2+
Age
Jun-Oct
Season

Combo Package; look for wildlife on a twilight tour, ride a chairlift to 7,000′ and do a fun and informative cruise Banff’s Lake Minnewanka.

YouTube video
YouTube video

Included: Evening Wildlife Safari (start time varies seasonally)

Where do you find the animals of Banff when the sun goes down? Your guide will know! Keep your eyes peeled for twilight wildlife encounters as you view rare animal artifacts and learn about local wildlife, safe wildlife watching practices and the importance of wildlife management in Banff National Park.

Included: Banff Sightseeing Chairlift (open ticket)

Soar to the sky on an 8 minute open-air chairlift ride over a natural bear habitat up to 7,000 feet at Mt Norquay, with breathtaking views of Banff and the Bow Valley. At the top, you can relax over a snack or meal, craft brews or a glass of wine at the Cliffhouse Bistro, or look for bighorn sheep as you walk along the interpretive walkway.

Included: Lake Minnewanka Boat Cruise (various times available)

Take to the water on Banff National Park’s largest lake, Lake Minnewanka, on a 1 hour interpretive boat cruise under the towering peaks of breathtaking mountains. Interpretive guides will share stories of native folklore and the submerged village of Minnewanka Landing while you survey the shoreline for animals such as bighorn sheep.

Activities in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.

The best parts of the Evening Wildlife Safari for most people include the following:

1

Bus Tour

The Evening Wildlife Safari is a paved road bus tour, with little to no walking involved. There are a number of routes available depending on wildlife activity and so every night is a new adventure!
2

Wildlife Viewing

We see wildlife on over 95% of our tours, and often see deer, elk, big horn sheep, bears and birds. Please note that wildlife sightings cannot be guaranteed.
3

Interpretation and Education

Learn information about the local animals, safe wildlife-watching practices and the importance of wildlife management in Banff National Park.

The best parts of the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift for most people include the following:

1

Ride to 7,000 feet at Mount Norquay

Take a scenic eight-minute ride into the sky in an open-air chairlift as you pass over natural grizzly and black bear habitat while experiencing breathtaking views of the iconic Mt Rundle.
2

Mountain top dining and facilities

Enjoy incredible views of the iconic Mt. Rundle and Bow Valley while dining at 7,000ft overlooking the town of Banff at the Cliffhouse Bistro, or from the viewing boardwalk and sightseeing platform.

The best parts of the Banff Lake Cruise for most people include the following:

1

1 hour interpretive boat tour

Interpretive guides will share stories of native folklore and the submerged village of Minnewanka Landing while you survey the shoreline for big horn sheep, bald eagles and the occasional bear.
2

Devil's Gap

The highlight of the tour is the Devil’s Gap; a glacial path carved through Lake Minnewanka from the foothills of the Rockies.
While the starting time varies depending on the sunset, this is a 2 hour tour.
The two-hour tour includes transportation from most hotels in Banff on a guided bus tour to look for local wildlife.
We pick up from most hotels in Banff, and you can select your preferred pick-up location during the booking process. For drop offs, our guide will ask you on the way back where you would like to be dropped off either in town or at your hotel.
The tour is a paved road tour and there are a number of routes this tour follows, depending on wildlife activity.
This is not a walking tour and most of the tour will be spent on the bus, but there are opportunities for you to step off the bus to take in scenic views around Banff. However, when in the presence of the wildlife we do not step off the bus unless the guide believes it is safe.
It is possible to see the following in the park: white tail deer, mule deer, elk, black bears, grizzly bears, chipmunks, eagles, coyotes, wolves, osprey, ducks, Canadian geese, squirrels, big horn sheep, mountain goats. Unfortunately we can never guarantee seeing any animals, but our guides try their best to take you to areas we know animals frequent.
No, as all wild animals experience stress when crowded by humans, which is hard on the animal and dangerous for us. Discover Banff Tours adheres strictly to the recommendation set out by Parks Canada for safe wildlife viewing.
Just your camera and warm clothes, plus any refreshments you may like.
There is a 24 hour cancellation policy, which allows you to change/cancel or refund your booking up to 24 hours outside your booked tour (up to 7 days for group bookings).
Tips are not expected, but are certainly appreciated. If you think your guide did a wonderful job and would like to indicate that with a tip, it will be graciously accepted.
The North American Lodge at Mount Norquay is located on Mt Norquay Road in Banff, only a five minute drive from downtown. Detailed driving instructions will be provided in your booking confirmation and there is ample car parking available. Guests can also take advantage of the free shuttle bus that runs hourly from Banff.

The free shuttle bus runs throughout the day from Banff with several pick-up locations.

