Banff National Park’s 7 Top Tours & Things To Do (With Prices)

Banff National Park is a true showcase of Canada’s stunning mountain scenery, abundant wildlife, and outdoor adventure opportunities. Its rugged landscapes attract travelers eager to explore on foot, by boat, or from behind a camera lens. Among the many ways to experience this wilderness, a few tours stand out for their unique appeal.

We especially love the Columbia Icefield: Guided Glacier Hike for its close-up glacier encounters and the Moraine Lake Adventure for its access to one of the most iconic lakes in the Rockies.

These experiences capture the essence of Banff’s raw beauty and provide memorable ways to see this spectacular wilderness.

Whether you want to walk on glaciers, explore backcountry lakes, or enjoy winter snowshoeing, Banff offers something for every type of traveler. From relaxed sightseeing to active adventures, the tours below highlight the best ways to get out and connect with Canada’s mountain landscape.

1. Columbia Icefield: Guided Glacier Hike

At number 1, the Columbia Icefield: Guided Glacier Hike ranks high for its immersive experience on the Athabasca Glacier, arguably the most accessible glacier in the Canadian Rockies. For just $96 per person, you spend about three hours exploring this vast icefield with an ACMG-certified guide.

The tour includes all the gear you need, from crampons to helmets, ensuring safety while walking on ice that’s hundreds of years old.

What makes this tour exceptional is the chance to peer into deep crevasses and watch meltwater cascade over the glacier’s edge, an awe-inspiring sight. The guides share insights about the glacier’s formation, climate change impacts, and the mountain environment, making the experience both educational and exhilarating.

You’ll walk onto the glacier itself and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding peaks, including some of the highest in the Rockies.

This hike is ideal for travelers who want a tangible, hands-on experience of the icefield. It’s a bit physically demanding but worth every step for the chance to stand atop a real glacier. Be prepared for cold, even in summer, and book early—this tour is popular for a reason.

Bottom Line: A striking, educational adventure perfect for active travelers and those curious about glaciers and climate change.

2. Bestseller From Canmore/Banff: Moraine Lake Adventure

Number 2 on our list is the Moraine Lake Adventure. For $55 per person, this full-day tour offers a fantastic way to see one of Banff’s most famous sights, with the added bonus of exploring surrounding trails. The tour departs from Canmore, Harvey Heights, Banff, and Lake Louise, with convenient hotel pickups, making it a hassle-free way to avoid the parking crowds.

What makes this tour stand out is its small-group size, which means more personalized attention and insider tips from guides with local knowledge. You’ll spend time discovering the Moraine Lake area, hiking nearby trails, and soaking in the stunning scenery of the Valley of the Ten Peaks. The guides are experts at pointing out wildlife, best photo spots, and hidden corners of this popular site.

This trip is ideal for those who want a comprehensive day of sightseeing combined with light hiking and excellent photo opportunities. The price reflects good value considering the guide service and the chance to experience Moraine Lake away from the crowds, especially in peak season.

Bottom Line: Perfect for visitors seeking a guided, intimate experience at Moraine Lake with plenty of local insights.

3. Banff National Park: Sunshine Meadows Snowshoeing Experience

Number 3 is the Sunshine Meadows Snowshoeing Experience. At $101 per person for four hours, this tour takes you into the winter backcountry of Banff, perfect for those who enjoy snow and solitude. You start with a gondola and chairlift ride up to Sunshine Village, from where your snowshoe trek begins.

The highlight here is the chance to trek across deep powder snow with panoramic mountain views all around. The guides lead you through pristine snow-covered meadows and forests, sharing stories about the area’s ecology and winter wildlife. After the trek, warm up with hot chocolate, making it a cozy, active outing.

This tour is well-suited for intermediate snowshoe enthusiasts or beginners looking for a guided experience in a stunning winter setting. The combination of gondola rides and snowshoeing makes it accessible to most fitness levels, and the scenery is worth every effort.

Bottom Line: A fantastic winter activity that pairs easy transportation with a scenic backcountry trek, ideal for winter lovers.

4. Skoki Lake Louise Daily Guided Hike in the Canadian Rockies

Coming in at number 4, the Skoki Lake Louise Guided Hike offers a full-day exploration of the wilderness accessible via exclusive shuttle. For $114 per person, you’ll experience some of the best hiking in Banff without the crowds, with jaw-dropping views in all directions.

