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Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Canadian Rockies Hidden Gems

144 Reviews 4.98 out of 5 stars Based on 144 traveler reviews collected by Cool Banff and TripAdvisor |
Recommended by 100% of reviewers
100% of reviewers gave this experience a rating of 4 or higher.
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Badge of Excellence |Badge of Excellence This experience is highly rated by travelers and has met our top quality standards. Canmore, Canada
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from $259.48 per person

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Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
8 hours (approx.)
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Offered in: English
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Overview

If you feel like you've seen and done just about everything in the beautiful, but busy Banff National Park, joining us on this tour to the lesser-known but just as incredible Yoho National Park will scratch that adventure itch you're still working away at.

As Banff's top-rated tour provider, we run this as a true small-group experience, max 12 guests, giving you access to places bigger tours simply can't.

Highlighted by stops at the amazing, neon-blue waters of Emerald Lake, Canada's tallest waterfall at Takakkaw Falls, and one of the Rockies' best-kept secrets in neighbouring Kootenay National Park, this tour gives adventurous folks access to our personal favourite locations to experience the epic beauty of the Canadian Rockies without the summer crowds.

- Explore the Canadian Rockies' hard-to-reach gems in Yoho and Kootenay National Parks
- Feel the power of Canada's 2nd tallest waterfall
- Get off the beaten path and experience the Canadian Rockies' best-kept secrets

What's Included

  • Lunch Fresh lunch from a local favourite, Turkey sandwich by default. Preference or dietary need? Reach out for an alternative. Included for bookings on or after June 26. Booked earlier? Call to add lunch.
  • Comfortable, premium transportation
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise locations
  • Guide gratuities (optional)
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Meeting Location

Meeting point
End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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Our secure website provides real-time availability, instant confirmation, and free, no-hassle cancellations up to 24 hours before your tour begins.
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Kootenay National Park (pass by)

Kootenay National Park is a land of ice and fire, a place of contrasts, with valleys and canyons carved by glaciers and grasslands shaped by fire. Take a scenic drive along its historic highway to see it all unfold.
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Marble Canyon

Just over the continental divide, where the Rockies cross from Alberta into British Columbia, lies one of our favourite local secrets: Marble Canyon.Here, an easy 1.3-kilometre out-and-back trail crosses several bridges, offering incredible views across the canyon and down into the startling turquoise water of Tokumm Creek below.If you like a learning moment woven into your hikes, stop to marvel at how this little creek carved through the creamy-coloured sedimentary rock over millennia to create the canyon. Otherwise, just marvel at the beauty.
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Lower Spiral Tunnels Viewpoint

Step off the Trans-Canada Highway and into a piece of Canada's railway history. This roadside viewpoint in Yoho National Park looks out over the Lower Spiral Tunnels, an engineering feat built in 1909 to help trains climb the steep grade through Kicking Horse Pass.Watch as freight trains disappear into the mountainside and reappear, having spiraled through solid rock to gain elevation. Time it right and you'll see a train crossing directly above itself on the switchback, a rare sight most visitors never know to look for.Beyond the trains, the viewpoint offers sweeping views of the surrounding peaks and forested valley, making it a worthwhile stop even if no train happens to pass through.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Emerald Lake

It's pretty easy to figure out where Emerald Lake gets its name.If the colour of the lake isn't enough to move you, the surrounding landscape certainly will. The President Range mountains surround the lake, forming a natural amphitheatre of the grandest scale, with towering peaks and forested banks.As our guest on this small group tour, you'll get guaranteed, expedited entry right to the shoreline.Here, you'll have 1.5 hours to explore the lakeside trails, rent a canoe, or simply hang out under a tree and watch the world go by.
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1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is an impressive natural rock formation spanning the Kicking Horse River west of Field, where the slower-moving waters from the Field valley flats begin their descent through a canyon to meet the Amiskwi River.The lookout gives you a variety of vantage points to take in the formation, with interpretive displays explaining the physical processes at work. It's an easy stop, reachable in minutes on Emerald Lake Road.Rushing water sculpted the Natural Bridge from what was once a waterfall, a powerful reminder of how much influence water has in shaping the landscape. The softer rock beneath the bridge's hard limestone band eroded faster over time, and as fissures widened, the river eventually carved a new path beneath the outcrop entirely.
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15 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Takakkaw Falls

