The 10 Best Sightseeing Tours in Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies

February 12, 2022 Nobuko Falco

With Cascade Mountain to the north and Sulphur Mountain to the south, the town of Banff boasts a magnificent Canadian Rocky Mountain setting. Travelers are spoiled for choice by the irresistible combination of luxury lodges, perfect powder, renowned restaurants and energetic nightlife on offer. With both summer and winter appeal, Banff lures visitors to its stores, spas and slopes year-round.
Restaurants in Banff National Park

1. Banff At First Light Private Tour

Rocky Mountain Photo Adventures
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5.0 based on 12 reviews

It’s early morning. The sky is in pure darkness, and you’re surrounded by stillness. You, alongside your local photographer guide, are out on-location to shoot one of nature’s greatest shows: sunrise. Take in the icons of Banff National Park as many don’t see them. Focus in as the first light of morning casts it’s warm glow on Mount Rundle from Two Jack Lake and Vermilion Lakes. The tour will then head to one or two more locations, depending on time and light conditions. Your guide’s know-how and extensive experience in the Park will show you the way, giving you absolute peace of mind that you’re at the very best location and primed to get the photo result you’re striving for. All this, while taking in your serene surroundings - making a memorable experience for any photographer.

Inclusions: Professional photographer guide, Use of Tripod, Use of Landscape filters, Snacks

Exclusions: Gratuities, Breakfast, Bottled water

Reviewed By nandot735

Had a great full day of shooting iconic locations while in the Banff area with Mark Unrau. He knows the area well and knows photography. He helped me with composition, technique and he freely shared his experiences and knowledge with me. I highly recommend RMPA if you are looking to shoot beautiful landscapes and improve your skills! Mark is a great communicator, easy to talk to and very personable.

2. Private Tour for 1 to 10 guests of Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway

Beyond Banff
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5.0 based on 4 reviews

                                                                      Private Banff and Lake Louise Tour Private Tour of the Banff area, Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway for up to 10 guests. Free pickup at your accommodation in Canmore or Banff. Stops include; Lake Minnewanka,Two Jack Lake, Norquay Lookout, Bow Falls, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake and Peyto Lake. Customizable itinerary and start times.

Inclusions: Private Tour for up to 10 guests, Private Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned SUV or 15 passenger mini bus., Direct pickup and drop off at Canmore / Banff accommodations., Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By GQ0091

Robbie was incredible tour guide. From his knowledge about wildlife, to scenic views, this is one of the best private tours I have ever experienced. I even booked the trip to get engaged and Robbie provided pictures and updates about potential spots. Could not imagine a better day/tour. Highly recommend.

3. Private Tour of Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway for up to 13 guests

Beyond Banff
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

                                                                      Private Banff and Lake Louise Tour 4 - 11 Guests Private small group mini bus Tour of the Banff area, Lake Louise and the Icefield Parkway for up to 11 guests.  Morning stops include; Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Norquay Lookout, Bow Falls, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake Afternoon stops include Crowfoot Glacier, Bow Lake Lake. Ask about adding stops in Yoho National Park to the itinerary! Takakkaw Falls, Natural bridge and Emerald Lake. Customizable itinerary and start times, free pickup in Canmore, Banff. Moraine Lake is open Late May to October, weather permitting.

Inclusions: up to 11 guests, Private Driver/guide, Transport by air-conditioned Mini Bus, water and snacks, Direct pickup and drop off at accommodations., Snacks, Bottled water

Exclusions: Lunch

Reviewed By GQ0091

Robbie was incredible tour guide. From his knowledge about wildlife, to scenic views, this is one of the best private tours I have ever experienced. I even booked the trip to get engaged and Robbie provided pictures and updates about potential spots. Could not imagine a better day/tour. Highly recommend.

4. 6 Day Rocky Mountain Explorer Private Tour

Beautiful Vancouver Explorer
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Explore the best of the Canadian Rockies with a Local Guide. This amazing tour will take you from the beautiful city of Vancouver on the Pacific Northwest to the famed majestic Canadian Rockies in Alberta. At the Canadian Rockies, be awed by the size of the mountain ranges and peaks; the sheer beauty of its canyons, waterfalls, turquoise lakes; its mighty glaciers; and unique flora and fauna. You will visit Banff, Jasper, Athabasca Glacier, Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, Lake Peyto, Johnston Canyon, and Maligne Lake. Enjoy hiking, biking, whitewater rafting, or a lake cruise. At Kamloops, see unique arid desert landscape, flora and fauna. Trek up canyons; walk iced trails; canoe on turquoise lakes; ride gondolas, dog sleds, and monster vehicle. View wildlife. NOTE: You have to arrange your own accommodation in Golden, Banff, Jasper & Kamloops. Alternatively, we can arrange your accommodation and you pay when you check out.

