Banff is a natural wonderland, and its clear, rushing waters and mountain vistas make it a perfect setting for canoeing and kayaking. Unlike the typical sightseeing drive, paddling here offers an intimate view of Canadian Rockies scenery, abundant wildlife, and peaceful water. We love the Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour for its relaxed pace and wildlife sightings—it’s a great choice for families and nature lovers alike. The chance to see bald eagles, elk, and other wildlife from the water is a true highlight. Plus, the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, making this a memorable experience for all ages.
If you’re after a quieter, less crowded float, the River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park is an excellent pick. It offers a deep dive into the landscape without the hustle of larger crowds, with multiple start times and a focus on wildlife and natural beauty. For those wanting a little more adventure, the Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour combines wildlife spotting with an easy paddle, perfect for families or first-timers. All these tours deliver a chance to enjoy Banff from a different perspective—on the water, away from the busy roads and trails.
1. Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour
Explore the beauty of Banff National Park with this classic canoe adventure along the Bow River. You’ll paddle with a guide who shares insights into the park’s native wildlife, history, and heritage, making it as educational as it is scenic. This tour is highly rated, with 301 reviews giving it a perfect 5.0/5. It lasts about 1 hour 30 minutes—just enough to enjoy the calm waters and keep your energy for exploring later.
What makes this experience stand out is its appeal to families and casual paddlers. The guide, Abbey, is praised for her helpfulness and photography skills, ensuring you get a few memorable shots. Many reviews mention wildlife sightings like bald eagles, elk, and even a bald eagle before leaving the dock. The gentle upstream paddle followed by a relaxing coast makes for a peaceful, scenic outing. The price point of around $57 per person offers great value considering the guide-led experience and wildlife encounters.
Bottom Line: Ideal for families and first-time paddlers, this tour combines stunning scenery with storytelling and wildlife, making it a memorable and easy introduction to Banff’s waters.
2. River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park
At number 2, the River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour offers a quieter, more intimate way to experience Banff’s rivers and landscapes. It’s perfect for those who prefer a relaxed float without the need for prior paddling experience. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is praised for its spectacular scenery and knowledgeable guides like Abbey, who answered questions and shared stories about local wildlife.
This trip emphasizes seeing Banff’s natural beauty from the water, providing access to viewpoints you can’t reach by car. Multiple start times help fit this experience into busy schedules, and the focus on wildlife, including beavers and mountain views, makes it a hit with nature lovers. The reviews highlight the calm, peaceful environment and the opportunity to learn about the park’s ecosystem without exertion.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking a tranquil water experience, this tour delivers scenic views and wildlife insight that will stay with you long after you leave the river.
3. Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour
This family-friendly adventure is a gentle big canoe trip along the Bow River, offering easy paddling and rich scenery. It’s a great way for all ages to enjoy the water in Banff National Park while learning about the local environment from your guide. The tour lasts about 1.5 hours and is appreciated for its relaxed pace and wildlife viewing opportunities.
Guests have enjoyed spotting elk, Canadian Rockies, and hearing stories about the area’s history. Its accessibility makes it suitable for those with limited paddling experience or families with young children. The combination of scenic views, wildlife, and informative commentary creates a well-rounded experience, especially valued at the modest price of roughly $58 per person.
Bottom Line: An easy, family-friendly way to enjoy Banff’s waterways with plenty of wildlife and scenery, making it perfect for a relaxed day on the water.
4. Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park
For wildlife enthusiasts, the Wildlife on the Bow tour is a standout. It combines wildlife spotting with a scenic canoe trip on the Bow River, all in a 12-person canoe—giving an intimate and personal experience. The tour is about 1 hour 30 minutes long and costs approximately $63.75 per person.
Guides focus on sharing insights about flora and fauna, with recent sightings including elk, bald eagles, beavers, and more. Many reviewers note that the experience feels serene and peaceful, with the chance to observe animals in their natural habitat. The small group size and knowledgeable guides ensure a personal touch that appeals to nature lovers.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a peaceful, wildlife-rich experience that’s perfect for those who want a relaxed paddle with educational insights.
5. Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise-Hike/Canoe/Sightsee
Spending a day at Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, with options for hiking, canoeing, or sightseeing, gives you an immersive Banff experience. For a full 9.5 hours, you’ll visit these iconic lakes when they’re at their most stunning, with special permits ensuring early access to avoid crowds. This tour is ideal for those wanting a combination of outdoor activities with scenic vistas.
Guests love that they arrive when the lakes are at their most vibrant turquoise, and the flexible itinerary lets you choose between canoeing or hiking. Local drivers add value by sharing insights during the trip, making it a practical, all-in-one experience for adventure seekers and photographers alike. The price of around $150 may seem high, but it covers all logistics, permits, and extra time at the lakes.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive day out for active travelers who want to maximize their time at Banff’s most famous lakes with options for canoeing or hiking.
