Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots
Description
This easy 3-kilometer trail through Kootenay National Park to see the historical Paint Pots is the perfect introduction to snowshoeing. You'll hike along a snowy forest path to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure, with an option to try tobogganing on a crazy carpet slide. This small-group tour includes round-trip transportation from Banff, snowshoes, hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian treat - hot maple taffy made in the snow by your guide.
Tour Options
Itinerary
You'll hike on an easy trail along a bridge across the frozen Vermilion River and and along the snowy path winding through a forest of pine trees to the fascinating Paint Pots, which are mineral deposits once used by First Nations people for rock painting. Along the way you will hear stories from your friendly guide of Banff’s indigenous people, explorers and fur traders who lived in and traveled through the Rockies. After having a go at the crazy carpet slide down the hill (if you wish!) your guide will share hot chocolate and make a sweet frozen dessert in the snow for you to try - delicious maple taffy. This three-kilometer (1.86 miles) afternoon tour is an excellent trip for beginners as it covers a mainly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, and also suits anyone wanting a pleasant activity outdoors in the majesty of Kootenay National Park.
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 12:55 PM Canalta Lodge at 1:00 PM Banff Caribou Lodge at 1:01 PM Fox Hotel & Suites at 1:02 PM Red Carpet Inn at 1:03 PM Douglas Fir at 1:06 PM Banff Ptarmigan Inn at 1:10 PM Mount Royal Hotel (Public Bus Parking behind hotel) at 1:12 PM Rimrock Resort at 1:20 PM Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Motorcoach Entrance) at 1:25 PM Banff Train Station at 1:30 PM Juniper Hotel at 1:35 PM If no pickup is selected, your pick up will be defaulted to meet at the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 1:12 PM.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 8 years.
- Guests should dress in ski wear for this trip including a winter jacket, ski pants, hats, mittens, and warm winter boots.
- All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by someone 18 years and older.
- All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18.
Reviews(62)
We had the most amazing snowshoeing trip to the Paint Pots, thanks to gorgeous weather, a nice small group, and most of all, the best tour guide in Georgia! 🌞 ❄️ She was super friendly, energetic and knowledgeable, and encouraged everyone to make the most of our time out there in the snow, including trying out some running on snowshoes! We loved the beautiful route we took, along with the sledding and delicious cocoa and maple taffy! 🍁 Shout out to Georgia's mum in Australia - you raised a fantastic talented daughter! 🇦🇺
Roz was very energetic & outgoing during the whole trip. Her knowledge of the park, animals and history were top notch!!
Our guides were amazing. They were very knowledgeable about the history of snow shoeing and the area culture. They were very professional and nice.
Roz and Tom we’re super knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. We saw beautiful scenery and learned so much about the area and the history. Highly recommend them and this excursion!
I had a great time snowshoeing with Georgia. She was very engaging and a great guide. She also gave us time to go out and explore so that we could burn off the sugary goodies. 10/10 would recommend.
The snow-shoe trip to the Paint Pots with Jake was great from beginning to end. Pick up at our hotel was on time and during the ride to Paint Pots Jake told us amusing and interesting stories about the area. The equipment that we were given was very effective. My husband and I are older beginners and Jake made sure to give us tips to make the snow showing enjoyable. The area where we hiked was beautiful. I highly recommend this tour and suggest that you ask for Jake.
We loved this experience. Ray was a fantastic guide and made the trip great. Our two older sons (19 and 21) enjoyed learning to snowshoe as well. Highly recommend!
Amazing views along the drive and the walk! Easy to do and a lot of fun. Our guide (Rob) was very informative and friendly. Plus nothing like a little hot chocolate mid hike!
Amazing experience! Beautiful weather and an enjoyable hike in the woods. Everyone was very friendly and our guide did an amazing job.
I booked this tour with Discover Banff Tours. Neil was our guide. He was professional and very knowledgeable about the area, he engaged our group in conversation and made the best maple taffy and hot cocoa. The trail was easy, and the weather cooperated during our hike. The snack and sledding was a fun addition to the tour. Would go again!
