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Banff Tours
River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park
5

River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

By The Banff Canoe Club
Recommended by 99% of travellers
99% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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Ages 2-99, max of 24 per group
Duration: 1h 30m
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More


  • Life jacket and paddle
What's not included
  • Gratuities


Start:
  • Banff Canoe Club, Corner of Bow Ave and, Wolf St, Banff, AB T1L 1A8, Canada
    Meet at the Banff Canoe Club at the Corner of Wolf St and Bow Ave in Banff. Parking in Banff is limited. We recommend parking at the Intercept lot at the Banff Train Station and walking from there (5 min walk)
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Near public transportation
    • Infants must sit on laps
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 370405P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • 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

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 370405P1

    From
    C$86.00
    per adult
    Select date and travellers

    Similar experiences

    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • The Banff Canoe Club
      944
      Banff, Alberta, Canada
      Joined in July 2008
    • andrearJ2216AS
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      BRI IS AMAZING!!🤩
      Bri was amazing. There were 5 of us from Minneapolis, Minnesota!! She was very knowledgeable, fun and entertaining!! We were able to relax and enjoy the beautiful views. Please ask for Bri!! You will not be disappointed!! Love from Minnesota!!
      Written September 28, 2024
    • keldi123
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Enjoyable paddle on the River Bow
      My friend and I thoroughly enjoyed canoeing on the river Bow. We were travellers from Australia (68 & 70 years old) and had no trouble paddling. We got to see an elk, eagle & ‘Barry the beaver’. Commentary was excellent (sorry I can’t remember the fella’s name it was a couple of weeks ago). I was astounded to read a previous negative comment where the person in part stated ‘ Firstly it is very much a DIY trip, if you don't paddle you don't move!! I wonder if they thought the paddles were for decoration? Anyway, we enjoyed it and would recommended
      Written September 27, 2024
    • jaclynmN1076GC
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Grade A views and Guide
      We did the Big Canoe group tour with our guide Ethan who was upbeat, fun, incredibly informative, and it was absolutely stunning
      Written September 27, 2024
    • vlr49
      0 contributions
      3.0 of 5 bubbles
      disappointing
      The paddles were too long, so kept hitting the ones infront and behind, even when everyone was actually rowing in time with each other. Canoe often felt as if it was going to roll over. Views along river okay, but nothing spectacular. Saw a couple of beavers but no other wildlife.
      Written September 22, 2024
    • TM130914
      0 contributions
      1.0 of 5 bubbles
      Extremely disappointed.
      We were a group of 4 and joined up with another group of 3 plus the guide. There was another boat at the same time of departure who had 8 people and it is very strange that we never saw them again - did they go to a different/better area? The whole trip was extremely disappointing and definitely not good value for money, would not recommend. This was made especially worse as due to unforeseen circumstances we had to cancel the previous day and then had to pay a 40% uplift to go the next day due to the cancellation. Absolutely ridiculous!! When we complained and explained our situation for the cancellation we were met with the same answer, we just work here and just follow the rules!! Come on guys you can do better than that. Firstly it is very much a DIY trip, if you don't paddle you don't move!! We saw virtually no animals or birds apart from one beaver and one bird. The guide was not very clear in her vocal delivery (we were at the front of the boat) and we could hardly hear her comments. On the way back we didn't have to paddle much as the current carried the boat. But there was nothing to see so we all just sat quietly in the boat until we returned to the dock!! Frankly a waste of money and time as we could have walked along the shore to see the same.
