Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff
Description
Discover a wilder side of the Rockies on this small-group adventure that connects you with some of the region’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Visit Takakkaw Falls—one of Canada’s highest waterfalls—explore the emerald waters of Emerald Lake, and view the historic Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park. Stop at the Golden Skybridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge, with stunning views and a relaxing lunch. Then continue to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge to meet Boo, a rescued grizzly bear living in a 20-acre sanctuary. It’s not just where you go—but how you experience it.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Visit Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park (when access permits), to see Canada's second highest waterfall tumbling 254m (830 feet) in one stretch and 384m (1,260 feet) in total. The falls can be admired from the parking area or from an optional short 0.5km (¹⁄₃ mile) walk on a paved trail from the parking area to the base of the impressive falls.
Ride a four-person open-chairlift chairlift partway up the mountain to the Grizzly Bear Refuge, the largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat in the world. At the refuge you'll meet Boo, a bear with paws the size of hubcaps, a mouth full of sharp teeth and enormous muscles moving beneath his shaggy fur, in his 20-acre habitat in the Rocky Mountain bush. You’ll hear his personal story and learn about grizzly bear behaviour from the knowledgeable guide while you watch him explore, hunt and forage just like his wild cousins. After the tour, you'll descend back down the open-air chairlift.
There will be a brief stop at Emerald Lake, famous for its jade-coloured waters and surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
Every pickup point has a unique pickup time. Guests must be ready at their selected pickup point 5 minutes prior. Banff Rocky Mountain Resort at 7:55 AM Canalta Lodge at 8:00 AM Banff Caribou Lodge at 8:01 AM Fox Hotel & Suites at 8:02 AM Red Carpet Inn at 8:03 AM Douglas Fir at 8:06 AM Banff Ptarmigan Inn at 8:10 AM Mount Royal Hotel (Public Bus Parking behind hotel) at 8:12 Am Rimrock Resort at 8:20 AM Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Motorcoach Entrance) at 8:30 AM Banff Train Station at 8:30 AM Juniper Hotel at 8:35 AM If no pickup is selected, your pick up will be defaulted to meet at the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 8:12 AM.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Early and late season bookings may be subject to itinerary changes, the Takakkaw Falls Road typically opens late June. Alternative stops are usually the Spiral Tunnels and Natural Bridge..
- Infant rates do not include food.
- Group bookings of 9 or more guests have a 7 day cancellation period.
Reviews(145)
We had a wonderful tour. We visited the beautiful Takakkow waterfalls first. then we went and crossed the Golden Sky Bridge where we had lunch (Fabulous burger and fries). Then we went to the Bear sanctuary, we took the Gondola up to see Boo the Bear, which was great in itself. The visit to the Sanctuary, was superb. The knowledge of the keepers was excellent. And we saw so much of Boo, including him enjoying his own private pool! Great tour and great guide to boot!
Excellent trip Jake was a good driver/guide ,lot of history & local information supplied(the man can talk 🤣) Reversing up the mountain road👏 well done
Evie was excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. A great way to find out lots about the national park whilst going on some great trips. We were lucky enough to meet Boo and the team there were also very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Lovely food at the bridges. Highly recommend.
A fabulous way to see the highlights of Banff and Yoho national parks. Eve our fantastic guide was full of really interesting history and wildlife facts! Go knowing this is a site seeing day out not a grizzly bear tour. Eve and the content get 5 stars dropped one as it’s totally misnamed !!! Perhaps highlights of Banff and Yoho is more appropriate
Had a brilliant day, visiting Takakka Falls, skywalk, Emerald Lake and the big event, the grizzly bear refuge via the sky lift, to see Boo the bear. Emma, our guide and driver for the day, was great. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the bears and providing a very informative commentary throughout the day. We were lucky to see lots of Boo to top-off a great day.
Boo was great. He posed for us for 15 minutes. Jake was a great guide with an amazing personality and beard! His interpretive dance at Emerald Lake drew such a huge audience we're sure he has a new side gig!! Thank you Jake, you're the best!!
Jake was the best guide we’ve had in years. We spent a full day going to see boo the grizzly bear followed by emerald lake. Jake was Knowledgeable fun and accommodating. I would highly recommend his tour
Did the Grizzly bears tour with Ella and she was fantastic! She was very funny, told some great stories and put a lot of effort into making it a memorable experience.
Absolutely fabulous tour. Our guide Michaela was excellent, informative, friendly and went above and beyond. We were a small group of 5 and she came along with us to all the scenic spots and took photos for us ( which for a solo traveller is wonderful) Every stop was amazing and the Grizzly Bear sanctuary was awesome. We were really lucky Boo put on a show for us, it was magical. Emerald Lake was breathtaking. An absolute gem of a tour and our guide made it even more special. Don’t miss this tour!
A full day trip with lots to see. Boo the bear was incredible to see. The van was clean and comfortable. Our guide Chloe was very knowledgeable and an excellent guide.
