Banff Guide

Banff Mountain Tours

Explore towering peaks, glaciers, and alpine scenery in the heart of the Canadian Rockies!

86+ tours
From $95
4-10 hours
Banff Mountain Tours

Experience Banff's majestic mountain landscapes - some of the most spectacular peaks in North America! Mountain tours explore the iconic Rockies including Cascade Mountain, Mount Rundle (Banff's most photographed peak), Mount Norquay, and the famous Icefields Parkway drive to Columbia Icefield. Adventures range from scenic drives with photo stops to gondola rides (Banff Gondola, Lake Louise Gondola), glacier walks on Athabasca Glacier, and challenging mountaineering expeditions. Learn about geological forces that built these mountains 80 million years ago, glacial processes shaping landscapes today, and Indigenous peoples' spiritual connections to these peaks. Tours include interpretive stops, wildlife viewing opportunities, and access to viewpoints showcasing the Continental Divide. It's the ultimate Canadian Rockies mountain experience!

Featured Mountain Tours Tours

Discover our top picks for mountain tours in Banff

Canadian Rocky Mountain Food Tour
From $106.79
Free Cancellation

Experience Banff with all your senses on this delicious walking and nibbling tour of Canada’s most iconic mountain town. Experience Canada one bite (and sip) at a time! It’s a flavour-packed celebration of Canada’s culinary icons... from coast to coast. Our tours are proudly themed around the authentic Rocky Mountain Canadian experience — think fresh mountain air, hearty local bites, and laid-back exploration. We walk, we nibble, and we soak up the charm of Banff without any pretense. It’s not about fine dining; it’s about real flavours, real places, and real stories — all rooted in the spirit of the Rockies. Stroll the streets with your knowledgeable local guide, popping into different food establishments to sample a plethora of various Canadian foods. However, our tours are about more than just the food. We offer you a side dish of the interesting history of our incredible backyard. We only serve alcoholic drinks for guests 18 years old+.

5.0(91)
3h
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Tunnel Mountain Trail: a Smartphone Audio Nature Tour
From $8.09
Free Cancellation👤Private Tour

Listen to a nature guide through your smartphone as you hike to the incredible summit of Tunnel Mountain following the Tunnel Mountain Trail. On this 4.3 km (return) tour, you'll hear about the famous Banff character Bill Peyto, Sleeping Buffalo, local plants and wildlife, and some Banff Park history. Highlights include the views of the mighty Bow River, Sulphur Mountain, the Town of Banff, and more! The tour also comes with a fun location-based trivia game. After the commentary plays, look at your device and guess the answer. Live GPS map shows where you are and where to go next. As you get close, guide commentary will automatically play! Getting started is easy, just book the tour, download the app and go. Note: the number of travelers you select is the number of devices you can download the tour to. Trust the platform with over 75 tours & 25,000+ happy customers. *** Please check the condition of the trail before booking, especially in the Fall/Winter/Spring.

3h
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4 Hour Sulphur Mountain Horseback Ride
From $249.04
Free Cancellation

Banff National Park is Canada’s oldest and most celebrated national park - and one worth getting out of the car and onto a trail for. Go back to a simpler time with a 4-hour horseback ride and experience the park at a relaxed pace. Led by your cowboy guide, saddle up and and get a feel for what it was like for pioneers first settling in this once-wild area.

4.8(16)
4h
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Banff and Yoho Rocky Mountain Discovery Day Tour
From $114.16
Free Cancellation

Our Explore the Best of the Canadian Rockies tour stands out with small group sizes, expert local guides, and personalized experiences. We prioritize avoiding crowds by offering early departures and carefully planned itineraries. Enjoy comfortable, luxury transportation, exclusive photography spots, and eco-friendly practices that preserve the natural beauty. With opportunities for custom hikes, private canoe rentals, and insider tips, our tour ensures a leisurely, enriching experience at iconic locations like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Emerald Lake, and Johnston Canyon. Discover the Rockies at your own pace, with flexibility and a focus on comfort and authenticity. Our tour is designed to provide a leisurely, enriching experience, allowing you to discover the Canadian Rockies at your own pace. With a focus on comfort, authenticity, and environmental stewardship, we invite you to join us for an unforgettable adventure amidst some of the world's most stunning natural landscapes.

