See it all: lakes, wildlife, gondola and dinner in a single day





FAQs

Common questions about our adventures.

Booking and Reservations

Super easy. Just head to radventurescanada.com, pick your tour, choose a date, and follow the checkout. The whole thing takes about 3 minutes. And if you’d rather talk to an actual human (totally valid), give us a call at +1 (403) 493-9556 or send an email to yourpals@radventurescanada.com and we’ll happily sort you out.

Honestly? As soon as you know your dates. Some of our tours fill up weeks, even months in advance, and we’ve seen people leave it too late and genuinely regret missing out. If you’re eyeing a summer trip, earlier is always better, and the earlier you book, the better the price you’re likely to get too. That said, we do sometimes have last minute spots open up, so it’s always worth checking even if your dates are close.

For sure. Just reach out to us directly rather than going through the website. Groups of 8 or more are usually better off with a private or custom booking anyway, which we can put together for you with a single call or email. Corporate groups, family reunions, friend trips, we do it all.

100%. Give us a call at +1 (403) 493-9556 or send an email to yourpals@radventurescanada.com. We’ve also got live chat on the website if you’d rather type. Whatever works best for you.

No account needed at all. Just fill in your details at checkout and you’re done. We’ll email you a confirmation with everything you need to know.

Yes! Just book each one separately through the site, and you’ll get 10% off your second tour right at checkout (applies to day tours). If you’d like a hand building a multi day itinerary that makes sense logistically, drop us a message, we love helping people plan an epic trip.

You’ll get a confirmation email with all the details, including what to bring, where we’re picking you up, what time to be ready, and our contact number for the day. Have a read through it and reach out if anything’s unclear at all. We’re here for you.

Usually yes, as long as there’s availability. For day tours, changes are free as long as you give us more than 24 hours notice. For multi day tours, there’s a $100 per person admin fee after the first 24 hours, but we’ll always do our best to help. Just reach out to us sooner rather than later and we’ll take care of it.

If there are still spots available, absolutely. Just let us know as soon as you can. Some tours fill up fast and we can’t add people once the vehicle is full, so the earlier you tell us, the better.

Yes. For day tours this is usually no problem at all, and there’s no charge. For multi day tours there’s a small $100 per person admin fee. Just reach out before the tour date and we’ll get it sorted for you.

It’s our bundle and save discount. When you book two day tours, you’ll get 10% off your second one right at checkout. A great way to see more of the Rockies for less.

Cancellation & Refund Policy

Cancel more than 24 hours before your tour and you’ll get a full refund, no questions asked. Cancel within 24 hours and unfortunately we aren’t able to refund it, as our guides, vehicles, and logistics are already locked in by that point. And if we ever have to cancel on you, whether it’s extreme weather or something else unexpected, you’ll always get a full refund or a free reschedule. We’d never leave you hanging.

For multi day tours, there’s a $500 CAD per person deposit to hold your spot. The good news is that it’s fully refundable for the first 24 hours after you book, so if you have second thoughts right away, you’re completely covered. After that, the deposit becomes a transfer credit you can put toward another trip or date. The remaining balance is then due 75 days before departure, and if we’re ever unable to confirm the tour before that point, you get everything back.

Just get in touch with us as soon as you know. For day tours, changes are free with 24 or more hours notice. For multi day tours, there’s a $100 per person fee once you’re past that initial 24 hour booking window, but we’ll always do our very best to make it work for you.

Always. If we ever have to cancel for any reason, whether it’s weather, an operational issue, or anything else, you’ll get a full refund or the option to reschedule at no cost to you. That’s a promise we take seriously.

Here’s the thing: the Rockies are incredible in all weather. We run tours in rain, snow, and overcast skies, and some of the most striking photos come from those moody days when the mist rolls through the peaks. The only time we ever cancel is if conditions become genuinely unsafe, which is pretty rare. If that does happen, we’ll let you know as early as we can and always make it right with a full refund or a reschedule.

Call us right away at +1 (403) 493-9556, seriously, the moment you think you might be running late. We can’t hold the van for long since we usually have a full group depending on us, but if we hear from you early enough, we can sometimes work something out. Missing pickup without calling is unfortunately treated as a no show and is non refundable, so please just reach out the second you’re worried and we’ll do what we can.

