Banff tours

Things to do in Banff

Banff, you might find, is like stepping into a canvas painted by nature itself. There's something about those mountains, standing tall, not quite like anything you've seen before. The lakes, well, they have a clarity that might just make you rethink what you know about water. The air is sharp, almost like it's nudging you to take a deeper breath than you're used to. When you walk the Bow River with a local guide, it's not just about the views, it's the stories that unfold along the way. The private tours here are more than just a peek at the scenery; it's about discovering those little gems that aren't plastered on every brochure. Your guide knows the trails where the crowds are thin and the views are richer. And then there's the food and wine—local, of course, because Banff seems to have a knack for turning nature’s pantry into a culinary experience. With someone who knows the lay of the land, you’re not just seeing Banff, you’re feeling it, in a way that's hard to put into words. If you’re looking for more inspiration, take a look at our curated list of things to do in Banff. Explore Banff your way At ToursByLocals, we believe that how you explore is just as important as where you go. That’s why every Banff tour is private, flexible, and built around you: Move at your own pace, skip the crowds, make connections and follow your curiosity. Find local guides offering private tours in Banff for every interest, including: Nature and Wildlife tours: Meet your guide before sunrise at Vermilion Lakes to photograph alpenglow, then follow quiet pullouts on the Bow Valley Parkway to safely watch elk, bighorn sheep, or bears. In winter, clip on provided ice cleats for a guided Johnston Canyon ice walk or scan for owls at dusk along Lake Minnewanka. Day trip tours: Spend the day on the Icefields Parkway with stops at Peyto Lake’s viewpoint and the toe of the Athabasca Glacier, with timed entries arranged so you skip lines. Or cross into Yoho National Park to walk the Natural Bridge, admire Emerald Lake from a canoe, and feel the spray at Takakkaw Falls, with a warm drink stop in Field. City highlights tours: Explore Banff Avenue’s heritage facades with a local who points out their favourite cafés, step inside the Banff Park Museum and Whyte Museum, then take in Bow Falls and the Fairmont Banff Springs from Surprise Corner. Cap it off at the Hoodoos viewpoint or a short stroll along the Bow River trail. Getting around: The town is very walkable, and Roam Transit connects hubs like the gondola, Lake Minnewanka, Johnston Canyon, and Lake Louise in season. For sights spread across the park or early starts, you can book chauffeured tours or ask your local guide to include private transportation. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all itinerary, you can tailor your private tour to match your interests, pace and personality with a local who knows Banff inside and out. Walking tours & neighbourhoods In Banff, a private walking tour provides a unique way to explore its stunning landscapes and neighborhoods with a local guide by your side. Consider these areas as part of your exploration: - Downtown Banff: The heart of the town, downtown Banff is filled with charming shops and restaurants. Ideal for families and those looking to enjoy leisurely walks with scenic mountain views. - Banff Springs: Known for its iconic hotel and surrounding trails, Banff Springs offers a blend of luxury and nature. Perfect for multi-generational groups seeking both comfort and adventure. - Cave and Basin: This area is rich in natural history and geothermal features, making it an excellent choice for cultural tourists and those interested in the origins of Banff National Park. Day trip ideas from Banff Set up in Banff and plan day trips to turquoise lakes, canyons, and neighbouring parks, with your tour adjusting stops for calmer times and shifting light so you get simple walks and big views without rushing. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake: Follow lakeshore paths, climb to easy lookouts like Fairview at Louise, and build in quiet corners for photos, a classic combo that works well when you want short hikes, glacier views, and clear water in one day. Yoho National Park: Cross into British Columbia for Emerald Lake, the Natural Bridge on the Kicking Horse River, and Takakkaw Falls, which ties together geology, railway history, and short trails in a tight loop that keeps drive time reasonable. Icefields Parkway south of the glacier: Stop at Bow Lake, the Peyto Lake viewpoint, and Mistaya Canyon, linking roadside pullouts with short walks so you see big mountain scenery and teal lakes without committing to long hikes. Kananaskis Country and Canmore: Head southeast for Grassi Lakes, Quarry Lake, and town paths along Policeman’s Creek, a good pick for mellow hiking, wildlife spotting from the road, and a relaxed lunch in a smaller mountain town. Johnston Canyon and the Ink Pots: Walk the catwalks to the Lower and Upper Falls and continue to the Ink Pots if energy is high, a flexible route that fits families, rewards patient photographers, and stays interesting in all seasons. A private tour with a local guide is the best way to really get to know a place. Skip the crowds, follow your interests, and see a side of Banff most travellers miss.