      Written September 20, 2024
    • A T
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Kayaking on the beautiful Bow River!
      My sister and I had a wonderful experience kayaking in the Bow River! To get my sister used to paddling in the kayak, we took to the calm waters, parrallel to the main river. We paddled up to the beaver dam, then turned our kayak around to try the wider, emerald waters of the Bow River.
      Written September 19, 2024
    • GabbaiNo1
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great experience on the Bow River
      One of the highlights of our trip to the Canadian Rockies was our guided kayak tour with Ethan. Ethan was very knowledgeable and a lot of fun. The whole team at the canoe club were really lovely to deal with. Highly recommended!
      Written September 18, 2024
    • ClareW227
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Canoe on stunning Bow River
      Hired a canoe for $60 from Banff Canoe Club. Lovely way to spend a sunny afternoon on a stunning stretch of the river. Absolutely beautiful.
      Written September 18, 2024
    • heathermC1089ZW
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly Recommend Big Canoe Tour
      I had a terrific time on my tour this morning- perfect weather & fantastic scenery. Alec was an awesome guide, very passionate about nature and great at sharing the area history via fun stories. His bird calls are very cool also! Thanks for a great morning.
      Written September 13, 2024
    • 47greggr
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      The Banff Canoe Club
      We went on this with our friends on a beautiful day. Cam was our guide and he was very informative, educational and fun! Happy birthday Cam. Love, the Ripper
      Written September 10, 2024
    • 166sgp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Party with Bri! This goat trip rocks!
      Had a great time with Bri! She was full of interesting information, history and was exciting to chat with. We got to see lot of beautiful scenery and even a beaver! She also gave us great tips on places to eat and visit!
      Written September 9, 2024
    • SallyGash
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Messing about on the river!
      Our tour guide Alec was great fun and full of information about the area and the wildlife! He even sang to us! Such a fun trip, lovely scenery and great company. A must to do in Banff!
      Written September 8, 2024
    • vilmamusama
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Fun at Banff Canoe Club
      Awesome experience! Highly recommended. Jade was an excellent tour guide. The staff are super friendly and accommodating. They all look enjoying what they are doing.
      Written September 8, 2024
    • 232joannef
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Big canoe tour was a hit
      I had a great and leisurely canoe ride down the Bow river with Jacob who was super knowledgeable and pleasant. It’s a nice break from constant hiking.
      Written September 6, 2024
    • Jocko1974
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Relaxing evening on the Bow
      A wonderful, relaxing and informative evening canoeing along the Bow River. The sights and tranquility and the freshness of the air were so enjoyable. The river was calm and a recent rain storm was passin over making this a relaxing experience. We caught a glimpse of a beaver and might have seen more of it if not for an adult female calling out. Jacob our guide is knowledgable and relaxed making this a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
      Written August 28, 2024
    See all 944 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    5.0
    5.0 of 5 bubbles120 reviews
    Excellent
    115
    Very good
    4
    Average
    0
    Poor
    1
    Terrible
    0

