Walk on the Wild Side
- 5 Days
- 15 Experiences
Discover the wildlife that call Banff National Park home on this exciting adventure in the Rockies. While we can never guarantee wildlife sightings this trip will give you ample opportunities to spot some of Banff's most iconic local residents.
Connect with wildlife in a safe way as you explore the park responsibly with the help of knowledgeable guides and locals. Take a walk on the wild side while ensuring you keep the "wild" in wildlife.
For the best experience we recommend spending three nights in the Banff area and two nights in the Lake Louise area.
Who's it For?
- Wildlife Lovers
- Adventurous Families
- Photography Enthusiasts
When to Go
- May - Oct
Trip Itinerary
Getting to Banff and Lake Louise
With plenty of transportation options to get you to and from the Banff and Lake Louise area, you can rest easy knowing you'll be able to plan a seamless journey from start to finish.
Learn about getting here.Day 01
Today's all about getting to know the species that call Banff National Park home. Start your day with a guided wildlife tour to some areas where wildlife is frequently seen. Refuel with lunch in town and then put on your walking shoes to visit the Banff Park Museum and Cave & Basin. Keep an eye out for wildlife as you walk and then learn all about and try your luck at spotting the endangered Banff Springs Snail.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
After lunch take an easy walk to the Banff Park Museum in Central Park
Day 02
Start your day early because it's the best time to see wildlife and take a drive along the Minnewanka Loop. Look for black bears, grizzly bears, big horn sheep and elk and also stop for photos and the views at Two Jack Lake, Cascade Ponds and Lake Minnewanka. When you're done head to Mt. Norquay and take a ride up the sightseeing chairlift, look down for wildlife as you ride. Enjoy lunch at the top with panoramic views at the Cliffhouse Bistro.
Car
Distance: 15km
Take your time driving the loop to have the best chance of spotting wildlife. remember to keep a safe distance if you see anything and make sure you don't block the road.
Car
Distance: 15km
Leave yourself time to stop at the Norquay Lookout on your way up, big horn sheep are known to frequent this spot.
Day 03
Get active on todays wildlife spotting endeavours. Rent a bike or e-bike in the morning and ride the Golf Course Loop for potential wildlife spotting opportunities. Refuel with lunch on the super scenic Rose & Crown rooftop patio and then take to the river in the evening on a big canoe tour, (no paddling experience necessary) where you'll have ample opportunity to spot birds and wildlife and if you're lucky you might even have a run in with some of the resident beavers.
Multiple Travel Options
Distance: 2km
Walk into downtown and rent a bike from one of the multiple providers on Banff Avenue and Bear Street. Then jump on your bike and follow the Bow River Trail, ride down Bow Falls Ave and link up with the Golf Course Loop.
Multiple Travel Options
Distance: 2km
Ride back into town and return your bike rental before walking to lunch at the Rose & Crown.
Day 04
Get ready for a day full of adventure as you make your way to Lake Louise. Take the scenic route via the Bow Valley Parkway, this might be getting a little repetitive but make sure you keep an eye out for wildlife as you go. Take a ride up the Lake Louise Summer Gondola, the slopes below are a favourite hangout for grizzly bears. Enjoy you meal with a view at the Whitehorn Bistro and allow yourself time to check out the wildlife interpretive centre below the restaurant. Finish off your day with an afternoon horseback ride along the Lake Louise lakeshore.
Car
Distance: 60km
Follow the Bow Valley Parkway from Banff to Lake Louise and then turn right onto Whitehorn Drive for the Lake Louise Summer Gondola.
Walk
Distance: 0.5km
When you arrive at the top of the gondola follow the signs and trail to Whitehorn Bistro.
Day 05
Sit back and relax on a full day guided tour of one of Canada's most scenic drives - the Icefields Parkway. A hot spot for scenery and wildlife, your knowledgeable guide will spend the day making sure you see everything you need to see (including wildlife if you're lucky)!
Where to Stay
Here's some accommodation options that work for this trip:
Reservations & Booking
Some of the activities require reservations or bookings upfront. Here is an overview of all providers:
Guided Wildlife Tour
Visit the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site
Cave & Basin National Historic Site
Mt. Norquay Sightseeing Chairlift
On Mountain Dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro
Bike the Golf Course Loop
Bow River Big Canoe Tour
Lake Louise Summer Sightseeing Gondola
On Mountain Dining at Whitehorn Bistro
Horseback Riding in Lake Louise
Guided Icefields Parkway Tour
Good to Know
Maximise your trip enjoyment with a little pre-planning. Here's our pro tips:
Get a Park Pass
Make a reservation for gear/ activities in advance
Learn about the best ways to get around
Check the weather forecast