The 6 Best Banff Kayak Tours

1.Banff National Park Big Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 303 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69Our pick

Join Hydra River Guides at the Banff Canoe Club for a gentle 90-minute Big Canoe trip up and down the Bow River. No paddling experience is needed. Your guide handles safety, shares Banff history and wildlife facts, and may point out bald eagles, elk, ospreys, loons, geese, or muskrats.

“We had a great time and would definitely do it again! Our tour guide was fantastic, very knowledgeable, safe and funny! Even made my little one feel confident in paddling. Must do!”

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2.Banff National Park: Big Canoe River Explorer Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 286 reviews · 1h 30m · from $67Best value

Join a certified English-speaking guide at the Banff Canoe Club for a gentle 90-minute paddle on the Bow River. You will learn basic canoe skills, hear Banff stories, and watch for elk, beavers, bald eagles, loons, and other wildlife. Bring warm, weather-ready clothing.

“Our tour and tour guide, Brie, were both amazing! The tour was well run, and on time. We were given an orientation on critters that live in the area along with safety guidelines and instructions on the proper way to hold a canoe paddle and how to paddle once we were in the water. The canoe ride itself was smooth with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Brie was informative, entertaining and educational. She spoke in a loud clear voice, so we could all hear her very well. She provided many fun facts of the local wildlife and mountain life and made suggestions of places to include in our itinerary.…”

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3.River Explorer | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 153 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Join the Banff Canoe Club for a 90-minute big-canoe trip on the Bow River. You paddle upstream, then float back with your group while guides such as Abbey, Madi, Cam, and Fergus share stories about wildlife, waterways, and Banff’s past. No canoeing experience is needed.

“Tim was an awesome guide with tons of useful and interesting information. He made this canoe ride super memorable. Thanks Tim. I highly recommend for anyone. It wasn’t that hard paddling at all since there were 8+ people rowing.”

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4.Wildlife on the Bow River Big Canoe Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 130 reviews · 1h 30m · from $67

Join an English-speaking guide such as Cam, Amelia, or Marti for a 90-minute evening paddle from the Banff Canoe Club. You’ll learn about local wildlife, help paddle a 12-seat canoe, and may spot elk, osprey, beavers, muskrats, deer, or bald eagles.

“It was a fun activity. Didn’t see any wildlife but still fun!”

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5.Wildlife on the Bow | Big Canoe Tour in Banff National Park

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 77 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $69

Join the Banff Canoe Club for an easy 90-minute paddle along the Bow River. Your guide handles navigation and shares local wildlife and conservation stories while you look for elk, beavers, bald eagles, loons, herons, and perhaps bears. No canoeing experience is needed.

“Operators were very nice and the canoe ride was relaxing but you don’t see much wildlife. I wouldn’t recommend.”

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6.Banff/Canmore Moraine Lake & Lake Louise-Hike/Canoe/Sightsee

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 44 reviews · 9h 30m · from $152

Travel from Banff or Canmore in a 14-passenger van to Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, with extra time for hiking, canoeing, or photos. Choose a longer stay at either lake, and guides such as Corey, Yannick, Dave, and Mike add local stories and practical trail advice.

“We loved our guide Dave! He was very informative and allowed us to customize our day! He was very willing to help and answer any questions! We had the right amount of time at each lake. We even saw a grizzly bear on our drive! Thank you for a great day!”

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