Inclusions: Private tour, just you and your group, Private driver/guide, Insightful live commentary in English on board, tailored to your group's interest, Private transport by air-conditioned luxurious Mercedes Benz Sprinter van, Bottled water, Hotel/port pickup and drop-off, Winery tour and wine tasting in Kamloops, Entrance fees to the Yoho National Park, Banff National Park, and Jasper National Park, Entrance to the Cave & Basin Historic Site, Banff, Gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, Banff

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel accommodation (you have to book your own accommodation), All other out of pocket expenses

Reviewed By 1971RustyM

It was just to sad too much tourist when we went here but we took the bike around this place, amazing amazing LOVE CANADA :)

5. Lake Louise and Banff Day Trip

Driverseat Calgary
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Spend the day exploring the incredible scenery of the Canadian Rockies during this day trip from Calgary to the Lake Louise, Banff and its surrounding attractions. Canada’s first national park, one of the world’s premier destination spots. Whether you only have a short amount of time in Calgary, or are looking for a no-hassle way to experience the celebrated natural beauty of Alberta, this day trip is a great choice. Itinerary: • Start you trip from your Hotel (7:00am) • First Up, we'll visit Moraine Lake. (30 Mins) • Then will head to Lake Louise. (30 Mins) • Banff Town: The Biggest town of National towns, many shops and restaurants wait for your discovery.(Stop here for 2 Hours) • Bow Falls: A gushing waterfall near town which offers great photo opportunities. (stop for about 15 mins) • Surprise Corner: (Stops for about 15 mins) • Banff Gondola Ride: Enjoy a 360 view of Banff. (Stop for about 2 hours) • Finally, we return to Calgary and arrive around 5pm.

Inclusions: Bottled water, Air-conditioned vehicle, Parking Fees, Banff National Park Fee, And A Smile!

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Banff Gondola Ride Tickets, Child Seat

Reviewed By Mosaic-PCN

Rahul went over and beyond when helping us (Mosaic PCN) to get a patient to a medical appointment during the Covid pandemic. The patient called after her appointment and said that Rahul was on time, polite, courteous and a pleasure to speak to. We all really appreciated the help! Would highly recommend his services!

6. Experience Banff National Park and Lake Louise | Private Sightseeing

ABest Transport and Tour Services
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Experience the picturesque scenery of the Canadian Rockies during this day trip from Calgary to Banff National Park – Lake Louise. Canada’s first national park, one of the world’s best destination spots. Whether you only have a short stay in Calgary, ABest Experience™ is here to make your trip a memorable one. No Rush ... No Hassle sightseeing tour of Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake is the highlights of this 10 hour (approx.) Day Tour from Calgary. Visit Canada's first national park and take in the scenic views around Banff Town, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake. A free time to explore around Banff Town, Bow falls, Secret Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive, Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake. Round-Trip Transportation from Calgary. • Update: We only offer a Private Tour exclusively for your group and family, We will follow the strict health guidelines to operate this Private Tour to the highest safety standard. Together we will still enjoy traveling and experiencing Banff National Park.

Inclusions: Private Transportation in Van | SUV, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Park Entrance Fee, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Entrance Fee for Banff Gondola Ride | Lake Louise Gondola Ride, Canoe, Kayak, and Boat Rental

Reviewed By 773katelynw

I had the best tour guide ever! He showed me around Calgary and we even got peters drive in! If you can request to get Aljay do it! He rocks ☺️

7. The Sights of Banff GPS-Guided Audio Walking Tour

12 Banff Ave, Banff, AB T0L, Canada The Sights of Banff GPS-Guided Audio Walking Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Listen to a tour guide through your smartphone as you explore incredible Banff! Keep the professional tour guide experience, ditch the crowded tour groups, tight schedules and high prices. Live GPS map shows where you are and where to go next. As you get close, tour guide commentary will automatically play! On this 5 km (return) sightseeing tour, you'll explore Banff's past as well as it's present as we point out historical buildings, sculptures, sights & attractions. Highlights include the Banff Administration Building, Luxton Home Museum, Central Park & the Cascades of Time Gardens! Don't just see the beauty of Banff, hear what it has to say! The tour also comes with a fun location based trivia game. After the commentary plays, look at your device and tap your guess at the answer. See your score as you go! Getting started is easy, just book the tour, download the app and go. Note: the number of travelers you select is the number of devices you can download the tour too.

