Top Banff Nature and Wildlife

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.

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 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.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

See the best that Banff National Park and the surrounding wilderness have to offer—including Victoria Glacier, stunning Moraine Lake and towering Takakkaw Falls—on this full-day guided coach tour.  Over the course of the day, discover some of the most awe-inspiring natural scenery of the Canadian Rockies, with time to spot some of the area’s diverse wildlife, plus enjoy lunch and round-trip transport from Banff.

Delve deep into the Banff National Park and admire the scenery from the water on this canoe adventure. Paddle along the pretty Bow River and listen as your guide sheds light on centuries of Canadian history and heritage. Watch the riverbanks for sightings of native wildlife, then finish your canoe tour with light refreshments.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Leave civilization far behind and saddle up for a six-day ride through the Canadian Rocky Mountains and along trails during this guided, horseback riding tour. Ride along the Bow River fed with cool glacial water to your first of two rustic lodge accommodations. Head up the stunning Allenby Pass and be rewarded with aerial views from 8,100 feet (2,468 meters) and enjoy hearty, delicious dinners at the lodge after your rides.

Trace the paths that the early pioneers rode through Alberta's wild west on this 4-day horseback riding tour along the Erling Strom Trail. Arranging a multi-day tour like this on your own may be challenging, but booking this tour means that everything is arranged for you. Spend each night in a comfortable lodge, move at a relaxed pace along the trails, and enjoy in-depth commentary on the history and ecosystem of Canada's oldest national park.

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.

Get a quick immersion in the stunning environment surrounding the city of Banff on this tour. Discover natural attractions like the hoodoos, strange rock pillars twisted by millions of years of wind, and take in fantastic views on a Banff Gondola ride up to Sulphur Mountain. You can also upgrade to include a cruise on placid Lake Minnewanka. This Banff sightseeing tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off.

Paddle along the Bow River in a 12-seater canoe as the sun sets in Banff’s backyard during this guided canoe tour. Dip your oars into the water as team and take in the wildlife and mountain scenery as your guide tells you about the animals and land. Be on the lookout for elk, bald eagles, beaver, and muskrats as the current carries you along.

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 4-hour horseback ride and experience the park at a relaxed pace. Led by your cowboy guide, saddle up and and get a feel for what it was like for pioneers first settling in this once-wild area.

Enjoy this full day hike, explore a narrow canyon and see how water in its many forms has shaped the mountains over time. After reaching the back of the canyon, go further to the ink pots, a great day out covering 11.6 km with 315 m elevation gain and loss. This private hike includes a lunch and is perfect for couples, families, single cohorts and friends. Minimum age: 13. Youth should be accompanied by a guardian.

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.