
Stories from the Rockies
The Discover Banff Tours Blog
Trip planning guides, wildlife sightings, seasonal what-to-do, and stories from the guides who lead our small-group tours through Banff National Park.





August 27, 2025
Latest Tour & Activity Images from Banff
Check out the latest images from Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies, shared by our guests via Instagram. They manage to capture some of the best day to day mountainscapes, wildlife, adventures, activities and fun with our guides.
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July 18, 2025
The Perfect 5-Day Banff Itinerary: Your Ultimate Canadian Rockies Adventure
Planning 5 days in Banff National Park? This carefully crafted 5-day itinerary showcases the best of the Canadian Rockies through expertly guided tours combined with insider tips for exploring on your own.
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June 27, 2024
32 Things to Pack for Banff Weather: A Seasonal Guide
The old saying in Banff goes, “If you don’t like the weather, just wait 20 minutes.” Alberta temperatures are notorious for their unpredictable fluctuations and when traveling in the Rocky Mountains you never know what the weather will do next. So what should you pack when you vi
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March 15, 2024
What To Do In Banff In June
In June the snow is melting, the lakes are thawing and the rivers are filling. It's the perfect time to be outside! Here are our recommended top 6 June activities.
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March 14, 2024
What To Do In Banff In May
Looking for the best things to do in May? Our furry neighbours are waking up, feeding on berries in the low valley bottoms and giving wildlife watchers a show! As summer inches closer lakes start to thaw and it's the perfect time for water activities such as whitewater rafting an
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March 13, 2023
What To Do In Banff In April
Looking for the best things to do in Banff in April? Spring is just around the corner in Banff and as the snow thaws we start to transition towards summer activities. Here are some of the best, from horseback rides to glacier adventures and wildlife tours.
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January 24, 2023
What To Do in Banff in March
Looking for the best things to see and do in Banff in March? While officially February marks the end of winter, there's still plenty of sub-zero weather and snowy fun to be had! As the temperatures start to warm a little it's the perfect weather for activities such as skiing, sno
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January 22, 2023
What To Do in Banff in February
February in Banff National Park means fluffy snow that is deeper than ever - the powder months have arrived! Dogsledding, snowshoeing and sleigh rides are activities not to miss this month.
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January 11, 2023
What To Do in Banff in January
Looking for the best things to see and do in Banff in January? Winter is in full force with welcomed snowfalls, so check out our Top 6 January activities.
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November 29, 2022
What To Do In Banff In December
December brings the start of the best snowy winter experiences to Banff. Here's our Top 6 December activities.
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October 27, 2022
What To Do In Banff In November
November is one of the quietest times of the year to visit the Canadian Rockies and the best time for festivals and entertainment, so check out our top 6 November activities.
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September 27, 2022
What To Do In Banff In October
October is a month to remember in the Canadian Rockies – with cooling temperatures comes the changing of the seasons and the colours of the leaves. Here are our recommended top 6 October activities including fall horseback rides, Halloween ghost tours and more.
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August 30, 2022
What To Do In Banff In September
September is a month to remember in the Canadian Rockies – continuing warm summer weather with crisp morning air. Here are our recommended top 6 September activities including viewing the golden larch trees, seeing the famous elk rutting season, and visit Moraine Lake before it c
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August 2, 2022
What To Do In Banff In August
Summer is in full swing and August is one of the warmest and busiest times of year in the Canadian Rockies. Here are our recommended top 6 August activities from sightseeing on the Icefields Parkway, visiting Jasper National Park and enjoying Banff's best patios.
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July 28, 2022
Getting From Calgary to Banff & Canmore: All the Options
We’ve come a long way from the days when the only way to get from Calgary to Banff was on horseback. You’ve now got a lot more options to choose from and whether you choose to drive, take a shuttle service, a bus, private transfer or taxi, the journey is truly spectacular.
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June 28, 2022
What To Do In Banff In July
Looking for the best things to do in Banff in July? Summer is here and the heat of the sun brings the heat of our travel season, which is why you need to book ahead. Here are our recommended top 6 July activities.
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October 1, 2021
Top 10 Best Things to do in Banff this Winter
From skating on a frozen glacier lake to playing in the snow on a sleigh ride, check out our top ten things to do in Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies.
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May 14, 2021
Latest Wildlife Sightings in Banff
Keep your fingers crossed and your eyes peeled. Although we see wildlife on 95% of our tours, you still need a little bit of luck. Here’s a list of animal sightings on our latest Banff Evening Wildlife Safari Tour.