Inclusions: Lifetime Tour Access on Tripvia Tours app for Android & iOS, Download on WIFI before (no signal required or data used during tour), Take as long as you like to complete the tour., Customer Service via Phone & Email

Exclusions: Smartphone or tablet, Headphones (optional - audio will play from device speaker too), Attraction tickets

8. Listen to a Tour Guide as you Drive between Lake Louise and Calgary

Lake Louise, AB, Canada GPS-Guided Audio Driving & Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Use your smartphone & vehicle's stereo to make your drive come alive! Using GPS, our fun game show host like tour guides will transform this beautiful drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure! Enhance your drive between destinations, or use as a one way stand alone tour. Hear about stop-worthy things to see & do, local animals, popular people, historical events & more. Over 45 points of interest will keep you entertained and take your road trip to the next level! Route. Trans-Canada Highway 1 between Lake Louise & Calgary. Travel in either direction. Freedom. Stop at as many sights & attractions as you like. Start/stop anywhere. Hands Free. Fun audio clips play automatically as you drive. Live GPS map. No data used during tour. Trivia Fun. Each point of interest has a fun trivia question included in the audio. Keep score or just listen! Inexpensive. Only 1 tour booking needed per vehicle.

Inclusions: Hands free (audio plays automatically), Lifetime Tour Access on Tripvia Tours app for Android & iOS, Download on WIFI before (no signal required or data used during tour), Customer Service via Phone & Email

Exclusions: Attraction tickets, Smartphone or tablet, Transportation (use your own vehicle)

9. Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus

Hop On Banff
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4.9 based on 310 reviews

Explore Banff National Park easily and at your own pace with the knowledge of a guaranteed seat on the buses. Get everywhere you want to go easily and without the hassle of parking or traffic.  Do everything you want to do on your own time.  With HopOnBanff you are connecting the top attractions in Banff National Park with one ticket. Hop-on and hop-off at each of the following destinations: Banff Townsite, Johnston Canyon, Lake Louise Gondola, Samson Mall, Moraine Lake, and Lake Louise.Trust the onboard hosts to answer your questions, share their expertise of the area, assist with reservations, and book additional activities for you.  Each bus travels along the scenic Bow Valley Parkway and seats up to 48 passengers. HopOnBanff is simply changing the way you can see the Park.

Inclusions: English speaking tour escort/host on board each bus, Pickup and drop-off from designated meeting points, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks

Reviewed By Gayle P

Our guides visited with each group on the bus so we could plan our day. They marked our schedule on the itinerary so we would know when to get back on the bus, and everything worked out perfectly. We were able to visit the most popular places and not worry about parking. We were very happy with this tour.

10. 4-Day Winter Banff Mini Tour

YYC Airport Domestic Terminal, Calgary, AB T2E, Canada WESTAR TRAVEL LTD.,
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4.0 based on 2 reviews

4-day guided tour exploring the Rocky Mountain National Parks of Canada! ☆ Guaranteed 2-nights for the hotels in Banff Town ☆ Special offer: Banff Upper Hot Springs for FREE! ☆ Save Time! Explore the famous National Parks, Banff, YOHO in Canada within 4 days ☆ Free rental for Snowshoe and trail crampons

Inclusions: Breakfast, Breakfast, Breakfast, **NOTES: The sequence of itineraries is subject to change without prior notice, Admission for National Park Pass, Hotel accommodations for 3 nights as listed -Standard room, Bilingual Tour Guide (English and Mandarin), Traffic Accident Insurance, Air-conditioned vehicle, GST (Goods and Services Tax)

Exclusions: All optional tours or meal package can not be booked on the tour., Meals & All Personal Expenses such as laundry, phone & travel insurance., Mandatory Tips/Service Fee BY CASH- Min. CAD$10/person/day for tour guide and the driver, Mandatory Tips/Service Fee BY CASH- CAD$4/person for airport pick up services

Reviewed By MirMun

I had a terrible experience, So i booked this tour for today May 7th 2021. received booking confirmation and got the ticket along with pick up point and tour details. I took unpaid off from my work and uber to reach the pick up location in Calgar NE(it was a hotel). pick up time was 7:30 AM and i was there at 7:15 AM. I waited there till 8 AM and there was no sign of the tour bus, hotel management knew nothing about the tour. I called Westar Travel LTD twice and they never picked up my calls. I came back at my place and Contact Trip advisor/Viator they helped me to get my refund for the tour. Viator is no doubt very friendly and professional in customer care. I requested compensation for my uber rides but it was declined by the tour company(Westar Travel LTD.) even if the tour was canceled due to any reason Westar Travel should have sent me a communication about it instead they did not received my calls. so basically i lost my full day, I lost one day income, uber rides and now i have nothing to do today. thanks to TripAdvisor/Viator I atleast got my tour payment back.

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