Canada · NATIONAL PARKS
A shortlist to send to whoever is planning: 15 national park tours that hold up, each with its price, its traveller verdict and the thing to know before you commit.
Relax on Maligne Lake in Jasper with a guided cruise to Spirit Island for glacier views, history stories, and a short trail stop.
“It was awesome! Our guide Mitchell was charming, and so knowledgeable. We learned a lot! Best cruise captain is Michael!!!”
Small-group Banff day tour from Calgary with Lake Louise, Moraine or Johnston Canyon, town time, and scenic viewpoints plus crampons.
“I almost didn’t make the trip, but I’m so glad I didn’t back out! Banff Rocky Mountains are absolutely breathtaking. I was fortunate to experience both clear sunshine & fresh snow during the same trip. Our tour guide, Angel, was fantastic; he is informative & attentive about his group. I followed his lunch recommendations, & his music selection for the drive made the experience even better. Definitely a trip I’d recommend!”
Whistler Wilderness Run snowmobile tour with small-group guiding, safety training, and frozen-lake trail rides.
“Our guide Tom was excellent he made our first snowmobiling experience super fun. I would definitely recommend this guided tour to friends back home.”
Half-day guided ride to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, with easy stops, small-group perks, and Valley of Ten Peaks viewpoints in Banff.
“Roz was the best tour guide we have had all week. Knowledgeable with history of the area and making it enjoyable. The views we saw were amazing. We did the steps to lake Moraine. Even though it was a little hard for a 61 year old with bad knees I would do it again. The view was spectacular.”
A small-group wildlife watch in Jasper with hotel pickup, a comfortable coach, and a guide who hunts the best sightings at dawn or dusk.
“We had a great time! Our guide Ross was excellent. We saw many animals, kept us out past the time to see more and try to see a bear, but no luck on that one. He was extremely knowledgeable on the animals and the area. Highly recommend!!”
Small-group Banff day trip from Calgary with Lake Louise, Moraine Lake Rockpile hike (summer), and classic stops like Two Jack and Minnewanka.
“Really good day out from Calgary and you get to see everything in the itinerary. Our guide was Murray and he was sure to make the day fun and educational while driving safely. Communication with the team was good, they communicated via WhatsApp and the visitor message app confirming the tour the day before with pick up time from your hotel. The only slightly negative was the bus really needs some shock absorbers it was very bump and loud, the USB charging ports didn’t work for all (depending on your cable) but they had power banks for you to use instead. Overall a lovely day, thank you.”
Guided 2-hour snowmobile tour from Whistler’s Blackcomb bases into the Brandywine and Callaghan valleys, with gear, hot drink, and scenic stops.
“Fun small group adventure with my son! He loved driving the mini-Z. Trail and snowmobiles were in great condition. Thanks to our guide Brendan! Only disappoint was that GST and mandatory insurance were excluded from viator’s quote.”
Small-group Banff and Lake Louise day trip with a certified local guide, Johnston Canyon winter views, Moraine access, and Banff Avenue time.
“This trip is highly recommended, time and money well spent. Luis, our guide and driver, actually the father of the owner, has competently guided us and described well the importance of the places we visited.”
Ride the Bow River in Banff on a calm, beginner-friendly 1-hour horseback hack with great views, helmets, and friendly guides.
“It was an interesting experience. For someone like me who had never ridden a horse and had no riding skills, it was excellent. The staff were respectful, and the tour guide (Mandi) was very kind and friendly. I highly recommend it, even if you have never ridden a horse before.”
Jasper day trip to Medicine Lake and Maligne Valley, with Spirit Island by cruise (seasonal) or an easy hike, plus wildlife stops.
“Great excursion! The cruise to Spirit Island with Jacob and Carson was especially interesting and beautiful.”
Full-day Banff and Yoho national parks tour from Calgary, with Moraine, Lake Louise, Emerald Lake, plus Banff Avenue or Bow Falls.
“Bring snacks and water, hand sanitizer and baby wipes just for extra comfort. Be prepared for lots of other tourists. Unfortunately our original transportation didn't start but Banff to Do didn't miss a beat. Even though our start was a bit delayed, our driver/tour guide Ben hit the ground running. We made up our time and had an amazing experience. Ben was very knowledgeable and just a really fun person to be around. We loved Ben!”
1-hour Banff horseback ride with Bow Falls views and Fairmont golf-course sights, plus Spray River crossings on calm horses.
“Enthusiastic crew and very friendly. The horses were well trained and we were given good instruction.”
2-hour grade 2 rafting on the Athabasca in Jasper. Small 8-person rafts, wetsuits included, 360 mountain views, guide-led fun.
“It was really great and our guide Alice was amazing, she did a wonderful job with the orientation and steering the boat. We did not have to do a lot of paddling but just enough to feel the excitement of the river. Alice was great with our 11 year old daughter and really made her feel safe and engaged. It was fun to swim in the river as well - cold but not crazy cold.”
Paddle the Bow River in Banff National Park with a guide, spot wildlife, and learn Native history in about 90 minutes for $69.84.
“This canoe ride was awesome. We saw a lot of wildlife as we rowed upstream and relaxed downstream on the Bow River.”
Easy 2-hour Athabasca River rafting in Jasper National Park. Oar-driven raft, friendly guides, wildlife, and Class 2 rapids.
“Great fun. The team all so upbeat and fun. Joel our captain very funny knowledgeable”
Six time zones of days out, sorted by the kind of day.
