Visiting Banff and the Canadian Rockies can be overwhelming as there is so much beauty to see. That’s why booking a tour of the most worthwhile places is an excellent idea. In this overview, I selected the twelve best ones for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scouring the internet to find the one that fits you best.
The fun of your next vacation always starts with planning your trip. So please allow me to help you get some of the fun already. I’ve included a ton of images and a brief summary of each trip in this post to give you a good idea of what to expect from Banff and the Rockies.
While the twelve tours below are all different, they have one thing in common: you’ll be guaranteed mouth-dropping natural beauty. So when you’ve booked a tour, don’t forget to bring your camera or smartphone!
Let’s have a look.
This post contains affiliate links and any sale made through such links will reward this site a small commission – at no extra cost to you.
12 Best Banff Tours to Discover the Canadian Rockies
The tours featured here are all geared toward discovering Banff and the Rocky Mountains in western Canada. Some tours stay inside the park and take several hours, while others go as far as Vancouver and take several days.
Each is an excellent opportunity to discover the park and the surrounding area. Whatever your preference is, you should be able to find something that suits your needs, time and budget.
1. Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff
Columbia Icefield Discovery Centre | Crowfoot Glacier | Bow Lake
Duration: 11 hours
A round-trip from Banff, this is arguably the most spectacular and awe-inspiring one-day trip you can book. The Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip includes two glaciers, good chances to see wildlife, and a breathtaking route rated as one of the world’s most spectacular drives.
In other words: You can’t go wrong with this trip to the Columbia Icefield. You get to walk onto the ice for an incredible experience with breathtaking views, following a tour in the enormous Ice Explorer truck that transports you ONTO the Athabasca glacier.
You’ll also visit the adjacent Skywalk, allowing you to walk over a glass and horse-shoe-shaped bridge across the valley for more stunning and unexpected vistas.
It takes about 3 hours to complete this part of the tour, and that’s just the beginning. Because you’ll then stop at a number of locations along the breathtaking Icefields Parkway, including an excellent mountain picnic.
You’ll also stop at the Crowfoot Glacier, which resembles – you guessed it – a crowfoot. It looms above Bow Lake, down in the valley and next to the Icefields Parkway. This glacial lake is simply stunning. Its beauty makes for even more gorgeous Insta-material.
- Note: Pack warm clothing because the glacier is typically chilly and windy.
BOOK NOW: Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip
2. Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway – Full-Day Tour
Lake Minnewanka | Lake Louise | Moraine Lake | Bow Lake | Crowfoot Glacier | Peyto Lake
Duration: 8 – hours
See those pics? Think the color of the water has been manipulated on a computer? None of that. It is real. And you’ll get to see it with your own eyes during this tour that includes one of the world’s most scenic drives: the Icefields Parkway.
This tour is limited to 15 people and is a round-trip from Banff. It includes five stops, starting at the park’s largest body of water: Lake Minnewanka. Do you know it contains a submerged former resort town? Your guide will tell you all about it.
Your next two destinations will be the pristine Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Here you’ll see the aforementioned turquoise watercolor with your own eyes. Not taking pictures is impossible. Anyone visiting Banff should make sure to visit both lakes. You’ll realize why when you’re standing on the waterfront.
The Icefields Parkway is the next stop on the itinerary and is worthwhile in and of itself. This stunning, breathtaking road keeps you invested constantly, as there’s yet another spectacular vista after every corner.
You’ll stop at Bow Lake, with Crowfoot Glacier high above and Peyto Lake. After Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, the latter is arguably the most well-known lake in Banff National Park. See the image of the fox head up top? That’s the one.
- Note: For this tour, you can get picked up at all Banff and Canmore locations and campgrounds. If you’re staying in Canmore, purchase a park pass beforehand.
BOOK NOW: Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway
I wrote a comprehensive post about the Icefields Parkway informing you about everything you need to know. Check it out!
