Banff wildlife tour: Lake Minnewanka & Bow Falls spotting

Lake Minnewanka, Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, and a high viewpoint above town: all in one morning

A guided wildlife and sightseeing tour through Banff National Park lasting three to four hours, with a licensed English-speaking guide and national park entry included. The route covers Lake Minnewanka, Bow Falls, the Hoodoos, Two Jack Lake, and an elevated viewpoint above Banff, with stops timed to watch for elk, deer, bighorn sheep and bears in their natural habitat. An air-conditioned vehicle handles the driving between locations.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Bow Falls10m
2. Lake Minnewanka20m

Banff and Wildlife Sightseeing Tour

• View Banff Gondola and Fairmont Banff Springs
• See Bow River and Bow Falls
• Learn about Banff's Hoodoos and views
• Enjoy views of Two Jack Lake and Rundle Mountain
• Visit elevated viewpoint above Banff, watch for wildlife
• Explore Lake Minnewanka and its history

The experience

The tour runs three to four hours total, with most of that time split between the drive and the stops themselves. You'll start with a view of the Banff Gondola and Fairmont Banff Springs, then move to Bow Falls to watch the Bow River drop over the edge. From there the route takes you to the Hoodoos, rock formations rising above the river, where you can see the Bow River, the golf course and Mount Rundle spread out below. Two Jack Lake comes next, with Rundle Mountain filling the background.

Lake Minnewanka, the park's largest lake, anchors the second half. Your guide will explain the history of Minnewanka Landing, a village that now sits underwater and has become a popular scuba diving site. Weather permitting, you'll also reach an elevated viewpoint above the town itself: the kind of vantage point that takes the drive worthwhile. Along the way to that viewpoint, keep watch for bears (not in winter), deer and bighorn sheep moving through their habitat. The guide knows where these animals tend to appear, though sightings are never guaranteed.

National park entry fees and the air-conditioned vehicle are both included, so you're not paying separately at the gate or arranging your own transport. The guide is licensed and speaks English. Bring a camera if you're a photographer: the light on the Rockies and the wildlife moments reward it.

What’s included

• National park entry fees.
• air-conditioned vehicle.
• licensed English-speaking guide.
• specialized infant seats available upon request.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except SaturdayDeparts at 12:00

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Child (6 to 17 years) · Infant (under 6)

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 15 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by Explore Banff Tours & Transfers

Is this one for you?Three to four hours leaves room for another activity in your day, whether that's a meal in town, the Banff Gondola, or a walk around the town itself. If you need a full-day immersion in the park or a longer backcountry experience, a different tour would suit you better.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (6 to 17 years); Infant (under 6).

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24h before the start.

What animals might I see on this Banff tour?

Elk, deer and bighorn sheep are the most common sightings. Bears appear occasionally in warmer months but not in winter. Your guide will take you to the spots where these animals are most likely to be, though no sighting is guaranteed.

Is Lake Minnewanka the only large lake on the route?

Lake Minnewanka is Banff National Park's largest lake and the main one you'll spend time at. Two Jack Lake is also on the itinerary, offering views of Rundle Mountain, but Minnewanka is where your guide will share the history of the submerged village below.

What is included in the price of this tour?

National park entry fees, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle and the licensed guide are all included. Gratuities and lunch are not.

How much driving is there between the stops?

The remaining time of the three to four hour total is allotted for travelling between locations, so expect a mix of stops and road time rather than one long drive or one long walk.

Can I book a pickup from my hotel?

Pickup is included with this tour. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer to meet the guide at a central location.