We really do recommend it, especially for multi day trips. Things happen, flights get cancelled, people get sick, and life is unpredictable at the best of times. A good comprehensive policy covering trip cancellation, medical, and adventure activities is genuinely worth the peace of mind. You can add it through the WeTravel booking platform when you check out for multi day tours, or arrange it through your own provider, whichever suits you best.

Payment & Pricing

Everything on the site is priced in Canadian dollars (CAD). There’s a currency toggle on the website so you can see approximate equivalents in USD, AUD, GBP, EUR, and other currencies, just keep in mind that exchange rates shift and your bank may charge a small conversion fee. The price you see at the end of checkout is exactly what you’ll pay in CAD.

All major credit and debit cards. Checkout is secure and takes about 2 minutes from start to finish. Multi day tours go through WeTravel, which accepts major credit cards, bank transfers, and a few other options too. If you need something different, just reach out and we’ll see what we can do.

Day tours and multi day tours are priced per person. Private tours, on the other hand, are priced per group, so the cost covers your whole crew no matter how many of you there are, right up to the vehicle maximum.

For day tours, you pay the full amount when you book. For multi day tours, a $500 CAD per person deposit locks in your spot (this applies to most of our tours, though a few require a different deposit amount so we can secure certain prepaid arrangements), with the remaining balance due 75 days before departure. It’s a pretty standard setup for trips like these.

Not included, so you’ll need to sort that one out yourself. You can buy a day pass at the park gate or info centre in Banff, or grab an annual Discovery Pass if you’re planning to spend more time exploring Canada’s national parks (it’s genuinely great value). And good news for summer 2026: from June 19 to September 7 (inclusive), the Canada Strong Pass means your park admission is completely free.

Tips are completely optional and not included. But if your guide knocks it out of the park, which we think they will, it’s always genuinely appreciated. The industry norm sits around 10 to 20% of the tour price, but honestly, just go with whatever feels right to you. You can bring cash along on the day, or tip by credit or debit card through a link we’ll send you after your tour.

For larger groups visiting during certain off peak times, we might just have something to offer you. The easiest thing is to reach out by phone or email, it’s far simpler than trying to work it out through the website anyway, and we’ll see what we can do for your crew.

We really value the people who come back to us, so reach out directly and let’s have a chat. We’re not about to post a discount code on the website, but we genuinely look after our people.

You betcha! If you live locally, give us a call within 12 hours of your desired tour departure and we’ll hook you up with 50% off. It’s subject to availability and you’ll need to show proof of residency, but we love looking after the people who actually call this place home. Got friends or family coming to visit from out of town? We’ll happily extend them 25% off too, same deal, just give us a call.

Transportation & Pickup

From most hotels and the Banff Train Station, which is honestly one of the best parts of booking with us. We pick up from select hotels right across Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. When you’re checking out, you’ll see the full list and simply choose yours. And if your hotel isn’t on it, just send us a message, we can usually figure something out.

Airport transfers from Calgary (YYC) are available as an add on for multi day tours. For day tours or private experiences, just reach out and we can usually arrange something for you. It’s a whole lot less stressful than trying to figure out the shuttle on your own.

Upscale, climate controlled vans with panoramic windows and leather seats, not a cramped minibus or a big impersonal coach. You can actually take in the mountains right from your seat, which really matters when the scenery is this good. Each van seats up to 15, but we cap our group sizes at 12, so there’s always plenty of room to spread out and get comfortable. They’re kept spotless and cozy for both summer and winter adventures.

We pick up from a set list of hotels that you’ll see at checkout. If your hotel’s on the list, you’re all set. If it’s not, just reach out before you book and we’ll let you know the closest pickup point to you. The last thing we want is any surprises on the morning of your tour.

Your exact pickup time comes through in your booking confirmation, and it varies a little depending on which tour you’re on and where you’re staying. As a general rule, be outside and ready about 5 minutes early. The van typically can’t wait long, since we’ve got a full group counting on us to get moving on time.

For most tours, we come to you, that’s the whole point of hotel pickup. For activity based experiences like the Electric Fat Biking tour, you’ll meet us at a set spot instead. Either way, your confirmation email will lay out all the details, so there’s no guesswork on the day.