You may view the shuttle bus schedule here: https://banffnorquay.com/plan-your-visit/getting-here/shuttle-service/
During the summer, the chairlift runs from 9am to 7pm, with the last ride down at 7:30pm. In the fall, the chairlift runs from 10am to 6pm, with the last ride down at 6:30pm. Please refer to your booking confirmation for seasonal operating hours.
During the summer, the chairlift runs from 9am to 7pm, with the last ride down at 7:30pm. In the fall, the chairlift runs from 10am to 6pm, with the last ride down at 6:30pm. Please refer to your booking confirmation for seasonal operating hours.
The chairlift ride is approximately eight minutes each way. Plenty of time to spot some wildlife!
Unlike an enclosed Gondola, an open-air chairlift allows you to ride up the mountain with your legs dangling freely below you. Each chair is outfitted with a safety bar so you aren’t in any danger of falling out.
Jaw dropping vistas, high-alpine dining in an avalanche proof restaurant, Cliffhouse Bistro, hand carved into the side of the mountain, breathtaking views of Banff and the Bow Valley, mountain climbing on the Via Ferrata, an interpretive walkway, and bighorn sheep.
There are two main trails from the Mt Norquay main car park.

Stoney Squaw Mountain
Distance: 4.2 km return
Elevation Gain: 190m
Time Required: 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Hike through a beautiful lodgepole pine and spruce tree forest for a unique view of Cascade Mountain, and peaks of the Fairholme Range. During the ascent, hikers will enjoy unique views of Banff, Vermilion Lakes and surrounding mountain ranges. This trail is also popular for mountain biking.

Cascade Amphitheatre
Distance: 15.4 km return
Elevation Gain: 640m
Time Required: 4-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The hike begins at the Mt. Norquay ski area, crosses a bridge over Forty Mile Creek, and then zigzags its way through the dense forest to Cascade Amphitheatre. As you emerge into the amphitheatre, impressively enclosed by limestone cliffs, keep your eyes out for wildflowers.

Sightseeing tickets are sold as non-transferable and non-refundable. Tickets are good to be used on any day during the summer season in which they were purchased.
This tour is a one-hour boat cruise. Guests are asked to arrive at the boat docks 30 minutes prior to their tour.
The Banff Lake Cruise is a unique sightseeing boat tour exploring Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park. Your voyage will be an approximate one hour interpretive cruise with an experienced captain and an entertaining guide who will introduce you to the rugged paradise, native folklore and geology of the area.
The lake cruise operates during the day, throughout the day. Please select your preferred lake cruise time during the booking process.
Please meet at the Lake Minnewanka Boat Docks 30 minutes before your preferred activity time. The lake is located approximately a 15 minute drive from downtown Banff and detailed driving instructions will be included in your booking confirmation.

Alternatively, the Roam Transit bus runs seasonally from downtown Banff to Lake Minnewanka.

Although wildlife such as bald eagles, bighorn sheep, wolves and grizzly bears frequent the Lake Minnewanka area, they can be difficult to find and so it cannot be guaranteed that you will see them.
Generally, no. The cruise boats are covered, but there may be a bit of water spray if the windows are open when the boat picks up speed.
It’s always a good idea to dress in layers with a waterproof jacket as weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. It is always a little colder at the lake, however all the cruise boats are heated and covered. It’s recommended to bring sunglasses, a hat, closed-toe shoes and sunscreen.
Lake Cruise tickets are non-refundable.
No, but you do need a Banff National Park pass to get access to the lake or to book a Banff Lake Cruise.
Yes! For a fun, educational tour with some of the best views of the Rocky Mountains and views of wildlife from the shoreline. Learn all about the native folklore of the area and the submerged village of Minnewanka landing too.
Yes, your admission to Banff National Park can get you in to see or do the spectacular Lake Minnewanka Lake Cruise.
Every season Lake Minnewanka is open starting the 2nd or 3rd week of May and it closes in early October around, typically around the 10th of October. It depends on the weather and seasonal climate change.

  • Activities in this package can be taken on the same day or on different days.
  • Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
  • The minimum age for this package is 2, and children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by their parent or legal guardian.
  • The maximum combined weight is 226kg (500lbs) per chair.
  • Photo ID may be required for identity verification.
  • Tours for the Banff Lake Cruise are weather permitting, particularly early and late season departures.
  • Please note that the Evening Wildlife Safari requires a minimum of 4 participants, please call the day prior to confirm the tour.
See animals such as grizzly bears on a wildlife tour
See elk and other animals on a Banff wildlife tour with Discover Banff Tours
See elk in Banff National Park on the Evening Wildlife Safari with Discover Banff Tours
See local wildlife such as coyotes on a wildlife tour with Discover Banff Tours
See over Banff on the Banff SIghtseeing Chairlift
The open-air chairlift at Banff Mount Norquay is very safe
Sightsee over Banff from the Mount Norquay Banff Sightseeing Chairlift in the Canadian Rockies
Enjoy mountain views while dining at the Cliffhouse Bistro at Mount Norquay up the Banff Sightseeing Chairlift in Banff in the Canadian Rockies
Banff Lake Cruise at Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka Banff Lake Cruise
Boat Cruise on Lake Minnewanka
Lake Minnewanka Cruise in Banff National Park