Prices checked on Sep 11, 2026Things to do in Banff
Join us on a group kayak paddle to explore the Bow River. Check out the local wildlife, capture that perfect picture in front of Mount Rundle and maybe even catch a glimpse of your resident beaver, Barry. The early bird gets the worm, and in this case, the kayaker gets to hit the river first (before rentals are open)! Experience paddling the Bow River or Creek with no other boats (apart from your group). It's magic. Connect with nature and other kayakers as you enjoy the serene surroundings and picturesque views. Your friendly hosts will help answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Please note that participants MUST have previous kayak experience and should be physically fit as the experience can be adventurous and you may be required to portage. Double kayaks and single kayaks available Single Kayaks: Rates are per person. Minimum age: 16. Double Kayaks: Rates are per kayak for two people. Minimum age: 10. Guests under 16 must kayak with an adult (16+).
The Bow River is a stunning natural gem in Canada, known for its turquoise waters that wind through awe-inspiring landscapes of towering mountains and lush forests. Flowing through Alberta, it offers breathtaking views and a serene escape for nature enthusiasts. Its banks are home to diverse wildlife, and the gentle sound of the river adds to its tranquil charm. The Bow River is not just a waterway; it's a picturesque symbol of Canada's raw, unspoiled beauty.
Discover the hidden gem that is Vermilion Lakes, a tranquil escape nestled in the heart of the Rockies. Float across mirror-like waters reflecting majestic peaks and the expansive Alberta sky. This serene kayak experience allows you to soak in the peaceful surroundings while marveling at lush wetlands teeming with diverse wildlife. Whether you’re capturing photos of the awe-inspiring views or simply unwinding in the stillness of the lakes, this adventure offers a slice of paradise.
Banff National Park- Kayak Experience lasts about 2 hours. The itinerary has 2 stops.
Prices start at $100 per person for this Banff experience, booked through Viator with the price shown before checkout. There are 2 booking options, so the final price depends on the option you choose.
Yes. Cancel at least 1 day before the start for a full refund. Later cancellations are non-refundable.
The meeting point is Meet our guides at the corner of Wolf Street and Bow Avenue. Please arrive 20 minutes before your tour time.. Hotel pickup is not part of this experience.
The experience is available in EN.
It is a small-group experience with a maximum of 12 participants.
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Travellers rate it 5.0 out of 5 across 38 verified reviews; it is run by The Banff Canoe Club. Most-mentioned highlights: Paddles; Kayak; Life Jackets.
What an amazing way to start the day. Our group was small (5 in 3 kayaks) and we were the only ones on the river. Our guide was great and made sure everyone was able to get in and out of their kayaks to get across the beaver’s dam. The kayaking was relaxed and gentle and allowed for you to enjoy your surroundings. A good level of mobility is required, if only for negotiating the dam. This provides an amazing start to our holiday.
This was so much fun. Claire was a great guide. She had a great personality, shared lots of knowledge about the area and was really laid back. It was just about 6 of us and made perfect small group.
This was a lovely way to start the day, a nice pace, great scenery and friendly guide. Suitable for beginners, may be difficult if you have mobility issues as we needed to get out of the kayak to traverse a dam.
Our tour guides Tom and Claire were knowledgeable and worked hard. They gave us a good balance of instruction and free time. Great views!!
We rented two canoes with our family and had a very nice time on Bow river. The views are beautiful. It is a bit pricey, but is a very nice experience.
Hi there, Thank you for your lovely review! We're so glad to hear that you and your family had such a great time exploring the Bow River by canoe. Thank you for choosing to paddle with us, and we hope to welcome your family back for another adventure on the water in the future! Banff Canoe Club
Peaceful and relaxing paddle down the Bow River. Kya was very personable and knowledgeable of the area.
We got to see spots that we didn’t think we’d see and he was able to answer every question, very knowledgeable about the land and the history behind landmarks. He also took one of my favorite pictures of my husband and I on our honeymoon. Thank you!
Beautiful morning on the water. Water was very calm on the creek and lake. The group was small, 6 kayakers, the guide answered questions and chatted with everyone very easily. We saw different types of birds. There was some mosquitoes, but not bad. And the portage part of the trip is done by the guide, so you only have to get out of the kayak, he moves it, and then you are back in. A bit of an arm workout with paddling but easy over all. Gave our feet a break from walking :)
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're so glad you enjoyed a peaceful morning on the water. Calm conditions, a small group, and plenty of birdlife make for a fantastic kayaking experience! It's great to hear your guide helped create such a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere by answering questions and chatting with everyone along the way. A little arm workout is a great way to balance out all the walking while exploring Banff! 😊 Thank you for choosing to paddle with us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure on the water soon. Banff Canoe Club
10/10 experience. My 17 year-old son and I went and found it to be a relatively easy paddle minus the Beaverdam! But our guide, Amy made sure we all got over it! She was awesome.. personable, friendly and professional, she did a really great job of keeping us all together and making sure that she gave us info on the mountains around us and the lakes that we paddled to! Unfortunately, no beavers or muskrats were seen, but we did see a bald eagle! Again, great experience would totally recommend.
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you and your son had a 10/10 experience on the water. We'll be sure to pass your kind words along to Amy. She does a wonderful job of making everyone feel comfortable while sharing her knowledge of the area's mountains, lakes, and wildlife, so we're delighted she helped make your trip so enjoyable. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you both back for another paddle in Banff. Banff Canoe Club
My partner and I had an amazing time on our kayak tour. Our guide - Corey - was extremely friendly, professional, and knowledgeable about the surrounding area. It felt like we received a water adventure and a lesson on Banff all in one. We had plenty of time to linger on Vermillion lake and take in the scenery, and the excursion felt accessible even with limited previous kayaking experience. We would absolutely recommend this activity!
| Tour | Duration | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banff National Park- Kayak Experience | 2 hours | 5.0 (38) | $100 | |
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