BANFF · CANADIAN ROCKIES
The best of the Canadian Rockies.
The 10 most popular big canoe & kayak tours around Banff. Here's what to expect from each one, who runs it and what it costs.
Paddle the Bow River in a 12-seat Big Canoe from Banff Canoe Club, spot wildlife with a guide, and finish with a light refreshment.
“Maddie was a great guide. We had a great time with our group paddling down the river enjoying the view.”
Glide down Banff’s Bow River on an easy 90-minute canoe tour with a guide, Rockies views, wildlife tips, and lemonade.
“This was an incredible example. Our guide Alex was very known and amusing. The scenery was incredible and breathtaking. I felt very safe and comfortable. I would highly recommend this trip.”
Glide the Bow River in a big canoe in Banff National Park. Easy paddling, expert guides, family-friendly group fun for about 90 minutes.
“Jessie arranged for great weather. He was very knowledgeable and personable. Learned a lot about beavers and mountains”
Paddle Banff’s Bow River in a big canoe on a family wildlife tour with great guides, top Banff views, and a good chance at eagles and elk.
“Loved the whole experience. One thing I would suggest for the guide to do is ask everyone to be quiet more often. Just have “moments of silence”. It was a big bucket list item for me and I was at the very front (loved that) but the couple behind me would NOT shut up. I…”
Easy Bow River canoe wildlife spotting in Banff with expert guides, big-can oes comfort, and a calm 90-minute paddle.
“Operators were very nice and the canoe ride was relaxing but you don’t see much wildlife. I wouldn’t recommend.”
Guided Big Canoe tour on Banff’s Bow River. Paddle with a pro guide, learn wildlife and history, and finish with refreshments.
“Although it was a little cold and rainy at the start, we had a wonderful canoe trip on the Bow River on Sept. 30, 2023. The scenery was magnificent even though it was slightly overcast/rainy. Our leader was a bright, attentive young man whose name I am sorry to say escapes me but this was…”
Skip lines with a special permit for Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, plus flexible hiking or canoe time and a wildlife corridor drive from Canmore.
“Yannick was great! Friendly, on time, and a great host. Perfect amount of time at each lake. Mic could be turned up a little.”
Beginner SUP on Johnson Lake in Banff National Park with Paddle Canada guidance, full gear, small group, and calm-water practice.
“Really a wonderful and fun experience. Totally would do it again! We had a good group and amazing guides. Thank you”
5.5-hour Banff tour hitting Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, plus quick photo stops for Castle Mountain and Vermilion Lakes.
“The tour guide was excellent as nothing was to much bother for him. I am sure he should have finished earlier but he consistently put his Customers first. The tour is great value for the money. We saw some amazing sites and the scenery was beautiful. Full marks”
Small-group Yoho day tour: Natural Bridge, a long Emerald Lake stop for canoe or hike, and Takakkaw Falls, with A/C comfort.
“Awkward interaction with Travis right before we departed the tour demanding for tip money, we had given him $60 already but he insisted we owed $15 more so when he requested the money through his app he authorized $20 instead. Still sent it but other than that, the destinations were Gorgeous! Definitely enough time at…”
