Banff National Park, Alberta
Banff National Park, in the majestic Canadian Rockies, is Canada’s oldest national park, spanning 6,641 square km (2,564 square miles) of protected terrain and encompassing picturesque mountains, glaciers, meadows, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, hot springs and a wide array of stunning wild life.
Today, the town of Banff is less than 4 sq kilometres and located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a protected area that embodies a natural, serene yet dynamic way of life. Development is carefully managed within the existing footprint of the townsite.
The summmer season sees approx 4 million visitors to the area. However, winter is low season and ski vacations in Banff are very popular with three ski resorts nearby; Ski Norquay, Sunshine Village and Lake Louise ski resort just a short drive from hotels.
Nearby Tunnel Mountain is very popular for quick hikes; named Tunnel Mountain because surveyors initially wanted to make a tunnel for the Trans-Canada (Canadian Pacific) Railroad right through the mountain.
To get the best out of your time at such an enormous park, you may want to invest in guided tours. It’s way to get out and into the best of the park quickly, without any time wasted wondering where to go or what to do. With Banff tour guides, you get the best guiding from the most knowledgeable people on Banff. Here are some of the tours they offer:
Banff Lake Louise Tours
For many decades the interest of visitors was based around finding a route to the Pacific Ocean. It was not until the Canadian Pacific Railway pushed through these peaks that people came to stay. Enjoy our stories of the people, geology, and creation of these mountain towns.
Banff Sightseeing Gondola
Marvel at the unsurpassed view of Banff and the Bow Valley in a breathtaking journey to the top of Sulphur Mountain. You will feel like you’re on top of the world when you are standing on the spacious main level observation deck. Be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as the wind can become quite cool at 2,285 metres above sea level.
Calgary Stampede Day Trips
For 10 days every July, Calgary is the the place to be for a taste of the Canadian West! At the Greatest Show on Earth you’ll take in the Stampede Grounds (midway, live entertainment, agriculture & livestock exhibit, and food booths), the Chuckwagon Races, the Grandstand Show and the world-famous Rodeo. These tours include a round-trip transfer between Calgary and Banff/Canmore.
Columbia Icefield Tours
Experience the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic roadways in Canada, and one of the most spectacular mountain highways in the world. The Columbia Icefield is the Parkway’s crown jewel, where you venture out onto the surface of the Athabasca Glacier in a 4×4 vehicle built for exploring the ice.
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Helicopter Tours
What better way to experience the towering peaks and unrivalled beauty of Western Canada than by experiencing the wonders of the Canadian Rockies, while flying atop glaciers and valleys on a helicopter tour. Whether you fancy heli-hiking, ice-walking or simply an exhilarating ride amidst the majestic mountains, there are plenty of options for you to choose from. Don’t forget your camera!
Lake Louise and Yoho National Park Tours
Begin your journey from beautiful Banff and learn about the natural forces that have shaped the appearance of the lakes and streams found in this area of the Rocky Mountains. Enjoy a stop at Moraine Lake before crossing the Great Divide to experience Yoho National Park, Emerald Lake, Natural Bridge and Takakkaw Falls.
Minnewanka Lake Cruise
Spend a few hours outside the town of Banff on Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. Enjoy a cruise and experience some of the most interesting and spectacular scenery found anywhere in the Canadian Rockies.
Museums and Activities
Experience Banff’s culture through the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies, Banff Park Museum, the Cave and Basin, Banff Gondola and Lake Minnewanka. It’s a convenient and economical way to learn about the people, history, wildlife and geology of Banff’s past.
Rafting and Float Trips
Enjoy a relaxing few hours floating along the Bow River The scenery is fantastic and wildlife, waterfowl, and wildflowers are abundant in the area. Please dress for the weather and remember that warm casual clothing is appropriate for our tours. The temperature can be cool, so we advise you to bring an extra layer – a jacket if it looks breezy and a hat if you are sun-sensitive.