Top Banff Nature and Wildlife

Join an animal-spotting bus tour in Banff National Park, observing the park’s amazing wildlife at dusk on this 2-hour, small-group tour that’s perfect for nature enthusiasts. Enjoy Banff’s beautiful landscapes in the evening searching for elk, deer, bears and more because each tour has a 95% success rate of viewing animals in their natural environment. You'll also hear about the park's efforts to protect animals and their habitat from your expert guide.

Saddle up for a journey through the celebrated landscape of Banff National Park on this guided horseback riding adventure. Get out of the car and onto the trails of the Bow River or the Spray River and enjoy the area’s beautiful outdoor environment, largely unchanged from the days of the pioneers. This equine-themed odyssey includes a guide, use of a horse, and all necessary equipment.

Saddle up and head out on the Rocky Mountain trails in Banff National Park. Explore the area by horseback with your cowboy guide to see the area in a way you can only experience from on the back of a horse. With a guide in the lead and a guide bringing up the rear, your ride will be a safe, fun adventure in the wilderness.  

Take a charming horse-driven sleigh ride through the snow-covered meadows of Banff during this rustic 40-minute tour. Cozy up with family, friends, or a loved one as your friendly driver whisks you away on a sightseeing tour of the area’s stunning mountain peaks.

Discover Lake Louise and Moraine Lake on this guided tour from Banff. Located inside the Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, the lakes are well-known for their distinct turquoise hues. Gain insight into the area’s mountaineering history, admire views of the Valley of Ten Peaks and leave with plenty of frame-worthy photos. Round-trip transportation is included on this small-group tour. Don’t miss this seasonal tour that operates from April to November.

Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest and most celebrated national park - and one worth getting out of the car and onto a trail for. Go back to a simpler time with a 1-hour horseback ride and experience the park at a relaxed pace. Led by your cowboy guide, saddle up and cross through the tranquil Spray River, and get a feel for what it was like for pioneers first settling in this once-wild area.

Take an unexpected winter excursion through the landscape of Banff as you search for the park’s famous wildlife on this tour. Head out on a nature-spotting tour to observe animals and learn about their ability to survive the cold winter months. Your morning tour includes round-trip transportation, a professional guide, a light snack and hot chocolate.

Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western style cookout. Choose from riding on horseback or in a covered wagon through the beautiful Rocky Mountain terrain. At the dining site, spend some time perfecting your roping skills or relaxing with a game of horseshoes before “tucking in”--that’s cowboy speak for “eating”—a yummy BBQ meal.

Pursue the elusive Canadian Grizzly Bear on this 10-hour excursion through Banff and Yoho National Parks, perfect for animal- and nature-lovers alike. Head out for a gondola ride up to 7,700 feet for a mountain-top lunch at Canada’s highest restaurant, and then take a chairlift ride up to the world’s largest enclosed and protected grizzly bear habitat to see Boo the resident bear rescued as a cub. This full-day trip also includes round-trip transportation, professional guide, lunch and light refreshments.

Discover one of Banff National Park’s most popular hiking trails at night, without the fear of getting lost, during this small-group tour. Equipped with a headlight, explore Johnston Canyon with a guide leading the way, and marvel at shimmering frozen waterfalls and hike along a suspended catwalk. Then, take a break to warm up mid-route with hot chocolate and maple cookies.

Explore the backcountry of the popular Banff National Park like few other travelers do, on a three-day, small-group horseback trip. Spot elk, deer, and moose while following the glacier-fed Bow River, with the towering Rocky Mountains all around. Relax in comfort at the Sundance Lodge at night, after huddling around a cozy campfire and swapping stories with your fellow riders. Enjoy both nature and comfort on this tour.

Explore the historic landmarks and natural wonders near the town of Banff on this half-day, small-group tour. Admire the unparalleled beauty of natural sights including Bow Falls, the surreal Hoodoos rock formation, and beautiful Lake Minnewanka, among others. This guided tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Banff, a professional guide, and light refreshments.

