Snowshoeing on Top of the World

Key Points

• High customer satisfaction with a perfect 5.0 rating based on 97 reviews
• Cost of $129.17 per person for a 4.5-hour snowshoe adventure with transport and gondola access
• Includes professional guides, snowshoes, poles, and snacks such as hot chocolate and cookies
• Suitable for participants aged 12 and above with moderate physical fitness required
• Departure point at Mount Royal Hotel in Banff, with hotel pickup and drop-off included
• Weather conditions are not a barrier; the tour runs in all weather with proper dress necessary

Snowshoeing in Banff with a 5-Star Rating

The “Snowshoeing on Top of the World” tour offers an engaging way to explore the snowy backcountry of the Canadian Rockies. Priced at $129.17 per person and lasting approximately 4 hours 30 minutes, this tour provides an ideal blend of adventure, stunning scenery, and guided expertise in Banff, Canada. With a perfect 5.0 rating based on 97 reviews, it clearly earns high praise for its memorable experiences and professional guides.

White Mountain Adventures runs this tour, which departs from Mount Royal Hotel and includes hotel pickup and drop-off. The tour’s highlights include gondola and chairlift rides, trekking through deep powder snow, and spectacular views of Mt. Assiniboine and the Canadian Rockies. Though access to snowshoes is included, participants are advised to come prepared with appropriate winter clothing, snowpants, ski jacket, warm boots, hat, and mitts. This ensures safety and comfort during the moderately strenuous activity.

Exploring the Backcountry with Professional Guides

The guide-led experience ensures safety and enjoyment while navigating the alpine terrain. Guides like Emilio, Jennifer, Scott, Jen, and Megan receive acclaim for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make the experience fun and informative. They help guests maneuver through deep powder snow and explain the landscape, including sights like the Continental Divide, which the tour crosses into British Columbia.

The guides also provide snowshoes and poles, making it easier to traverse the snow-covered ground. Their expertise is especially appreciated by those new to snowshoeing, as they assist in balancing and pacing. The small group size—limited to 11 participants—ensures personalized attention and a relaxed atmosphere, enhancing the overall experience.

Gondola Ride and Mountain Views

A major highlight of this tour is the gondola ride up to Standish Mountain, which offers breathtaking panoramic views. Travelers get an expansive look at the Canadian Rockies, with 360-degree vistas that include peaks like Mt. Assiniboine. The ride is a scenic ascent that sets the stage for the snowshoe trek.

Once at the top, guests enjoy the deep powder snow and beautiful alpine scenery. The ascent and descent on the gondola and chairlifts add a sense of adventure and variety to the tour. The spectacular mountain views make this tour a visual highlight and provide excellent photo opportunities.

Trekking the Snow-Covered Terrain

The backcountry snowshoe trek begins after the gondola ride and covers roughly 3 kilometers of snow-covered landscape. Participants can expect deep powder snow and a moderately strenuous activity that offers a good workout. The terrain includes alpine hills and snow-covered forests, with no options to turn back once the group departs the top chairlift station.

During the trek, guests are encouraged to keep an eye out for wildlife and scenery, with views of Mt. Assiniboine and the Canadian Rockies. The snowshoeing is designed to be accessible to those with moderate fitness levels, but participants should be comfortable walking in winter boots and snowshoes over uneven terrain.

Crossing the Continental Divide into British Columbia

One of the most remarkable aspects of this adventure is the crossing of the Continental Divide. This scenic milestone marks the boundary between Alberta and British Columbia, and the tour takes you across it as part of the trek. This moment offers a unique perspective on the vastness of the Rocky Mountains.

The experience of walking through pristine snow with views of distant mountain ranges makes this crossing memorable. The terrain, with its fresh powder and quiet alpine atmosphere, is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts alike.

Food, Drink, and Rest Breaks

At the top of Standish Mountain, hot chocolate and cookies are included, providing a warm treat after the snowshoeing. These small comforts enhance the experience, giving guests a chance to relax and take in the surrounding landscape.

The tour also offers snacks during the day, making it suitable for a half-day outdoor activity. The warm drinks and snacks are especially appreciated considering the cold mountain environment. Participants are advised to dress in layers and bring additional warm clothing to stay comfortable.

Physical Requirements and Safety Considerations

This snowshoe tour is rated as moderately strenuous and involves walking at least 3 kilometers on snowshoes through deep powder snow. Guests should have a reasonable level of fitness and be able to walk comfortably in winter gear.

The activity takes place in backcountry alpine terrain, so proper winter clothing and boots are essential. The required gear includes snowpants, a ski jacket, warm hat, mitts, and winter boots or hiking boots. The tour is suitable for individuals aged 12 and above.

Participants should be prepared for all weather conditions and dressing appropriately. The tour runs in all weather, and safety is a priority, with guides ensuring proper pacing and support throughout the trek.

Meeting Point, Transport, and Group Size

The tour starts at Mount Royal Hotel in Banff, with hotel pickup and drop-off included. Guests meet at 12:35 pm, ready for a scenic gondola ride and mountain adventure.

The maximum group size is 11 travelers, which helps maintain a personalized and relaxed environment. The tour operates year-round in all weather conditions, making it accessible regardless of the weather, provided guests are dressed properly.

Expert Guides and Personalized Experience

Guests repeatedly highlight the knowledgeable, friendly guides who lead the tours. Guides like Megan, Emilio, Jen, and Scott are praised for their warmth, expertise, and ability to make the experience fun.

Many reviews note the guides’ attentiveness to safety and their ability to explain the terrain and landscape clearly. This expert guidance helps even first-time snowshoers feel confident and enjoy the adventure.

Best Time to Book and Considerations

The tour is popular, with more than 5 bookings last month and a full 97 reviews. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak winter months. Since the tour is cancellable for free up to 24 hours before, travelers can plan with flexibility.

The experience is suitable for those looking for a mix of physical activity and sightseeing, and the cost includes transport, guides, snowshoes, and snacks, offering good value for a full mountain adventure.

The Sum Up: A Memorable Mountain Trek with Stunning Views

“Snowshoeing on Top of the World” offers a well-rounded, guided snowshoe experience in Banff that combines scenic gondola rides, challenging terrain, and breathtaking mountain scenery. The expert guides and small group sizes ensure a personalized, safe, and enjoyable adventure.

The inclusion of hot chocolate, snacks, and transport elevates this tour beyond a simple snowshoe trek. It suits adventurers with moderate fitness levels who want to explore the Canadian Rockies in winter with ease and comfort. While the activity requires dressing appropriately and being prepared for physical exertion, the spectacular views and memorable moments make it a worthwhile outing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, as long as participants are comfortable walking 3 kilometers in deep snow and have moderate fitness. Guides help make the experience accessible for newcomers.

What gear should I bring?
Participants need to wear snowpants, a ski jacket, warm hat, mitts, and winter boots. The tour includes snowshoes and poles, but dressing properly is essential for comfort and safety.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation if canceled more than 24 hours in advance. No refunds are available for cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start.

What are the main highlights of this tour?
Expect mountain vistas, gondola rides, crossing the Continental Divide, and hot chocolate at the summit. The expert guides and the small group size make for a memorable adventure.