Skip to main content

Why you want to take a tour in Banff National Park and you don't even know it yet

term
Sep 3, 2020|
term
Active Travel, Family Travel, Sustainable Travel
People go on a hike in Banff National Park in Larch Valley near Moraine Lake. Mountain in the background and walking through an alpine field.

The more you know about an experience, the more you tend to enjoy it.

Think about your favourite sporting team. You know the players’ names and feel like they're your besties. There are funny stories and random facts that make you feel personally invested in every game.

The more local secrets, remarkable stories and quirky history you learn in a destination, the more you’ll get from your holiday. Cookie-cutter tours are a thing of the past, and Banff and Lake Louise’s first-rate guides specialize at making you feel at home in the mountains. Here are just a few reasons why you should take a guided tour in Banff National Park.

You’ll enjoy experiences you never would have chosen yourself

Ever receive a gift that you love, but would have never bought for yourself? Imagine a whole day filled with that feeling.

For example, there’s a hikeable plateau half way up iconic Castle Mountain that hosts a small warden’s hut. Not many people know about this trail, but Alpine Air Adventures can take you there. If you're more of a yoga person, Rockies Heli Tours Canada are waiting to fly you to a private Hatha lesson atop a mountain.

It’s hard to find a more authentic experience than discovering the indigenous medicines hidden in the forest. Join Brenda of Mahikan Trails on a Medicine Walk and discover fascinating historical medicines from the Cree lineage.

You could also arrive at a new destination on an emotional level by forest bathing with Ronna from Forest Fix. Or enjoy an exclusive, ATV-assisted tour of Fortress Mountain with White Mountain Adventures, where you'll be treated to ridge-top views made famous in Hollywood.

adventure_heli_hiking_white_mountain_adventures_alpine_helicoptersadventure_heli_hiking_white_mountain_adventures_alpine_helicoptersadventure_heli_hiking_white_mountain_adventures_alpine_helicopters

Because local knowledge is like gold

Everyone knows that local tips are worth their weight in gold, and it goes way beyond a hint on where to eat – any of the region’s local guides can tell you where to find the best breakfast poutine or specialty cocktail.

Pursuit’s Open Top Tours are part-time travel, part-local immersion. The insider stories, community trivia and fun facts are dished up with a merry 1930s theme, and will make you feel right at home in Banff and Lake Louise.

Are you hoping to catch a glimpse of our furry friends? While no one can guarantee you’ll see a bear, elk or big-horned sheep, Canadian Rockies Alpine Hiking guides can increase your chances with their local wilderness knowledge, and ensure both you and the animals stay safe. You can also tour critter sighting hotspots on Discover Banff Tours' Evening Wildlife Safari from the comfort of a modern tour bus. Wildlife is spotted on 95% of these tours, and with the inside scoop you'll learn more about the four-legged inhabitants of Banff National Park than you ever imagined.

2020_Attractions_OpenTopTour_Pursuit_Allseason_Banff2020_Attractions_OpenTopTour_Pursuit_Allseason_Banff2020_Attractions_OpenTopTour_Pursuit_Allseason_Banff

You’ll learn more from local experts and probably feel smarter

It’s a cool feeling to walk away from a holiday feeling like you’ve learned something. Banff National Park’s tour guides are experts in everything from geology to goats, and can give you a gratifying context for your surrounds.

Great Divide Nature Interpretation was founded by award-winning naturalists, and can offer next-level bird watching tours with Master Interpreters that will upend your beliefs about our feathered friends.

Take things to the next level with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, who are a premier provider of mountaineering, ice climbing and rock-climbing experiences - just the start of a long list of mountain expertise.

A tour makes things easier, safer, and time efficient

Parking, entry fees, bookings and crowds... No one has time for that when they’re soaking up the beauty of the mountains. You’ll never have to worry about what to do if you see a bear, or what time of day the lighting is best for photos on a tour.

Banff Hiking Company ensures your day of hiking is safe and meeting your needs and expectations. Get motivated and moving in the great outdoors whilst also learning more about the stunning scenery and wildlife scenery surrounding you.

Getting to see all of the iconic spots can be a bit tricky on some summer days, but that's where a guided tour can really shine. Take a sightseeing tour with ABest Transport and Tour Services, Banff Sedan, Brewster SightseeingDiscover Banff Tours, HopOnBanffMountain Park TransportationRadventuresWhite Mountain Adventures,  or Yamnuska and don't miss out on any of the best sights.

No hiking poles? No problem. Banff and Lake Louise’s tour operators can often help with the gear you need, all of which is treated with hygiene measures to keep visitors and locals safe.

Via Ferrate on Mount Norquay Banff, AlbertaVia Ferrate on Mount Norquay Banff, AlbertaVia Ferrate on Mount Norquay Banff, Alberta

Plan your trip today with our intuitive trip planner.

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Banff & Lake Louise Tourism

Real Banff is an inside look at the events and activities around the park, brought to you by Banff & Lake Louise Tourism. Our mission is to have a post on pretty much everything that is available for you to do in Banff, Lake Louise and beyond.