Cell service gets patchy out in the backcountry, especially along the Icefields Parkway. But honestly, once you’re out there, you’ll be far too busy admiring the glaciers and mountain goats to care much about your phone. Download offline maps beforehand if you’d like to follow along, and it’s worth letting people know you might be out of reach for a few hours.

No Wi-Fi on the van, no. That said, you’ll have decent cell coverage through most of the park. And honestly? We kind of love that. One of the best parts of being out here is the chance to actually put the phone down and just… be present for a while.

What to Bring & Wear

Layers, always, even in July the mountains have their own agenda. Wear something comfortable and moisture wicking as your base, throw a light fleece in your bag, and pack a waterproof jacket just in case. Sunscreen and sunglasses are non negotiable up here. Comfortable walking shoes are perfectly fine for most tours, and you won’t need full hiking boots unless you’re heading out on an active hiking tour.

Don’t mess around with this one. Go for full winter layers: a thermal base (top and bottom), a warm mid layer like fleece or down, and a waterproof shell on the outside. Warm, waterproof boots are a must, not fashion boots. Bring gloves, a toque, and a neck gaiter too. Skip the jeans, as they get heavy and wet the moment they hit snow. And hand and foot warmers are a great little bonus if you tend to run cold.

For most of our tours, comfortable walking shoes are totally fine, we’re not scrambling up scree fields here. If you’re doing one of our active hiking tours though, proper boots with ankle support will make a real difference by the time you reach the end of the day. When in doubt, just ask us before you pack and we’ll point you in the right direction.

On any of our full day tours, we include a gourmet picnic lunch (a sandwich, snacks, fruit, and a drink) on the house. For half day tours, there aren’t any meals included, but we’ll always have cold filtered water or hot drinks (winter only) on hand for you, and you’re more than welcome to bring your own snacks along. For multi day tours, daily breakfast is included plus a selection of other meals, so check your specific tour page for exactly what’s covered.

Please do, and bring a reusable one if you can. We’ll top you up throughout the day, so you won’t run out. We’re actively working to get rid of single use plastic on our tours, so a reusable bottle genuinely makes a difference. In winter, we’ll have hot drinks sorted for you (coffee, tea, and hot chocolate), but having your own bottle along never hurts.

Leave the big suitcases back at the hotel, there’s limited storage in the van and it genuinely makes everyone’s day easier. A backpack with just the essentials is ideal. And on wildlife tours, it’s worth skipping the heavy perfume or cologne too, animals have a remarkable sense of smell, and strong scents can affect your chances of a good sighting.

Not for the tour itself, no. The only time it comes in handy is if you’d like to tip your guide (always appreciated!), as cash works perfectly for that.

Yes! On all our winter tours, we’ve got you covered. Ice cleats, hiking poles, snowshoes, and headlamps are all provided wherever they’re needed. All you need to do is show up dressed warmly, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Totally fine to leave your stuff in the van. Just use your head about it, we’d suggest leaving the passport and the fancy camera gear somewhere secure back at the hotel. Radventures can’t be held responsible for anything left in the vehicle, so keep the valuables close or leave them behind altogether. And seriously, get travel insurance if you don’t already have it. It’s one of those things that pays for itself the moment you actually need it.

Accessibility & Age Requirements

Absolutely. Many of our guests are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond, and they have an absolutely wonderful time. Most tours involve light walking only, and you can usually choose to stay close to or in the vehicle at any stop if you’d prefer, with plenty of nice park benches nearby to rest on too. If you have any specific concerns, just reach out beforehand and we’ll happily point you toward the tours that are the best fit for you.

We do our very best to make the experience work for everyone. A lot of what we do can be enjoyed right from the vehicle or on level ground, so even if the walks aren’t manageable for you, the scenery is every bit as spectacular. Just give us a heads up before you book so we can talk you through honestly what’s easy and what might be a little trickier on each tour.

Most of our day tours are great for kids 8 and up. The Icefields Parkway and Rockies Hidden Gems tours are better suited to ages 12 and up, given there are some longer driving stints involved. Electric Fat Biking is 15 and up (and a parent needs to be present for anyone under 18). Most of our multi day tours are for ages 14 and up, with a few set at 18 and up. For younger kids, a private tour is usually the best move, since we can really dial up the flexibility to suit your family.

