Things to do in Canadian Rockies, Canadian Rockies: The Best Tours

May 9, 2022 Roger Rusk

From Alberta’s southwestern border north into British Columbia, the Canadian Rockies are a network of provincial and national parks that collectively make up a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Banff and Jasper national parks are connected by the Icefields Parkway, one of the most scenic drives in the world. The towns of Canmore, Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper are hubs for adventures including hiking, horseback riding, rafting and wildlife viewing. Accommodation ranges from hotels to mountain lodges.
Restaurants in Canadian Rockies

1. Athabasca Canyon Run Family Rafting: Class II Plus Rapids

Jasper, AB T0E, Canada Maligne Adventures
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5.0 based on 41 reviews

Starting at the base of Athabasca Falls and plunging through numerous rapids surrounded by high canyon walls, this Class 2+ whitewater adventure is ideal for tentative first timers and those looking for an exhilarating trip to suit the whole family. After the canyon stretch, the river opens out and rafters will enjoy sweeping views of the scenic Athabasca Valley providing the perfect balance of whitewater for an introductory level trip.

Inclusions: Highly experienced, certified river guide, All necessary technical equipment, Return transfers to and from the river, departing from our Downtown Location

Exclusions: Gratuities, Souvenir photos (available to purchase), Food and drinks

Reviewed By CandiceR915

White Water Rafting on the Sunwapta River was amazing! The water was freezing, but that did not prevent us from having such a fun time. Brody, our Maligne Adventures raft guide, did an incredible job instructing us on how to steer through the rapids and how to avoid the many obstacles in the water. Rafts can normally hold 6 people plus a guide. Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, our group of 4 was in our own raft with our guide which was perfect for us. We chose to not take the bus transfer from the downtown Jasper meeting point to avoid having to wear masks for the 45 minute per direction bus ride. We followed the bus in our own car. Everyone at Maligne Adventures, from Daniella in the reservations office to the rafting guides were friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. We highly recommend this tour. We would most certainly do it again.

2. Wilderness & Wildlife Walking Tour - 2hrs

709 A 9 St, Canmore, AB T1W 2V7, Canada Canmore Trails and Tales
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5.0 based on 7 reviews

Explore Accessible Wilderness! Experience Canmore's wonderful trail system with our local guides. With over 20 years of experience our guides insure a safe and fun outdoor adventure. A truly authentic experience suitable for the whole family. Learn about local wildlife and enjoy undisturbed nature. Don't forget to bring your camera! This tour stops frequently to view wildlife.

Inclusions: Professional Guide

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Reviewed By m-1abdul

It was such an amazing night. We were so lucky to have a private tour by Jacob. He was amazingly knowledgeable, understanding and funny. I would recommend anyone who loves to watch the stars, walk in nature and get lost in the moment where you can forget your daily challenges. It was one of the most beautiful and breathtaking experiences we have ever experienced.

3. Cowboys and Coal Mines - 1.5 hrs Walking Tour

Rotary Friendship Park, 709 A 9 St, Canmore, AB T1W 2V7, Canada Canmore Trails and Tales
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5.0 based on 3 reviews

Join our local guides for an immersive historical walking tour of Canmore. Learn about the hardy pioneers, wild cowboys, and loyal miners who came together to create a community that just wouldn't quit! Time: 1.5 hour round trip Distance: 3-5km / 2-3mi Elevation: Mostly flat

Inclusions: Certified tour guide.

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Reviewed By m-1abdul

It was such an amazing night. We were so lucky to have a private tour by Jacob. He was amazingly knowledgeable, understanding and funny. I would recommend anyone who loves to watch the stars, walk in nature and get lost in the moment where you can forget your daily challenges. It was one of the most beautiful and breathtaking experiences we have ever experienced.

