Things to do in
Kootenay National Park

Kootenay National Park: Our most recommended tours and activities

Banff/Canmore: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Emerald Lake Tour

Banff/Canmore: Lake Louise, Moraine Lake & Emerald Lake Tour

Meet your guide at the designated meeting point in Banff or Canmore and begin your tour. Discover the iconic beauty of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake (replaced by Marble Canyon in Kootenay, a breathtaking natural wonder from Oct 15 - May 31), each offering breathtaking scenery. After this, we will have a lunch stop (own expense) at the Lake Louise Village or Lake Louise Ski Resort. Then, visit Yoho National Park, admire to spectacular Emerald Lake, and marvel at the Natural Bridge, a stunning geological wonder. Get dropped off back at your pickup point in Banff, Canmore or Calgary at the end of your tour.

Calgary: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, & Emerald Lakes Day Trip

Calgary: Moraine Lake, Lake Louise, & Emerald Lakes Day Trip

Start with pickup from a centrally-located meeting point in Calgary. Hop on board an air-conditioned vehicle and soak up breathtaking views of the Canadian wilderness. Keep an eye out for local wildlife like black bears and deer along the way. Head to the turquoise lakes of Lake Louise & Moraine Lake ( replaced by Marble Canyon in Kootenay National Park from Oct 15 - May 31). Travel to Yoho National Park of Emerald Lake, which offers spectacular scenery. And natural Bridge where you can capture pictures of this erosion-shaped rock formation that spans the Kicking Horse River. Relax in this serene and picturesque setting. Return to your meeting point with unforgettable memories of the Canadian Rockies.

Banff National Park: Guided Signature Hikes with Lunch

Banff National Park: Guided Signature Hikes with Lunch

After being picked up you up from your Banff hotel in a modern minibus by your friendly guide, get ready for a day of exploring the backcountry of Banff National Park on foot. Your guide will give you an introduction to Banff National Park and today's hike as you head towards the trailhead. Choose between 4 hiking routes representing the best trails in Banff: Sundays & Thursdays - Hike to Stanley Glacier; Mondays & Saturdays - Hike to Larch Valley; Tuesdays - Hike to Consolation Lakes; Wednesdays & Fridays - Hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers. Hike to Stanley Glacier Journey through a land sculpted by fire and ice in Kootenay National Park. The trail switchbacks moderately for the first half of the hike, through regrowth from the most recent fire, allowing for unparalleled views down over Vermillion Pass back to Castle Mountain. Follow the trail between sheer towering walls of Mount Stanley and Storm Mountain until you leave the forest behind to emerge in a land of ice and rock where you may even find some fossils. Be treated to views of Stanley Glacier creeping down the side of Mt. Stanley towards the valley bottom. Rated: Moderate; Hiking time: 3-4 hours; Return distance: 8.4kms (5.25 miles); elevation gain: 395m (1,285 ft). Hike to Larch Valley Trail restrictions due to bear activity make this an ideal hike to take with a guided group. Beginning from the Valley of the Ten Peaks at Moraine Lake, the trail climbs, really climbs, up 10 switchbacks to Larch Valley on a well-maintained trail. After reaching the Valley, the trail easily ambles through a larch forest and then begins to gain elevation again towards Sentinal Pass and the Minestimma Lakes. Towards the Pass, views of the Ten Peaks, Moraine Lake and gigantic Mt. Temple (3,543 m/11,625 ft) will complete your experience. Please note that this hike does not continue to the top of Sentinel Pass. Rated: Moderate; hiking time: 4-5 hours; distance: 9.0kms (5.6 miles); elevation gain: 535m (1,500 ft). Hike to Consolation Lakes This trail begins in the Valley of the Ten Peaks at stunning Moraine Lake. The drive alone to this location is worth it in itself. We’ll spend our time hiking leisurely to Consolation Lakes, and upon our return explore around Moraine Lake, including a trip to the top of the Rockpile. Due to bear restrictions, this is a great trip to do in a guided group. Rated: Easy; Hiking Time: 3-4 hours; return distance: 5.8kms (3.6 miles); elevation gain: 255m (837 ft). Hike to the Plain of Six Glaciers Your hike starts by the Lake Louise shoreline to the back of the lake before ascending up an ancient glacial valley. As you get higher, the colour of the lake becomes even more stunning and the crowds begin to disappear. Just past the Plain of Six Glaciers Teahouse you will be treated to views of the six glaciers feeding into the valley and Lake Louise, with cakes and tea served at the teahouse (optional). Rated: moderate; hiking time: 5 hours; distance: 10.6kms (6.6 miles); elevation Gain: 340m (1,100 feet)

Banff: Waterfalls Tour in Banff & Yoho National Parks

Banff: Waterfalls Tour in Banff & Yoho National Parks

Experience a day trip adventure through Yoho National Park and go chasing Canada's most scenic waterfalls with an expert guide. Thrill the adventurer in you, escape the big bus crowds of Banff National Park and learn about the region's best kept secrets. Begin the tour with pickup at the Banff Train Station and head towards the national parks in the comfort of a van. Once arrived, follow your guide off the beaten track to experience the epic beauty of the Canadian Rockies without the summer crowds. You will discover the lesser-known but just as incredible Yoho National Park and get to see the neon blue waters of Emerald Lake and Canada's tallest waterfall at Takkakaw Falls. As you go, listen to your guide share stories and local insights with a combination of on road guiding and in-destination solo exploring allowing you to experience each stop at your own pace. Let your guide tailor the itinerary to your group whilst factoring in big bus tour schedules and weather conditions and choose to canoe, hike or simply sit back and watch the world go by under a giant tree.

