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.
Schedule & prices
Runs
Every day
Start times
1:30 PM
Season
Starts Dec 14
Adult (ages 13+)
$78
Child (ages 8–12)
$49
Prices change with the date; the lowest is shown.
From the operator’s live schedule on Viator, checked Oct 12.
Tour Options
Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots
Pickup included
Itinerary
Kootenay National Park
Admission not included120 min
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.
What's included
Included
Professional guide
Hot chocolate and a maple taffy treat
Return transport from Banff
Pick up from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel.
Snowshoes and hiking poles
Not included
Gratuities
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
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
4.8
62 reviews
5
54
4
5
3
1
2
0
1
2
How it compares in Banff
Starting price $78 is close to the typical $78 for tours of similar length in Banff
Excurgo comparison of 326 Viator tours, recalculated daily.
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.
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 Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots take?
Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots lasts about 4 hours. The itinerary has 1 stop.
How much does Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots cost?
Prices start at $78 per person for this Banff 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 Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots run?
According to the operator’s current schedule, it runs every day, starting at 1:30 PM.
How much does Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots cost for children?
Children aged 8–12 pay from $49, adults from $78.
Can I cancel Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots 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. 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. Pickup points include Red Carpet Inn, Fairmont Banff Springs.
What languages is Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots 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?
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.
Will my booking be confirmed immediately?
Yes, bookings are confirmed instantly.
Is Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots worth it?
Travellers rate it 4.8 out of 5 across 62 reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor; it is run by Discover Banff Tours.
Reviews(62)
Reviews collected by Viator and Tripadvisor
Y
YVR19
February 24, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Guided By Georgia - Simply The Best!
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! 🇦🇺
D
Debra M
February 16, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Blast in the Paint Pots with Big Roz the Boz!!!
Roz was very energetic & outgoing during the whole trip. Her knowledge of the park, animals and history were top notch!!
D
Dayna_S
February 12, 2026 · via Viator
Our guides were amazing....
Our guides were amazing. They were very knowledgeable about the history of snow shoeing and the area culture. They were very professional and nice.
N
nhardin
February 11, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Snowshoe to Painted Pots
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!
S
Stephanie_D
January 27, 2026 · via Viator
Amazing snowshoeing trip
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.
M
Meander33385674387
January 2, 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Snow shoe tour to Paint Pots with Jake
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.
A
Allyson_C
December 31, 2025 · via Viator
Great day with Ray
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!
J
John_S
December 30, 2025 · via Viator
Amazing views along the...
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!
J
Joshua_G
December 29, 2025 · via Viator
Breathtaking Journey
Amazing experience! Beautiful weather and an enjoyable hike in the woods. Everyone was very friendly and our guide did an amazing job.
R
Rebekah_D
April 6, 2025 · via Viator
Snowshoe tour to the paint pots
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!
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