Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff
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. 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.
Due to a temporary gondola closure: Until August 31 - Stop at the Golden Skybridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge, with stunning views and a relaxing lunch After August 31 - ride up the Golden Eagle Gondola at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, with time to take in panoramic alpine views from the summit. You'll also enjoy a relaxing lunch at the resort—adding a taste of local flavour to the day.
Options
8:30am Departure
Departs at 8:30am
Pickup included
What's included in Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
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.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
At Kicking Horse Mountain Resort you will take an enclosed sightseeing gondola with glass windows up to 7,700 feet with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains, the Columbia River Wetlands and the quaint town of Golden. At the top, you'll enjoy a gourmet lunch from your choice of menu items with a non-alcoholic beverage and dessert at Eagle's Eye restaurant, Canada's highest restaurant. After a leisurely lunch and enjoying the mountain top views, you'll descend back down the sightseeing gondola, and take 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.
Emerald Lake
There will be a brief stop at Emerald Lake, famous for its jade-coloured waters and surrounded by the breathtaking Rocky Mountains.
Inclusions
- Gondola ride at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (Not available until September 1)
- Professional guide
- Return transport from Banff
- Visit to a grizzly bear refuge
- Chairlift ride
- Lunch at Eagle's Eye Restaurant, Canada's highest restaurant (Not available until September 1)
- Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
- Golden Skybridge — A suspension bridge 130 metres (426 feet) high (Only available UNTIL August 31)
- Optional gratuities
- 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.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
Choose to be picked up from a list of locations
Additional Information
Every pickup point has a unique pickup time. Guests must be ready at their selected pickup point 5 minutes prior. Banff Rocky Mountain Resort at 7:55 AM Canalta Lodge at 8:00 AM Banff Caribou Lodge at 8:01 AM Fox Hotel & Suites at 8:02 AM Red Carpet Inn at 8:03 AM Douglas Fir at 8:06 AM Banff Ptarmigan Inn at 8:10 AM Mount Royal Hotel (Public Bus Parking behind hotel) at 8:12 Am Rimrock Resort at 8:20 AM Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Motorcoach Entrance) at 8:30 AM Banff Train Station at 8:30 AM Juniper Hotel at 8:35 AM If no pickup is selected, your pick up will be defaulted to meet at the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 8:12 AM.
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
DIRECTIONS Every pickup point has a unique pickup time. Guests must be ready at their selected pickup point 5 minutes prior. Banff Rocky Mountain Resort at 7:55 AM Canalta Lodge at 8:00 AM Banff Caribou Lodge at 8:01 AM Fox Hotel & Suites at 8:02 AM Red Carpet Inn at 8:03 AM Douglas Fir at 8:06 AM Banff Ptarmigan Inn at 8:10 AM Mount Royal Hotel (Public Bus Parking behind hotel) at 8:12 Am Rimrock Resort at 8:20 AM Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel (Motorcoach Entrance) at 8:30 AM Banff Train Station at 8:30 AM Juniper Hotel at 8:35 AM If no pickup is selected, your pick up will be defaulted to meet at the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 8:12 AM. • Hotel pick-up from select Banff hotels is available but you must schedule this ahead of time. Transportation will not go to hotels without prior scheduling and confirmation. • All guests should refer to their booking confirmation found in their traveler message centre. If you have any questions surrounding the pick up location please call us at 1-877-565-9372. • Guests should dress with layers and have a hat, warm gloves and sturdy walking shoes.
