We Rank The 5 Best Tours & Things To Do In Kananaskis

Kananaskis is a treasure trove for outdoor lovers and adventure seekers, offering everything from aerial views of towering mountains to off-road dirt biking. Its close proximity to Banff and Canmore makes it a prime base for memorable excursions.

Among our favorite experiences are the Kananaskis: 20 Minute “Warrior lookout” Helicopter Tour, which offers a bird’s-eye perspective of Mount Baldy and Barrier Lake, and the Canmore: 35-Minute Heli Tour Mt Assiniboine & its Glaciers, delivering breathtaking shots of the so-called “Matterhorn of the Rockies.” For a more immersive experience, the Canmore: PRIVATE SAFARI Drive to Banff Park & Nature Walk provides a personalized way to encounter local wildlife and stunning scenery at your own pace.

If you’re interested in a mix of adventure and scenery, the Surron Dirt Bike Adventures near Banff, Canmore, and Calgary offer thrilling rides on backcountry trails, even if you’re new to dirt biking.

Lastly, the Canmore: 45-Minute Continental Divide Heli Tour takes you into British Columbia, offering awe-inspiring views of the Continental Divide and Hollywood-famous valleys.

Below, you’ll find a detailed look at each of these top tours, helping you decide which fits your interests and schedule best.

1. Kananaskis: 20 Minute “Warrior lookout” Helicopter Tour

From our base in Kananaskis, this helicopter flight takes you over iconic Mt Baldy, known locally as Enemy Warrior Lookout by the Stoney Nakoda People.

This 20-minute tour offers a spectacular aerial view of Barrier Lake and the surrounding Kananaskis Country—a landscape dotted with rugged mountains, pristine lakes, and dense forests. The highlight is flying around Enemy Warrior Lookout, which provides a unique perspective on this sacred site.

You’ll also get a bird’s-eye view of Barrier Lake, a popular spot for kayaking and picnics, and Nakiska Ski Resort, which transforms into a summer mountain biking haven.

What makes this helicopter tour stand out is its short duration paired with high-impact scenery, perfect for travelers on a tight schedule or those seeking a quick adrenaline rush. The flight is smooth and informative, with knowledgeable pilots sharing insights about the region’s geology and history.

With a perfect 5/5 rating from eight reviews, many travelers find it a worthwhile splurge for the unmatched photo opportunities and unique perspective.

Bottom Line: If you want an efficient way to see Kananaskis from above and don’t mind a short ride, this helicopter tour delivers stunning visuals and a memorable experience—great for first-timers and those short on time.

2. Canmore: PRIVATE SAFARI Drive to BANFF Park & Nature Walk

For those who prefer a personalized, slow-paced experience, the Private Safari Drive to Banff National Park and a nature walk offers a tailored look at the region’s wildlife and scenery.

Costing $432 for up to four people, this 4-hour tour allows you to customize your route and focus on your interests, whether that’s spotting white-tailed deer, elk, moose, or bighorn sheep. Your guide, equipped with bear spray and a first aid kit, ensures safety and local expertise guiding your adventure.

The tour includes breathtaking views of snow-capped Rocky Mountain peaks and offers multiple chances for high-quality photos of untouched natural scenery. The guide’s local knowledge helps you find the best spots for wildlife sightings and scenic vistas.

The highlight is the flexibility—whether you want to spend more time in a particular valley or explore lesser-known trails, this tour can adapt to your preferences.
Many reviewers praise its exclusivity—it’s ideal for couples, families, or small groups wanting a private, intimate experience away from crowds.

The price reflects the personalized touch, making it a good value for those seeking a deeper connection with nature. The safety precautions provide peace of mind, especially for families with children.

Bottom Line: If you’re after a flexible, private experience that combines wildlife encounters with beautiful scenery, this tour is a top choice. It’s perfect for nature lovers who appreciate a custom adventure with local insight.

3. Canmore: 35-Minute Heli Tour Mt Assiniboine & its Glaciers

This 35-minute heli tour takes you over the iconic Mt Assiniboine, often called the “Matterhorn of the Rockies” for its pyramid-shaped summit.

Starting from Canmore, just 25 minutes from Banff, this flight offers a quick but comprehensive aerial tour of the surrounding glaciers, alpine lakes, and rugged peaks. The flight path includes views of The Three Sisters, a striking trio of peaks that dominate the Canmore skyline.