Kids 8 and up are genuinely welcome and usually have an absolute blast, spotting wildlife, asking the guide a million questions, all of it. For the littler ones under 8, let’s have a chat. A private tour where we control the pace tends to work far better for families with young kids than a standard small group experience.

None at all. We’ve had guests well into triple digits, our oldest being 103, who ended up being the absolute highlight of the trip for everyone else on the tour. It really comes down to what you’re comfortable with, age is just a number out here.

Honestly, the terrain of the Canadian Rockies makes full wheelchair accessibility pretty challenging, as our vehicles and most trail stops simply aren’t set up for it. Please reach out before booking and we’ll have an honest conversation about what’s realistically feasible. We genuinely want to find a way to make it work wherever we can, and if we’re not the right fit, we’ll happily point you toward someone who can look after you better.

We don’t do separate kids pricing, it’s the same rate for everyone 8 and up, who are all genuinely welcome on our small group tours. If you’ve got little ones under 8, a private tour is honestly the way to go, giving you full flexibility on pace, stops, and attention spans. We’d highly recommend it for families travelling with younger kids.

It can affect some people, yes, but it’s genuinely not that common. We’re mostly talking mild stuff here, like a slight headache or feeling a little more tired than usual. Drink plenty of water before and during the day, take it easy, and you’ll very likely be totally fine. And if anything does come up, our guides are trained to handle it, so you’re in good hands either way.

Wildlife & Safety

We can’t promise specific animals, they’re wild and they very much do what they want! But our guides know exactly where to look and when, and we spot wildlife on roughly 95% of our tours. Most commonly you’ll see elk, bighorn sheep, and deer, while bears (both grizzly and black) are usually around from May through October. Come with a sense of openness and you’ll almost certainly see something amazing out there.

May through October is prime bear season, with early morning and late evening being when they’re most active. Winter tours are incredible in their own right, but if seeing bears is high on your list, you’ll want to plan for a summer visit.

Depending on the season, you might spot elk (year round), bighorn sheep, deer, coyotes, foxes, black bears, grizzly bears (May through October), moose, mountain goats, wolves, golden eagles, and bald eagles. Every single tour is different, and honestly that unpredictability is part of what makes it so exciting.

We follow Parks Canada guidelines closely, always keeping a respectful, safe distance. Our guides carry binoculars and spotting equipment so you get a great look without ever getting dangerously close. We never bait animals or do anything that would stress them out. The whole goal is a real, wild encounter, not a zoo.

Yes. All our guides have wildlife safety training, know exactly how to use bear spray, and hold wilderness first aid certification. Safety is always the first call out here, so you’re in genuinely good hands.

Stay calm, don’t run, and give them plenty of space, at least 30 metres for elk and sheep, and 100 metres for bears and wolves. Never feed them, ever. If a bear does approach, don’t bolt, stand tall, speak calmly, and back away slowly. And if you’re heading out hiking on your own after the tour, always carry bear spray with you.

National Parks Information

Not included, so you’ll need to sort that one out yourself. You can buy a day pass at the park gate or info centre in Banff, or grab an annual Discovery Pass if you’re planning to spend more time exploring Canada’s national parks (it’s genuinely great value). And good news for summer 2026: from June 19 to September 7 (inclusive), the Canada Strong Pass means your park admission is completely free.

You can pick one up at the park gate when you arrive, at the Parks Canada visitor centre in Banff, or online at pc.gc.ca. And if you’re spending a week or more in the Rockies, the annual Discovery Pass is genuinely great value, since it covers all of Canada’s national parks for a full year.

Prices shift a little year to year, so check pc.gc.ca for the current rates. Roughly speaking, adult day passes have been sitting around $10 to 12 CAD per person. A family Discovery Pass has been around $145 CAD and covers everything for a full year, which is well worth it if you’re planning to explore more than one park.

Sustainability & Ethics

We’re proud members of 1% for the Planet, which means 1% of our revenue goes to environmental causes, full stop. We run on Leave No Trace principles, we’ve ditched single use plastics across our tours, and our guides actively help guests understand how to protect the wildlife and trails we all love so much. It’s not just talk either, it’s genuinely built into how we run every single tour.