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February 28, 2021
5 Awesome Things To Do With Kids In Banff
Banff is a magical wonderland when seen through young eyes. No matter what age they are, visiting Banff with your children will awaken their sense of wonder and show them how amazing the natural world can be. To make the most of your trip to the Rockies here are five fantastic th
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February 22, 2021
5 Things Our Guides Want You to Know About: The Icefields Parkway
If you’ve never felt small while being surrounded by towering, mystic giants before, buckle up for the Icefields Parkway. Named among top drives in the world by National Geographic and Lonely Planet, the Discover Banff Tours' Columbia Icefields Parkway Tour brings you to new heig
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February 17, 2021
How to Plan the Best Banff 3 Day Winter Itinerary
It’s no secret that Banff and Lake Louise is home to some of the best skiing in the Rockies – but what they’re also home to, are a ton of activities ranging from ice walks, tubing, snowshoeing, sightseeing, snowmobiling, dogsledding and more. We have a comprehensive itinerary for
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February 17, 2021
How to Plan the Best Banff 5 Day Winter Itinerary
It’s no secret that Banff and Lake Louise is home to some of the best skiing in the Rockies – but what they’re also home to, are a ton of activities ranging from ice walks, tubing, snowshoeing, sightseeing, snowmobiling, dogsledding and more. We have a comprehensive itinerary for
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July 20, 2020
2020 Wildlife Sightings in Banff
Keep your fingers crossed and your eyes peeled. Although we see wildlife on 95% of our tours, you still need a little bit of luck. Here’s a list of animal sightings on our latest Banff Evening Wildlife Safari Tour.
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February 18, 2020
How Far In Advance Should You Book Your Tours?
There's lots of factors to consider when deciding how far in advance to book your tours. While you could wait until you arrive in Banff and may still be able to book on tours at the last minute, there are a lot of advantages to booking in advance.
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February 7, 2020
Banff's Best Winter Activities for Families
There is no better way to peel kids away from technology than to place them in adventure at a young age – Banff National Park is perhaps the best place to introduce young explorers to what awaits past a screen. Let's take a deep snowy dive into which are Banff’s best family activ
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January 2, 2020
How to Plan the Best Banff 7 Day Winter Itinerary
It’s no secret that Banff and Lake Louise is home to some of the best skiing in the Rockies – but what they’re also home to, are a ton of activities ranging from ice walks, tubing, snowshoeing, sightseeing, snowmobiling, dogsledding and more. We have a comprehensive itinerary for
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September 23, 2019
Which Banff Icewalk is Right for You?
When fall turns to winter and the temperatures drop below freezing, canyons turn into detailed, Narnia-like ice valleys that create the best icewalks in Banff. Discover Banff Tours offers three winter Banff icewalks and each gives a different perspective. So which will you choose
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September 21, 2019
The Top 5 Can’t-Miss Banff Attractions & Adventures
There’s so much to do in Banff, it’s impossible to fit it all in during a single visit. And yet, you don’t want to miss out on the absolute best attractions from sightseeing gondolas to famous glacier lakes. So that’s where this quick guide comes in.
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September 20, 2019
The All Season Guide To What To Do In Banff
There's always a reason for a party in Banff. And for a small town, there's an impressive number of things to do including festivals, events and activities no matter when you're visiting.
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September 12, 2019
Dogsledding – why you need to book early!
Iconic to the great white north and our most popular activity is dogsledding. These docile and well-trained animals take you on a journey like no other through our Rocky Mountains but book early! Dogsledding tours sell out well in advance.
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September 11, 2019
How to See the Best of Banff Without Overspending
Banff is one of the most amazing places in the world with a lot of 'priceless' and free viewpoints. But in peak seasons, it's not exactly a cheap place to visit. Here are a few tips that will help you to significantly cut down your Banff trip costs, so that you can stretch your t
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September 2, 2019
2019 Wildlife Sightings in Banff
Keep your fingers crossed and your eyes peeled. Although we see wildlife on 95% of our tours, you still need a little bit of luck. Here’s a list of animal sightings on our latest Banff Evening Wildlife Safari Tour.
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June 22, 2019
5 Best Hikes In Banff And Lake Louise
Banff National Park is paradise for hiking enthusiasts. If you are planning a hiking getaway in Banff and Lake Louise, here are five fantastic hikes that will show you the best of the national park’s beauty.
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May 15, 2019
Where to See Wildlife in Banff: Advice From Local Experts
Visiting Banff can make you feel like you have stepped into a nature documentary. You're likely spot deer or elk meandering right into the townsite of Banff and if you venture a little further out, there's animals such as bears, bighorn sheep, marmots and more.
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May 15, 2019
The Best Hikes In and Near Banff National Park
Our guides know the best ways to explore Banff and the surrounding area. So it serves as no surprise, that the best way to hike Banff is with Discover Banff Tours' knowledgeable hiking guides in small guided groups.
