Top Banff How to Get Around in 2026

As well as the snow-capped peaks of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park and Yoho National Park are home to some of the most famous lakes in the country. Explore the turquoise crystalline waters of Lake Louise, tentatively tread the Natural Bridge, and marvel at Bow Falls on this full-day tour that includes free time to explore Lake Louse Village and the town of Banff.

Take in panoramic views of Banff National Park as you ascend the Banff Gondola on this full-day small-group tour. After a scenic ride up Sulphur Mountain, head to Lake Louise to take in the lake’s deep turquoise waters, framed by deep green forests and towering craggy mountains. Then, head off to Yoho National Park for a nature-filled visit to several nearby lakes.

See a whole new side of Moraine Lake—peaceful, uncrowded, and lit by the beauty of sunset and the stars. This evening adventure takes you beyond the typical daytime experience, combining stunning landscapes, wildlife viewing, and one of the best stargazing spots in Banff National Park. Your journey begins along the Bow Valley Parkway, with chances of spotting wildlife, and a stop at Morant’s Curve. Take a guided walk along the lakeshore trail and soak in the quiet beauty of the lake as the surrounding peaks glow in warm sunset colors. Then, we’ll make our way up to the rockpile for the best panoramic views as the sky transitions from day to night. With minimal light pollution, Moraine Lake offers incredible stargazing. We’ll use telescopes and binoculars to get a closer look at planets, constellations, and even the northern lights if conditions are right. If you want to escape the crowds and enjoy Moraine Lake in a way most visitors never do, this tour is for you.

Skip the fussy car rentals and the hassle of driving on your own and finding parking with a convenient shuttle from Banff to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Take in the views while someone else handles the terrain and navigation, and guarantee your visit to Moraine Lake, which has strict access rules.

Have the special chance to visit Banff National Park after dark—and give yourself the best chance to admire its starry skies (or even an aurora show, if conditions are right)—on this small-group tour. Departing from either Banff or Canmore, head into the Canadian Rockies with your guide, and visit scenic overlooks, lakeside trails, and more. Then, settle in at Two Jack Lake to enjoy a relaxed stargazing session.

From iconic lakes like Lake Louise or Moraine Lake, the sparkling icy Crowfoot Glacier, or the precarious Natural Bridge, there’s an incredible amount of natural sights in Banff National Park. Journey through the park—without having to worry about navigating—on this private full-day tour that is fully customizable to your tastes. Admission fees and bottled water are included for a comfortable, seamless experience.

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. Note: guests must be eight years or older and a maximum of 230lbs (104kg)

Set out for a full-day adventure and explore far more of Banff National Park than you could on your own on this guided coach tour. Gaze out over the park’s dramatic scenery with panoramic views from the Banff Gondola, unwind with a dip in relaxing hot springs, marvel at the turquoise waters of local lakes including a longer stop at Lake Minnewanka, and much more.

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.

Take in views of the Canadian Rocky Mountains while standing on solid ice on this full-day tour of Banff National Park. After getting picked up in Calgary or Canmore, head to Banff National Park to gaze at the vibrant turquoise waters of Bow Lake and Peyto Lake, learn about the unique geology of Crowfoot Glacier, and enjoy an ice walk across the Columbia Icefield.

Discover more of the Canadian Rockies than you could exploring solo on this full-day tour. Hop on the minibus in Calgary, Banff, or Canmore and relax as your driver-guide delivers you to some of the region’s most popular attractions, including Peyto Lake, the Columbia Icefield, and Crowfoot Glacier, while entertaining you with local history and ecological facts.

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.

Get to your tour location without stress via Gypsy Guide’s audio tour. Don’t miss your way and enjoy fascinating stories behind every location you pass or stop by. This audio driving tour covers Icefields Parkway, Crowfoot Glacier, Crowfoot Glacier, Weeping Wall, Peyto Lake, Parker Ridge Trail, Athabasca Glacier, Sunwapta Falls and Canyon, Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre, and Athabasca Falls.

