The Banff: Highlights and Wildlife Group Tour offers an immersive 3-hour adventure through the stunning landscapes of Canada’s renowned national park. With a 95% success rate in spotting bears, elk, and bighorn sheep, this intimate tour accommodates up to 12 guests and provides an excellent opportunity to witness the region’s diverse wildlife. Explore breathtaking locations like Lake Minnewanka and Bow Falls, while professional guides tailor the itinerary to ensure the best possible experience. What makes this tour truly unique, however, is the opportunity to…
About Your Stay
- The 3-hour Banff highlights and wildlife tour offers an intimate experience for up to 12 guests at a starting price of $76.77 per person.
- The tour departs from the Banff Train Station, with free parking available, and includes hotel pickup upon prior arrangement.
- Participants can expect to see a variety of wildlife, including bears, elk, and bighorn sheep, with a 95% sighting success rate.
- The itinerary is tailored by local guides based on wildlife sightings and weather, with optional stops at scenic spots for exploration.
- Guests should wear sturdy footwear, bring layered clothing, and be aware of age and item restrictions for the tour.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Banff Wildlife Group Tour provides a 3-hour excursion through the stunning landscapes of Banff National Park, with prices starting from $76.77 per person.
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot and pay later. The small group size is capped at 12 guests, ensuring an intimate experience.
Pickup is available at the Banff Train Station, with free parking on-site. The tour includes knowledgeable local guides, water refills, and hot beverages from November to April, with gratuities for the guides appreciated but not mandatory.
Here are more experiences we've reviewed in Banff
Pickup and Transportation
Guests can be picked up at the Banff Train Station, which serves as the main pickup location for the tour.
The tour provider also offers hotel pickup, but guests must contact them before booking to arrange this.
Transportation is provided via a spacious van or minibus with large panoramic windows, allowing for excellent wildlife viewing.
Spacious vans or minibuses with panoramic windows provide excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing during the tour.
Free parking is available at the Banff Train Station for those driving themselves.
The tour group size is limited to a maximum of 12 guests, ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
Itinerary and Highlights
Key locations on the Banff Wildlife Group Tour include Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner, and the Mt. Norquay Viewpoint.
The tour itinerary is tailored by the local guide based on recent wildlife sightings and weather conditions. Guests can expect to see bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and more, with a 95% sighting success rate.
The tour includes optional stops at Two Jack Lake, Surprise Corner, and Bow Falls, allowing guests to explore these scenic spots.
Hot beverages are provided during the colder months, and water refills are available throughout the tour.
Wildlife Viewing Opportunities
One can expect to see a wide variety of wildlife during the Banff Wildlife Group Tour, thanks to the guide’s expertise and the tour’s focus on prime viewing areas.
With a 95% sighting success rate, guests are likely to spot bears, elk, bighorn sheep, and more.
The itinerary is tailored by the local guide based on current wildlife sightings and weather conditions, maximizing the chances of encountering various animals in their natural habitats.
Visitors have the opportunity to observe these majestic creatures from the comfort of a spacious van or minibus with large panoramic windows.
More Great Tours NearbyInclusions and Amenities
The Banff Wildlife Group Tour includes several amenities to enhance the experience. Knowledgeable local guides provide insights into the region’s history and wildlife. Complimentary water refills throughout the tour encourage hydration, while hot beverages like tea, coffee, and hot chocolate keep guests warm during the colder months. Though gratuities for the guides are appreciated, they are not mandatory. The tour also has some important restrictions, such as no pets, strollers, or large bags allowed.
| Inclusions | Details |
| — | — |
| Local Guides | Knowledgeable about Banff’s history and wildlife |
| Water Refills | Bring your own water bottle |
| Hot Beverages | Available November to April |
| Gratuities | Appreciated but not mandatory |
| Restrictions | No pets, strollers, or large bags allowed |
- Kananaskis: 30-Minute Heli Tour of Minnewanka Lake and Banff
- 4 Days Tour to Banff & Jasper National Park With Hotels
- Calgary & Lake Louise: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour
- The Sights of Banff: a Smartphone Audio Walking Tour
- Tunnel Mountain Trail: Nature Tour With Audio Guide
- Banff: Paranormal History Walking Ghost Tour
Important Information for Guests
While the Banff Wildlife Group Tour has a minimum age requirement of 12 years, children under 5 aren’t allowed to participate.
Guests should be aware that bear sightings are unlikely from November to April as the bears hibernate during this time. Plus, lakes may be frozen until early June.
