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 $73.33 per adult
Full view
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
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
Experience the tranquility and views of a canoe trip through the Bow River
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
Meet at the Banff Canoe Club, just a 5 minute walk from downtown Banff. The River Explorer Tour is a fun way to hit the river as a group! After being set up with a life jacket and paddle, our friendly guide will share some safety instruction and paddling techniques. Then load into a 12-seater Big Canoe and journey up the beautiful Bow River. Let our guide entertain you with fun facts, keep an eye out for wildlife and take in the stunning views. Many groups like our River Explorer Tour because no experience is necessary and everything is supervised by a qualified guide. Your tour will be followed by a light refreshment at the end. This tour is perfect for the whole family and It’s a fun and interactive way to explore the waterways of Banff National Park.
Need help booking?
Call the number below and use the product code: 2914P3
Call +1 855 275 5071Important 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
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
5.0
27 reviews
Excellent
25
Very good
1
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0
EDA
3 contributions
Fun
Sep 2019 • Friends
Harvey was great and was very knowledgeable about the history of Banff, the mountains and wildlife!!
Written 7 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jamie P
1 contribution
Great tour
Sep 2019 • Couples
Had nothing planned on last day in banff. Did the wildlife tour and it was great. Very peaceful out on the river and our tour guide Austin was fantastic. Very knowledgeable and gave lots of info about the area
Written 27 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stacy W
21 contributions
Great, informative trip with Austin
Sep 2019 • Friends
We had a great excursion with Austin. He was very knowledgeable about the area, wildlife, history, etc. He made a point of being very personable with all the participants and got total strangers to talk with each other. I would highly recommend this trip. We did the canoe trip at the end of our stay in Banff but wish we had done it earlier because of all the great tips we got. We had done many of the things mentioned but it would have been good to have that info at the beginning of our trip.
Written 21 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Titw
8 contributions
Just book it!
Sep 2019 • Friends
Simply perfect day out to cover all aspects of what a holiday needs. Activity. Sightseeing. Fun. Socialising.
All aspects of the day were perfect. Shannon on the bus was delightful and a great guide to the history of Banff. Dave E was good fun as our rafting guide, it was a bonus he was easy on the eye too :).
The white water element is unbeatable, you will shriek with laughter and excitement
Thank you guys for a great day
Tom and Rach x
All aspects of the day were perfect. Shannon on the bus was delightful and a great guide to the history of Banff. Dave E was good fun as our rafting guide, it was a bonus he was easy on the eye too :).
The white water element is unbeatable, you will shriek with laughter and excitement
Thank you guys for a great day
Tom and Rach x
Written 14 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Tom and Rach! Thanks for your positive comments and feedback. That's great to her that you had an enjoyable holiday with us that covered all aspects of your vacation expectations (especially that you thought the day was perfect!) We will pass your positive comments onto your guide Dave E! -- Hayley, Hydra River Guides
Written 17 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
phil_jenkins2
Caldicot11 contributions
Scenic canoe trip
Aug 2019
We really enjoyed this relaxing canoe ride down the bow river. The scenery was stunning and we saw some elk on the river banks during the ride. The staff are informative and the trip takes a couple of hours so you can either use it as the main activity in the day or there is plenty of time left in the day for other things. Thanks for an enjoyable tour !
Written 8 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hi Phil! Thanks for your kind remarks. We are so glad that you enjoyed your experience with us. Incredible that you saw some wildlife also! Hope to see you again next summer! -- Hayley, Banff Canoe Club
Written 17 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sarah J
Winthrop, MN43 contributions
Calming ride down the Bow River
Aug 2019 • Family
We had a great time on our big canoe tour! Harvey was a fantastic guide and was very knowledgeable about the area. We encountered some elk along the edge of the river and were able to hang out for a bit and enjoy watching them. The weather was perfect and it was a great activity for our family. Our 10-year-old was the captain! 👍🏻
Written 1 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Extraordinary614989
2 contributions
Canoeing
Aug 2019 • Family
Fantastic way to rest your tired feet in between hikes and still see so much beauty. Our group included young adults 17-24 and was I surprised they still loved it...welcomed the fact that it was an easy row despite the windy day. Guide was great and good to get some of the Banff history.
Written 31 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Summer H
6 contributions
Amazing
Aug 2019 • Friends
Couldn’t have been nicer or more accommodating! Would highly recommend to anyone!! Also gave excellent advice about other activities in the parks
Written 27 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hinami
Toronto, Canada6 contributions
Loved this peaceful experience!!
Aug 2019 • Family
Really enjoyed this peaceful canoe experience and learning around Rocky Mountains! It was their first time to try canoe for my parents, but they loved it! We learned about animals and areas as we canoe through beautiful Boe lake! If you’re scared of trying canoe by yourself, try it with others! It’s very stable. I defenitely feel the price is great worth and tour guide Austin was very nice. Its a great activity that everyone can do it together if you’re family or group!
Written 19 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jeremy M
5 contributions
Fantastic Afternoon
We very much enjoyed our guided canoe trip with Anthony. The scenery was beautiful, Anthony’s knowledge and engagement was great, and our entire family terrific time ... teenagers included.
Written 10 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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 Kingdom9 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.
Shop Tickets And Tours
About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator.
By: Hydra River Guides
sydneyo388
00Must do!
Everything about this company and experience is amazing. The base is so fun, the guides are wild, and the rapids ar…
bencA2054DT
00First time and hooked
Fun group of guides, had an excellent time on the river. We got wet and couldn't stop laughing the whole time. Reco…
Romana_Pryy
00Amazing Experience!!
This was my first time rafting and I really loved it! Anthea was an amazing guide, she made sure everybody was well…
Natale S
00Awesome Rafting Experience
SO much fun! The staff were awesome- Kristin was our guide and she made sure we were all safe and also having great…
uapiotr1
00RAPIDS, RAPIDS !!!
It was the best summer activity day out there. Want to say couple words about our guide - Christine. She distinguis…
James V
00Great Family Trip
Great day on the water. Late August trip and the rapids did not disappoint. Pre-teen first water water rafting tr…
orlyo16
00Fun things to do
Lots of fun and the guides were amazing and easy to communicate with. Definitely recommend it for everyone.
weo450
00Great experience! Professional Guides.
Went with 4 teenagers for a family trip. First time white water rafting. It was a bit odd with the booking as we bo…
911sg
00Would Go Again
Awesome experience! The staff was friendly and made us feel safe while getting us entirely soaked! Our guide, Dave,…
Jeevan_bal17
00Great friendly
Visited this place with my six friends and we all enjoyed lot and the guide we got was awesome she made our trip b…
ryangY6583LW
00We had an excellent and exciting rafting experience.
The staff were all friendly, helpful and professional. Our raft guide had a great sense of humour and gave us a gre…
Green_Blue_White
00well organized and fun for all
Three first-timers and we're all now hooked on whitewater rafting! The guide helped us have the right amount of exc…
M2686ZYamandaa
00Best time!
We had Jaro as our guide, he made myself and my husband feel comfortable as this was our first time! We had so much…
sophiemO587BZ
00super fun
Excellent! The lady from New Zealand was fantastic!!! Would recommend to everyone. Covid safe experience.
320monikal
00Beatuful day with Hydra River Guides
Fun.Safe.Great guide with sense of humor. A must when visiting Canadian Rockies.Equipment (rafts, personal gear) wa…
Frequently Asked Questions about Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour
- Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour price starts from $73.18. 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