Tours and Tickets
Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour provided by Hydra River Guides
Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour
Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour
5
Book in advance
from
$78.55
per adultReserve now & pay later: Save your spot free of charge with flexible booking.
Recommended by 95% of travellers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
Free cancellation
Not sure? You can cancel this booking up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Full view
Tour snapshot
Experience the tranquility and views of a canoe trip through the Bow River
Duration:
1h 30m
Group size:
24
Stroller accessible
Ticket type:
Mobile
Free cancellation
- Duration:1h 30m
- Group size:24
- Stroller accessible
- Ticket type:Mobile
- Free cancellation
About
Get a different view of Banff National Park on a canoe tour along the scenic Bow River. Traveling by canoe lets you get out in nature and see wildlife up close without the exertion of hiking. Plus, the big canoe enables your whole group to be together in one place rather than being split up into smaller canoes. This makes it ideal for families with small children.
Know before you go
- Duration: 1h 30m
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Cancellation policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Available languages
English
Highlights
- A guide educates and entertains with stories about your surroundings
- The group paddling experience is open to first-time paddlers of all fitness levels
- Choose from multiple daily start times to fit the tour into your vacation schedule
What to expect
Know before you go
- Duration: 1h 30m
- Mobile tickets accepted
- Instant confirmation
Available languages
English
Cancellation policy
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
Highlights
- A guide educates and entertains with stories about your surroundings
- The group paddling experience is open to first-time paddlers of all fitness levels
- Choose from multiple daily start times to fit the tour into your vacation schedule
What to expect
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 2914P3
Important information
Inclusions
- Guide
- Light refreshments
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Duration
1h 30m
Departure details
- Banff Canoe Club, Corner of Bow Ave and, Wolf St, Banff, AB T1L 1A8, Canada Located on the Corner of Bow Avenue & Wolf Street, Banff
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travellers
Inclusions
- Guide
- Light refreshments
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Exclusions
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
Departure details
- Banff Canoe Club, Corner of Bow Ave and, Wolf St, Banff, AB T1L 1A8, Canada Located on the Corner of Bow Avenue & Wolf Street, Banff
Duration
1h 30m
Return details
- Returns to original departure point
Additional information
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travellers
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
45 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
3
Average
2
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Kenny L
3 contributions
Family
The trip was informative and fun.
The scenery and wild life spectacular but what really made it a memorable experience for everyone on board were the guides. We were entertained by Tristan who was knowledgeable about the local wildlife but also hugely entertaining with his stories about past and present.
We did this trip with our two boys who are not easily entertained but both of them have not stopped talking about the trip and stories about "the boss".
Thanks for a great trip!!
The scenery and wild life spectacular but what really made it a memorable experience for everyone on board were the guides. We were entertained by Tristan who was knowledgeable about the local wildlife but also hugely entertaining with his stories about past and present.
We did this trip with our two boys who are not easily entertained but both of them have not stopped talking about the trip and stories about "the boss".
Thanks for a great trip!!
Written 6 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debbie D
Kuching, Malaysia2 contributions
I had a really great time on this tour. You don’t need to have any experience in canoeing - they will brief you on the basics before setting out. Even though we didn’t see that many wildlife, the view made the experience all worth it. Alec our guide was very knowledgeable and did the most accurate bird calls. I will definitely recommend this activity to anyone visiting Bannf.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Glenn M
San Francisco, CA965 contributions
This is a most enjoyable way to explore the Bow River. The only reason for the score of four and not higher is that there was a strong headwind as we paddled up river and four of the participants were not into paddling which left it up to the rest of us. Our guide Alex was great, very knowledgeable and a joy on the trip. You have no control over who will be on board with you and the weather is always a gamble. If those are a concern during your visit, consider renting a canoe and going with a partner. The attention to safety and the quality of the staff is a plus.
Written 18 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
costant1971
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
This was an uneventful tour. Liam was our guide, had lots of information to share about the area. We booked an afternoon tour, 3:30, no wildlife to be seen in the area. It was a 2 hour tour and our group rowed for a good hour against the wind which was a bit challenging. It was easier once we turned around as the wind guided us. Relaxing ride but we all agreed we would not choose it again.
Written 31 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hello
Thanks for your review. This tour you participated in was the River Explorer Canoe Tour, not the Wildlife on the Bow tour (which departs at 6pm). The River Explorer is a sightseeing, interpretive tour where you learn about the area and get a chance to paddle on the river. Wildlife is not usually active until early evening. The River Explorer tour is active, which means we do ask our guests to paddle and participate. Thanks for joining us.
Written 3 August 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chana S
5 contributions
Had a wonderful canoe tour with Becca. We were in a canoe with some senior citizens, as well as a family with little kids, and everyone had a great time! The guide was knowledgeable and open to questions. We had just arrived in Banff and had lots of questions which she was able to answer (about nature, history, etc.) The views around us were just beyond beautiful, and the lake itself was so gorgeous. Highly recommend!