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the tour prohibits pets, strollers, large bags, smoking, littering, unaccompanied minors, feeding animals, and alcohol in the vehicle.
The tour requires a minimum number of participants to operate, and refunds or rescheduling will be provided if the tour is canceled.
Recommended Attire and Preparation
As you will be exploring the wilderness of Banff National Park, they’ll want to dress appropriately for the weather and terrain. The tour requires sturdy, closed-toe footwear, layered clothing, and sun protection. Here’s a handy table with recommended attire and items to bring:
| Attire | Accessories | Other Essentials |
| — | — | — |
| Hiking boots/shoes | Sunglasses | Water bottle |
| Moisture-wicking layers | Hat or visor | Snacks |
| Warm jacket/coat | Lip balm | Camera/binoculars |
| Rain/wind jacket | Sunscreen | Medications (if needed) |
Following these simple guidelines will ensure comfort and preparedness for the Banff wildlife tour.
Booking and Cancellation Policy
Participants can reserve their spot on the Banff Wildlife Group Tour by booking online or contacting the tour provider. The booking process is straightforward:
-
Select your desired tour date and time.
-
Provide the number of guests in your party.
-
Review the terms and conditions, and complete the booking.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for a full refund.
Plus, the "Reserve now & pay later" option enables guests to secure their spot without paying upfront.
The "Reserve now & pay later" option allows travelers to lock in their spot without an upfront payment.
This flexibility ensures a seamless booking experience for travelers planning their Banff adventure.
Questions About Your Stay
Can I Bring My Own Snacks or Lunch on the Tour?
Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own snacks or lunch on the tour. However, consuming alcohol in the vehicle is not allowed. The tour provides water refills but any other food or beverages must be brought by your.
Is There Access to Restrooms During the Tour?
The tour provides stops at restroom facilities during the 3-hour excursion. Guests can use the restrooms at the Banff Train Station pickup location and at some of the scenic viewpoints along the route, as needed.
How Many Stops Will We Make During the 3-Hour Tour?
The tour includes 3 optional stops that last 5-15 minutes each, allowing guests to explore Lake Minnewanka, Surprise Corner, and Bow Falls. The itinerary may be adjusted by the guide based on wildlife sightings and weather conditions.
Is the Tour Wheelchair and Stroller Accessible?
The tour is not wheelchair or stroller accessible as it’s operated in a spacious van or minibus. Guests with mobility issues should contact the provider before booking to discuss accommodations.
Can I Get a Discount for Booking With a Larger Group?
Yes, the tour provider offers group discounts. Booking with 4 or more people gets a 5% discount, while groups of 8 or more receive a 10% discount. Contact the provider for details on group pricing and availability.
Final Verdict On This Stay
The Banff: Highlights and Wildlife Group Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the breathtaking landscapes of Banff National Park. With a high success rate for wildlife sightings, comfortable transportation, and knowledgeable local guides, this tour provides an immersive and unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking to capture stunning vistas, this tour is sure to leave a lasting impression.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tours in Banff
- 4 Days Tour to Banff & Jasper National Park without Hotels
- Banff : Day Tour : Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake
- From Banff: Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls Full-Day Tour
- Victoria: Ferry, and Butchart Gardens Day Tour
- Banff – Lake Louise Moraine Lake and Icefields Parkway Tour
- Kootenay National Park: Stanley Glacier Valley Tour
More Tour Reviews in Banff
- 4 Days Tour to Banff & Jasper National Park without Hotels
- Banff: Introduction to Ice Climbing for Beginners
- Banff : Day Tour : Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake
- From Banff: Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls Full-Day Tour
- Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Sightseeing Ski Gondola
- From Banff: Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset & Wildlife
Still browsing? Here are more Banff experiences we've covered recently
- What Are The Best 4 Day Tours In Banff? Our Top 2 Picks
- What Are The Best National Park Tours In Banff? Our Top 2 Picks
- 4 Days Tour to Banff & Jasper National Park without Hotels
- Banff: Introduction to Ice Climbing for Beginners
- Banff : Day Tour : Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Peyto Lake
- From Banff: Mountains, Lakes, and Waterfalls Full-Day Tour
- Banff: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Sightseeing Ski Gondola
- From Banff: Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset & Wildlife
- Johnston Canyon Ice Adventure A Winter Wonderland Experience
- Banff: Guided Day Trip With Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off
- Victoria: Ferry, and Butchart Gardens Day Tour
- Best of Banff Winter | Lake Louise, Frozen Falls & More