Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff in Banff
Banff, Canada

Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff

Outty Ranking 71 4.6 · 146 traveler reviews10 hoursFrom $187

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September 2026

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Adults

Age 13 and over

2

Children

Age 12 and under

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From, per person$187
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Outty Ranking

71/100

Strongly Recommended. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 146 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff worth booking?

Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff is a 10-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $187 per person. It scores 71 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 146 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
71 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (146)
Duration
10 hours
From
$187 per person

Discover a wilder side of the Rockies on this small-group adventure that connects you with some of the region’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Visit Takakkaw Falls—one of Canada’s highest waterfalls—explore the emer

What you get

  • Golden Skybridge — A suspension bridge 130 metres (426 feet) high (Only available for 2025)
  • Professional guide
  • Return transport from Banff
  • Visit to a grizzly bear refuge
  • Chairlift ride
  • Gondola ride at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (Not available until 2026)

About this experience

Discover a wilder side of the Rockies on this small-group adventure that connects you with some of the region’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Visit Takakkaw Falls—one of Canada’s highest waterfalls—explore the emerald waters of Emerald Lake, and view the historic Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park. Stop at the Golden Skybridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge, with stunning views and a relaxing lunch. Then continue to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge to meet Boo, a rescued grizzly bear living in a 20-acre sanctuary. It’s not just where you go—but how you experience it.

What's included

Included

  • Golden Skybridge — A suspension bridge 130 metres (426 feet) high (Only available for 2025)
  • Professional guide
  • Return transport from Banff
  • Visit to a grizzly bear refuge
  • Chairlift ride
  • Gondola ride at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (Not available until 2026)
  • Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)

Not included

  • Optional gratuities

What you'll see and do

  1. Takakkaw Falls

    Visit Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park (when access permits), to see Canada's second highest waterfall tumbling 254m (830 feet) in one stretch and 384m (1,260 feet) in total. The falls can be admired from the parking area or from an optional short 0.5km (¹⁄₃ mile) walk on a paved trail from the parking area to the base of the impressive falls.

    30 minutes here

  2. Kicking Horse Mountain Resort

    Ride a four-person open-chairlift chairlift partway up the mountain to the Grizzly Bear Refuge, the largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat in the world. At the refuge you'll meet Boo, a bear with paws the size of hubcaps, a mouth full of sharp teeth and enormous muscles moving beneath his shaggy fur, in his 20-acre habitat in the Rocky Mountain bush. You’ll hear his personal story and learn about grizzly bear behaviour from the knowledgeable guide while you watch him explore, hunt and forage just like his wild cousins. After the tour, you'll descend back down the open-air chairlift.

    180 minutes here · Admission included

  3. Emerald Lake

    There will be a brief stop at Emerald Lake, famous for its jade-coloured waters and surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.

    20 minutes here

Where it starts and ends

Hotel pickup

Pickup is included for all travelers.

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
Every day
Group size
Up to 9 travelers per booking
Operated by
Discover Banff Tours

Know before you go

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Early and late season bookings may be subject to itinerary changes, the Takakkaw Falls Road typically opens late June. Alternative stops are usually the Spiral Tunnels and Natural Bridge..
  • Infant rates do not include food.
  • Group bookings of 9 or more guests have a 7 day cancellation period.

Photos

Take an open-air chairlift up to the Grizzly Bear RefugeVisit the Grizzly Bear Refuge to meet BooLearn about grizzly bears from the knowledgeable guideVisit Takakkaw Falls, Canada's second highest waterfallEnjoy a maple cookie snackSee stunning Emerald Lake

What travelers are saying

Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 146 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

The guide

9 mentions

Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

Knowledge and storytelling

9 mentions

Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

Food and drink

2 mentions

The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

Small groups

2 mentions

The group size is repeatedly described as intimate rather than packed.

Traveler reviews

146 verified traveler reviews for Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

5 star
113
4 star
20
3 star
6
2 star
5
1 star
2
Sort
eileen658 · October 2025

Great tour in general

We had a wonderful tour. We visited the beautiful Takakkow waterfalls first. then we went and crossed the Golden Sky Bridge where we had lunch (Fabulous burger and fries). Then we went to the Bear sanctuary, we took the Gondola up to see Boo the Bear, which was great in itself. The visit to the Sanctuary, was superb. The knowledge of the keepers was excellent. And we saw so much of Boo, including him enjoying his own private pool! Great tour and great guide to boot!

via Tripadvisor

Coastal788430 · October 2025

Great day with Jake our driver/guide

Excellent trip Jake was a good driver/guide ,lot of history & local information supplied(the man can talk 🤣) Reversing up the mountain road👏 well done

via Tripadvisor

Gail R · September 2025

Great guide!

Evie was excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. A great way to find out lots about the national park whilst going on some great trips. We were lucky enough to meet Boo and the team there were also very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Lovely food at the bridges. Highly recommend.

via Tripadvisor

Go738051 · September 2025

Great day but not a grizzly bear tour!

A fabulous way to see the highlights of Banff and Yoho national parks. Eve our fantastic guide was full of really interesting history and wildlife facts! Go knowing this is a site seeing day out not a grizzly bear tour. Eve and the content get 5 stars dropped one as it’s totally misnamed !!! Perhaps highlights of Banff and Yoho is more appropriate

via Tripadvisor

JOHN M · September 2025

We all went on a bear hunt! …. And it was great 😊

Had a brilliant day, visiting Takakka Falls, skywalk, Emerald Lake and the big event, the grizzly bear refuge via the sky lift, to see Boo the bear. Emma, our guide and driver for the day, was great. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the bears and providing a very informative commentary throughout the day. We were lucky to see lots of Boo to top-off a great day.

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
Every day
Price range
$187 to $343
Hotel pickup
Included for all travelers
Booked in 30 days
51
Verdict
Strongly Recommended

Why this scores 71

The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

Traveler sentiment (30% weight)72
Review evidence (18% weight)73
Booking momentum (14% weight)68
Value for money (12% weight)56
Listing quality (10% weight)92
Local standing (8% weight)40
Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff: questions travelers ask

Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.

How much does Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff cost?

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Prices start at $187 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Banff usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

How long does Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff 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 Banff is not rushed.

Is Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff worth it?

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It holds an Outty Ranking of 71 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 146 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Banff, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

Can I cancel or reschedule Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff?

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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 Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff 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 Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff?

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Around 51 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 Banff 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 Banff and add a light layer if any part of the 10-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

Where does Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff 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 Banff 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 Banff?

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On Outty we rank every Banff experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour, Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, ShuttleBus 2way Banff to Lake Louise (1Hr) and Moraine Lake (1Hr). 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 Banff?

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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 Banff?

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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.

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