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May 9, 2019
The Best Ways to See Sky High Views in Banff National Park
As Banff visitors travel west from Calgary, the landscape goes from flat plains to the rolling foothills, and then into the dramatic, sky-piercing Canadian Rockies. So, what about the views from the top? Well, luckily in Banff, we have two great gondola and sightseeing lift optio
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April 23, 2019
Where to Spot Wildlife with Discover Banff Tours
The best way to spot wildlife in Banff is with the expert guides at Discover Banff Tours. We know the places they like to hang out, how to safely view, and some pretty cool facts that will entertain you and your family.
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April 6, 2019
Spring Is The Perfect Time For Rafting
Glaciers and snow melt, rivers rise, and rafting is born in the Canadian Rockies - welcome to Discover Banff Tours' wet and wild adventures with whitewater rafting! Whitewater rafting adventures near Banff gives you three rivers to choose from, and each is accessible, affordable,
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March 22, 2019
Things to Do in Banff - 7 Days of Summer Adventure
Banff National Park is a breath of fresh air. During our summer months, many visitors enjoy a leisurely pace to sightsee our turquoise coloured lakes, mountains with hanging glaciers and icefields, and wildlife on our Banff guided sightseeing tours. Check out our Banff summer iti
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March 21, 2019
Guided Tour Or Exploring Solo? How To Figure Out Which One Is Right For You
If you’re reading this article, I bet you’re wondering: when exploring Banff, is it better to see the sights with an experienced local guide, or go your own way? Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages to doing it on your own versus going on a tour.
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March 3, 2019
Top 10 Best Things to Do in Banff in Summer
From viewing local wildlife to seeing glacier lakes to hiking through the majesty of the Canadian Rockies, check out our top ten summer things to do in Banff and Lake Louise in Banff National Park, Canadian Rockies.
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February 22, 2019
5 Things Our Guides Want You to Know About Our Wildlife Watching Tours
Banff is a wild place - which is mainly why people come to visit. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a protected treasure, and with a treasure like this, comes great responsibility. No many know more about wildlife viewing than our Discover Banff Tours' Wildlife Tour Guides.
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February 22, 2019
5 Things Our Guides Want You to Know About Snowshoeing
Don’t knock it before you try it! Snowshoeing on a Discover Banff Tours Snowshoe Tour is the best winter way to truly take in the scale, depth, sights and sounds of a Canadian Rockies winter. Unless you come armed with a snorkel and ready to work hard, we suggest you explore the
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February 22, 2019
5 Things Our Guides Want You to Know About Icewalks
Walking on ice with each of our Icewalks is safe, but no Icewalk is ever the same. With three different icy adventures to choose from, a Discover Banff Tours Icewalk can happen day or night, snow or shine as our guides take you to two spectacular canyons near Banff.
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January 24, 2019
Yes, You Can Sightsee in Winter!
Fact: there is always things to do and see in Banff, year round. Whether it's wildlife, flora, fauna, or dramatic Rocky Mountain landscapes, there are many different views of Banff National places to explore. The best way to see Banff's winter scenery, wildlife and hidden gems is
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January 11, 2019
Stress-free Snowshoeing in Nature's Silent Season
One of our best activities for family adventure in Banff is snowshoeing. With our tours in Kootenay National Park, you not only get to explore this neighbouring national park, but you stomp around completely care and stress-free.
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September 17, 2018
2018 Wildlife Sightings in Banff
Keep your fingers crossed and your eyes peeled. Although we see wildlife on 95% of our tours, you still need a little bit of luck. Here’s a list of animal sightings on our Banff Evening Wildlife Safari Tour in 2018.
Read more →
May 17, 2017
2017 Wildlife Sightings in Banff
Keep your fingers crossed and your eyes peeled. Although we see wildlife on 95% of our tours, you still need a little bit of luck. Here’s a list of animal sightings on our Banff Evening Wildlife Safari Tour in 2017.
Read more →
November 18, 2016
Evening wildlife safari sightings April 26th, 2016
Our guests tonight saw many Columbian Ground Squirrels... and then a sneaky coyote lurking around the corner! They also saw a group of male (bull or stag) elk.
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November 18, 2016
Wildlife sightings May 11th 2016
The tour had another lucky experience tonight, with a wolf from the Bow Valley pack being spotted watching our bus warily. Further down the road a large herd of cow elk were seen as well.
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November 18, 2016
Wildlife safari sightings May 17th
Last night's evening wildlife safari guests saw a cinnamon black bear, sheep, elk and mule deer!
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November 18, 2016
Wildlife sightings - September 14
I know what you're thinking - seeing elk and big horned sheep is sure neat, but muskrats?
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