4.7(3)
8h
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Banff Mountain Lakeside - E-bike Tour
From $130.7
Free Cancellation

This half-day tour showcases some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Canadian Rockies and circles the Minnewanka Loop, renowned for its spectacular natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Your adventure begins with a visit to the historic ruins of Bankhead, an old mining town in the Cascade Valley. From there, the tour continues to Lake Minnewanka, the largest lake in Banff National Park, where the clear waters reflect the towering mountains above. Next, you'll visit Two Jack Lake; keep your camera ready, as the area is a wildlife haven. Frequent sightings include bears, bighorn sheep, and elk wandering through the forest. This tour not only offers a chance to witness the beauty of the Rockies but also provides an intimate look at the region's rich history and thriving wildlife.

4.9(36)
4h
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Rocky Mountains Peyto Lake and Banff Day Trip
From $106.8
Free CancellationNew🔥Likely to Sell Out

This winter day tour focuses on the most iconic glacier lakes of the Canadian Rockies, with extended time at Peyto Lake, famous for its unique shape and breathtaking views. You’ll also visit Lake Minnewanka, where you may — if conditions allow — witness the rare frozen bubble phenomenon beneath the ice. Passing by other Banff highlights such as Bow Lake, Vermilion Lakes and Two Jack Lake, this perfectly curated one-day journey captures the true essence of Banff’s winter beauty in a single unforgettable experience. [Important Note]: Free admission applies to Parks Canada sites from December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026. A refund of CAD 7 per person per day will be issued on tour for days that include national park visits.

8h
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Sulphur Mountain Highline Trek in Banff
From $216.54
Free Cancellation

This ridge hike is truly a unique experience - it's not well known, even by Banff locals. It's also the perfect add-on to the Banff Gondola experience. The views are the best you will experience in the Banff area, with a 360 degree panorama of the surrounding mountains. Our certified guides will pass on unique information about this sensitive alpine environment, the history of Banff, among other interesting topics, while making sure you are safe and comfortable.

4.8(12)
6h 30m
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Why Choose Mountain Tours in Banff?

Iconic Rocky Mountain Peaks

See towering summits including Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain!

Icefields Parkway

Drive one of world's most scenic highways through mountain paradise.

Glacier Experiences

Walk on 10,000-year-old ice at Columbia Icefield!

Panoramic Gondolas

Ride to summit viewpoints for breathtaking 360° vistas.

Types of Mountain Tours in Banff

Icefields Parkway Tour

Scenic drive to Columbia Icefield with glacier walk and photo stops.

9-10 hoursGlacier walkPeyto LakeBow LakeMost spectacular

Banff Gondola Experience

Ride to Sulphur Mountain summit for panoramic Rockies views.

2-3 hoursEasy access360° viewsBoardwalksRestaurant

Mountain Circle Tour

Drive scenic loop visiting mountain viewpoints and alpine lakes.

4-5 hoursMultiple stopsPhoto opportunitiesInterpretiveAccessible

Sunrise Mountain Tour

Early morning tours capturing first light on mountain peaks.

3-4 hoursGolden hourPhoto-focusedSmall groupsMagical light

What to Expect on Your Banff Mountain Tours

Duration

Gondola: 2-3 hours. Circle tours: 4-5 hours. Icefields Parkway: 9-10 hours.

Columbia Icefield

Walk on ancient glacier ice and ride Ice Explorer vehicles.

Peyto Lake

See stunning turquoise lake shaped like wolf head from above.

Mountain Viewpoints

Stop at numerous lookouts showcasing dramatic peaks and valleys.

Glaciers & Icefields

Learn about glaciology and climate change impacts on ice.

Geological History

Understand mountain-building forces and sedimentary rock layers.

Expert Tips for the Best Experience

1

Icefields Parkway tours are LONG (9-10 hours) - bring snacks, water, and layers!

2

Book Banff Gondola online in advance - saves 10% and skips ticket line.

