Tours/Calgary/Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour
Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour
4.7(6)Calgary10 hours
VIATOR4.0(2)TRIPADVISOR5.0(4)
+16 photos
At a glance
Duration
10 hours
Price from
$77 / person
Location
Calgary, Canada
Rating
4.7 / 5 · 6 reviews
Languages
EN
Group
Small group, up to 12
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Hotel pickup
Available
Confirmation
Instant
Ticket
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Operator
Banff Day Trips
Description
Elevate your journey from Calgary to Banff with a full‑day adventure that blends wildlife encounters, mountain scenery, and the charm of Canada’s alpine towns.
Your morning begins at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where you’ll meet these intelligent, expressive animals up close. Their Intro Tour offers a rare look into their stories, their personalities, and the incredible work being done to protect them. It’s a moment of connection that stays with you.
Continue with a scenic drive through Kananaskis Country, known for sweeping valleys, rugged peaks, and the chance to spot wild horses. Enjoy free time in Downtown Banff for lunch and exploring cafés, shops, and local treats.
The afternoon brings peaceful stops at Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, perfect for shoreline walks, glacier‑fed water views, and mountain photos.
End your day with drop‑off in the Town of Banff, Canmore, Calgary, or the Calgary Airport.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, and Sun
Adult (ages 17–54)
$77
Youth (ages 10–16)
$77
In demand: 22 of the next 22 departures are already sold out.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 15.
Tour Options
Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour
Pickup included
Itinerary
Calgary
15 min
Calgary pick-ups
Admission included90 min
Intro Tour - Included
From the moment that you arrive at the Wolfdog Sanctuary you'll be in awe with these clever and hairy creatures. You'll joint their Introductory Tour where you'll learn all about their current and previous homes, and how they got here and why this place is such a good refuge for them.
Experience a captivating presentation that will unravel the mysteries of these magnificent creatures, providing you with a comprehensive introduction to their unique characteristics and behaviors. This tour offers an unparalleled "front row" viewing experience, allowing you to photograph the wolfdogs without any visual barriers. Plus, you'll have the privilege of engaging with your very own wolfdog expert, ready to answer all your questions and share fascinating insights.
Kananaskis Country
60 min
Travel past Ghost Lake and Tsuut’ina Nation with opportunities to see wild horses, rocky mountain sheep, elk and sometimes even bears.
Banff Avenue
Admission included90 min
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies; the town of Banff is a picturesque gem that enchants visitors with its blend of natural splendor and vibrant community spirit. Banff offers an unparalleled experience that seamlessly merges outdoor adventure with serene relaxation. Its streets are lined with charming shops, cozy cafes, and inviting restaurants, all exuding a rustic yet sophisticated vibe. You'll have time to explore the area and enjoy a fabulous meal almost anywhere in town, we'll suggest our favourite places of course! We stop here for about an hour forty-five minutes
Two Jack Lake
Admission included15 min
Two Jack Lake is one of those places that instantly slows the day down. Cradled by the sweeping landscapes of Banff National Park, it offers a calm, glassy stretch of water where Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain rise in perfect symmetry. Their reflections drift across the lake like a living painting, creating a scene that feels both playful and elegant. Depending on the season, we pause here for quick moment to soak in the view and capture the moment.
Lake Minnewanka
Admission included30 min
This glacial lake, known as the “Lake of Spirits” by the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, offers a pristine, untouched landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Stretching over 21 kilometers, Lake Minnewanka transforms every season, offering new and breathtaking scenery. From the vibrant greens of summer to the serene, snow-blanketed beauty of winter, this lake is a testament to the timeless allure of Banff's natural wonders. Summer: You'll have time to visit the marina or explore the shoreline, maybe grab a coffee and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Winter: Come make a snow angel, walk on ice, explore the shoreline, take stunning photos.
Calgary
15 min
Drop-off at your original meeting point.
We can also drop-you off in Canmore or in the Town of Banff at the end of the tour.
What's included
Included
Photos & Videos, ask and you shall get!
Pick-Up from the list of Hotels in Calgary.
Drop-offs can also be done at your hotel in Canmore or the Town of Banff at the end of the tour.
Banff National Park - day pass
Yamnuska wofldog Sanctuary Intro-Tour Admission
Drinking water is provided throughout the day
Air-conditioned vehicle
Not included
Meals are not included
Optional tipping is always welcome
Pickup Locations & Times
If your hotel isn't on the list, just add its name and address in the special request section. We'll then confirm your pick-up/drop-off time or arrange a meeting point if it's outside our service area.
One backpack and one carry-on per person, anything else, please let us know as soon as you book your adventure.
Traveller Ratings
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.7
6 reviews
5
5
4
0
3
1
2
0
1
0
How it compares in Calgary
Starting price $77 is 20% below the typical $96 for tours of similar length in Calgary
Excurgo comparison of 483 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
Important Information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Not recommended for children under 10
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
1+ days before100% refund
0–1 days before0% refund
Frequently asked questions
How long does Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour take?
Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour lasts about 10 hours. The itinerary has 7 stops.
How much does Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour cost?
Prices start at $77 per person for this Calgary experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There is 1 booking option, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
What days does Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
Does Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour sell out?
It can: 22 of the next 22 departures are already sold out, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Can I cancel Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour for free?
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, pickup is offered. If your hotel isn't on the list, just add its name and address in the special request section. We'll then confirm your pick-up/drop-off time or arrange a meeting point if it's outside our service area.
One backpack and one carry-on per person, anything else, please let us know as soon as you book your adventure. Pickup points include Sandman Signature Calgary Airport Hotel, Park Inn by Radisson, Calgary Airport North, AB.
What languages is Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour offered in?
The experience is available in EN.
