Banff Highlights, Wildlife & Gondola
- From CA$ 295
+23- 4 Hours
- Ages: 8 +
- Activity Level: Easy / Leisurely
Private Tours: Free 7 day cancellation No risk
Wildlife below, the whole Rockies above.
This half-day tour explores the quiet edges of town, stopping at lakes, viewpoints, and wildlife corridors where the animals are most active. There’s a 95% chance of spotting wildlife, from elk and bighorn sheep to bears (May to October). Your guide shares the real stories of this place: the history, the ecology, and the small details that bring it all to life. Then, just when you think you’ve seen it all, the gondola takes you up and the Rockies open up beneath you in every direction. Four hours that take you from Banff’s quiet corners to the top of its world.
From the quiet corners to the highest peaks, the real Banff in half a day.
The Rad Experience
Explore in Comfort
Skip the crowded bus. Max 12 guests, premium vehicles and a pace that actually lets you take it all in.
Legendary Local Guide
Guides who turn mountains into stories and feel like a friend by day's end. They know the wildlife, the hidden lookouts, and the stories no guidebook has.
Secret Stops Only We Know
Some of the best moments happen off the itinerary. Your guide knows exactly where to find them.
Your Booking Protects This Place
1% of every booking goes straight to conservation. You're not just exploring the Rockies. You're protecting them.
Guest Reviews
Itinerary
Hotel Pick-up in Banff
Your guide sets the scene as we head out for the adventure ahead.
Mt. Norquay Viewpoint
Panoramic vistas over Banff’s valley, perfect for capturing stunning photographs.
Two Jack Lake
A serene, mirror-like lake offering postcard-worthy views of the Rockies.
Lake Minnewanka
A spectacular glacial lake known for wildlife sightings and breathtaking mountain reflections.
Hoodoo Lookout
Marvel at centuries-old rock formations shaped by wind and water.
Bow Falls
Witness the power of glacial runoff as it cascades into the Bow River.
Surprise Corner
The iconic view of the legendary Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, framed by towering peaks.
Cave & Basin (Winter Only)
Visit the historic birthplace of Canada’s National Parks.
Secret Stop #1
A hidden vantage point away from the crowds, offering an exclusive and breathtaking view of Banff.
Secret Stop #2
A secluded wildlife corridor known for frequent encounters with Banff’s most elusive residents.
Banff Gondola
Ride to the summit of Sulphur Mountain for sweeping 360° alpine views.
Hotel Drop-off
We’ll drive you back to your pick-up spot, full of memories.
What's Included
Small group experience (max 12 guests)
Comfortable, premium transportation
Local guide trained in photography and storytelling
Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, or tea) & sweet treat – winter only
Fresh water refills (BYO bottle)
Polaroid souvenir
Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select locations
Banff Gondola Admission
Lunch
Guide gratuities (optional)
Pick-up and Drop-off
Select your preferred location at checkout
7 pick-up spots in Banff
Make this adventure private
Your group. Your pace. An itinerary built entirely around you.
Call or email our concierge, we handle every detail.
FAQs
How physically demanding is this tour?
This experience includes a few short walks with minimal elevation gain, and you can happily opt in or out of any of them based on your own comfort level.
What is included in the Banff Highlights + Gondola tour?
Everything from the standard Banff Highlights & Wildlife tour, plus a ride up the Banff Gondola to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where 360 degree views of six mountain ranges and the entire Bow Valley open up below you. And your gondola tickets are fully included, which is a nice little saving on top.
How long is the Gondola ride and summit experience?
The ride itself takes about 8 minutes each way. Once you’re at the top, you’ll have 45 to 60 minutes to wander the boardwalk, explore the Cosmic Ray Station National Historic Site, and simply soak in that view. It really is something.
Is this tour suitable in winter?
Absolutely. The Gondola runs year round, and the summit in winter is genuinely stunning, snow capped peaks stretching out in every direction. Just be sure to dress warmly, as the summit is significantly colder than down in Banff town.
What is the difference between this tour and the standard Banff Highlights & Wildlife tour?
Just the Gondola, really. It’s the same wildlife tour with the same stops, simply with Sulphur Mountain added on and your tickets included. If the Gondola was already on your list, this is by far the more convenient way to tick it off.
What's the focus of this tour, wildlife or sightseeing?
Both, genuinely. This is a Banff highlights tour at heart, taking you to the best viewpoints and hidden corners around the area, and we work hard to weave in as much wildlife as we possibly can along the way. We spot animals on about 95% of tours, but they’re wild and free to roam, so some days bring more than others. What we can promise is that we’ll always do our very best to give you the full package, the iconic scenery and the wildlife.
What's your cancellation policy?
Nice and stress free. As long as you contact us by email or phone at least 24 hours before your booking start time, you can cancel or make changes without any penalty at all. Easy as that.
- From CA$ 295
Private Tours: Free 7 day cancellation No risk