The tour takes you through the Skoki Valley, a hidden gem of the Rockies, with a route that showcases alpine lakes, wildflower meadows, and towering peaks. The guide’s local expertise helps you spot wildlife and learn about the area’s geology and ecology. The shuttle access means fewer hikers, so you’ll enjoy a more peaceful and immersive experience.

Ideal for avid hikers or those wanting a deeper connection with the mountain landscape, this itinerary balances challenging terrain with spectacular scenery. The guide is experienced at keeping the group comfortable and engaged, even if the hike covers significant elevation.

Bottom Line: A top choice for serious hikers seeking solitude and spectacular vistas in the Banff backcountry.

5. 50% OFF Columbia Icefield

Number 5 is a comprehensive Icefield tour, offering a full-day adventure through some of the Rockies’ most iconic glacial scenery. For $273 per person, this 12-hour tour takes you to Emerald Lake, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and the Crowfoot Glacier, among other highlights.

You’ll feel the crisp, glacier-chilled air as you hike along the glacier’s edge, with opportunities to capture striking photos of turquoise waters and rugged peaks. The tour includes walks along the shores of Bow Lake and a visit to Mistaya Canyon, both stunning in their own right. The highlight is seeing the striking shape of Crowfoot Glacier, a true glacier icon.

This tour is perfect for those with a full day to spare, especially if you’re interested in photography, geology, or simply soaking in the grandeur of the Rockies in one day. It’s quite extensive, so good fitness is recommended.

Bottom Line: An all-encompassing day trip for travelers who want to see multiple highlights in a single, well-organized tour.

6. Banff: Uncover the Beauty of Western Canada (6-Days)

Number 6 is the 6-day tour exploring Banff, Jasper, and Whistler. For $1,527 per person, this is a deep dive into Western Canada’s most stunning landscapes, wildlife, and culture. It includes visits to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Jasper National Park, along with opportunities to spot wildlife and learn about Indigenous history.

You’ll stay in cozy wilderness hostels along the Icefields Parkway, with guided excursions and free time to explore. The tour also takes you to Whistler, where you can enjoy the Olympic legacy and vibrant village atmosphere. This multi-day experience is best suited for travelers wanting a comprehensive trip that combines sightseeing, wildlife, and cultural insights.

The tour balances structured activities with free time, making it flexible enough for different interests. Given the length, it’s suited for travelers with several days to spare and a desire for a thorough Rockies adventure.

Bottom Line: A superb choice for serious travelers eager to experience Canada’s mountain parks over an extended period.

7. Banff/Canmore: Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon

Finally, the Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon tour offers a one-day exploration for $86. It combines two of Banff’s most iconic sights: the tranquil beauty of Lake Louise and the spectacular frozen waterfalls of Johnston Canyon.

The tour begins with a visit to Lake Louise, where you can stroll along the shoreline or rent a paddleboat. Then, your hike takes you into Johnston Canyon to see its famous frozen waterfalls and narrow canyon walls. The experience is suited for those with limited time but who still want to see some of Banff’s best.

The tour provides a good balance of scenic views and light hiking, ideal for families or less strenuous travelers. It’s a straightforward way to get a taste of Banff’s natural beauty without a full-day commitment.

Bottom Line: A practical, scenic tour perfect for a half-day outing that covers two classic Banff sights.

How to Choose the Right Tour

When deciding among these options, consider your budget, physical fitness, and what you most want to experience. For active adventurers, the Guided Glacier Hike or the Skoki Lake Louise Hike offer immersive wilderness experiences. If you prefer scenic sightseeing with minimal effort, the Moraine Lake Adventure or the Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon tours are excellent choices.

For a longer, more comprehensive trip, the 6-day Rockies tour delivers in-depth exploration and cultural insight. Budget travelers might opt for the Moraine Lake Adventure or the Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon, both offering great value.

Booking early is highly recommended, especially in the busy summer months, so plan ahead to secure your spot in these popular experiences.

Final Thoughts

Banff National Park offers a wide range of tours tailored to different interests and activity levels. For the ultimate glacier experience, the Columbia Icefield Guided Hike delivers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If you want scenic and accessible exploration, the Moraine Lake Adventure or Lake Louise & Johnston Canyon tours are perfect.

For a deeper dive into the Rockies’ wilderness, the Skoki Lake Louise Hike and multi-day Rockies tour are excellent choices. Whatever your interests, early booking and planning will ensure you get the most out of your Banff adventure.