3. Rocky Mountains Premium Tour (34 Seats)
Day 1: Vancouver to Blue River [3 Stops]
Day 2: Blue River through Jasper National Park to Banff [4 Stops]
Day 3: Free day in Banff [3 Stops]
Day 4: Banff to Revelstoke [2 Stops]
Day 5: Revelstoke to Vancouver [4 Stops]
Duration: 5 days
If you want to see the best of the Canadian Rockies, this is the tour for you. It’s a round-trip from Vancouver, including stops in British Columbia AND Alberta.
Everything is taken care of: You’ll be driven across the Rockies in an air-conditioned coach, and all four overnight accommodations are included, of which two nights in Banff. A daily breakfast, one dinner, a gondola ride, and a winery tour are also included.
This 34-seat trip ensures you’ll get the most out of your journey. You don’t have to drive yourself, so you can unwind as a guide tells you about the natural wonder as you go.
Every day includes several stops that let you explore the Canadian Rockies in various settings, take countless pictures, and take in all the splendor.
This tour gives you a genuinely one-of-a-kind opportunity to visit a significant portion of western Canada and its seemingly unending beauty of nature.
- Note: All Fees and Taxes are included in the tour.
BOOK NOW: Rocky Mountains Premium Tour
4. Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
Lake Louise | Moraine Lake
Duration: 4 hours and 15 minutes
This tour is for you if you don’t have much time but want to ensure you enjoy Banff National Park’s highlights. It takes around four hours and fifteen minutes to travel round-trip from Banff with a maximum of 24 passengers.
The first stop is Lake Louise, known as the “Jewel of the Canadian Rockies”, and home to the renowned hotel Château Lake Louise. You’ll next be brought to Moraine Lake, which is even prettier if you ask me. Anyhow, you’ll get to see the park’s two most famous lakes.
Hence, you will have plenty of time to take numerous beautiful shots and the chance to see the turquoise water that these lakes are famous for firsthand (and conclude that the surreal color of the pictures is like that in real life).
Ask your guide any questions you have, and they will inform you of everything you need to know, including the region’s history of mountaineering.
- Note: By booking this tour, you won’t be bothered by the – sometimes extreme – parking hassles at both lakes.
BOOK NOW: Banff National Park Tour with Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
5. Lake Louise & Yoho N.P (Moraine Lake June to mid-Oct) from Calgary or Banff
Lake Louise | Moraine Lake | Emerald Lake | Natural Bridge
Duration: 8 – 10 hours
This guided round-trip from Calgary or Banff takes you to two national parks: Banff and Yoho. The tour takes 8 to 10 hours, depending on your departing location, and visits Lake Lousie and Moraine Lake, the most famous lakes of Banff National Park.
You’ll spend about two hours at Lake Louise and the world-famous hotel Château Lake Louise, which will give you plenty of time to stroll down the lakeshore, take a gazillion pictures, unwind, and take in the breathtaking view.
You’ll spend another hour at nearby Moraine Lake before returning to the bus to continue your journey to Yoho National Park.
Like Banff National Park, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you’ll visit the stunning Emerald Lake, which rivals the Banff Lakes in beauty.
At the end of the tour, you’ll visit the natural bridge, a fascinating natural phenomenon, and the Kicking Horse river running beneath.
- Note: You can book this tour in winter too. In that case, it includes snowshoeing.
BOOK NOW: Lake Louise and Yoho National Park
6. Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Yoho national park Day Trip
Lake Louise | Moraine Lake | Lake Louise Ski Resort | Emerald Lake | Natural Bridge
Duration: 7 – 8 hours
This extensive guided tour is a return trip from Banff or Calgary and takes 7 to 8 hours to complete. You’ll visit Banff National Park’s two most famous lakes: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
While you stand by the lakeshore, admire the turquoise hues of these lakes. But remember to snap pictures as well.
You’ll also take a gondola ride up the mountain to Lake Louise Ski Resort for lunch (additional charge). You might be fortunate enough to see bears while riding the gondola. From the summit, you’ll enjoy a stunning view of the valley and Lake Louise.
The next part of the tour is the journey to Yoho National Park and a visit to the stunning Emerald Lake. The lake is surrounded by the President Range, forming a natural amphitheater.
