Banff Highlights and Wildlife Small-Group Tour
About Banff Highlights and Wildlife Small-Group Tour
This small-group tour follows quiet back roads and wildlife corridors in Banff National Park, with stops at lakes and viewpoints. It has 974 reviews and a 4.7 rating.
The tour lasts about 3 hours, with prices from about $108 per person. Pickup and drop-off are included at select Banff locations.
Itinerary
- Banff National Park
- (15 minutes)
- Lake Minnewanka (30 minutes)
- Hoodoos Trail (20 minutes)
- Surprise Corner (15 minutes)
- Bow Falls (15 minutes)
What’s included
- Water refills (please BYO water bottle)
- Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, or tea) & sweet treat – winter only
- Comfortable, premium transportation with large panoramic windows
- Polaroid souvenir
- Local guide trained in photography and storytelling
- Small group guarantee (Max 12 guests)
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select Banff locations
Meeting point
Pickup times: Summer (15 min after tour start): May 1 – 31: 5:45pm Jun. 1 – Jul. 31: 6:45pm Aug. 1 – 31: 5:45pm Sept. 1 – 15: 5:45pm Sept. 16 – 30: 5:15pm Oct. 1 – 12: 4:15pm Winter (15 min after tour start): Oct. 13 – Apr. 30: 2:15pm Please be ready 10 min before departure. | Pickup times: Summer (10 min after tour start): May 1 – 31: 5:40pm Jun. 1 – Jul. 31: 6:40pm Aug. 1 – 31: 5:40pm Sept. 1 – 15: 5:40pm Sept. 16 – 30: 5:10pm Oct. 1 – 12: 4:10pm Winter (10 min after tour start): Oct. 13 – Apr. 30: 2:10pm Please be ready 10 min before departure. | Pickup times: Summer (5 min after tour start): May 1 – 31: 5:35pm Jun. 1 – Jul. 31: 6:35pm Aug. 1 – 31: 5:35pm Sept. 1 – 15: 5:35pm Sept. 16 – 30: 5:05pm Oct. 1 – 12: 4:05pm Winter (5 min after tour start): Oct. 13 – Apr. 30: 2:05pm Please be ready 10 min before departure. | Pickup times: Summer (at tour start): May 1 – 31: 5:30pm Jun. 1 – Jul. 31: 6:30pm Aug. 1 – 31: 5:30pm Sept. 1 – 15: 5:30pm Sept. 16 – 30: 5:00pm Oct. 1 – 12: 4:00pm Winter (at tour start): Oct. 13 – Apr. 30: 2:00pm Please be ready 10 min before departure. | Pickup times: Summer (5 min before tour start): May 1 – 31: 5:25pm Jun. 1 – Jul. 31: 6:25pm Aug. 1 – 31: 5:25pm Sept. 1 – 15: 5:25pm Sept. 16 – 30: 4:55pm Oct. 1 – 12: 3:55pm Winter (5 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – Apr. 30: 1:55pm Please be ready 10 min before departure. | Pickup times: Summer (10 min before tour start): May 1 – 31: 5:20pm Jun. 1 – Jul. 31: 6:20pm Aug. 1 – 31: 5:20pm Sept. 1 – 15: 5:20pm Sept. 16 – 30: 4:50pm Oct. 1 – 12: 3:50pm Winter (5 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – Apr. 30: 1:55pm Please be ready 10 min before departure. | Pickup times: Summer (10 min before tour start): May 1 – 31: 5:20pm Jun. 1 – Jul. 31: 6:20pm Aug. 1 – 31: 5:20pm Sept. 1 – 15: 5:20pm Sept. 16 – 30: 4:50pm Oct. 1 – 12: 3:50pm Winter (5 min before tour start): Oct. 13 – Apr. 30: 1:55pm Please be ready 10 min before departure.
What to expect on the day
A local guide drives a premium van with large windows to the places where animals are most active. Elk, deer and bighorn sheep are the most common sightings, and bears are possible from May to October. Between stops, your guide explains the park’s history and ecology and helps with photos.
Prices and extra costs
- Included: Pickup at select Banff locations, a local guide, water refills, a Polaroid souvenir and, in winter, a hot drink and sweet treat.
- Not included: Guide gratuities.
What to bring
- A reusable water bottle.
- Warm layers and binoculars.
Tips for a better day
- Pickup times: Summer tours leave in the early evening and winter tours (mid-October to April) leave around 2 p.m. Be ready 10 minutes before your pickup time.
- Best season for bears: Book between May and October for the chance to see bears.
Who it’s best for
Best for: Wildlife fans and photographers who want a short tour with a local guide.
Consider another option if: You travel with children 8 or younger. The Banff Gondola ride welcomes all ages.
Restrictions
Children 8 and under cannot join. Suitable for all fitness levels, but not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Service animals are allowed.
Cancellation policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.
FAQ about Banff Highlights and Wildlife Small-Group Tour
How long is the Banff wildlife tour?
About 3 hours.
What animals might I see?
Elk, deer and bighorn sheep are common. Bears are possible from May to October.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, at select Banff locations.
How big are the groups?
Groups are small and travel in a premium van.
Can young children join?
No. Children 8 and under cannot join.
What time does the tour leave?
In summer, in the early evening. In winter, around 2 p.m.
Are drinks included?
Water refills are included, plus a hot drink and sweet treat in winter.
Do I need to bring anything?
Bring a reusable water bottle and warm layers.
Are gratuities included?
No. Gratuities are optional.
Can I cancel?
Yes. Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
