Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour
Traveler rating
4.7/5
Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour worth booking?
Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour is a 10-hour experience in Calgary, Canada, from $78 per person. It scores 66 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 6 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 66 / 100
- Rating
- 4.7/5 (6)
- Duration
- 10 hours
- From
- $78 per person
Elevate your journey from Calgary to Banff with a full‑day adventure that blends wildlife encounters, mountain scenery, and the charm of Canada’s alpine towns. Your morning begins at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where you’ll meet these intelligent, expressive animals up close. Their Intro Tour offers a rare look into their stories, their personalities, and the incredible work being done to protect them. It’s a moment of connection that stays with you. Continue with a scenic drive through Kananaskis Country, known for sweeping valleys, rugged peaks, and the chance to spot wild horses. Enjoy free time in Downtown Banff for lunch and exploring cafés, shops, and local treats. The afternoon brings peaceful stops at Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, perfect for shoreline walks, glacier‑fed water views, and mountain photos. End your day with drop‑off in the Town of Banff, Canmore, Calgary, or the Calgary Airport.
What you get
About this experience
Elevate your journey from Calgary to Banff with a full‑day adventure that blends wildlife encounters, mountain scenery, and the charm of Canada’s alpine towns. Your morning begins at the Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary, where you’ll meet these intelligent, expressive animals up close. Their Intro Tour offers a rare look into their stories, their personalities, and the incredible work being done to protect them. It’s a moment of connection that stays with you. Continue with a scenic drive through Kananaskis Country, known for sweeping valleys, rugged peaks, and the chance to spot wild horses. Enjoy free time in Downtown Banff for lunch and exploring cafés, shops, and local treats. The afternoon brings peaceful stops at Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, perfect for shoreline walks, glacier‑fed water views, and mountain photos. End your day with drop‑off in the Town of Banff, Canmore, Calgary, or the Calgary Airport.
What's included
Included
- Photos & Videos, ask and you shall get!
- Private transportation
- Drop-offs can also be done at your hotel in Canmore or the Town of Banff at the end of the tour.
- Entrance fees
- Admission fees
- Bottled water
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Not included
- Meals
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Calgary
Calgary pick-ups
15 minutes here
Intro Tour - Included From the moment that you arrive at the Wolfdog Sanctuary you'll be in awe with these clever and hairy creatures. You'll joint their Introductory Tour where you'll learn all about their current and previous homes, and how they got here and why this place is such a good refuge for them. Experience a captivating presentation that will unravel the mysteries of these magnificent creatures, providing you with a comprehensive introduction to their unique characteristics and behaviors. This tour offers an unparalleled "front row" viewing experience, allowing you to photograph the wolfdogs without any visual barriers. Plus, you'll have the privilege of engaging with your very own wolfdog expert, ready to answer all your questions and share fascinating insights.
90 minutes here · Admission included
Kananaskis Country
Travel past Ghost Lake and Tsuut’ina Nation with opportunities to see wild horses, rocky mountain sheep, elk and sometimes even bears.
60 minutes here
Banff Avenue
Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies; the town of Banff is a picturesque gem that enchants visitors with its blend of natural splendor and vibrant community spirit. Banff offers an unparalleled experience that seamlessly merges outdoor adventure with serene relaxation. Its streets are lined with charming shops, cozy cafes, and inviting restaurants, all exuding a rustic yet sophisticated vibe. You'll have time to explore the area and enjoy a fabulous meal almost anywhere in town, we'll suggest our favourite places of course! We stop here for about an hour forty-five minutes
90 minutes here · Admission included
Two Jack Lake
Two Jack Lake is one of those places that instantly slows the day down. Cradled by the sweeping landscapes of Banff National Park, it offers a calm, glassy stretch of water where Mount Rundle and Cascade Mountain rise in perfect symmetry. Their reflections drift across the lake like a living painting, creating a scene that feels both playful and elegant. Depending on the season, we pause here for quick moment to soak in the view and capture the moment.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Lake Minnewanka
This glacial lake, known as the “Lake of Spirits” by the Stoney Nakoda First Nations, offers a pristine, untouched landscape that feels almost otherworldly. Stretching over 21 kilometers, Lake Minnewanka transforms every season, offering new and breathtaking scenery. From the vibrant greens of summer to the serene, snow-blanketed beauty of winter, this lake is a testament to the timeless allure of Banff's natural wonders. Summer: You'll have time to visit the marina or explore the shoreline, maybe grab a coffee and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Winter: Come make a snow angel, walk on ice, explore the shoreline, take stunning photos.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Calgary
Drop-off at your original meeting point. We can also drop-you off in Canmore or in the Town of Banff at the end of the tour.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Banff Day Trips
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Not recommended for children under 10
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
2 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
6 verified traveler reviews for Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great tour with a fantastic company owned by Kevin
The Wolfdog & Banff tour with Banff Day Trips was great. Clients at airport hotel locations were picked up by Rick who drove us to a downtown location to meet the company’s vans going to various tours. I remained with the very personable Rick and was joined by 4 other passengers to be taken to the Wolfdog Sanctuary. We had 1.5-2 hours at the sanctuary to see all of the animals and the introduction tour. While the 4 passengers were picked up by another driver as they were only doing the Sanctuary tour, Rick drove me to Banff’s downtown area where I met another van for the remainder of my tour to Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka. I had about 3 hours in the downtown area for lunch and shopping. The very knowledgeable Dan was my van driver returning to Calgary. We lucked out by seeing a herd of mountain big horned sheep crossing the road near Two Jack Lake. Water is provided during the tour. Kevin, the owner of Banff Day Trips, was very accommodating when I told him that another company cancelled my airport hotel pick up even though this was agreed upon during my booking with Top Choice Tours via GetYourGuide. He tried to place me on a tour that visited the sights that I was missing; unfortunately, this particular tour wasn't running on the day that I now had free. But at least he tried which is the main point.