3

Peyto Lake viewpoint best late morning when sun illuminates turquoise color.

4

Ice Explorer tickets (C$124) expensive but unforgettable glacier experience.

5

Icefields Parkway best June-September - closes sections in winter due to avalanches.

6

Bring binoculars for wildlife and distant peaks - amazing views!

7

Sunrise tours worth early wake-up - alpenglow on peaks is magical.

8

Columbia Icefield area is 10°C colder than Banff - warm jacket essential!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:What is the Icefields Parkway?

A: The Icefields Parkway is a 232km scenic highway between Banff and Jasper considered one of world's most beautiful drives. It passes glaciers, turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and endless peaks. Must-see stops: Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Columbia Icefield. Tours take 9-10 hours.

Q:Can you walk on a glacier in Banff?

A: Yes! Columbia Icefield tours include walking on Athabasca Glacier (10,000 years old). Ice Explorer vehicles drive onto glacier, then you walk on ice. It's safe, guided, and unforgettable! C$124 including tour. Available May-October.

Q:Is the Banff Gondola worth it?

A: Yes! Rides to 2,281m summit of Sulphur Mountain with 360° views over six mountain ranges. Summit boardwalks, restaurant, and interpretive exhibits. C$70 adults (book online for discount). Skip if you prefer hiking - same summit trail free!

Q:How long is the Icefields Parkway tour?

A: 9-10 hours full day from Banff. Includes Columbia Icefield glacier walk, Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, and scenic stops. Long day but worth it - most spectacular scenery in Rockies! Bring snacks, water, and camera.

Q:What is Mount Rundle?

A: Mount Rundle is Banff's most iconic and photographed mountain - the layered peak dominating Banff townsite views. Named after Methodist missionary. Not open for climbing (dangerous) but viewable everywhere. Vermillion Lakes offers best photos with reflection!

Q:Can you see the Continental Divide?

A: Yes! The Continental Divide (where water flows to Pacific vs Atlantic/Arctic) runs through Banff. Bow Summit on Icefields Parkway crosses it. Many mountain tours explain this important geographical feature. Parks Canada signs mark the divide!

Q:When is the best time for mountain tours?

A: Summer (July-September): Warmest, all roads open, best weather. September offers fall colors and fewer crowds. June can have snow on passes. Winter offers different beauty but limited access. Check road conditions before going!

Q:What should I bring?

A: Layers (jacket, fleece), water, snacks, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, camera. Icefields area is COLD even summer. Weather changes fast in mountains. Tours provide transportation but you provide comfort items. Wear comfortable shoes.

Don't Miss the Perfect Banff Experience

Book your mountain tours today - 86+ tours with instant confirmation & best price guarantee!

Why Visit Banff?

Iconic Lake Louise and stunning mountain scenery

World-class hiking and outdoor activities

Abundant wildlife and nature encounters

Beautiful Banff National Park landscapes

Charming mountain town atmosphere

Perfect blend of adventure and natural beauty

Best Time to Visit

Weather

Banff enjoys a mountain climate with cool summers and cold winters. Summers are mild (50-75°F/10-24°C), winters are cold (10-30°F/-12-1°C), and the weather can be unpredictable year-round.

Best Months

June to September offers the best weather with mild temperatures, clear trails, and perfect conditions for outdoor activities.

Peak Season

July to August brings peak tourist season with ideal weather, larger crowds, and higher prices.

Off Season

October to May offers lower prices and fewer crowds, though with cold weather and snow.

Plan Your Banff Trip

Transportation Tips

Renting a car is recommended for exploring the area. Organized tours provide access to remote areas, and shuttle services are available for popular destinations.

Car Rental Deals in Banff

Rent a car for maximum flexibility and explore at your own pace on Expedia USA.

Where to Stay

Find the perfect accommodation for your Banff adventure. From luxury resorts to cozy hotels, we've got you covered.

Best Hotel Deals in Banff

Discover top-rated hotels with exclusive rates and special offers on Trivago USA.

Ready to Explore Banff?

Discover the best tours and activities in Banff with AI-powered recommendations tailored just for you.