4. Kananaskis River Rafting Adventure

Chinook Rafting, Riverbase, Stoney 142, 143, 144, AB T0L, Canada Discover Banff Tours
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5.0 based on 8 reviews

Enjoy a beautiful day rafting down the picturesque Kananaskis River in Alberta, Canada. This day trip from Banff or Canmore will get you into a raft and cruising down for 1.5 - 2 hours on the turquoise waters of the Kananaskis River, one of Alberta’s most pristine waterways. This excursion is an ideal introduction to the thrill of whitewater rafting, and is great for families or groups on the class 1-3 rapids. Spot local wildlife and soak up Canada’s unparalleled beauty as you cruise down this beautiful river. Includes optional pick-up and drop-off in Banff and Canmore.

Inclusions: 1.5 to 2 hour rafting adventure, with an optional swim at the end, All necessary equipment (wetsuits, lifejacket, helmet, rainjacket, wetsuit booties and gloves), Free photos of your rafting adventure available online, Guide, Snacks

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off , Food and drink, unless specified, Gratuities

Reviewed By joyce8958

I did this hike on the first week of April, with Jeff. What made the ice walk amazing was that Jeff kept it lively in addition to the beautiful scenery! I loved that it wasn’t crowded. For this reason alone, this tour is so worth it!

5. Experience Banff National Park and Lake Louise | Private Sightseeing

ABest Transport and Tour Services
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5.0 based on 10 reviews

Experience the picturesque scenery of the Canadian Rockies during this day trip from Calgary to Banff National Park – Lake Louise. Canada’s first national park, one of the world’s best destination spots. Whether you only have a short stay in Calgary, ABest Experience™ is here to make your trip a memorable one. No Rush ... No Hassle sightseeing tour of Banff, Lake Louise, and Moraine Lake is the highlights of this 10 hour (approx.) Day Tour from Calgary. Visit Canada's first national park and take in the scenic views around Banff Town, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake. A free time to explore around Banff Town, Bow falls, Secret Corner, Tunnel Mountain Drive, Lake Minnewanka and Two Jack Lake. Round-Trip Transportation from Calgary. • Update: We only offer a Private Tour exclusively for your group and family, We will follow the strict health guidelines to operate this Private Tour to the highest safety standard. Together we will still enjoy traveling and experiencing Banff National Park.

Inclusions: Private Transportation in Van | SUV, GST (Goods and Services Tax), Park Entrance Fee, Bottled water

Exclusions: Gratuities, Entrance Fee for Banff Gondola Ride | Lake Louise Gondola Ride, Canoe, Kayak, and Boat Rental

Reviewed By 773katelynw

I had the best tour guide ever! He showed me around Calgary and we even got peters drive in! If you can request to get Aljay do it! He rocks ☺️

6. The Sights of Canmore GPS-Guided Audio Walking Tour

909A Railway Ave, Canmore, AB T1W 1P4, Canada The Sights of Canmore GPS-Guided Audio Walking Tour
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Listen to a tour guide through your smartphone as you explore Canmore! Keep the professional tour guide experience, ditch the crowded tour groups, tight schedules and high prices. Live GPS map shows where you are and where to go next. As you get close, tour guide commentary will automatically play! On this 5 km (return) sightseeing tour, we'll point out must-see sights, attractions & sculptures, as well as explore historical buildings from Canmore's coal mining days. Highlights include Policeman's Creek Boardwalk, the Canmore Miner's Union Hall, NWMP Barracks & more! Don't just see the sights of Canmore, hear what they have to say! The tour also comes with a fun location based trivia game. After the commentary plays, look at your device and tap your guess at the answer. See your score as you go! Getting started is easy, just book the tour, download the app and go. Note: the number of travelers you select is the number of devices you can download the tour too.

