Summer
Fact: there is always things to do and see in Banff, year round.
Whether it’s wildlife, flora, fauna, or dramatic Rocky Mountain landscapes, there are many different views of Banff National Park to explore. Not only is winter ideal to sightsee with dramatically fewer crowds than summer, but the best way to see these sights, wildlife, hidden gems, and views is with a Discover Banff Tours’ sightseeing tour.
Our guides take guests through an interpretive and historic tour, visiting some areas known mostly only to locals. We know where to find the rutting elk, we know where to find the bighorn sheep, deer, and other animals brave enough to roam throughout winter. With thick coats of fur, large winter antlers, and steam coming from their breath, the winter wildlife in Banff is a sight not to miss.
Plus every tour includes hotel pick-up in Banff, hot chocolate and our famous maple cookies to keep you warm!
Both our Discover Banff & Its Wildlife and Discover Lake Louise tours take guests off the main road and nestled in the calm and quiet areas of the Park that the wildlife love to frequent.
Banff's Best Winter Sightseeing Deals
Banff + Lake Louise Tours
Discover Banff & Its Wildlife
Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour
Banff National Park is a wild place – it’s a protected natural environment that has a unique history with humans and wildlife living cohesively together. On our morning Discover Banff & Its Wildlife tour, our guides will not only tell you the history of how we have gotten to such a sustainable place, but they’ll show you landmarks, historical points of reference, and if you’re lucky – wildlife.
This daily tour is a great introduction for the kids to what they have to explore in the area. Often times guests are surprised about what is still left out there and how untouched it is – we pride ourselves on this in Banff and hope to inspire the youngsters and even adults on how we can look after it so visitors and animals can enjoy it for years to come.
Discover Lake Louise Tour
Perhaps a tour with a winter adventure mix is more in the cards? Good thing we have our full-day Discover Lake Louise tour. This daily tour is a gentle mix of sightseeing along the Bow Valley Parkway (which is also often frequented by wildlife) and stopping at the crown jewel itself – Lake Louise. If you were to place yourself inside a snow globe, what would it look and feel like? Well, probably Lake Louise in winter.
This magical destination is an experience that leaves many speechless as they’re overwhelmed by sparkling snow, glacier-capped peaks, and an ice castle built on the lake itself. Often ranked among the world’s top skating rinks, Lake Louise is far from the ordinary. From late January until early March, ice sculptures carved from the Ice Magic festival greet visitors along the pathway. Borrow our snowshoes, rent some skates, go on a sleigh ride on the lake, check out the iconic Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, and take in the world-famous Lake Louise with four hours of free time to do what you like.
Winter sightseeing in Banff National Park may be one of the best-hidden gem tours we offer. With fewer crowds, frisky animals, and ample areas to discover, winter sightseeing in Banff is the perfect addition to any ski trip or winter getaway.
Which sightseeing tour will you join us on this winter?