Banff: Wildlife Viewing & Scenic Backroads Small Group Tour

Summary

Wildlife sightings, mountain views, and Banff’s quiet corners

You’ll join a small group for a relaxed journey through Banff’s quieter backroads, guided by someone who knows local stories and secret viewpoints. Expect chances to spot wildlife like bighorn sheep or foxes, strolls by glacial lakes such as Minnewanka, and moments of silence overlooking endless mountains—plus pickup is included so you can just settle in.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how our guide, Mark, seemed to know everyone in Banff — he waved at a guy unloading canoes by the river before we’d even left the train station. We piled into this van with big windows (thankfully, because you don’t want to miss anything out here) and headed up Mount Norquay. The air smelled like pine needles and cold stone. Mark pointed out the ski runs that are empty now but still hold these old stories — apparently some locals have been skiing here for generations. I tried to picture that while the sun hit the peaks just right. Someone in our group asked if we’d see bears. Mark just grinned and said, “Keep your eyes open.”

We drove these winding backroads — honestly, I lost track of which way was north — and every turn felt like a new postcard. At Lake Minnewanka, there was this weird hush over the water except for a couple of loons calling out. The color of the lake looked unreal; I almost thought it was fake until I dipped my hand in (freezing). We stopped at Two Jack Lake too, where Mark told us how elk sometimes wander right up to the shore early in the morning. Didn’t see any elk then, but we did spot bighorn sheep on a ridge — they just stared back at us like we were the spectacle.

I liked that it wasn’t all about chasing animals though. There was this short walk to some red chairs overlooking Bow Valley — you could see all these layers of mountains just stacking up forever. A couple from Toronto sat down next to me and we just kind of sat there quietly for a bit; nobody needed to say much. Later at Bow Falls, Mark mentioned an old Marilyn Monroe movie filmed there (I had no idea), and you could hear the water thundering down so loud it made talking pointless anyway.

By the end I’d stopped checking my phone for photos and just watched out the window as dusk settled in. It’s funny how you come hoping to spot wildlife on a day trip from Banff but end up remembering things like how cold your fingers got holding onto that red chair or how everyone went quiet when a fox darted across the road at sunset. I still think about that view above town — not sure why it stuck with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Banff's wildlife and viewpoints

• Meet expert local guide
• Ascend Mount Norquay viewpoint
• Travel through Banff National Park
• Spot wildlife near lakes
• Walk to red chair viewpoint
• View Tunnel Mountain and hotel
• Visit Bow Falls

Top questions

What wildlife might I see on this Banff small group tour?

You could spot bears, elk, bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, foxes, moose, lynx or more—sightings vary daily.

Does this tour include pickup in Banff?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are provided at the Banff Train Station for all guests.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size is capped at 12 guests for a more personal experience.

Are children allowed on this wildlife viewing tour?

Children under 5 years old cannot join these small group adventures.

What are some stops included on this day trip from Banff?

You’ll visit places like Mount Norquay viewpoint, Lake Minnewanka, Two Jack Lake, Bow Falls and scenic red chair lookouts.

Is food or drink included during the tour?

Complimentary hot chocolate, tea or coffee is served at a viewpoint during winter tours; water refills are available year-round (bring your own bottle).

Will we avoid crowds during this Banff tour?

The timing is designed around dusk/sunset to escape crowds and maximize chances of seeing wildlife.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted according to their policy.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup and drop-off at Banff Train Station with an expert local guide leading your small group (no more than 12 guests). You’ll travel in spacious transport with big windows for wildlife spotting along backroads near Lake Minnewanka and Bow Falls. Water refills are available throughout (bring your own bottle), plus complimentary hot drinks at a scenic viewpoint during winter tours before returning after sunset.