6. Banff: Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour
Another wildlife-focused adventure, this evening big canoe tour takes you along the Bow River at sunset, offering a chance to spot native wildlife like bald eagles, elk, and deer. The 1.5-hour experience is family-friendly and includes interpretation from your guide, making it both fun and educational.
Guests often comment on the stunning mountain scenery and the quiet, peaceful atmosphere of paddling at dusk. It’s a good choice for those who want a relaxed, wildlife-rich experience with the magic of a Banff sunset. The price is around $58, making it a reasonable option for a scenic evening outing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for wildlife watchers and sunset lovers, this tour blends scenic paddling with a chance to see animals in their natural habitat.
7. Small Group: Emerald Lake (Optional Canoe) & Takakkaw Falls
This small-group tour combines visiting Emerald Lake—where you can rent a canoe or hike—and stopping at the towering Takakkaw Falls. It’s a full-day adventure perfect for those who want a mix of natural beauty and active pursuits. The tour lasts about 10 hours and costs $70 per person.
Guests love the chance to experience Emerald Lake with its incredible color and spend time paddling or walking around. The falls are breathtaking, and the visit is complemented by a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle and free Wi-Fi. The tour offers a good balance between scenic stops and active options, making it ideal for outdoor lovers.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want a well-rounded day of sightseeing, paddling, and hiking in some of Canada’s most beautiful parks.
8. Banff National Park- Double Kayak Experience
At number 8, the Double Kayak Experience provides an opportunity for up to two people to explore the Bow River in a tandem kayak. Priced around $118.77 per group, the two-hour trip is praised for its stunning mountain views, including Mount Rundle, and proximity to wildlife like beavers.
Guides lead you safely along the water, sharing stories about the landscape and wildlife. The experience is best suited for couples or small groups seeking some quality time on the water. Many reviews note the serene environment and panoramic scenery, making it a peaceful, romantic choice.
Bottom Line: Perfect for couples or small groups who want a personal, scenic kayaking trip with a focus on wildlife and mountain views.
9. Banff: Kayaking Trip
Offering a 2-hour paddle in a group kayak, this experience in Banff is ideal for those wanting a short, easy introduction to kayaking on the Bow River. The tour emphasizes wildlife viewing and the chance to capture Mount Rundle on camera.
Though fewer reviews are available, the focus on serene surroundings and wildlife makes it a straightforward, accessible option for beginners. It’s suited for travelers with limited time who want a quick, scenic outing.
Bottom Line: A short, affordable option for a brief but scenic kayak adventure, ideal for first-timers.
10. Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour
This tour emphasizes wildlife viewing on the Bow River in a big canoe. It’s approximately 1 hour 30 minutes long and costs about $60.13 per person. The focus is on observing animals like elk, eagles, and beavers, while paddling through stunning scenery.
Guests appreciate the relaxed pace and how guides share stories about local wildlife and the environment. It’s an excellent choice for families or those interested in learning about the local ecosystem without strenuous activity.
Bottom Line: A relaxed, wildlife-rich paddle perfect for a family outing or anyone interested in nature.
11. Banff – Double Kayak Experience
With no reviews yet, the Double Kayak Experience offers a 1 hour 30 minutes paddle for up to two people. Its focus on mountain views and wildlife makes it appealing for couples or small groups who want an easy, scenic paddle.
It’s a flexible and intimate way to enjoy Banff’s waters without the crowds, with the added bonus of good photo opportunities.
Bottom Line: A quiet, romantic way to explore Banff’s natural beauty in a tandem kayak.
$117.60 per group (up to 2)
How to Choose Your Perfect Canoe or Kayak Tour
When selecting a water experience in Banff, consider your fitness level, wildlife interests, and how much time you want to spend. For a family-friendly, educational outing with wildlife sightings, the Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour is a top choice. If you prefer a more peaceful, less crowded float, the River Explorer or Wildlife on the Bow tours fit well. For those wanting a full day of sightseeing and active pursuits, the Moraine Lake & Lake Louise tour offers a comprehensive experience.
For romantic or couples trips, the Double Kayak Experience provides a quiet, scenic paddle. Budget-minded travelers should note that most tours around $57-$70 offer great value considering guided expertise and wildlife viewing. Booking early, especially during peak summer months, ensures you get your preferred date and time.
Final Thoughts
Banff’s lakes and rivers open up a different way to experience the stunning scenery—by water. From gentle wildlife sightings to active paddling adventures, there’s a tour suited for every interest and fitness level. If your goal is to see bald eagles, elk, or beavers while floating past towering peaks, options like the Wildlife on the Bow or Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour shine.
For those seeking a peaceful escape with fewer crowds, the River Explorer offers a calm, scenic float. Families and first-timers should prioritize the family-friendly tours, while adventure seekers might prefer longer options like the Moraine Lake & Lake Louise day trip.
Whatever your choice, booking early is wise—these experiences fill up quickly, especially in summer. Now, get your paddle ready and enjoy the best of Banff from the water.