Via ferrata, whitewater, horseback, e-bike and guided alpine hiking. The active side of the park, with the fitness and season notes that decide whether a day is right for you.
Banff’s Bow Valley offers serene horseback riding along the tranquil Bow River. Meet your guide at the stables for check-in, helmet fitting, and basic riding instructions. Mount your horse using a step, then follow the guide past the historic Cave and Basin Hot Springs – birthplace of Banff National Park. Spot wildlife in marshes and meadows while enjoying unspoiled Rocky Mountain views.
Soar over the Canadian Rockies on a 20-, 30-, or 55-minute helicopter flight from the Icefield Discovery Center. The 20-minute tour offers stunning views of Abraham Lake’s turquoise bubbles. The 30-minute flight covers the Wilson Icefield’s crevasses, glaciers, and waterfalls at 9,000 ft. The 55-minute “Complete Columbia Icefields Tour” reveals six glaciers, frozen lakes, waterfalls, and peaks like Purple Mountain and Mount Cline.
Banff’s scenic pathways are perfect for this leisurely e-bike tour with a qualified guide. Start with helmets and bike setup, then pedal to Vermilion Lakes for Mt Rundle reflections. Cruise along the Bow River to Bow Falls, past Banff Springs Golf Course – a prime wildlife spot for elk, deer, and occasional bears.
Banff’s trails showcase turquoise lakes, glaciers, and peaks. Choose your hike: Stanley Glacier (moderate, 8.4 km, 395 m gain) through fire-regrowth forests; Larch Valley (moderate, 9 km, 535 m gain) for Ten Peaks views; Consolation Lakes (easy, 5.8 km, 255 m gain) near Moraine Lake; or Plain of Six Glaciers (moderate, 10.6 km, 340 m gain) with teahouse views.
Raft thrilling class 3-4 rapids with big waves on the pristine Kananaskis/Bow River. Get fitted with wetsuits and safety gear, receive instructions, then paddle through Horseshoe Canyon’s stunning shale cliffs and calm sections. Spot eagles and deer, optional cliff jump, and enjoy snacks at the end.
Mt. Norquay, just 10 minutes from Banff, offers thrilling via ferrata routes for all abilities – no experience needed. Choose the 2.5-hour Explorer (1 km, 145 m gain) or 4-hour Ridgewalker (1.4 km, 260 m gain). Ride the chairlift, get equipped (harness, helmet), and climb with an expert guide.
Every tour above is operated by a licensed local company and booked on the operator's own listing, where live dates and prices are shown. Banff National Park Tours lists the ones that hold their ratings across a full season.
