
Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots
Traveler rating
4.8/5
Based on 62 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots worth booking?
Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots is a 4-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $68 per person. It scores 72 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Strongly Recommended”, based on a 4.8/5 rating across 62 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 72 / 100
- Rating
- 4.8/5 (62)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $68 per person
This easy 3-kilometer trail through Kootenay National Park to see the historical Paint Pots is the perfect introduction to snowshoeing. You'll hike along a snowy forest path to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure, with a
What you get
- Professional guide
- Hot chocolate and a maple taffy treat
- Return transport from Banff
- Pick up from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel.
- Snowshoes and hiking poles
About this experience
This easy 3-kilometer trail through Kootenay National Park to see the historical Paint Pots is the perfect introduction to snowshoeing. You'll hike along a snowy forest path to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure, with an option to try tobogganing on a crazy carpet slide. This small-group tour includes round-trip transportation from Banff, snowshoes, hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian treat - hot maple taffy made in the snow by your guide.
What's included
Included
- Professional guide
- Hot chocolate and a maple taffy treat
- Return transport from Banff
- Pick up from the public bus parking located behind the Mount Royal Hotel.
- Snowshoes and hiking poles
Not included
- Gratuities
What you'll see and do
Kootenay National Park
You'll hike on an easy trail along a bridge across the frozen Vermilion River and and along the snowy path winding through a forest of pine trees to the fascinating Paint Pots, which are mineral deposits once used by First Nations people for rock painting. Along the way you will hear stories from your friendly guide of Banff’s indigenous people, explorers and fur traders who lived in and traveled through the Rockies. After having a go at the crazy carpet slide down the hill (if you wish!) your guide will share hot chocolate and make a sweet frozen dessert in the snow for you to try - delicious maple taffy. This three-kilometer (1.86 miles) afternoon tour is an excellent trip for beginners as it covers a mainly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain, and also suits anyone wanting a pleasant activity outdoors in the majesty of Kootenay National Park.
120 minutes here · Admission not included
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
- 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
- Minimum age is 8 years.
- Guests should dress in ski wear for this trip including a winter jacket, ski pants, hats, mittens, and warm winter boots.
- All children aged 15 years and under must be accompanied by someone 18 years and older.
- All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour. A waiver must also be completed by the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 62 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
7 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
7 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Photo opportunities
3 mentionsThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Physical effort
3 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Traveler reviews
62 verified traveler reviews for Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Guided By Georgia - Simply The Best!
We had the most amazing snowshoeing trip to the Paint Pots, thanks to gorgeous weather, a nice small group, and most of all, the best tour guide in Georgia! 🌞 ❄️ She was super friendly, energetic and knowledgeable, and encouraged everyone to make the most of our time out there in the snow, including trying out some running on snowshoes! We loved the beautiful route we took, along with the sledding and delicious cocoa and maple taffy! 🍁 Shout out to Georgia's mum in Australia - you raised a fantastic talented daughter! 🇦🇺
via Tripadvisor
Blast in the Paint Pots with Big Roz the Boz!!!
Roz was very energetic & outgoing during the whole trip. Her knowledge of the park, animals and history were top notch!!
via Tripadvisor
Our guides were amazing....
Our guides were amazing. They were very knowledgeable about the history of snow shoeing and the area culture. They were very professional and nice.
via Viator
Snowshoe to Painted Pots
Roz and Tom we’re super knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful. We saw beautiful scenery and learned so much about the area and the history. Highly recommend them and this excursion!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing snowshoeing trip
I had a great time snowshoeing with Georgia. She was very engaging and a great guide. She also gave us time to go out and explore so that we could burn off the sugary goodies. 10/10 would recommend.
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- 8+
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $68 to $115
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 22
- Verdict
- Strongly Recommended
Who runs this experience
Operated by Discover Banff Tours, who run 14 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 67.0.
See everything Discover Banff Tours runsWhy this scores 72
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Banff.
How much does Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots cost?
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Prices start at $68 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 Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots take?
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Plan for about 4 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 Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 72 out of 100, which we label "Strongly Recommended". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.8/5 across 62 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 Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots?
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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 Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots suitable for kids and families?
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The operator sets a minimum age of 8. Older children generally do well here, and families should factor in the 4-hour running time when deciding.
How far in advance should I book Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots?
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Around 22 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 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Snowshoeing Tour to the Paint Pots 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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