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River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

166 Reviews 4.93 out of 5 stars Based on 166 traveler reviews collected by Cool Banff and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 99% of reviewers
99% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
|
Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Banff, Canada
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from $67.65 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
1 hour 30 minutes (approx.)
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Instant confirmation
Offered in: English

Overview

Experience the tranquility and views of a canoe trip on the Bow River. Your guide will educate and entertain with stories about your surroundings. The group paddling experience is open to first-time paddlers of all fitness levels. Choose from multiple daily start times to fit the tour into your vacation schedule

What's Included

  • Life jacket and paddle
  • Gratuities
See 1 more

Meeting Location

Meeting point

Corner of Bow Ave and
Wolf Street, Banff, AB T1L 1A8, Canada

Show on Google Maps

Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Get a different view of Banff National Park on a canoe tour along the scenic Bow River. Traveling by canoe lets you get out in nature and see the stunning landscape up close without the exertion of hiking. Plus, the big canoe enables your whole group to be together in one place rather than being split up into smaller canoes. This makes the River Explorer Tour ideal for families with small children and those who are looking to gain some knowledge about the history of the area and the significance of the waterways in Canada's first National Park.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

Frequently Asked Questions

(11)

Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?

A: The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg. Read more Nov 2021

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

Still have questions?

We're here to help.
Activity code: C-370405P1

Traveler Photos

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Reviews

4.93
166 reviews

Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 166 traveler reviews collected by Cool Banff and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
159
4 stars
5
3 stars
0
2 stars
2
1 star
0

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On average, this is booked 23 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (11)

Activity name

The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from Cool Banff customers.

Filter by:

Q: Are there any weight restrictions for kayaking?
A:

The maximum weight capacity for kayaking is 340 lbs / 154 kg.

Nov 2021
Q: Do I need kayaking experience or will you teach me?
A:

No experience is necessary! Beginners are welcome on all of our kayak tours. Most of our guests have never been in a sea kayak before. Anyone in average physical condition may join a kayak tour. If you can hike or bike, you can paddle our sea kayaks. You do not need any swimming skills either.

The only prerequisite is a healthy spirit of curiosity and adventure.

Regardless of age or skill level you will find that our expeditions offer enough flexibility to make your experience with us safe and rewarding. We will show you proper sea kayaking technique and water safety before leaving the beach. And your expert guides will be with you throughout the adventure to give you pointers and improve your skills.

Sep 2022
Q: Is kayaking a safe activity?
A:

Your safety is Cool Banff’s number one concern. In general, sea kayaking is safer than most other outdoor pursuits, even bicycling.

Jan 2023
Q: Will I get seasick on River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park?
A:

If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.

Feb 2023
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park?
A:
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MDT).
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
Apr 2025
Q: What's included in the price?
A:
The following is included:
  • Life jacket and paddle.
The following is NOT included:
  • Gratuities.
Apr 2025
Q: What is the weather cancellation policy?
A:

This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Apr 2025
Q: What is the minimum age for this tour?
A:

The minimum age to participate is 2. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..

Apr 2025
Q: My date is not available in the calendar, I am just checking to see if it is available?
A:

If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.

If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.

Apr 2025
Q: Is this an accessible tour?
A:

Accessibility information for the River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park is as follows:

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apr 2025
Q: Where is the meeting point for this activity?
A:

Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park will be included in your confirmation email from Cool Banff. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!

 

 

Mar 2024

What's Included

Activity name

  • Life jacket and paddle
  • Gratuities

Additional Info

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  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 24 travelers

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  • The lowest price guarantee is available to any customer who makes a qualifying purchase through our website. The qualifying purchase must be a minimum of US$20 (or equivalent).
  • The lowest price guarantee covers retail and prepaid rates available to the general public. This does not include discounts or promotions you may receive (or be eligible for) from third-party sites or organizations such as AAA or AARP or special offers made as part of a membership program, corporate discount, daily deal, group, or rewards program.
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  • If you find a lower retail or prepaid rate for the same tour, offered on the same date, time and priced in the same currency as your original purchase, on any other website between the time you book on Cool Banff and 48 hours before your trip starts, we will refund the difference.
  • The lowest price guarantee does not apply where a lower overall price is found by breaking down the purchased tour into one or more parts sold separately.
  • Cool Banff reserves the right to verify the lower price details. Examples of acceptable forms of verification include a web screenshot or a web address.
  • All refund decisions will be made at the sole discretion of Cool Banff.
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Free Cancellation

100% refund
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the tour for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (MDT).
  • This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.

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