Very deliberately, yes. We partner with locally owned hotels, restaurants, and businesses wherever we can. The money you spend on a Radventures tour stays right here in Banff and Canmore, supporting the very community that makes this place what it is.

We’ve worked hard to get rid of them. We use reusable water refill systems on all our tours, which is exactly why we ask you to bring along your own bottle. It’s a small thing on its own, but it makes a genuinely big difference over thousands of tours a year.

Pack in, pack out. Stay on the path. Don’t mess with the wildlife or pick the flowers. Leave everything exactly as you found it. Our guides live by this, and we ask our guests to do the same. It’s how we make sure this place stays every bit as stunning for the next person who shows up.

About Radventures

We’re a locally owned, Banff based adventure tour company, founded by Dale Schober with one goal in mind: showing people the Canadian Rockies the way they truly deserve to be experienced, not the way a big bus tour does it. Think small groups, legendary guides, and genuine local access. We’ve earned a 4.9 out of 5 Google rating and back to back TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards (2023, 2024, and 2025), which we’re pretty proud of.

Three things, honestly. Small groups (usually a maximum of 12), real local expertise (our guides actually live here and know the hidden spots, the best timing, and the real stories behind it all), and quality over absolutely everything (nice vehicles, thoughtful inclusions, and guides who genuinely care). We’re not a bus tour. We’re not a box ticking operation. We just want you to leave feeling like you saw the real Rockies.

TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards three years running, in 2023, 2024, and 2025. We hold a 5 out of 5 on TripAdvisor and a 4.9 out of 5 on Google. That’s not us tooting our own horn either, it’s thousands of guests saying they’d do it all over again.

Most of our small group day tours are capped at 12 people, which is deliberately small. Our winter tours are kept even smaller at 10, for a more intimate feel out there. Multi day tours cap at 12 to 13, and private tours are, of course, just your own crew.

Yes, and they’re incredible. Every major day tour has a private option where we reserve the entire vehicle just for your group. You get a fully flexible itinerary, a dedicated guide, and a gourmet breakfast, lunch, or dinner included. They’re wonderful for families, couples, special occasions, or honestly anyone who just wants the day to be entirely about them.

Yes! These run from 5 day Canadian Rockies highlights trips all the way up to 12 day ski expeditions. And we’ve also taken Radventures global, with small group tours all around the world. Same quality you’d expect from us, just a different corner of the planet.

Yes, you’ll have a dedicated Radventures trip leader with you for the entire journey. And on trips that cover multiple destinations, local expert guides join you at each spot along the way too. You’re never left on your own trying to figure it all out.

We do, and they’re genuinely great. From a half day team adventure right through to a full multi day incentive retreat, we handle absolutely everything, the transport, permits, guides, and catering too if you’d like it. One invoice, zero headache. Just email us at yourpals@radventurescanada.com and we’ll put together a proposal for you.

During Your Tour

Totally fine, nobody’s ever going to pressure you into anything. If something doesn’t feel quite right for you on the day, just let your guide know. We always have a more relaxed alternative ready to go, whether that’s a comfy spot nearby, a scenic area to explore at your own pace, or simply hanging back and taking it all in from the van. The whole point is that you have a great time, however that looks for you.

Contact & Customer Support

Phone: +1 (403) 493-9556. Email: yourpals@radventurescanada.com. There’s also live chat on the website during business hours, and you’ll find us on Instagram and Facebook at @radventurescanada. We’re pretty responsive, so don’t hesitate to reach out.

During peak season (May through October), we’re available 7 days a week. Off season (November through April), our hours are a little reduced. Your best bet is to reach us by email or phone during Banff business hours (Mountain Time). We try to respond to everything within a few hours during the busy season.

Talk to your guide first, they can handle most things right on the spot and genuinely want to put any issue right. If something more serious comes up, call us directly at +1 (403) 493-9556. We’re really not the type to let a problem sit.

TripAdvisor and Google are the most helpful places for us, they genuinely make a real difference for a small company like ours. Tag us on Instagram too (@radventurescanada), we absolutely love seeing your photos. And if anything didn’t go well, please come to us directly first. We’d really like the chance to make it right before it ever becomes a review.