Is this a private or a group tour?
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Is the tour suitable for children?
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Not recommended for children under 10
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 6 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Banff Day Trips.
Reviews(6)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
8
808giggles
June 21, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Great tour with a fantastic company owned by Kevin
The Wolfdog & Banff tour with Banff Day Trips was great. Clients at airport hotel locations were picked up by Rick who drove us to a downtown location to meet the company’s vans going to various tours. I remained with the very personable Rick and was joined by 4 other passengers to be taken to the Wolfdog Sanctuary. We had 1.5-2 hours at the sanctuary to see all of the animals and the introduction tour. While the 4 passengers were picked up by another driver as they were only doing the Sanctuary tour, Rick drove me to Banff’s downtown area where I met another van for the remainder of my tour to Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. I had about 3 hours in the downtown area for lunch and shopping. The very knowledgeable Dan was my van driver returning to Calgary. We lucked out by seeing a herd of mountain big horned sheep crossing the road near Two Jack Lake. Water is provided during the tour.
Kevin, the owner of Banff Day Trips, was very accommodating when I told him that another company cancelled my airport hotel pick up even though this was agreed upon during my booking with Top Choice Tours via GetYourGuide. He tried to place me on a tour that visited the sights that I was missing; unfortunately, this particular tour wasn't running on the day that I now had free. But at least he tried which is the main point.
Operator response
Thank you for joining us for the Wolfdog and Banff tour.
It’s wonderful that you were able to enjoy lunch and shopping downtown, take in Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, and even catch a herd of big horn sheep along the way. Dan will appreciate your kind words about his knowledge and the comfortable return to Calgary. We’re glad the provided water and pacing of the day helped keep everything easy.
We’re sorry another company cancelled on you, and we appreciate you recognizing Kevin’s effort to help find an alternative.
We’re grateful you chose to spend your day with us and hope to welcome you again on your next visit.
H
Hanna A
February 27, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent tours to Lake Louise & Icefields Parkway & the Yamnuska Wolf Sanctuary.
Kevin was very accommodating and with our tight schedule we managed to do tours enroute to Banff (Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway) & on our return to Calgary via Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary.
Murray, Dair & Kevin were all excellent guides with extensive knowledge of the stunning Rocky mountains.
Kevin took us on the beautiful back route from Banff to Yamnuska with a couple of absolutely beautiful stops to take photos where some elk were grazing and to view the gorgeous snow topped Rockies with the river & trainline meandering through the valley, simply breathtaking! The Wolfdog Sanctuary was fascinating and had a lovely giftshop with some locally made gifts. Thoroughly recommend doing trips
Operator response
Thank you so much for the thoughtful review!
We’re really glad we could make your tight schedule work and still give you a full Rocky Mountain experience.
We hope the memories (and photos!) stay with you for a long time, and we’d love to welcome you back to the mountains.
K
Katrina_C
September 29, 2025 · via Viator
Wolfdogs and other highlights
I started the day with one group stopping at 2 Jack Lake and Lake Minnetonka then changed to another as there were only 2 of us wanting to see the wolfdogs. Since it was only 2 of us and our fabulous guide Dia (unsure of spelling) the rest of the day was more flexible. I was meant to spend time in Banff but opted to join the other 2 on the chairlift instead. Great decision as was a lovely day and the views were amazing. Then onto the highlight for me seeing the wolfdogs. Definitely recommend if you are interested in animals, they are just beautiful and it was very interesting learning about them. Then it was a quick stop in Crane for some yummy ice cream before heading back to Calgary. Was a wonder day that I won’t forget, thank you.
P
Patricia_B
September 16, 2025 · via Viator
Not enough time
I thought that the Wolfdog Sanctuary was the primary stop on the tour and we would go there first. However not all the people on the tour were going there so we were split after lunch with one group going to the sanctuary and one group going to the lakes. The group going to the wolfdogs stopped at 2 little towns to kill time until our late afternoon tour time slot. This means that we only got 30 minutes to visit other enclosures after our intro talk. Since the reason I booked the tour was to visit the sanctuary, i was disappointed with the time we got to spend there.
Operator response
Hi Patricia, I wish you enjoyed the day a bit more.
We spend about an hour and 20 minutes at the Sanctuary, sometimes a bit more depending on the season. I know everyone wish we could spend more time at each location but, your guides have to get to other destinations within the hours the government allows them to drive.
On that day you were the only person who signed up for this experience. We know how difficult it can be to look for other options at the end of the season. We made the decision to not cancel your tour and combine the stops with the other group; this meant you would be at the sanctuary in the afternoon. This is still at a loss for us, and as a small business these reviews hurt us more than you think. Canceling creates bad reviews, doing what we did for you creates bad reviews, it's not easy as a small business to keep everyone happy, reviews hurt more than you think.
Please read the tour description, we do stop at the Towns of Banff and Canmore, they are part of the experience.
we'll consider your opinion, and we also wish you a great rest of your vacation.
S
Steve B
July 10, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Great Company; Had a Great Time. Highly Recommend
Great time. Went with Banff Day Trips to Banff and the Yamnuska Wolf Dog sanctuary. Picked by Patrick and later had Gordon as our tour guide. Fun bunch of guys who made the day trip fun and exciting. My wife like Patrick so much she wished he was her son in law. Good work guys
D
dianetA66OW
June 3, 2025 · via Tripadvisor
Fantastic and well worth it.
Truly amazing. A must see. Gondon was a friendly funny and knowledgeable driver/guide. Highly recommend booking with Banff Day Trips. They make it exceptional
Operator response
Diane, you earned the title of official road warrior! We are happy that you enjoy every day with us. We hope to see you again on one more mountain adventure!
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