Banff

15 Best Banff Wildlife Tours

The wildlife drives: elk, bighorn and the occasional grizzly along the valley roads at dusk, found by guides who track the sightings daily. Bring the long lens; the animals set the distance.

1.Banff Highlights & Wildlife | Award-Winning Small Group Adventure

Discover Banff’s stunning lakes, mountain vistas, and wildlife with this small-group tour. Ideal for nature lovers seeking authentic, guided experiences.

Most Popular★ 4.5

“Our tour guide Lubo was great! We saw so much wildlife! he brought us to a variety of locations that I would not have known where to start. He was also very knowledgeable about the history of Banff, as well as geographical and historical facts…”

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3.From Banff: Banff Wildlife & Scenic Highlights Premium Tour

Discover Banff’s stunning scenery and wildlife on this 3-hour guided tour. Perfect for nature lovers seeking authentic Rockies experiences.

★ 4.4

“Jess was amazing. We loved her as our guide. Very friendly and informative. We managed to see Elk, the male was very impressive. Even if we hadn’t seen any wildlife the locations she took us to were beautiful.”

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4.Year Round Tour: Banff and its Wildlife

Discover Banff’s natural wonders and historic landmarks on this 3-hour guided tour, perfect for wildlife sightings, scenic views, and local stories.

★ 4.5

“Hosted by Tim on our tour. He was exceptionally knowledgeable and a brilliant guide. Saw 2 types of deer, elk, canada geese and a chipmunk and Tim would always try and get us as close as possible, within reason. Always ready to answer our questions…”

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6.Banff: Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour

Experience Banff’s wildlife on a 1.5-hour guided canoe tour along the Bow River. Perfect for families, nature lovers, and those seeking peaceful mountain views.

★ 4.7

“Really well organised activity on a lovely evening on the Bow River. Our guide, Bree, was knowledgeable and friendly. On the return paddle to the canoe club, we were lucky enough to see 2 young black bears running along the riverside path.”

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7.Moraine Lake & Lake Louise Sunset & Wildlife Adventure

Discover the stunning Banff area with this 5-hour Moraine Lake, Lake Louise sunset, and wildlife tour, led by friendly guides and packed with breathtaking views.

★ 5.0

“Nolan was wonderful! We saw a beautiful sunset at both Moraine Lake and Lake Louise and the drive back was perfect for spotting Elk. Nolan was knowledgeable and chatty, the best guide you could ask for.”

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8.Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

Experience Banff's wildlife from a canoe on the Bow River, with expert guides, stunning scenery, and accessible nature viewing—ideal for all skill levels.

★ 5.0

“John, our guide, knew the history and fauna associated with the Bow River and told us many interesting stories along the way. The views from the water are breathtaking!”

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9.Johnston Canyon Frozen Waterfalls & Banff Backroads Wildlife Tour

Discover Johnston Canyon's stunning frozen waterfalls with expert guides on this winter tour, including wildlife sightings, scenic backroads, and cozy hot drinks for a perfect Banff experience.

★ 5.0

“Connor was excellent. Extremely personable, knowledgeable about the area, and just a great tour guide.”

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10.Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour

Experience Banff's wildlife from a unique vantage point on a guided canoe trip along the Bow River, combining scenic views, wildlife spotting, and expert insights for an authentic adventure.

★ 4.5

“The guides were excellent. Friendly and very helpful. Ethan was our guide and he was very knowledgeable. We saw a beaver by its den. The evening tour was the perfect time to go. I highly recommend this tour.”

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11.Guided Tour to Banff Highlights & Wildlife With Gondola Admission

Discover Banff's top sights and wildlife with a guided tour featuring stunning viewpoints, a gondola ride, and insider stories—all in a small group setting.

★ 5.0

“Excellent experience with our guide Lubo. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic and we loved the tour. Breathtaking scenery. Comfortable 4 hr bus trip with several scenic stops, and delicious hot chocolate snack. Thank you Lubo!”

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13.Canmore/Banff: Explore Banff & Wildlife

Discover Banff’s stunning scenery and wildlife with this 4-hour guided tour. Perfect for outdoor lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and photography fans.

★ 4.5

“Phoebe was an excellent guide during our wildlife tour. We saw mule deer, big horn sheep, and elk, some were with their babies. Also stopped at some amazing sights too. Well worth the price.”

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14.Banff: Winter Wilderness Walk with Wildlife Tracking – 2hrs

Experience the magic of winter in Banff with a 2-hour wildlife tracking walk. Learn to identify animal tracks, enjoy stunning scenery, and hear local stories.

★ 5.0

“Jacob was friendly —a true local with lots of knowledge so you get to enjoy some hidden nuggets! Absolutely gorgeous views hiking along Johnson Lake …got some amazing Christmas card pictures…stunning! Animal tracks everywhere in the snow. Enjoyed sighting mule deer and an eagle!”

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15.Calgary:Moraine Lake Sunrise & Lake Louise & Wildlife Safari

Discover the stunning beauty of the Canadian Rockies with this small-group tour visiting Moraine Lake at sunrise, Lake Louise, and wildlife safaris, all from Calgary or Banff.

“The Moraine Lake Sunrise, Lake Louise & Wildlife Safari tour was incredible! Watching the sunrise over Moraine Lake was magical and so peaceful. Lake Louise was stunning, and the wildlife safari was a fun bonus — we even spotted some animals along the way. The…”

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