. If you have time, stop in Radium or Invermere for snacks, coffee, or a quick stretch.
Final Thoughts:
This was our second summer at Panorama Mountain Resort, and it just keeps getting better. With so much to do right in the Panorama Mountain Village, plus easy day trips like rafting and beach time, it’s the kind of place that works perfectly for families.
Whether you’re planning a whole week or just a weekend, you’ll find a mix of fun, relaxation, and nature that’s hard to beat, especially so close to Calgary.
The best part? It’s all simple to plan, easy to enjoy, and full of little moments your kids will talk about long after the trip is over.
