Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff

Discover the Beauty and Wildlife of Banff with a Focus on Grizzly Bears

The Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff tour offers a unique combination of scenic exploration and wildlife viewing for those who love nature and animals alike. Priced at $242.01 per person, this approximately 10-hour trip includes visits to some of the most iconic spots in the Canadian Rockies, such as Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake, along with a chairlift ride to a dedicated grizzly bear refuge. This tour is ideal for travelers seeking a mix of breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters, particularly the chance to see Boo, the rescued grizzly bear living in an enclosed habitat at Kicking Horse Resort.

Operated seasonally from June through September, the trip offers pick-up services and a small group size—up to 24 guests—to ensure a more intimate experience. While the tour includes a lunch and transportation from Banff, it involves a fair amount of driving and outdoor walking, which is worth considering if mobility is a concern. This tour combines nature, wildlife, and spectacular vistas in a way that appeals strongly to animal lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Price: $242.01 per person for a full-day trip
• Duration: Approximately 10 hours from start to finish
• Includes: Pickup, guided tour, chairlift ride, visit to the grizzly bear refuge, stops at Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake
• Highlights: Close encounter with Boo the grizzly, panoramic Rocky Mountain views, scenic waterfalls, and lakes
• Best for: Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and those interested in conservation and animal rescue stories
• Seasonal: Operating only from June through September

The Tour Starts with a Visit to Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park

The adventure begins with a stop at Takakkaw Falls, which is Canada’s second highest waterfall. This 254-meter (830 feet) cascade offers dramatic views and a powerful reminder of the Rockies’ natural force. The falls are visible from a designated viewpoint, and visitors can enjoy a 30-minute photo opportunity, taking in the lush surroundings that make this site so photogenic.

Access to Takakkaw Falls depends on the season, and it is typically open from late June, with alternative stops like the Spiral Tunnels or Natural Bridge available when the road is closed. This brief but impressive stop highlights the rugged beauty of the region and sets the tone for the day’s scenic journey.

Kicking Horse Mountain Resort and the Grizzly Bear Refuge

A key feature of this tour is taking an open-chairlift ride at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, which offers sweeping views of the Rocky Mountains. The chairlift takes you partway up the mountain, bringing you to the largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat in the world. During this 3-hour segment, you get to meet Boo, a rescued grizzly bear with large paws, living in a naturalistic environment where she roams freely.

While riding the chairlift, it’s common to spot wildlife in the area below, including potential grizzly sightings, adding an extra layer of excitement. The refuge is designed to give Boo a spacious, natural habitat, and visitors can observe her roaming and playing at close range, providing a memorable wildlife experience and insight into bear conservation efforts.

A Scenic Stop at Emerald Lake

The tour includes a 20-minute stop at Emerald Lake, renowned for its vivid jade-green waters. Surrounded by towering peaks, the lake offers a tranquil setting for photos or a quick walk along its shoreline. This stop provides a peaceful contrast to the more active parts of the day and gives visitors a chance to absorb the stunning natural environment of the Rockies.

The brief visit allows enough time to admire the lake’s beauty without significantly extending the overall tour duration, making it a perfect quick escape into nature.

Detailed Itinerary and Stops

The first stop, Takakkaw Falls, showcases one of Canada’s most impressive waterfalls, with water plunging 254 meters. The viewing area offers spectacular photo opportunities, and the short duration makes this a manageable and memorable start.

Next, the Kicking Horse Mountain Resort is the heart of the wildlife encounter. The chairlift transports visitors to a vantage point above the refuge where Boo the grizzly roams. The guided visit provides insight into Boo’s rescue story and the importance of bear conservation.

Finally, at Emerald Lake, visitors get a brief but scenic break to enjoy the peaceful waters and surrounding mountains. This stop emphasizes the region’s natural beauty and offers excellent photo opportunities.

The Experience of the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge

The refuge at Kicking Horse is a large enclosed habitat that provides Boo with space to roam in a natural setting. Visitors observe Boo playing and exploring in her environment, which is designed to mimic her natural habitat closely. The close-up view allows for a personal look at the animal’s behaviors and physical features.

Guides explain Boo’s backstory, including her rescue as a cub, and discuss efforts to protect and rehabilitate grizzly bears in Canada. The refuge experience is a key highlight, offering an intimate and educational encounter with one of North America’s iconic species.

Scenic Highlights: Waterfalls, Lakes, and Mountain Views

Along With the wildlife elements, this tour offers spectacular scenery throughout the day. The waterfalls and lakes are among the most beautiful in the Rockies, with Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake standing out for their striking natural features.

The mountain views from the chairlift and various viewpoints are breath-taking, providing plenty of opportunities for photography and quiet reflection. The Golden Skybridge was scheduled to be included in 2025 but is only available in 2025, so check the current offering if you’re interested.

Logistics and Group Size

The tour departs from Banff at 8:30 am and includes return transportation. The group size is limited to 24 guests, which helps create a more personal experience and allows guides to offer more attention and explanations.

Pickup services are provided, making the day more convenient. The tour is suitable for most travelers, but note that early and late-season bookings might include some itinerary adjustments because of weather or road conditions, especially for Takakkaw Falls.

Physical Demands and Accessibility

While the tour is designed to be accessible for most, the Golden Skybridge (if included) has uneven terrain and steep areas, which may pose challenges for those with mobility issues. The short stops for scenery and wildlife viewing involve minimal walking, but the chairlift ride and outdoor viewing areas do require being comfortable in an outdoor environment.

Travelers should be prepared for outdoor conditions, including potential wind, rain, or cold, especially at higher elevations.

Price, Inclusions, and Value

At $242.01 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience, including guided commentary, transportation, the chairlift ride, and admission to the grizzly bear refuge. The small-group format enhances the experience, allowing for more interaction and personalized attention.

The tour also features lunch and stopovers at major scenic sites, making it a good value for a full-day adventure. Optional gratuities are not included, so tipping guides for excellent service is customary.

Final Thoughts on the Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff Tour

This tour provides a compelling mix of spectacular landscapes and wildlife encounters in the Canadian Rockies. The opportunity to see Boo the grizzly, along with stops at Takakkaw Falls and Emerald Lake, makes for a well-rounded day of natural beauty and animal appreciation.

The guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness, adding to the comfort and educational value of the experience. The seasonal operation limits availability, so planning ahead is advised.

While the driving time can be lengthy, the stops and sights make this an excellent choice for those eager to combine sightseeing with wildlife viewing. If you appreciate nature, mountains, waterfalls, and bear conservation stories, this tour will satisfy your curiosity and sense of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
Most travelers can participate, but note that Golden Skybridge has uneven terrain and steep areas, which may be challenging for those with mobility issues.

What animals can I expect to see besides the grizzly bear?
Wildlife sightings during the drive include black bears, marmots, and mama grizzly bears with cubs, depending on the day.

How long is the drive from Banff to the stops?
The trip involves several hours of driving with scenic stops along the way, totaling approximately 10 hours.

Is the tour available year-round?
No, it operates seasonally from June through September; outside these months, the itinerary may change or be unavailable.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring comfortable outdoor clothing, camera, sunscreen, and snacks if desired. The tour provides lunch, but personal preferences vary.

Can I book this tour for a private group?
Yes, the tour is suitable for small groups (up to 24), and group bookings of 9 or more have a 7-day cancellation window.