Inclusions: Take as long as you like to complete the tour, Lifetime Tour Access on Tripvia Tours app for Android & iOS, Download on WIFI before (no signal required or data used during tour), Customer Service via Phone & Email

Exclusions: Attraction tickets, Smartphone or tablet, Headphones (optional - audio will play from device speaker too)

7. Listen to a Tour Guide as you Drive between Lake Louise and Calgary

Lake Louise, AB, Canada GPS-Guided Audio Driving & Walking Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Use your smartphone & vehicle's stereo to make your drive come alive! Using GPS, our fun game show host like tour guides will transform this beautiful drive into a sight-seeing, fact-finding, trivia-answering, family-friendly adventure! Enhance your drive between destinations, or use as a one way stand alone tour. Hear about stop-worthy things to see & do, local animals, popular people, historical events & more. Over 45 points of interest will keep you entertained and take your road trip to the next level! Route. Trans-Canada Highway 1 between Lake Louise & Calgary. Travel in either direction. Freedom. Stop at as many sights & attractions as you like. Start/stop anywhere. Hands Free. Fun audio clips play automatically as you drive. Live GPS map. No data used during tour. Trivia Fun. Each point of interest has a fun trivia question included in the audio. Keep score or just listen! Inexpensive. Only 1 tour booking needed per vehicle.

Inclusions: Hands free (audio plays automatically), Lifetime Tour Access on Tripvia Tours app for Android & iOS, Download on WIFI before (no signal required or data used during tour), Customer Service via Phone & Email

Exclusions: Attraction tickets, Smartphone or tablet, Transportation (use your own vehicle)

8. Lake Louise Insta-Portrait Experience

111 Lake Louise Dr, Lake Louise, AB T0L 1E0, Canada Banff Photography at Lake Louise
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Lake Louise is one of most celebrated photography locations in the world. Having a Professional Photographer capture you and your family in the midst of the majesty of the Lake and surrounding Mountains is an opportunity not to be missed. Our photographers work fulltime for Banff Photography and live and work fulltime at Lake Louise. They are highly skilled craftspeople who have an intimate knowledge of our unique landscape and how to capture beautiful portraiture in it. Working at one location Lakeside we will capture multiple compositions. You will receive all the editing images in high resolution via a secured cloud folder copyright released. We want you to be able to use the images in any way you want!

Inclusions: Digital files copyright released

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Reviewed By Carman-Jaxson P

We did a quick half hour with Sophia. We had a wonderful time and the pictures ended up being beautiful! I'm so thrilled.

9. Canmore Caving Adventure Tour

129 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore, AB T1W 2W8, Canada Canmore Cave Tours
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5.0 based on 96 reviews

The Adventure Tour has been recognized as a Canadian Signature Experience. As the longest tour we offer in Rat’s Nest Cave, the Adventure Tour is the complete package. Cavers will rappel 18m (that’s 6 Stories!) inside the cave, plus have the opportunity to push your limits in the warm-up squeeze, challenge squeeze, and the Laundry Chute – a section of the cave that adds a little extra challenge but a whole lot of extra fun.

Inclusions: All activities, Expert guide, All caving equipment

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (can be arranged via taxi with advance notice), Transportation to/from attractions (transportation can be arranged via taxi with advance notice)

Reviewed By Simon D

Really great time, learned a lot of new things about Banff and the cave from John, our awesome guide.

10. Canmore Caving Explorer Tour

129 Bow Meadows Crescent, Canmore, AB T1W 2W8, Canada Canmore Cave Tours
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5.0 based on 74 reviews

The 4.5-hour Explorer Tour is jam-packed full of fun and excitement. Your guide will introduce you to the amazing world of caves, spending approximately 2 to 2.5 hours underground crawling past prehistoric bones, investigating ancient cave formations and even squeezing into places like the warm-up and challenge squeezes if you so choose.

Inclusions: All activities, Expert guide, All caving equipment

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (can be arranged via taxi with advance notice), Transportation to/from attractions (transportation can be arranged via taxi with advance notice)

Reviewed By chrissyc864

What an amazing day. John our guide took two ladies and our 13 year old daughters through the cave. He was patient with the girls as they talked his ear off. He was amazing at helping us through the cave. I was paralyzed 10 years ago, and have some weakness in my hips, and he helped and guided me through the cave, not once making me feel inadequate. The cave push us through some fears and was challenging, but worth it. An amazing experience.

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