Connect your smartphone to your vehicle's stereo and listen to a tour guide while you drive the iconic Trans-Canada Highway. Follow the route through the foothills of Canada's Rocky Mountains. Learn about indigenous peoples, early pioneers, animals, geography and historical events. Take in views of towering mountains, pristine lakes and rivers, wildlife crossings and mountain towns. Enjoy a location-based trivia game and a live GPS map as you drive.

Grab your warmest coat and put on your crampons for this winter experience with transfers from Calgary, Banff, or Canmore. Experience all that winter has to offer, from learning about the frozen bubbles trapped beneath Abraham Lake’s surface (winter tour only) to seeing the snowy peaks near Peyto Lake. This snowshoeing tour is a photographer’s dream.

Follow in the footsteps of Canada’s rugged pioneers during this guided horseback ride through stunning Banff National Park. Get access to more sights in less time, moving swiftly through the tranquil Canadian wilderness. Highlights include a first-hand peek at Bow Falls and its surrounding mountain range and a chance to lead your horse across Spray River. Note: guests must be eight years or older and a maximum of 230lbs (104kg)

Take a break in nature with this wagon ride and dinner experience. Saddle up for a ride along the Bow River in Banff and a Western-style cookout. Ride in a covered wagon through the Rocky Mountain terrain. At the dining site, spend some time perfecting your roping skills or relaxing with a game of horseshoes before enjoying a barbecue meal.

Rise and shine for the ultimate sunrise adventure! We’ll whisk you away to Moraine Lake before dawn, where you’ll witness a breathtaking sunrise over the Canadian Rockies—without the crowds. Stay cozy with a hot drink and blanket as your guide shares tips on how best to take in the sunrise and leads you to the best viewpoints. Then, continue your journey to the iconic Lake Louise. Stroll along the shoreline, hike to a scenic lookout, admire the grandeur of the Fairmont Château Lake Louise, or simply soak in the beauty of this world-famous lake. With plenty of time at both destinations, this tour is the perfect way to experience two of Banff National Park’s most iconic gems in one unforgettable morning. Your journey also contributes to a greener future: for every tour booked, a tree is planted in Canada through our partnership with the Blue Green Planet Project.

Travel from Banff to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake without renting a car or hiring or taxi. This shuttle service takes care of your transfers so you can relax on the journey to the lakes. Instead of a noisy group tour with an ironclad itinerary, embark on a peaceful self-guided tour of Banff National Park where you can explore at your own pace.

Maximize time in Banff with a small-group guided e-bike and hiking tour. Ride your e-bike past Vermilion Lakes and along the shaded Legacy Trail before cycling the Bow Valley Parkway to Johnston Canyon. Continue with a guided hike to the Lower Falls Bridge. This approximately 4-hour tour combines two popular activities in one experience.

Banff National Park is huge, gorgeous, and full of history—a guide's deep knowledge will make your time here much more meaningful. With this small-group walking tour, your local guide will take you across Banff’s best sights, illuminating the park’s history, legends, characters, landscapes, and incredible wildlife. What's more, you’ll leave with tips, ideas, and recommendations for your time in Canada’s first national park.

Explore two of Yoho National Park’s most breathtaking highlights: Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls. Begin your journey at the serene Emerald Lake, famous for its vivid emerald-coloured waters. Enjoy free time to stroll the shoreline, rent a canoe, or simply relax and take in the alpine scenery. Along the way, stop at the Natural Bridge, a fascinating rock formation carved by the rushing Kicking Horse River. Next, visit the spectacular Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second-tallest waterfall, plunging 373 metres (1,224 feet) down a dramatic mountainside. Take time to explore the area, feel the refreshing mist, and capture unforgettable photos. Join us for an unforgettable day surrounded by the natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Visit two famous lakes during one excursion with convenient hotel pickup and transfers from Banff and Canmore. Unlike tours with rigid itineraries, this one allows for more free time to explore Moraine Lake and Lake Louise on your own. Experience the area with far less crowds in the morning and enjoy thoughtful details like a hot drink, hiking poles, rain ponchos, and water refills.

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).