Build Your Banff Bucket List with These Must-Try Tours!
Discover unforgettable Banff experiences, from helicopter tours to glacier adventures. Explore top bucket list activities in the Canadian Rockies.
Some trips are about checking experiences off your bucket list. Others are about making exceptional memories that last a lifetime. Fortunately, Banff makes it easy to do both! Whether you're riding horseback along the river or taking a Banff helicopter tour thousands of feet in the air, we offer truly unforgettable adventures to make the most of your trip!
Below, let’s dive into five truly extraordinary experiences in Banff. Read on to learn more!
#1: Trot Through Banff on Horseback!
Ever wanted to explore the great outdoors just as Banff’s first explorers did? Now’s your chance to ride horseback across the region’s many trails, streams, and grassy fields! Whether you're seeking a peaceful morning along the river or a scenic family ride through the meadows, horseback riding offers a truly timeless adventure!
This family-friendly ride works for beginners and experienced riders alike, as you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide the entire way. No matter which tour you choose, you’ll have a chance to enjoy a calm ride through the serene alpine landscape of Banff’s backyard.
#2: Embark on a Banff Helicopter Tour
What’s more quintessential to a bucket list than a scenic helicopter ride? Lift off high above the Banff valley floor and take in a bird's-eye view of the Rockies like never before. Soar thousands of feet in the air on this sky-bound adventure, and watch as the true natural beauty of the Rockies unravels before your eyes!
Take on ‘The Three Sisters Peaks’ Banff helicopter tour, which takes you past three striking summits, known as Faith, Charity, and Hope. Together, they form a magnificent formation—and one of the most iconic mountain silhouettes in the Rockies. You'll fly over Spray Valley and along the Bow River corridor, taking in the wild, untouched stretches of Banff. Other helicopter tours take you even further, with routes that pass over unbelievable destinations like the Great Continental Divide!
Adventurers should note that tours depart from the nearby Canmore heliport, which is 30 minutes away. Guests are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from the base.
#3: E-bike to Johnston Canyon!
Check off one of Banff’s most popular attractions from your bucket list, and ride there with a high-powered e-bike! Banff is naturally full of hills, divots, and bumpy terrain, so extra power makes it all the easier. Skip the parking lots and instead cruise to the picturesque Vermilion Lakes and along the winding Bow Valley Parkway.
Once you arrive, hike the steel catwalks that wind through the canyon walls, passing rushing waterfalls and rocky gorges. The Lower Falls are accessible in a short walk, while the Upper Falls reward you with a towering cascade surrounded by lush forest.
#4: Stand on the Athabasca Glacier!
Searching for a truly surreal bucket list moment? Look no further than the Columbia Icefield, offering a rare chance to experience and explore one of the world’s largest non-polar icefields! This magnificent landmark began forming 10,000 years ago, during the last ice age. It continues to shape the surrounding landscape today, making it a worthwhile addition to any Banff trip.
#5: Conquer the Rushing White Water!
For those chasing a bucket list experience that’s all about the adrenaline, whitewater rafting on the Kicking Horse River delivers! This exhilarating river features rapids ranging from gentler Class II waves up to heart-pounding Class IV sections. Choose from several guided rafting tours, each offering a different level of intensity! We provide all equipment and safety instructions—just bring an excited attitude and a change of clothes!
Why Banff Adventures?
Planning a trip with as many activities as Banff does can feel overwhelming, but that's exactly where we come in. Our team can help build a custom itinerary around your schedule and budget. Whether you need help booking a Banff helicopter tour, coordinating shuttle times to Moraine Lake, or bundling activities into a package deal, we'll take care of the guesswork so you can focus on the fun.
Your One-Stop Adventure Experts
Make the most of your trip to the Rockies with Banff Adventures, as we celebrate 30 years of standout experiences! Visit our website to reach out to us and start planning your perfect summer trip!
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