Summer Sightseeing Tours
The summer months in Banff are made for exploration and outdoor adventure. As temperatures climb and the snow melts, Banff’s remote regions offer the chance to spend blue-sky days hiking, wildlife watching, whitewater rafting, and tucking into alpine picnics.
But to truly appreciate Banff in summer, we recommend exploring with a local guide. Not only will you learn more about the region you’re visiting, but you’ll get the chance to enjoy a few extra-special experiences – from trekking to a remote teahouse in the mountains, to visiting an abandoned mining town, to riding across the Athabasca Glacier onboard a massive Ice Explorer vehicle.
Highlights
- Journey to natural wonders including Bow Falls, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Athabasca Glacier
- Learn about local wildlife, geology and the history of past explorers
- Tours range in duration from a short three-hour trip of Banff’s highlights to a two-day interpretive drive from Banff to Vancouver
- Smaller buses and regular stops mean everyone will have a chance to ask the guide questions while capturing gorgeous photos of the Rockies
- We spot wildlife on many of our tours and our large viewing windows help make sure you get a closer look
- Children aged 5 and under are free on most of our tours
Family Fun
Discover Banff & Its Wildlife
Uncover the secrets of a historic mountain haven with a local guide leading the way as you gaze at stunning views and visit Banff's key landmarks. The Town of Banff is an island of culture and history, surrounded by a sea of untamed wilderness. This tour enriches your visit with stories of 11,000 years of history, hidden in these rugged hills. Navigate a half-day journey to some of the most important landmarks in the area. You'll stop at the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Bow Falls, Lake Minnewanka and the “oh wow!” view at Surprise Corner. Venture down peaceful pine-scented trails and learn about wildlife habitat and behaviour. Ask as many questions as you like, as our guides are experts and love to share their knowledge. Don’t forget your camera - we spot wildlife on 95% of these tours.
Apr-Nov
8:30am
3 Hours
Most Popular
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
See two of the world's most beautiful lakes including iconic Lake Louise - famous for its jewel-like water nestled between rugged peaks. These stunning alpine lakes look too beautiful to be real. On this sightseeing tour you will visit the "Jewel of the Canadian Rockies", Lake Louise, and the world renowned Moraine Lake, both of which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of their priceless natural beauty. They'll stop you in your tracks in awe. Wander the shoreline at Lake Louise and see the Victoria Glacier and the famous Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Hotel, and then snap some shots of Moraine Lake in the beautiful Valley Of The Ten Peaks. Join your guide for a short walk up the Rockpile at Moraine Lake, where you'll find the iconic view that was once on the back of
Apr-Oct
1:30pm
4.5 Hours
Limited Space
Deluxe Lake Louise & Moraine Lake
This evening tour gives you more time to wander and soak up the beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake at one of the quietest times of day. The pale turquoise hue of Lake Louise comes from sunlight reflecting off mountain-dust particles suspended in the glacial melt-water. It's a natural wonder that you just can’t stop staring at. We'll take our time meandering through the scenic Bow Valley Parkway with our eyes peeled for wildlife, and savour an early dinner in the warm log cabin ambiance of the Baker Creek Bistro at Baker Creek Mountain Resort. We’ll visit Lake Louise at one of the quietest times of the day so you can avoid the crowds, and there will plenty of time to wander on your own. You can also enjoy an interpretive nature walk around the shoreline with your
May-Sep
3:30pm
6 Hours
Mountain Lakes & Waterfalls Tour
This amazing full-day tour takes you to the most treasured spots in Banff and Yoho National Parks to explore the land and the stories it holds. Soaring mountains, stunning lakes and breathtaking waterfalls await you on a tour that explores the stunning lakes and streams of the Canadian Rocky Mountains. From the history of the Canadian railroad to Takakkaw Falls (the second-highest waterfall in Canada!), follow the trails through a park whose name means “awe” in the Cree language. Explore the evolution of the land and discover how it has shaped the appearance of the natural wonders found in these spectacular mountain settings as you visit highlights such as Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake and Takakkaw Falls.
May, Jun-Sep, Oct
8:30am
9.5 Hours
Columbia Icefield Parkway Tour
Travel along the world famous Icefields Parkway Highway and see, touch and even taste an ancient glacier on this thrilling full day Icefields adventure. Sit back and enjoy the ride along the Icefields Parkway, one of the world’s most stunning scenic drives. Because you don’t have to navigate or watch the road, this tour lets you to focus on the amphitheatre of mountains towering above. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife at the edges of the forest. Afterwards, dig into a hearty mountain picnic and take a photo stop at Peyto Lake - famous for its stunning pale milky-turquoise hue. Climb aboard the Ice Explorer (a six-wheeled behemoth of a vehicle) and drive across the surface of this glittering sheet of ice. Getting thirsty? You’ll have a chance to drink pure, cold water straight from the glacier. Walk the
Apr-Oct
8:00am
11 Hours
Private Summer Sightseeing Tours
Looking for a new way to tour with your friends or family? Book a private sightseeing tour of Banff National Park and see the top local sights from Lake Louise to Bow Falls. Use one of our existing summer sightseeing tours, the morning Discover Banff & Its Wildlife Tour or the afternoon Discover Lake Louise and Moraine Lake Tour as your itinerary or connect with us for a custom quote. Sample Rates: Rates are dependent on number of guests & vehicle required. For eg, $125 per guest with a minimum of 6 guests for a half day sightseeing tour. Contact Us for Custom Quote: Call: 1 -877-565-9372 to chat, or complete the form below.
Apr-Oct
5 Hours
All Ages
Western Canada Explorer
This one-way interpretive, overnight tour from Banff to Vancouver (or Vancouver to Banff) takes you through the still-wild west of Alberta and B.C. The first pioneers attempted to lasso the wilds of Western Canada with long stretches of railway track. The steep rocky terrain fought back and, at times, the mountains seemed too enormous to tame. With blood, sweat, tears and dynamite they carved a path through the sky-piercing peaks. The route is still used to this day. Now you can journey in modern comfort in a deluxe mini coach, traveling 850kms through four of Canada’s earliest national parks. This two-day guided sightseeing tour includes transportation in a comfortable modern vehicle, overnight accommodation in Kamloops, and breakfast and lunch. Tour highlights include stops at Lake Louise, the famous Spiral Tunnels, Giant Cedars Boardwalk, the Last Spike, D Dutchman Dairy,
May-Oct
Banff 8:00am (MST), Vancouver 2:00pm (PST)
2 Days
Discover Banff & Lake Louise – Fall Colours
The fall is a fantastic time for sightseeing and viewing wildlife in Banff National Park. Foliage color start to change, the first hints of winter begin to appear and a low sun makes photographic opportunities more dramatic. This time of the year also heralds tremendous activity with the local elk population because of the rutting season. This tour will give visitors a chance to see a few of Banff's highlights as well as spend an hour at Lake Louise for short walks and exploring on your own. Throughout the tour as we move from Banff to Lake Louise and return your guide will do their best to point out local wildlife and explain what it's like living in a national park with animals sometimes literally, on our doorsteps!
Oct-Nov
12:30pm
5 Hours