Response from the operator: Thank you for joining us for the Wolfdog and Banff tour. It’s wonderful that you were able to enjoy lunch and shopping downtown, take in Two Jack Lake and Lake Minnewanka, and even catch a herd of big horn sheep along the way. Dan will appreciate your kind words about his knowledge and the comfortable return to Calgary. We’re glad the provided water and pacing of the day helped keep everything easy. We’re sorry another company cancelled on you, and we appreciate you recognizing Kevin’s effort to help find an alternative. We’re grateful you chose to spend your day with us and hope to welcome you again on your next visit.
via Tripadvisor
Excellent tours to Lake Louise & Icefields Parkway & the Yamnuska Wolf Sanctuary.
Kevin was very accommodating and with our tight schedule we managed to do tours enroute to Banff (Lake Louise and the Icefields Parkway) & on our return to Calgary via Yamnuska Wolfdog Sanctuary. Murray, Dair & Kevin were all excellent guides with extensive knowledge of the stunning Rocky mountains. Kevin took us on the beautiful back route from Banff to Yamnuska with a couple of absolutely beautiful stops to take photos where some elk were grazing and to view the gorgeous snow topped Rockies with the river & trainline meandering through the valley, simply breathtaking! The Wolfdog Sanctuary was fascinating and had a lovely giftshop with some locally made gifts. Thoroughly recommend doing trips
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for the thoughtful review! We’re really glad we could make your tight schedule work and still give you a full Rocky Mountain experience. We hope the memories (and photos!) stay with you for a long time, and we’d love to welcome you back to the mountains.
via Tripadvisor
Wolfdogs and other highlights
I started the day with one group stopping at 2 Jack Lake and Lake Minnetonka then changed to another as there were only 2 of us wanting to see the wolfdogs. Since it was only 2 of us and our fabulous guide Dia (unsure of spelling) the rest of the day was more flexible. I was meant to spend time in Banff but opted to join the other 2 on the chairlift instead. Great decision as was a lovely day and the views were amazing. Then onto the highlight for me seeing the wolfdogs. Definitely recommend if you are interested in animals, they are just beautiful and it was very interesting learning about them. Then it was a quick stop in Crane for some yummy ice cream before heading back to Calgary. Was a wonder day that I won’t forget, thank you.
via Viator
Not enough time
I thought that the Wolfdog Sanctuary was the primary stop on the tour and we would go there first. However not all the people on the tour were going there so we were split after lunch with one group going to the sanctuary and one group going to the lakes. The group going to the wolfdogs stopped at 2 little towns to kill time until our late afternoon tour time slot. This means that we only got 30 minutes to visit other enclosures after our intro talk. Since the reason I booked the tour was to visit the sanctuary, i was disappointed with the time we got to spend there.
Response from the operator: Hi Patricia, I wish you enjoyed the day a bit more. We spend about an hour and 20 minutes at the Sanctuary, sometimes a bit more depending on the season. I know everyone wish we could spend more time at each location but, your guides have to get to other destinations within the hours the government allows them to drive. On that day you were the only person who signed up for this experience. We know how difficult it can be to look for other options at the end of the season. We made the decision to not cancel your tour and combine the stops with the other group; this meant you would be at the sanctuary in the afternoon. This is still at a loss for us, and as a small business these reviews hurt us more than you think. Canceling creates bad reviews, doing what we did for you creates bad reviews, it's not easy as a small business to keep everyone happy, reviews hurt more than you think. Please read the tour description, we do stop at the Towns of Banff and Canmore, they are part of the experience. we'll consider your opinion, and we also wish you a great rest of your vacation.
via Viator
Great Company; Had a Great Time. Highly Recommend
Great time. Went with Banff Day Trips to Banff and the Yamnuska Wolf Dog sanctuary. Picked by Patrick and later had Gordon as our tour guide. Fun bunch of guys who made the day trip fun and exciting. My wife like Patrick so much she wished he was her son in law. Good work guys
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 10 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $78 to $107
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by Banff Day Trips, who run 6 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 70.9 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Banff Day Trips runsWhy this scores 66
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Calgary.
How much does Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour cost?
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Prices start at $78 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Calgary usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour take?
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Plan for about 10 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Calgary is not rushed.
Is Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 66 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Calgary, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 10-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour?
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Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Calgary can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Calgary and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Calgary within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Calgary?
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On Outty we rank every Calgary experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Discover Banff National Park - Premium Day Trip, Day of Dinosaurs & Hoodoos from Calgary to Drumheller Badlands, Drumheller & Hoodoos Day Trip from Calgary, Explore the Badlands. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Calgary?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Calgary?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour?
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Included: Photos & Videos, ask and you shall get!; Private transportation; Drop-offs can also be done at your hotel in Canmore or the Town of Banff at the end of the; Entrance fees; and Admission fees. Not included: Meals; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 58 listed pickup locations in and around Calgary. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time.
What languages is Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour offered in?
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It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Calgary. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Banff Day Trip & Wolfdog Sanctuary Tour?
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Across 6 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
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