Emerald Lake also has that characteristic turquoise color, rivaling Lake Louise and Moraine Lake in beauty.
The nearby natural bridge, a rocky bridge created by nature, will be your last stop. Below it, the Kicking Horse River chisels a path through ancient rock.
- Note: This tour is also available in winter.
BOOK NOW: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and Yoho National Park
7. Banff Area 1-Day Tour from Calgary or Banff
Johnston Canyon | Banff Avenue | Sulphur Mountain | Bow Falls | Surprise Corner | Hoodoos Trail
Duration: 8 – 10 hours
This guided tour starts from Calgary and Banff and takes between 8 and 10 hours, depending on your pick-up location. It focuses on the natural beauty near the town of Banff.
The cool thing about this tour is that you won’t be driving very much as the stops are pretty close to each other. It gives you a good amount of time at each stop, so you can take it easy, wander around and take a ton of snapshots.
Johnston Canyon, one of the park’s highlights, will be your first stop. A must-see natural wonder, with towering cliffs and waterfalls all around you.
The next stop is Banff Avenue in downtown Banff. Stroll along the shops, bars and restaurants, and have lunch as you take in the beauty of the town. Its setting is truly remarkable.
Then ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. While admission is not included in the tour, I recommend you book your ticket in advance because, from the top, you’ll have a 360 degrees view over the Bow Valley and the town of Banff.
Next up is Bow Falls, not far from Banff Avenue. Marvel at this stunning cascade, the neighboring Banff Springs Hotel, rising majestically from the trees, and the Bow River.
To conclude this day-long tour, you’ll be taken to Surprise Corner on Tunnel Mountain for a breathtaking vista of the Banff Springs Hotel, and the Hoodoos. This picture-perfect natural rock formation provides outstanding views.
- Note: This tour is also available in winter.
BOOK NOW: Banff-Area 1-Day Tour
8. Banff, Lake Louise & Moraine Lake | Small Group Active Full Day Adventure Tour
Banff National Park | Lake Louise | Moraine Lake
Duration: 8 hours
This tour of Banff National Park takes on a maximum of 10 persons, and the cool thing about this journey is that its itinerary is not set in stone. Yet, you’ll be guaranteed to visit Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
Additional places to visit include Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Marble Canyon, Mount Norquay Viewpoint, Hoodoos Viewpoint, Vermilion Lakes, Bow Falls, Tunnel Mountain, Johnston Canyon, the Bow Valley Parkway, and a few local hotspots.
Your tour guide will decide the best times to visit each location based on the weather, big bus tour schedules, and other factors to give you the best experience possible.
Due to the proximity of most locations, this tour enables you to visit many different attractions while also having enough time to explore each stop and capture some breathtaking Instagram-worthy photos.
The visits to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake are scheduled at 1.5 hours each, so you have plenty of time to explore the lakes and take in the breathtaking surroundings.
- Note: The tour includes a picnic lunch.
BOOK NOW: Banff, Lake Louise and Moraine Lake – Small Group
9. Banff & The Icefields Parkway | Small Group Active Full Day Adventure Tour
Icefields Parkway | Bow Lake | Peyto Lake | Mistaya Canyon | Columbia Icefield | Weeping Wall
Duration: 8 hours
This round-trip from Banff with a maximum of 8 people takes you along the Icefields Parkway (Highway 93). This road is often described as one of the world’s most scenic highways!
While I must admit that driving this road yourself is a fantastic experience in and of itself, being on a bus allows you to constantly gaze around. And that’s a good thing because there is so much to see! It simply never stops.
The Icefields Parkway, known for its wildlife sightings, presents yet another stunning vista around every corner. I promise you, this road sure lives up to its reputation.
Along the route, the tour makes several renowned stops, including Bow Lake, Peyto Lake (the well-known turquoise lake shaped like a fox head), the stunning Mistaya Canyon, the amazing Columbia Icefield, and the Weeping Wall, a rock formation with a myriad of little waterfalls cascading across it.