Written 6 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Wiens Family
1 contribution
Alec was the perfect guide to provide our group with an entertaining and informative experience. Our family of five thoroughly enjoyed learning about the local wildlife and history through this scenic and well-paced tour. Alec's wide range of bird calls were the highlight for our kids. Definitely worth the price and we would certainly consider doing the same tour again next time we are in Banff.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
X9864NPinfo
Nashville, TN4 contributions
Couples
Beautiful weather. John was a great tour guide. Enjoyed it very much! The experience ran on time. It’s a little hard to find parking right at the Canoe Club so free parking at train station good idea. Nine minute walk.
Written 13 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Iulia M
Ottawa, Canada9 contributions
Banff is an incredible experience, sublime and picturesque, just like a postcard collection. The big canoe tour adds to the experience and it is a must in my opinion. Ant, our tour guide, with his Australian charm, told us stories about the mountains and the region. Funny and knowledgeable, he told us about must see places and his favourite spots in the Rockies. My son (8 yrs. old) really enjoyed the tour.
Written 12 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Matt G
Boston, MA3 contributions
We spent a few hours rafting with Hydra this past weekend. Everything was incredible! The organization of the trip, gear, safety etc. was all done perfectly. The rafting provided great views as well as some exciting navigation of tricky rapids. Dave O. was fun, resourceful and an overall great guide. Would highly recommend taking a trip down the river with these guys.
Written 8 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jackson P
1 contribution
Family
This canoe trip was very refreshing and enjoyable. I liked that kids and seniors could also participate in the canoe trip. My guide named Mitch was very friendly welcoming and told great stories. I highly recommend this activity.
Written 29 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Hi, is there a weight limit for the canoes?
Katrina D
Santaquin, UT1 contribution
I don’t know about weight limit, but we had some rather large men and women in our group- the guides did a great job of balancing us.
Amy T
11 contributions
Hi, there are only 2 of us. Is that ok? Also, how likely is it to see wildlife such as elk, moose, big horn sheep, etc?
Tanya Price
Banff
The boat seats up to 12 so you will be joining with other people. It’s very rare to see Moose in Banff National Park and unlikely you will see big horn sleep from the river. The most common animals are deer, elk, beavers, osprey
What is the minimal age for this tour? I have a 3 and 5 year old.
Tanya Price
Banff
The minimum age is 2, just as long as they fit into our life jacket
We are not into river rafting - so need to check how big the rapids will be in mid Aug?
Tanya Price
Banff
This tour is on the Bow River and is a float trip. There are no rapids. Thanks
JennyandBobLane
Northampton, England, United Kingdom10 contributions
My husband and I are visiting family on the 26October until 13th November is this canoe trip running then please.
Tanya Price
Banff
Hello
Sorry we will not be open during those dates. The canoe docks close around Sept 30 depending on water level.
Stella L
Toronto, Canada
Can we bring camera to the canoe? And kid age 6 can go with the family?
Tanya Price
Banff
Yes you can bring a camera and the minimum age is 2 for the Big Canoe Tour
Lisa M
Marathon, FL5 contributions
Is it 2 person canoe's or would we all 5 be in one?
Tanya Price
Banff
The max we can fit in 1 rental canoe is 3 people do your group of 5 would needs to canoes.
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
By: Hydra River Guides
Sukhvirk005
00Exciting Adventurous adventure
This was my first time and this was the most fun adventurous experience I ever had, I really felt safe with our gui…
scottyp73
00Summer rapids
Great experience. A must if you are an outdoor enthusiast. Very professional guides lead you on a great river with …
Gusi1970
00amazing experience, highly recommended.
Amazing experience, highly recommended for all ages. The staff was great and the river even better. A must try if y…
deerpath50
00the best
First time rafters and we were somewhat anxious. The staff was great and made this a truly exciting and fun experie…
JMJ_Flight
00SUPERIOR
I agree with most all reviews.. the staff was super professional and yet fun! Safety was very important to them. …
KenMc97201
00Highly Recommend this Rafting Adventure!
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Nathan S
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Chasman99
00Awesome!
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I3803VTpauls
00What a blast!
We had a great time rafting the river . Dave was an amazing guide - he made it super fun and enjoyable. It was al…
phroggy5
00Amazing fun!
The guide was amazing, super funny and made the experience great. Safety talk by Dave was really thorough and easy …
dianeardine
00Do it! Cross it off your bucket list!
Special shout out to Dave "the big boss" for the excellent orientation/safety talk, and being realistic about the w…
107christianav
00Incredible experience
The guide was excellent, great sense of humor. Very knowledgeable and kept us safe. Fantastic experience, would rec…
keltiej2022
00Whitewater Rafting was so fun!
Had a great time and felt very safe with all of the guides - the safety instructions were so thorough! Thanks every…
Brad S
00Amazing Time!
Awesome experience! Our guide Bill was great and helped us have an amazing time! It was our favorite activity on ou…
279lisel
00Two thumbs up!! What a ride!!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour
- Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour price starts from $79.53. Discover and book Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour on Tripadvisor
- Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour on Tripadvisor
- Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour is hosted by Hydra River Guides. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Hydra River Guides on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour on Tripadvisor
- On average, this experience will take approximately 1h 30m. Discover and book Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour on Tripadvisor