Top Banff Outdoor Activities

Visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. A knowledgeable local guide who will share fascinating insights about the region. Avoid the stress of navigating mountain roads and traffic, and relax knowing that your visit to these iconic lakes is guaranteed, even during peak times when parking is limited.

Maximize your views of Banff National Park with minimal exertion during this round-trip gondola ride to the top of Sulphur Mountain. Take in views of six different mountain ranges and nearby rivers aboard your state-of-the-art alpine transport, offering large windows and seating for four guests. Enjoy time exploring the ridge line boardwalk before returning back to town.

Combine visits to the Glacier Skywalk and the Athabasca Glacier on a tour from the Icefield Glacier Discovery Centre. Ride in a huge ice explorer for a guided tour of the glacier and listen to engaging commentary about glaciers, the local ecosystem, and environmental changes. Then walk on the glass-bottom Skywalk for photo-worthy views over the cliff's edge.

Explore Banff National Park’s serene wilderness from a vantage point most travelers never get to experience on this small-group kayaking adventure tour. Paddle along the Bow River as you take in dramatic views of snow-capped mountains and lush green forests, and discover Vermilion Lake—a hidden gem in the heart of the Rockies that most visitors miss.

Set off on a remarkable full day journey to experience the stunning splendor of the Canadian Rockies, a true marvel of nature. Your adventure begins smoothly with a convenient pickup from Calgary, Canmore or Banff, ensuring your day starts without a hitch. Join a small group of fellow adventurers as you explore the breathtaking highlights of Banff and Jasper national parks, including the iconic Peyto Lake, and the majestic Columbia Icefield with Glacier Adventure & Skywalk. ** Columbia Icefield Adventure Centre was closed from Oct 13 to end of Apr** It will change to winter Itinerary. • A small group allows your guide to give you more interaction and details to make your experience more comfortable • Hot drinks (winter) or bottle water and crampons are included • Hassle-free pickup and drop-off services available from Banff Calgary or Canmore •Walk on the stunning Athabasca Glacier and look down from the Skywalk to see the breathtaking view

Embark on a half-day tour to witness the beauty of the Canadian Rockies. Start your day with a pick-up from Banff. Pass by Castle Mountain on your way to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (open from Jun to Oct 13th, it will change to alternative itinerary when Moraine Lake is closed). A small group allows your guide to give you more attention and makes the experience more comfortable. Hassle-free pickup and drop-off services from Banff. See the stunning Lake Louise and the breathtaking Moraine Lake. **From Oct 13 - May 31, visit Lake Louise, Emerald Lake and Natural Bridge** **From Jun 1 - Oct 12, visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake**

Explore Banff National Park with this "Award Winning" Tour. This tour won "One of the TOP 20 Experiences in CANADA" for 2024 and 20225 as voted by real guests like you on Viator/Tripadvisor. Here is why: •Small group guaranteed! Feel the personalized experience and great Canadian hospitality. It will NOT be 50 people in a big bus like a traditional tour. •Local experienced guides. We are all local and love hosting people from all around the world. You are our dear guests. Let us take care of you. We take nice pictures too :) •"Off the beaten path" itinerary. This itinerary is the perfect blend of must-visit places and hidden gems of Banff National Park all in one day. •Comfortable trip. You will be in a comfortable, spacious, air conditioned vehicle with big windows. Perfect for viewing the beauty of Banff National Park. •This tour starts from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff. NOTE: Moraine Lake is only open from June 1st to October 13th. Please read the itinerary.

Maximize time in Banff with a small-group guided e-bike and hiking tour. Cover ground quickly on an e-bike as you admire views of Vermilion Lakes, the forests of Legacy Trail, and the Bow Valley Parkway. Continue this half-day tour with a day hike to Johnston Canyon, including the Lower Falls Bridge. Combine two popular activities in one guided tour.

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, a great activity for the whole family.

Experience the magic of Banff National Park like never before on a sunset and stargazing tour, where nature's grandeur takes center stage. Watch the day transition into night as you capture the vibrant hues of twilight before immersing yourself in the pristine, star-filled sky. With headlamps provided and a guide leading the way, you'll explore the wonders of this dark-sky sanctuary, marveling at sights like the Milky Way.