Immerse yourself in Canada's stunning winter landscape on a 4-hour snowshoe tour from Banff to Kootenay National Park. Follow your guide through Marble Canyon and keep your eyes peeled for moose and wolf tracks. The 2-mile (3km) route is along mostly flat terrain and perfect for first time snowshoers. You also enjoy a hot chocolate break with the opportunity to make your own maple taffy in the snow.

Few places in Alberta offer the postcard beauty of Lake Minnewanka, part of Banff National Park. Admire views of the Canadian Rockies and prairies as you cruise across the turquoise-hued lake and over to Devil’s Gap during this boat tour. Scan the lakeshore for big-horned sheep, deer, bald eagles, and even the occasional bear. Along the way, learn about the indigenous people who used to call the surrounding area their home. A perfect excursion for nature lovers and families alike.

Widely considered the Banff National Park’s top attraction, Lake Louise is transformed in winter into a snowy wonderland—but booking transportation to reach it independently from Banff is time-consuming. This hassle-free transfer service includes round-trip travel from central Banff, with interpretive commentary from your guide along the way. Enjoy free time to explore Lake Louise at leisure, with snow-shoes and warming refreshments included.

Live like a rancher riding through the wilderness during this one-night, two-day guided horseback riding excursion that includes accommodation at a lodge. Saddle-up for a backcountry ride along a trail in view of the Canadian Rocky Mountains and around the Bow River fed by glacial waters. At the lodge, enjoy wine and dinner and sit by a fire before turning in. Ride confidently back to Banff on day two.

Explore the wilds of western Alberta on this full-day Banff to Jasper one-way tour. Travel with your guide through the rugged wilderness of Banff and Jasper national parks. Take in top regional attractions such as Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Athabasca Falls, Lake Louise, and the Weeping Wall. At the Columbia Icefield, hike to the Athabasca Glacier or take the Glacier Skywalk over Sunwapta Valley. Learn about the region’s geology at the Columbia Icefield Centre or enjoy a guided walk to a scenic viewpoint. Then, finish your journey in Jasper.

Enjoy this full-day tour from Banff, visiting the Athabasca Glacier and the stunning scenery lining the breathtaking Icefields Parkway. This tour travels halfway along the world-famous Icefields Parkway, recognized as one of the top drives in the world passing numerous Rocky Mountain peaks, glaciers, waterfalls, and emerald lakes. Your tour also includes round-trip transport from Banff, a mountain picnic lunch, Glacier Skywalk, and an all-terrain Ice Explorer tour.

Mineral spring pools known for their ochre colors, the Paint Pots are considered among the Kootenay National Park’s top attractions—but reaching them in the winter months isn’t easy. On this snowshoeing tour, hike with ease through the deep snow drifts and soak up the Canadian wilderness scenery. Savor hot chocolate and hot maple taffy, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour—limited to 12 people.

Situated within Banff National Park, the pretty town of Banff is the stepping stone to some of Canada’s most beautiful mountain landscapes. On this tour, swing into the saddle and trek through the Rocky Mountains scenery on horseback with your guide. Follow rugged trails past dense forests and shimmering lakes, and enjoy a relaxing introduction to the spectacular Banff National Park. Along the way, spot native beavers and elk in their natural habitat.

Discover the beauty of Banff with a guide and learn more about the charming mountain town during this small-group walking tour. Walk within the town of Banff, located within Banff National Park, and learn about the area's history, heritage, wildlife, and what life is like in grizzly bear country. Stop along the way for photo opportunities and to admire the beauty of Canada's Rocky Mountains.

There’s nothing more romantic than a horse drawn sleigh ride in the mountains of Banff National Park. Bundle up with your honey in a world of your own as you glide through the Rocky Mountain snow. The open top sleigh means snowflakes may land gently on you as you ride through the fields just outside the Banff townsite, so remember to bundle up and your special someone will keep you warm.

Stand beside Lake Louise and experience the vast landscapes, soaring mountains, of Banff during this small-group, private full-day, guided tour along the Icefield Parkway. Bring up to five passengers and set off along the winding and spectacular road making stops at stop at Lake Minnewanka, Bow falls, Crowfoot Glacier and more. Enjoy aerial views of of Banff from Mount Norquay after ascending its switchback road to the top.