Top Alberta Outdoor Activities - page 3

Discover the amazing, underground world of caves on this half-day, small-group guided cave explorer tour with all equipment included. Follow your guide through the twists and turns of this subterranean world, crawling past prehistoric bones and observing centuries-old rock formations. Choose to explore lesser-travelled places in the cave and wriggle through manhole-cover sized passages (optional) to test yourself in this rugged environment.

Admire diverse animal life in the Canadian wilderness on this 3.5-hour evening wildlife discovery tour from Jasper. Delve into Jasper National Park with your guide. Travel through the mighty Athabasca Valley and marvel at the park’s beautiful landscapes by twilight. Seek out timid native wildlife such as coyotes, deer, elk, big-horned sheep, moose, mountain goats and wolves. Learn of the steps taken to ensure their safety and survival in the park, and gain insight into the region’s rich ecology, history and geology.

The UNESCO-listed Jasper National Park is a uniquely impressive place to experience nature, and a gentle adventure on the Athabasca River is a great way to do it. This float trip takes you down several miles on the Class II rapids—expect a few splashes along the way, but nothing too scary. Your National Park-licensed guide will share stories of the area as you go, and all necessary gear is included for your convenience.

Discover the highlights of Banff, without getting fatigued, on this guided small-group tour by electric bike. Cruise to Vermilion Lakes for stunning views of Mt. Rundle, followed by a stop at the cascading waters of Bow Falls. Then cruise through the city and the golf course for even more alpine views—stopping for several photos along the way.

Moraine Lake is one of the Canadian Rockies' most scenic locations, but visitation restrictions mean a tour is one of the best ways to ensure you'll be able to see it. Leave the driving to your guide and enjoy hassle-free transfers from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff with this tour.

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.

Combine sightseeing with an adrenaline-pumping adventure on this small-group day tour from Banff or Canmore. You'll soak up the sights as you raft down the Kananaskis River, one of Alberta's most pristine waterways. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as bald eagles, bears and deer as you navigate the periodic rapids.

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.

Take an outdoor-lover’s odyssey along Alberta’s famous Columbia Icefields Parkway, stopping to enjoy incredible scenery and a ride on the Athabasca glacier, during this half-day excursion from Jasper. Drive along this incredible roadway, set between two incredible national parks, admiring glacier-fed streams, iconic mountains and local wildlife as you go. Then make a stop for a ride aboard the all-terrain Ice Explorer on the surface of the Athabasca glacier.

Discover the best views of the Canadian Rockies—without the need to rent a car—on this dynamic electric bike tour. Join your guide and a small group for a ride along stunning alpine landscapes, pristine turquoise lakes, and a historic mining town. Keep your camera ready as you might spot local wildlife such as bighorn sheep, elk, and even bears along the way.

Get to know Calgary better while enjoying some exercise on a 3-hour bike ride through the city and along the Bow River. Cycle without the risk of getting lost by going with a guide and a small group of other cycling travelers. Learn more about the city and its history, including its First Nations people. Pedal bikes can be upgraded to e-bikes by prior arrangement.

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.

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.

Head to Canada’s only wolfdog sanctuary on this self-guided tour, and take in scenery framed by the Canadian Rocky Mountains as you observe wolfdogs and wild dogs. Meet a pack of more than 60 resident wolfdogs and hear about the sanctuary’s conservation efforts as you gain a greater appreciation for wolves in the wild.

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.

Book this small group nature walking tour of Banff to get a personalized experience with your guide and group members, steering clear of large tour groups. You’ll be collected from the Banff Park Museum by your guide, and then you’ll get into the trails. The mountains will surround you as your guide takes you to some of the most scenic spots.

IMPORTANT! PLEASE READ Select your preferred date and ascent time for the Banff Gondola. Your descent will be set 1 hour 30 minutes later, giving time to explore the summit. The Lake Minnewanka Cruise will be scheduled 2 hours after your gondola descent. This combo is available until October 13, 2025, and resumes in May 2026. This ticket pairs two of Banff’s most iconic experiences: the Banff Gondola and the Lake Minnewanka Cruise. Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views, boardwalk trails, exhibits, cafés, and chances to spot wildlife. Then unwind on a guided cruise across Banff’s largest lake, where expert commentary shares the region’s history, geology, and ecology. Blending adventure, learning, and relaxation, this seamless package helps travelers make the most of their time while seeing Banff from two memorable perspectives, soaring above the Rockies and gliding over pristine alpine waters. Tickets are limited; book early to secure your preferred times.

Take your visit to Jasper National Park to new heights with this ride aboard the area’s famous Jasper SkyTram. Soar above the park’s sub-alpine vegetation, watching for wildlife down below, as you gently climb towards the upper station located at 7,425 feet (2,263m) above sea level. This family-friendly ride on the Jasper SkyTram is the perfect experience for guests of all ages.

Tackle Rat’s Nest Cave, located near Canmore, Alberta, on this all-day adventure tour. After being outfitted with your gear, head out on a short hike up to the cave. Along the way, learn how caves are formed and the geologic history of the area, plus possibly spot bighorn sheep. Once at the cave, rappel down 59 feet (18 meters) and begin navigating the route, which includes some challenging sections that involve climbing, crawling, squeezing, and sliding through the cave. At the end, reach the grotto with its crystal-clear pool and stalactites and stalagmites.

Choose from four of Banff National Park’s most iconic trails on this full-day, guided hiking tour with a packed lunch. Pick the perfect walk for your level of ability and experience, and take in spectacular mountain scenery no matter which option you select. Options vary by day and include the Larch Valley, Stanley Glacier, Consolation Lakes, or the Plain of Six Glaciers (see respective days below).

The Rockies boast some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery, but the rugged mountain terrain poses a unique set of challenges. On this full-day sightseeing tour, enjoy round-trip travel from Banff and reach far-flung attractions including Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway in comfort. Stop at picturesque spots including Bow Falls and Moraine Lake, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour—limited to 22 people.

With diverse landscapes teeming with wildlife, the Canadian Rocky Mountains are a great spot for nature enthusiasts. On this full-day guided tour, head to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake to see the mountains reflected in crystal-clear waters, take in panoramic views from the Banff Gondola, and grab some souvenirs in Banff Town with free time to wander around its boutique alpine stores and restaurants.

Get a little wet and have a lot of fun on the Athabasca River. Travel with your small group to the put in point and raft the Mile 5 section of the glacier-fed river. This section of river is a great introduction to river rafting as it begins with an approximately 10-minute float before the class II rapids start. Experience the gentle thrill of some bumps and splashes on your excursion.

Perfect for newbies, this canyoning experience at Heart Creek Canyon, near Banff and Canmore, features a relatively easy approach and amazing scenery. A popular hiking destination, Heart Creek serves as an ideal location to learn how to rope rappel. Rappels progressively increase in length, culminating with a 60-foot (18 meter) waterfall rappel and slide.