Kayak & canoe · BANFF KAYAKING TOURS
The 11 best banff kayaking tours you can book today, with what each costs, how long you are on the water and who it suits. Number one is top for a reason; start there.
Join Hydra River Guides at the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute Big Canoe trip on the Bow River. You’ll learn basic paddling, travel upstream, then relax on the return while guides such as Abbey, Maddie, Cam, and Darby share stories about Banff, wildlife, and the river. No canoeing experience is needed.
“This canoe ride was awesome. We saw a lot of wildlife as we rowed upstream and relaxed downstream on the Bow River.”
Join a certified guide at the Banff Canoe Club for a gentle 90-minute paddle upstream on the Bow River. You will learn basic canoe technique, hear local stories, and watch for elk, beavers, loons, bald eagles, and other wildlife. Guides such as Mardi, Kate, Abbey, and Alex bring plenty of humor and useful facts. No canoeing experience is needed.
“It was a well organised outing and the guides were great fun. Our guide was Jade and she was very knowledgable and helpful. Would certainly recommend but be prepared to put a little work in to get your canoe going!”
Join the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute big-canoe trip on the Bow River. You’ll paddle with your group, travel upstream, then float back while guides such as Abbey, Madi, Cam, and Fergus share stories about wildlife, waterways, and Banff’s past. No canoeing experience is needed, and the tour returns to its starting point.
“My wife had always wanted to paddle a canoe on a river in Canada. This tour scratched her itch. The equipment was in good condition. The guides were first class. No one told the bears though, so we didn't spot any on the shores.”
Join an English-speaking guide such as Cam, Amelia, or Abbey for a 90-minute evening paddle up the Bow River in a 12-seat canoe. You’ll learn about animal behavior, conservation, and safe wildlife viewing while watching for elk, beavers, osprey, muskrats, bald eagles, and perhaps a coyote or bear. No canoeing experience is needed.
“Really well organised activity on a lovely evening on the Bow River. Our guide, Bree, was knowledgeable and friendly. On the return paddle to the canoe club, we were lucky enough to see 2 young black bears running along the riverside path.”
Join the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute wildlife outing on the Bow River. You’ll paddle as a team in a 12-seat canoe while a guide such as Cam, C.J., John, Jacob, or Nieve shares local history, animal facts, and conservation advice. Wildlife is possible, not promised, but the mountain views are guaranteed.
“This was a wonderful tour! The views were incredible and our guide, Nieve (spelling?), was fantastic! She gave us lots of local history facts and made every effort to make the trip as individual as possible. I would definitely book this trip again a the views from the water were just incredible!”
Join a professional guide in a big canoe on Banff’s Bow River for about 90 minutes. You’ll paddle as a team, hear stories about local history, wildlife, and conservation, then return to the Banff Canoe Club for refreshments. Guides such as Cam, Ethan, Emily, and Andrew are known for lively, clear commentary.
“Our guide was a lot of fun and knowledgeable He was very skilled and informative I always felt safe .”
Travel from Canmore, Harvie Heights, or Banff in a comfortable 14-passenger van to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise. Choose 1.5 hours at Moraine and 3.5 at Louise, or reverse the balance. Guides such as Corey, Yannick, Dave, and Mike share local tips, suggest hikes, and may help spot wildlife along the way.
“Corey was incredibly helpful, explaining a lot about the park and even helping me find restaurants where my girlfriend can eat, having several food allergies. The lakes are stunning. Canoeing on Moraine Lake was the most beautiful experience of our lives.”
Start at 9:30 am on Johnson Lake for a 90-minute beginner stand up paddleboarding lesson with Bow Valley Stand Up Paddleboarding. Your certified guide provides the board, paddle, leash, and PFD, then teaches safety, balance, standing, and steering. Groups are capped at six, with guides such as Maggie, Ryan, Spencer, and Brandon offering patient, tailored instruction.
“Maggie and Spencer were lovely and provided tailored tuition in a beautiful location. Thank you both.”
Spend 10 hours in Yoho National Park with a guide such as Travis, visiting Natural Bridge, Emerald Lake, and Takakkaw Falls. The long Emerald Lake stop gives you time for lunch, hiking, or optional canoeing. Transport is air-conditioned, Wi-Fi is included, and the group is limited to 11 people.
“Travis was our guide—funny and knowledgeable. I learned so much from him about the history and fun facts of the places we visited throughout the day. I would definitely recommend him to my friends!”
Set out from the Banff Canoe Club in a double kayak for about two hours on the Bow River and Vermilion Lakes. Guides such as Maddie, Abby, Amelia, Ben, and Darby lead the route, share local details, take free photos when possible, and help you handle narrow channels and a beaver dam. Previous kayaking experience is recommended.
“We had the best time with Darby and a family from Chicago! Far exceeded our expectations! Thank you for a great experience!”
Join Banff Adventures at the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute guided paddle up the Bow River. Your English-speaking guide shares local history, wildlife facts, and stories about the scenery. Big canoes seat 12, making this a relaxed choice for families. Guides such as Bree and Ethan have been praised for clear, friendly instruction.
“We didn’t see a lot of wild life, couple of beavers. But our guide, Bree was so knowledgeable about the area, and the views from actually being on the Bow river were spectacular! Well worth the trip.”
Pick a coast, a cave or a river.
