The 4 Winter Tours in Banff That Earn Their Price

1.Athabasca Glacier Snow Trip from Banff

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 394 reviews · 11 hours (approx.) · from $291Our pick

Travel from Banff along the Icefields Parkway with a professional guide, stopping at Crowfoot Glacier and Bow Lake before riding an Ice Explorer across Athabasca Glacier. Lunch, the Glacier Skywalk, and pickup are included. Guides such as Neil, Georgia, Jake, and Chloe are praised for clear stories and strong local insight.

“This tour was worth every penny. The glacier was amazing! And our guide (I don't trust my memory but I believe his name was Spencer) was so knowledgeable about the area - wildlife, plant life, and history. He also provided excellent recommendations for other things to do and places to visit during the remainder of our stay in Banff.”

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2.Family Friendly Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.2 · 237 reviews · 40 min · from $39Best value

Meet your driver at Banff Trail Riders Stables for a 40-minute horse-drawn sleigh ride through mountain meadows. You will hear local stories, watch for elk and deer, and see Rundle and Cascade mountains from under a wool blanket. Guides such as Grace, Emily, Brooklyn, and Nat have been praised for their warm, informative approach. In thin snow, the sleigh may become a wagon.

“The guides are very friendly and excellent with kids. They were very informative. Overall an absolutely wonderful experience.”

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3.Abraham IceBubble, Peyto, Bow Lake with Snowshoeing& Icewalk

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 146 reviews · 6 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $74

Spend 6 to 8 hours exploring the Rockies by minibus, with stops at Peyto Lake, Bow Lake, Crowfoot Glacier and seasonal Abraham Lake or Sunwapta Falls. Crampons, a hot drink, blankets and photo help are included. Guides such as Tony, William and Edward adjust the route when winter roads change.

“William, our guide, was fantastic! Definitely ask for him. Our December tour was well planned and shifted as the conditions required. We experienced a Winter Wonderland!”

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4.Abraham Ice Bubble/Sunwapta Falls,Snowshoeing,Icefield, Bow&Peyto

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 86 reviews · 11 to 12 hours (approx.) · from $68

Set out from Banff at 7:00 am for a full day along the Icefields Parkway. You may see turquoise Bow and Peyto lakes, Abraham Lake’s winter ice bubbles, glaciers, and major waterfalls. Guides such as Kenneth, Lam, and Ray provide local facts, photo help, hot drinks in winter, and crampons when conditions require them.

“Had a great experience. Offered pick-up and drop-off straight to my hotel. Ray, our guide, was absolutely lovely and very informative. Would definitely recommend this tour, especially if you are travelling without your own car.”

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