You don’t have to be in peak physical form to make the most of the nature that Banff has to offer. This tour combines a moderate hike with a scenic ride on an e-bike so you can go further without exerting all of your energy. It’s a great option for families and anyone new to e-bikes, as you’ll get a mini-lesson before you set off.

Take your Banff trip to new heights—and see views most visitors miss—during this small-group helicopter sightseeing trip. Pick between a range of itineraries; then, soar like a bird above iconic Banff landmarks like Bow Valley and the snow-capped peaks of Mt. Lougheed and Wind Mountain, listening to insights from your experienced pilot about the history of the region and its First Nations people.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned adventurer, this early evening guided E-bike tour offers a new way to experience the majestic landscapes and long summer nights of Banff. As you pedal through Banff’s stunning scenery, experience the unmatched beauty of Banff National Park, with its towering peaks, pristine rivers and abundant wildlife. Banff National Park is a place of recreation and discovery; and on a bike, guests get to explore amid nature. The guides will highlight the beauty of this place, provide commentary about the wildlife we share our home with, and help create memories for our guests. Stops include Vermillion Lakes, Bow Falls Viewpoint, Banff Golf Course and Cascade Gardens. Don’t forget your camera and keep an eye out for local wildlife as you ride through this incredible landscape.

Discover Banff National Park at your own pace with a ticket for the HopOnBanff bus. Buy your ticket in advance to guarantee your spot on the shuttle that zips around to attractions in the park not easily accessible without wheels. The iconic yellow school bus goes from the town of Banff to Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Lake Louise gondola. You choose where to visit and when on this hop-on hop-off tour.

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)

Experience the magic of Moraine Lake at sunrise, followed by the early morning glow at Lake Louise on this thoughtfully paced journey. After a doorstep pick-up, settle into a luxury Sprinter van designed for small groups while your local guide shares stories of Banff National Park on the quiet drive to Moraine Lake, arriving before first light with complimentary hot drinks to keep you warm at the best sunrise viewpoint. Enjoy generous time to explore both lakes at a relaxed pace, arriving at Lake Louise while it remains calm and uncrowded. On the return, travel through a scenic wildlife corridor for potential sightings along the Bow Valley. With blankets, headlamps, sit pads, hiking poles, and the vehicle always nearby, this is more than transportation—it’s a refined way to experience two of the Rockies’ most iconic moments.

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.

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.

On this leisurely 2 to 2 hours and 30 minutes leisurely e-bike tour you will explore the best spots in and around Banff, cruising between epic views. First your qualified guide will take you to the Vermilion Lakes to look back at the iconic Mt Rundle where photographers often gather to capture one Canada's classic mountain reflection shots. Crossing through town, and the Bow River, next stop is the cascading Bow Falls, and around the beautiful Banff Springs Golf Course. More than just a stunning course, the links are a favorite grazing spot for wildlife including elk, deer and even bears on occasion! Multiple stopping points along the route, where you can soak up the stunning scenery, your guide will share with you history of the area, and geological facts and figures that are often overlooked.

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.

The Canadian Rockies are home to so many dramatic sights that it can be difficult to work out how best to explore the region. Instead of struggling to work out your itinerary, on this full-day coach tour from Calgary, relax while your driver-guide delivers you to some of the area’s most popular landmarks, including Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge, and much more.

As a Canadian Signature Experience, Norquay's Via Ferrata is a must-do activity when visiting Banff National Park. Our highly qualified ACMG-certified guides will lead you up the cliffs of Mt Norquay that hang above the Bow Valley, overlooking the town of Banff. Steel handholds, ladders, and footsteps as well as a steel safety cable are secured to the rock wall providing assistance and safety. Climbers are safely secured to the safety cable while climbing. Although no prior climbing experience is necessary, guests should be fit enough to climb a ladder and hike for a few hours in the mountains.

Get a solid overview of Banff and the surrounding areas in just one day on this tour. Be dazzled by the waters of Moraine Lake and Lake Louise in Banff National Park before heading to Emerald Lake in Yoho National Park. Visit three famous lakes with included entry fees and seasonal itinerary adjustments.