What makes this tour exceptional is the opportunity to photograph Mt Assiniboine and its glaciers from above, with stunning vistas that can’t be seen from the ground. You’ll also fly over the Spary Lake Valley, a favorite filming location for Hollywood movies, which adds a cinematic touch to the scenery.

The panoramic views of glacial valleys and mountain ranges are jaw-dropping and perfect for social media sharing.
Although it’s a relatively short flight, the quality of the scenery and the pilot’s commentary make it feel like a full immersion in the mountains’ grandeur.

With a 5/5 rating from one reviewer, it’s clear that this experience excels in delivering memorable, high-quality visuals.

Bottom Line: If you are short on time but want a spectacular aerial view of Mt Assiniboine and the surrounding glaciers, this helicopter tour offers unforgettable scenery in just over half an hour.

4. Banff, Canmore & Calgary: Surron Dirt Bike Adventures

For a high-energy, unconventional way to explore Alberta’s backcountry, the Surron Dirt Bike Adventures offer guided electric bike rides near Banff, Canmore, and Calgary. Priced at $547 per person for a 5-hour tour, it includes all the gear, a quick safety briefing, and no license is required. The bikes are electric, so even beginners can handle the trails comfortably.

The tour covers scenic backcountry trails, offering a mix of forested paths, mountain views, and open spaces. Guides ensure safety and fun, making this suitable for families, groups, or solo adventurers seeking a thrill without technical difficulty.

With guided instruction and all gear included, it’s an accessible way to try dirt biking for the first time.
While reviews aren’t available, the description emphasizes beginner-friendliness and local expert guides, which adds to its appeal.

The focus on legal trails means you won’t need to worry about navigating or breaking rules—just enjoy the ride. It’s best suited for those wanting a physically active experience and a different perspective on the landscape.

Bottom Line: If you’re looking for an adrenaline-fueled trail ride on electric bikes, this guided tour offers a unique way to explore the scenic backcountry with minimal fuss.

5. Canmore: 45-Minute Continental Divide Heli Tour

This 45-minute heli tour takes you across the Continental Divide into British Columbia, with views of Mt Assiniboine, its glaciers, and the valleys on both sides of the divide. Starting from Canmore, it’s a longer flight that promises an expansive look at the Rockies’ highest and most dramatic features.

Fly past The Three Sisters and then soar over Spary Lake Valley, which has hosted Hollywood productions. The real highlight is crossing into British Columbia, where the landscape shifts to rugged wilderness and glacial-fed lakes.

The panoramic vistas are stunning, and the flight offers plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the mountain peaks and glaciers.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to maximize their mountain aerial experience with a longer flight that covers more ground and offers a broader perspective. It’s perfect for those who love geology, alpine scenery, and a sense of scale that only a helicopter can provide.

Although no reviews are listed, the longer duration suggests good value for those seeking a comprehensive aerial adventure.

Bottom Line: For travelers wanting an extended helicopter experience with sweeping views of the Rockies and the chance to see into British Columbia, this is a superb choice.

How to Choose

When selecting your tour in Kananaskis, consider your budget, interests, and time constraints. If you want a quick adrenaline rush and stunning photo ops, the 20-minute helicopter tour is perfect. For a more personal, wildlife-focused experience, the private safari offers tailored adventures.

Those seeking a comprehensive aerial tour should look at the 45-minute Continental Divide Heli Tour or the Mt Assiniboine flight for longer vistas.

And if you’re eager to combine outdoor activity with sightseeing, the electric dirt bike adventures deliver excitement on familiar trails.

Remember to book early, especially in peak summer months, and check the weather forecast, as helicopter tours can be canceled or rescheduled in poor conditions.

Final Thoughts

Kananaskis offers a diverse array of activities that suit different tastes and schedules. For breathtaking aerial views, the helicopter tours are hard to beat, especially the Mt Assiniboine or Continental Divide flights.

If you prefer a more personal touch, the private safari provides a flexible, wildlife-focused day. And for those craving action, guided electric dirt bike rides bring a thrilling off-road experience to the mountains.

Whether you’re after a quick snapshot from the sky or an extended multi-hour adventure, booking ahead ensures you don’t miss out. Consider your priorities—whether it’s scenery, wildlife, or active fun—and pick the tour that best suits your style. Kananaskis’s natural beauty is waiting to be explored in every form.