    Shannon M
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    May 2023
    It was a great experience! We had 4 children under 6 with us and Alec did not seem phased by their ages at all. He ensured that we were all seated in a way to balance the canoe and that we were all safe. He included the children when handing out the paddles and encouraged them to participate. The children are still talking about their "silly tour guide" and how much fun they had while out on the river. Alec was knowledgeable and entertaining. I felt the time on the water was an adequate amount of time. I do recommend bringing water and wearing sunscreen if it's a really warm day. Would recommend to anyone looking to learn more about the history of Banff and the mountains that surround the area. Also, anyone that wants a memorable experience with their children!
    Written May 22, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Sohail K
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Family
    Banff Canoe Club's tour guide Emily truly brought the Bow River Explorer to life with her incredible knowledge about the river and the wild life. She made the experience so much more than just a canoe ride.

    Emily's knowledge of the surrounding mountains and the history of the town added a whole new layer of depth to the tour. It was truly fascinating to learn about the cultural significance of the area and how it has evolved over the years.

    I highly recommend booking a tour with Emily if you're looking for a unique and informative way to explore the Bow River. Her creativity and enthusiasm for the outdoors will leave you with a newfound appreciation for this stunning corner of the world. Thank you, Emily, for a fantastic experience!
    Written August 18, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jean J
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Sept 2023 • Family
    Alec, our guide was the BEST. We had a fantastic time, laughing, paddling, learning about the history of the area, seeing some wildlife ( wish we had seen more). I highly recommend this tour and this guide to everyone. Alec was extremely knowledgeable, funny and very engaging with our group ( it was my family of four and 6 others- so the group was not too big! The Bow River is beautiful, I had concerns about tipping the canoe, but was quickly assured that all was good. Thank you Alec and Banff Canoe Club for a delightful afternoon and tour bird calls were entertaining, too.
    Written September 28, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Kenny
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Family
    Mitch was an excellent and enthusiastic guide who was knowledgeable about the surrounding mountains and wildlife. He did a great job immersing our group in the magic of Banff National Park which curated an unforgettable experience for us. The steady rythm of your paddle dipping into the mineral filled waters of the Bow River is a sweet nectar for the soul that always goes down smooth. Feel the paddle upstream become a metaphor for life as each stroke brings you closer to great beyond. Would recommend to all.
    Written July 2, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    binoy d
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023
    The Big Canoe Tour through Banff National Park was a revelation. Paddling and then drifting on pristine waters enveloped by towering peaks felt like stepping into a painting.

    Our guide Alec not only navigated expertly but also shared fun and captivating stories about the park's history and wildlife. The thrill of spotting animals in their natural habitat added an unforgettable touch. This tour takes you close to the beauty of Banff in a totally new way and was totally worth it!
    Written August 11, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Sophia C
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jul 2023 • Family
    Mitch was a great canoe guide. He was really funny and very knowledgeable about the history of Banff national park and the wildlife. We saw a bald eagle and the beaver lodge. My 12 year old daughter laughed a lot and learnt a lot. It was a beautiful afternoon out on the water.
    Written July 8, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
    That is so nice to hear your daughter laughed and learned a lot. Mitch is a valued team member and glad you found him to be great. Thanks for writing a review.
    Written August 3, 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

    ashleylynn722018
    Santa Clarita, CA76 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2024 • Couples
    We decided to take the River Explorer Tour on the Big Canoe on our last morning in Banff and we are so glad we included this in our trip. After our canoe trip, my husband said it was absolutely the best thing we did on this vacation! Our guide, Alec, was phenomenal at pointing out animals and birds, performing bird calls, naming the surrounding mountains, advising on what other sights to check out while in town and telling entertaining stories about the area. Of all the things we did on our vacation this is definitely the one thing we would tell others to be sure to include on their trips. We learned so much while on our canoe trip, but it was also extremely relaxing and serene floating back down the river. If you are thinking about booking a canoe trip in Banff, Banff Canoe Club is absolutely the right choice!
    Written August 15, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Heidi B
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2024 • Family
    We were on a family girls trip and all 10 of us fit in one canoe. Alec was our river guide and did a fantastic job of narrating the history and geography and wildlife in the area - complete with imitation bird calls! It was absolutely beautiful!
    Written June 27, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Bill K
    Mantorville, MN6,856 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jun 2024 • Family
    Our family had a wonderful time on this tour. There is nothing like some time on the water in The Banff area. The Bow River is surrounded by amazing beauty and is teeming with wildlife. This big canoe is a nice steady way to take it all in.

    We did have a couple of drawbacks on this tour, and they were really just a bad luck of the draw. Our guide was not particularly experienced or knowledgeable...and he liked to try to BS his way through questions to which he didn't know the answers. We also had a number of non-paddlers and some that just quit paddling in the canoe. This made for much more work during the first half (upstream) portion of the tour for everyone else. I wish you better luck with both of these.
    Written November 16, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Rao Suhaib S
    4 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Aug 2023 • Family
    Overall, my experience with Max at the Banff Canoe Club was top-notch. His expertise, professionalism, and friendly demeanor created an exceptional adventure. I highly recommend booking a canoeing trip with Max and the Banff Canoe Club for anyone visiting Banff National Park. You won't be disappointed!
    Written August 30, 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park provided by The Banff Canoe Club

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