Canoeing in Banff

The Banff National Park covers more than 6,000 square kilometers of magnificent mountainous terrain in the extensive wilderness of the Canadian Rockies. Its scenic mountain rivers provide easy flat water for canoeing tours in Banff.

Within minutes of launching on the Bow River you will be surrounded by lovely mountain vistas. It’s also a good time to scout the region’s wildlife, including deer, elk, beavers, bears, mountain goats and eagles.

Here's all you need to know about canoeing, one of the most exhilarating outdoor activities in Banff.

What are the best canoeing tours in Banff?

Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour

Explore deep into the Banff National Park along the pleasant Bow River on this 1.5-hour guided canoe adventure from Banff. Enjoy paddling as a team on the Big Canoe and marvel at the scenery from the river.

Listen to your guide’s account of Canada’s fascinating history and heritage as you go along. Be on the lookout for sightings of indigenous wildlife, and afterwards finish your canoe trip with light refreshments.

This tour is ideal for the whole family. No experience is required and the excursion is expertly supervised by a qualified guide. This is a fun and engaging way to explore the waterways of the Banff National Park.

You will meet your guide at the Banff Canoe Club, located at the corner of Bow Avenue and Wolf Street in Banff. It’s only a 5-minute walk from downtown Banff to the club. After being issued with a life jacket and paddle, your experienced canoeing guide will brief you on safety and paddling techniques.

Then get on board a 12-seater Big Canoe and start your trip up the beautiful Bow River. Your guide will share some fun facts with you, while you keep an eye out for local wildlife and enjoy the stunning mountain views.

During the tour, you will gain valuable insight into the interesting history of Banff town on the Bow River. The site had been used by indigenous peoples for millennia for trade, hunting and fishing. “Bow River” was derived from the fact that indigenous people cut bows from Douglas Fir trees growing along its banks.

At the end of your delightful tour, you will return to the original meeting point, and be served a light refreshment.

Banff National Park Big Canoe River explorer tour

Marvel at the breathtaking scenery of the Banff National Park on this family-friendly adventure from Banff. Paddle along the serene Bow River on your Big Canoe and take in the great views of the river and the Canadian Rockies towering above. At the same time, listen to stories of Canadian heritage and look out for the park’s wildlife along the shore.

Enjoy this easy-paddling trip on the scenic Bow River, suitable for all ages and perfect for the whole family. Previous experience of canoeing is not necessary and you will be issued with all the required safety equipment.

You will be led by a certified guide from whom you will learn a lot about Banff’s history and the indigenous peoples of the area.

The meeting place is the Banff Canoe Club, only a 5-minute walk from downtown Banff, and located at the corner of Wolf Street and Bow Avenue. While canoeing upstream from the river’s launching point, you will be learning how to paddle as a team.

As you go along, your experienced guide will share with you stories of Banff’s past and the indigenous peoples of the region. You will be awe-struck by the lovely views of the Banff National Park and the majestic Canadian Rockies around you.

Be alert to possible sightings of the park’s wildlife along the shore – such as elk, moose, wolves and perhaps even bears. At the end of an exciting 1.5-hours of fun on the river, you can sit back and enjoy a complimentary, refreshing lemonade on the shore.

Wildlife Big Canoe tour

Admire the beautiful scenery as you paddle along the Bow River in Banff’s backyard during this family-oriented, wildlife guided canoe tour. You’ll be traveling in a 12-seater canoe, paddling as a team, and taking in Banff National Park’s wildlife and mountain scenery.

You will enjoy live commentary on board, as your professional guide will share with you his knowledge of the animals and the area. While on the river, be on the lookout for local wildlife such as elk, bald eagles, beavers and muskrats as you go with the current.

Your meeting point is at the Banff Canoe Club (corner of Wolf Street and Bow Avenue) for your early morning or evening river tour. Upon arrival, you will check in and get issued with a life jacket and paddle.

During the first 30 minutes you will be briefed on safety and techniques, and on the animals that inhabit Banff National Park. When ready to go, you will be loaded into one of the Big 12-seater canoes to kick off your river tour.

Participants will paddle as a team, with the guide steering the boat. He will share local stories and facts about wildlife habitats while you journey up the Bow River. Keep your eyes open for local wildlife on the river banks, such as bald eagles, beavers, muskrats and elk.

Enjoy the beautiful backdrop of the majestic Canadian Rockies and the special sounds of paddles through the water. You will be on the water for about one hour before returning to the original launching point.

How much do canoeing tours in Banff cost?

Canoeing tours in Banff National Park cost around US$50 to US$60. The Big Canoe tour and the Banff National Park: Big Canoe river explorer tour both cost about US$50 per person.

The Wildlife Big Canoe tour costs about US$60 per person (National Park admission ticket excluded). All these are guided tours but none of the above includes hotel pickup and drop-off or food and drinks.

What is included?

Your Banff canoe tours include professional guides providing live commentary on board, all necessary safety equipment and light refreshments.

Where does it start?

The meeting point for all the Banff canoeing tours on offer start from the Banff Canoe Club, located on the corner of Bow Avenue and Wolf Street, Banff.

How long does it last?

The typical duration of all the Banff canoeing tours on offer is 1.5 hours.

When is the best time for a canoeing tour in Banff?

The period between mid-May and mid-September is the best for canoeing tours in Banff as the weather conditions are excellent. During these canoeing trips, you can also admire the beautiful scenery of the Canadian Rocky Mountains.

Is it safe?

Canoeing in Banff is quite safe if you follow the safety precautions. These tours are not recommended for people with back or heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

Are children allowed?

For the Banff National Park Big Canoe tour, all ages above 2 are allowed. Children under the age of 5 are not allowed on the Banff National Park: big canoe river explorer tour. For the Wildlife Big Canoe tour, children of all ages are allowed but must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens in case of bad weather?

These tours depend on good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you can choose a different date, or request a full refund.

Which other water activities can be done in Banff?

• Boat tours in Banff
• Rafting experiences in Banff
• Canyoning adventures in Banff

Travel tips

• Make sure to book your canoeing tour in Banff in advance.
• Bring warm clothing, swimwear and a towel.
• Always wear a life jacket during canoeing.
• Follow your guide’s instructions.