At 1,224 feet, Takakkaw Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Canadian Rockies and the second tallest in Canada.As snow and ice melt in early summer, they fuel the cascading water, creating a picturesque mist through the pines. If you're lucky, you may spot a rainbow or two at its base.It's fitting that the waterfall takes its name from the Cree word for "wonderful," pairing perfectly with the national park's name, Yoho, itself a Cree expression of awe and amazement, similar to "wow."
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1 hour • Admission Ticket Included

Yoho National Park (pass by)

Yoho National Park might be one of the smaller parks in the Canadian Rockies, but it packs the biggest punch.Located a little further up the road from the busy, bustling Lake Louise and Banff National Park, Yoho has an intimate feel despite being filled with immense, snow-capped mountains and thundering waterfalls.This beautiful region is heaven for explorers looking to escape the ordinary, and it belongs on everyone's Rockies bucket list.On this tour, your local expert Radventures guide decides the best order to visit each of these locations, based on weather conditions, big bus tour schedules, and a handful of other factors we consider as locals to make sure you get the most authentic experience of the day.As one of our signature small group tours, we'll also take you to a few secret local spots with incredible views along the way.
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Additional Info

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Not recommended for travellers with mobility issues
  • Lunch is included for all bookings made on or after June 26, 2026. A fresh picnic lunch from one of our local favourites, with a turkey sandwich by default. Have a preference or dietary restriction? Reach out and we'll sort you out with an alternative. Booked before June 26? You can still add lunch by calling us ahead of your tour.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Canadian Rockies Hidden Gems?

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. Read more Apr 2025

Cancellation Policy

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

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Activity code: C-299389P6

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Reviews

4.98
144 reviews

Average 4.98 out of 5 stars based on 144 traveler reviews collected by Cool Banff and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor

5 stars
141
4 stars
3
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
Don't miss out!
On average, this is booked 25 (0) days in advance.
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Frequently Asked Questions (7)

Activity name

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

Filter by:

Q: What is the cancellation policy for the Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Canadian Rockies Hidden Gems?
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:
  • Lunch. Fresh lunch from a local favourite, Turkey sandwich by default. Preference or dietary need? Reach out for an alternative. Included for bookings on or after June 26. Booked earlier? Call to add lunch.
  • Comfortable, premium transportation.
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise locations.
  • Polaroid souvenir.
  • Fresh water refills (BYO bottle).
  • Small group experience (max 12 guests).
  • Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, or tea).
  • Local guide trained in photography and storytelling.
The following is NOT included:
  • Guide gratuities (optional).
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 12..

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 Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Canadian Rockies Hidden Gems is as follows:

  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Children 8 and under are unable to join our small group adventures
  • Not recommended for travellers with mobility issues
  • Lunch is included for all bookings made on or after June 26, 2026. A fresh picnic lunch from one of our local favourites, with a turkey sandwich by default. Have a preference or dietary restriction? Reach out and we'll sort you out with an alternative. Booked before June 26? You can still add lunch by calling us ahead of your tour.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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 Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and Canadian Rockies Hidden Gems 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

  • LunchFresh lunch from a local favourite, Turkey sandwich by default. Preference or dietary need? Reach out for an alternative. Included for bookings on or after June 26. Booked earlier? Call to add lunch.
  • Comfortable, premium transportation
  • Hotel pick-up and drop-off at select Canmore, Banff and Lake Louise locations
  • Polaroid souvenir
  • Fresh water refills (BYO bottle)
  • Small group experience (max 12 guests)
  • Hot drinks (hot chocolate, coffee, or tea)
  • Local guide trained in photography and storytelling
  • Guide gratuities (optional)

Additional Info

Activity name

  • Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
  • Service animals allowed
  • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
  • Children 8 and under are unable to join our small group adventures
  • Not recommended for travellers with mobility issues
  • Lunch is included for all bookings made on or after June 26, 2026. A fresh picnic lunch from one of our local favourites, with a turkey sandwich by default. Have a preference or dietary restriction? Reach out and we'll sort you out with an alternative. Booked before June 26? You can still add lunch by calling us ahead of your tour.
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers

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