Paddle up the Bow River!
Big Canoe & Kayak Tours
Adventure Details
Paddle the Bow River on a Big Canoe Tour and take in Banff National Park’s mountain views and wildlife.
River Explorer
Journey upstream in our 12-passenger big canoe as our knowledgeable guides share stories of the past, the history of canoeing, and fascinating local insights. The River Explorer tour is ideal for all ages, with no paddling experience required. It’s a fun, interactive way to discover the beauty of the Bow River, with multiple departures available throughout the day.
Wildlife on the Bow
Join an early evening Wildlife Big Canoe Tour and learn about local animal habitats, behaviour, and conservation. Escape the bustling Banff streets and paddle the Bow River, watching for bald eagles, elk, muskrats, and even “Barry” the resident beaver. Learn how to safely interact with wildlife and the challenges they face as human activity grows—all set against Banff’s mountain backdrop.
Book your Big Canoe Tour
Kayak Experience
If kayaking is more tour thing, join us on a group kayak paddle to explore the Bow River. The early bird gets the worm, and in this case, the kayaker gets to hit the river first (before rentals are open)! Experience paddling the Bow River or Creek with no other boats (apart from your group). It's magic. Connect with nature and other kayakers as you enjoy the serene surroundings and picturesque views. Our friendly hosts will help answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Please note that participants must have previous kayak experience and should be fairly physically fit as the experience can be adventurous and you may be required to portage.
Book your Kayak Experience
- Tours depart daily from the Banff Canoe Club (corner of Bow Ave and Wolf Street, Banff).
- Tour includes guide, life jackets and paddle
- Parking at Banff Canoe Club is very limited. Please allow ample time to find parking in town and walk to the Docks. There is free public parking at the Banff Train Station.
- There are public washrooms near the docks.
- We are unable to store any personal belongings at the docks.
- All participants will be required to sign a waiver. Children under 18 years of age, require a guardian to sign the waiver. View waiver here.