I must highlight the stop at the Columbia Icefield. Here, you’ll get to see the biggest icefield south of the arctic circle, so be ready to be amazed. You’ll explore the area by strolling straight up to the edge of the Athabasca Glacier and tracing the glacier’s historical course.
What’s cool about this tour is that without being constrained by a busy bus tour schedule, you can take to the trails for some short, easy hikes to discover the most fabulous viewpoints.
- Note: The tour includes an incredibly scenic picnic to have lunch.
BOOK NOW: Banff and the Icefields Parkway – Small Group
10. Lake Louise & Banff Full Day Tour from Calgary or Banff
Lake Louise | Moraine Lake | Johnston Canyon | Banff Avenue | Surprise Corner | Bow Falls | Lake Minnewanka | Calgary
Duration: 8 – 10 hours
This round-trip tour concentrates on the area near Banff and Lake Louise. It offers pick-up locations in Calgary, Canmore, and Banff. Depending on where you are picked up, the tour takes between 8 and 10 hours.
The good thing about this tour is that it’s comprehensive. You’ll see the most famous tourist attractions in Banff National Park in one day, including Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Johnston Canyon, Lake Minnewanka, Bow Falls, Surprise Corner and the town of Banff for some free time to eat or shop.
Since there aren’t many short drives in the Rockies, another benefit of this tour is that you’ll spend more time at the several stops rather than driving much.
Your guide will tell you interesting facts about the places you visit and give you tips on where to take the most outstanding pictures.
- Note: Banff National Park Admission Fee is included.
BOOK NOW: Lake Louise and Banff Full Day Tour
11. Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Private Tour (with gondola)
Lake Louise | Moraine Lake | Lake Louise Summer Gondola | Castle Junction
Duration: 5 hours
This relatively short tour takes you to the two most famous locations of Banff National Park, meaning you’ll visit the stunning Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. You’ll be able to witness their renowned turquoise color with your own eyes! (Yes, it’s real.)
You’ll get plenty of time at both locations, so you’ll be able to stroll along the lakeshore, have a snack and take crazy many pictures because you won’t be able to stop pressing the photo button.
One of the great things about this tour is that you won’t have to deal with the notoriously difficult parking situations at either lake. You’ll be dropped off conveniently close to the lakes.
After you’ve visited both lakes, you’ll also take the Lake Louise Summer Gondola up the mountain to 2,600 meters (8,530 feet) above sea level. From there, you will have a 360-degree panorama of the valley, the Château Lake Louise, and the lake itself.
A stop at Castle Junction concludes this tour. Here you’ll get a stunning view of iconic Castle Mountain and discover that this mountain was aptly named.
- Note: Admission for the Lake Louise gondola is included in the tour price.
BOOK NOW: Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Private Tour
12. Private Tour of Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway for up to 12 guests
Bow Falls | Two Jack Lake | Lake Minnewanka | Lake Louise | Moraine Lake | Hector Lake Viewpoint | Crowfoot Glacier Viewpoint | Bow Lake | Norquay Lookout
Duration: 9 – 10 hours
If you want a thorough experience of Banff National Park and a part of the formidable Icefields Parkway, this tour from Banff is for you. It includes many stops, including the world-famous Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, known for their breathtaking scenery and turquoise color.
Before you head onto the Icefields Parkway, you’ll also visit Bow Falls, Two Jack Lake, and Lake Minnewanka. These lakes are known for wildlife spottings, so you might be lucky.
Afterward, your tour guide will lead you to Hector Lake Viewpoint, the Crowfoot Glacier, Viewpoint, and Bow Lake for yet another stunning photo op.
You’ll visit Norquay Lookout to wrap up your journey. Here you’ll get a birdseye view of the town of Banff and the Bow Valley.
- Note: Make sure you book in time, as the tour is limited to 11 people. Also, bring your own lunch as it’s not included.
BOOK NOW: Private Tour of Lake Louise and Icefields Parkway
Banff Travel Guide and FAQ
Where is Banff National Park, Canada?
