Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff, Canada
Banff, Canada

Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour

Outty Ranking 57 4.6 · 17 traveler reviews1.5 hoursFrom $69
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Outty Ranking

57/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.6/5

Based on 17 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour worth booking?

Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour is a 1.5-hour experience in Banff, Canada, from $69 per person. It scores 57 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.6/5 rating across 17 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
57 / 100
Rating
4.6/5 (17)
Duration
1.5 hours
From
$69 per person

Paddle along the Bow River in a 12-seater canoe in Banff’s backyard during this guided big canoe tour. Dip your oars into the water as team and take in the wildlife and mountain scenery as your guide tells you about the animals and landscape. Be on the lookout for elk, bald eagles, beaver, and muskrats as the current carries you along. Perfect for families!

What you get

    About this experience

    Paddle along the Bow River in a 12-seater canoe in Banff’s backyard during this guided big canoe tour. Dip your oars into the water as team and take in the wildlife and mountain scenery as your guide tells you about the animals and landscape. Be on the lookout for elk, bald eagles, beaver, and muskrats as the current carries you along. Perfect for families!

    What's included

    Included

    • Paddles and Life Jackets

    Not included

    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Banff National Park

      Guest will be on a guided Big Canoe and journey up the Bow River in Banff National Park. The views are stunning

      50 minutes here · Admission not included

    2. The Banff Canoe Club is where all our big canoe tours depart from. It is located on the banks of the beautiful Bow River

      120 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Banff

    Corner of Wolf Street and Bow Ave

    Hotel pickup

    No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.

    Ends at

    Corner of Wolf Street and Bow Ave

    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 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Banff Adventures

    Know before you go

    • Wheelchair accessible
    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Service animals allowed
    • Public transportation options are available nearby
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    The Banff Canoe Club, Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in BanffWildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff, photo 3Let's paddle!, Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in BanffWildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff, photo 5Our local wildlife, Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in BanffBeaver, Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 17 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

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

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Photo opportunities

    3 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Good for families

    3 mentions

    Reviewers traveling with kids report it landed well with their group.

    Value for money

    2 mentions

    Travelers feel they got more than they paid for.

    Traveler reviews

    17 verified traveler reviews for Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    14
    4 star
    2
    3 star
    0
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    1
    Sort
    sandloret · August 2026

    Brilliant trip up the river

    Never been on a Canoe before until now. It was brilliant, I loved every moment nute of it. We were given clear instructions and got to paddle up river and back down. Took my waterproofs jacket st in case but didn't really need them as it wasn't wet. Am going to book this type of trip again. We were only 6 to a boat but aged between 16 and 64( yes that's me). Great tour and would book with them again without hesitation, very helpful and considerate. We did see a female Elk and some beavers near their lodges on the river. I was at the front and had a brilliant view.

    Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re so glad your first-ever canoe trip was such a memorable one and that you loved every minute. It sounds like you had some amazing wildlife sightings too, especially the elk and beavers! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with the team. We’d love to welcome you back for another trip on the river! Banff Adventures

    via Tripadvisor

    Lance D · June 2026

    Meghan is super knowledgeable!

    Our very knowledgeable guide Meghan was super nice and had some great stories about the area.

    Response from the operator: Hi there, Thank you for your kind review! We're so glad to hear you had a great experience exploring Banff. We'll be sure to pass your feedback along to Meghan. It's wonderful to hear that her knowledge, friendliness, and storytelling helped make your time in the area even more enjoyable. We really appreciate you joining us, and we hope to welcome you back for another adventure in Banff soon! Banff Adventures

    via Tripadvisor

    582gabriellea · June 2026

    Great way to see Banff wildlife and landscape

    Lovely float down a gorgeous river with a friendly & experienced tour guide

    Response from the operator: Hi There, Thank you for your wonderful review! Its great to hear that you had an amazing time on your float tour and able to get in some great views of the river. We hope to welcome you to Banff again for your next adventure! Banff Adventures

    via Tripadvisor

    Justine H · September 2025

    Fabulous float down the Bow River

    We had a great trip late yesterday doing the Bow River Float with our guide Jack. He was informative, friendly and great fun. We learnt lots about the local area and were extremely lucky to see a herd of elk crossing the river just in front of us. All communication with the office team has been great too. Thanks!

    Response from the operator: Thank you for the fantastic review! We’re so glad you enjoyed your Bow River float with Jack and had that incredible elk sighting right in front of you. It’s great to hear our office team made everything smooth too. Hope to welcome you back for another memorable trip soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    petrabmisha · June 2025

    Great family activity

    we did widlife big canoe tour with our tour guide Mardi. She was amazing, provided lot of information about the widlife and the area and wasmver funny and friendly. we have enjoyed our time. thank you, Mardi.

    Response from the operator: Thank you for your lovely review! We're so glad you joined us for the Wildlife Big Canoe Tour and had such a great time with Mardi. She’s a fantastic guide—knowledgeable, friendly, and always ready to make the experience fun and memorable. We’ll be sure to pass along your thanks to her—she’ll be thrilled to know you had just a wonderful time!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    1.5 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $69 to $95
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    6
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Banff Adventures, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.8.

    See everything Banff Adventures runs

    Why this scores 57

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

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)76
    Review evidence (18% weight)43
    Booking momentum (14% weight)34
    Value for money (12% weight)30
    Listing quality (10% weight)69
    Local standing (8% weight)43
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour: questions travelers ask

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

    How much does Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $69 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 Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour take?

    +

    Plan for about 1.5 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 Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 57 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.6/5 across 17 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 Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour?

    +

    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 Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour suitable for kids and families?

    +

    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 1.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour?

    +

    Around 6 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?

    +

    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 1.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe 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 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?

    +

    On Outty we rank every Banff experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hop-On and Hop-Off Banff Bus, Lake Louise, Moraine Lake and the Icefields Parkway Full-Day Tour, Lake Louise Emerald Lake Natural Bridge Half Day Tour. 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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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?

    +

    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 Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour?

    +

    Included: Paddles and Life Jackets. Not included: Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour?

    +

    Corner of Wolf Street and Bow Ave Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour offered in?

    +

    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 Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour?

    +

    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 Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

    What do travelers say about Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour?

    +

    Across 17 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

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