Banff National Park is in the southwest of the province of Alberta. It’s home to the towns of Banff and Lake Louise and borders the province of British Columbia in the west of Canada. You can easily access famous places like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Peyto Lake and the stunning Icefields Parkway from these locations.
Banff and Lake Louise are situated in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta, close to the boundary with British Columbia, as shown on the map of Banff National Park below.
Is Banff, Canada safe?
Generally speaking, yes. Like most areas, Banff has crime, but it’s still a safe travel place. But Banff has a lot of wildlife, including bears and cougars, so you should always carry bear spray and exercise caution when hiking in the mountains.
What is the best time to Travel to Banff, Canada?
The best time to travel to Banff, Canada, depends on your reason for visiting the park. If you’re going for the stunning nature the park’s famous for, you’d better visit from June to September. The best months to ski are from January through March.
WEATHER IN BANFF, CANADA: AVERAGE TEMPERATURE
The worst months to visit Banff National Park are November, April and May. It’s too chilly to go sightseeing in November, and there isn’t enough snow on the slopes yet. The iconic lakes in the park are still frozen in April and May, and it can still be quite cold.
How do I travel to Banff, Canada?
Want to fly to Banff? Calgary International Airport (Code: YYC) is the closest airport. It’s 130 kilometers (81 mi) to the east of Banff.
Several cities, including Toronto, Chicago, Seattle, and Dallas/Fort Worth, have direct flights into Calgary.
Pick up a rental vehicle at Calgary International Airport, or take a private transport service to your destination. The trip to the park takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Viator has several good options. Click the link to check the options and latest rates.
Banff Car Rental
Want to rent a car during your stay in Banff National Park? Rent one at Calgary International Airport or in the city of Calgary. Yep, there are rental firms in Lake Louise and Banff, but as these are small towns, your rental options can be limited.
Avis is a reputable car rental company, which I’ve used many times. Book now with Avis
What do I pack for Banff, Canada?
The time of year will affect what you should bring with you on your trip to Banff, Canada. If you plan to spend your summer vacation in Banff National Park, you should be okay with light-colored, breathable clothing. Bring a few sweaters, too, as Banff’s summer evenings can be chilly. You’re in the mountains, after all.
When visiting in winter, bring a heavy jacket, such as a parka, and other winter clothing, such as warm pants, long underwear, and (fleece) sweaters. Don’t take it lightly because Banff’s wintertime lows can reach well below zero.
Banff Travel Planning Guide
Do I need a visa for Banff?
Most likely not. Citizens of the US, most European countries, Australia and New Zealand don’t need a visa to enter Canada. Not sure? Click the link to see whether you need a visa or not. The typical length of stay in Canada for people with visa-exempt passports is 90 days.
Do I need travel insurance for Banff?
You bet. Feel confident while traveling with a plan from Travel Insurance Master, one of the top names in travel insurance, for just USD 10 on average per day.
What’s the best way to book my Banff accommodation?
If you plan to book a hotel, hostel or bed & breakfast, Booking.com is your best bet. It has the most hotels listed and often offers the best rates.
Do I need to rent a car in Banf?
Absolutely. While Banff is one of the few national parks in North America with a sizeable public transport network, I strongly advise renting a car if you want to make the most of your visit.
Will my phone work in Banff?
It depends. In the towns of Banff and Lake Louise, you should have good to excellent reception. However, in more remote areas, the signal is spotty. In many places, there will be no signal at all.
What’s the best site to buy Banff flights?
If you’re looking for cheap flights to Banff, I recommend Skyscanner. No surprises with suddenly increased rates (for taxes, seats or luggage) upon checkout. What you see is what you get.
Hi I am visiting with a small group in September 2024. What are the best places to watch the elk in the rutting season near Banff? Thanks very much!
Hi Mike,
Sorry for my late reply. You should be able to see them in the lower Bow Valley. In September, elk return to the lower elevations around the town of Banff. But make sure you keep a healthy distance from the elk. Bulls can be aggressive when trying to protect their harems.
Dan