Calgary & Lake Louise: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour

Calgary & Lake Louise: Smartphone Audio Driving Tour

Follow your audio tour guide along the iconic Trans-Canada Highway 1, one of the most exciting drives in Alberta. Start anywhere along the route between Calgary and Lake Louise. The tour experience is the same in any direction. Learn about the discovery of the Banff Hot Springs and admire the beauty of Banff National Park. Hear about Kananaskis Country and other sights at your own pace.  You'll hear about the indigenous peoples, early pioneers, animals, geography and historical events. See & hear about towering mountains, pristine lakes & rivers, wildlife crossings & mountain towns that make this drive incredible. With no time constraints, enjoy the freedom to stop anywhere and take your time exploring. Entertaining audio clips will play automatically as you drive using a live GPS map, and no data is used during the tour. Enjoy a fun audio tour with information and trivia to keep the whole family laughing and engaged along the way. Each point of interest along the way has a multiple-choice trivia question about the sights. Keep score and learn plenty of interesting facts along the route.

From Banff: Snowshoeing Tour in Kootenay National Park

From Banff: Snowshoeing Tour in Kootenay National Park

Once your guide has picked you up from the meeting point, take a scenic drive in a modern minibus along Highway 93 South from Banff into the neighboring Kootenay National Park. Upon arrival at the Paint Pots trailhead, your guide will show you how to put on snowshoes over your winter boots and give you an introduction to the art of snowshoeing. Then, start down the easy 3-kilometer (1.86-mile) winding forest trail, perfect for beginners as it covers a mainly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain. Cross a bridge over the frozen Vermilion River to the fascinating Paint Pots, mineral deposits once used by First Nations people for rock painting. As you explore this cultural treasure within the Kootenay National Park, learn about the history of the fur trade with your guide. Throughout your snowshoeing tour, hear stories of Banff’s indigenous people, explorers, and fur traders who lived in and traveled through the Rockies. After the crisp winter walk, enjoy hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian treat: hot maple taffy poured into snow to make a sweet frozen dessert. What's more, try a crazy carpet slide down the hill while the maple taffy is being made - kids and adults alike love this part of the tour! After your snowshoeing adventure, your guide will transport you back to Banff and drop you at your hotel.

Marble & Johnston Canyon Icewalk Combo

Marble & Johnston Canyon Icewalk Combo

Start your day with an easy, guided one-hour Icewalk atop secluded Marble Canyon in British Columbia’s Kootenay National Park. Peer down the deep, narrow canyon walls to crystal-clear cascading waters as they make their way to the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a chance to warm up in our vans as we take a short drive to our next location at Johnston Canyon. Crossing the continental divide back into the province of Alberta, our guides lead you on a second easy one-hour Icewalk in Banff National Park’s most popular hiking attraction at Johnson Canyon, with waters flowing eastward all the way to the Atlantic Ocean. A world of frozen waterfalls and pillars of blue ice awaits as you walk through the canyon bottom and over suspended catwalks. Your professional guide leads you past waterfalls frozen in mid-stream, and through a short tunnel for a close-up view of the Lower Falls! Includes professional hiking guide, transportation from Banff, ice cleats, trekking poles and hot chocolate & cookies. Note: Bookings require minimum 24 hours notice. Bookings made with less than 24 hours notice will need to be manually confirmed by contacting our office by phone.

Banff National Park Tour: Lake Louise & Marble Canyon

Banff National Park Tour: Lake Louise & Marble Canyon

In the morning, we will pass by the [Castle Mountain], it will bring you an unparalleled scenery. Next, we'll proceed to [Marble Canyon]. Fossils of Cambrian soft-bodied creatures were found here. A narrow path over a creek, from the bridge you can see the canyon below, with a frozen waterfall cascading from above on the right, the stunning landscape are impressive. The trip continues to explore [Lake Louise], one of the most visited destinations in the Canada; is known for its turquoise, glacier-fed lake ringed by high peaks, backed by [Victoria Glacier] and elevated by [Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise]. In Summer (From June 1 to Oct 14), we will visit [Moraine Lake] (subject to official opening dates). Moraine Lake set in the rugged Valley of the [Ten Peaks], amazing colors create a unique appearance used on the Canadian dollar bill. Next, we stop by [Two Jack Lake] for photo taking, then head to Lake Minnewanka, the largest and deepest glacial lake in Banff National Park. You'll have the option to Lake Minnewanka Cruise (additional fee). This stunning aqua-blue lake is surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks and unique rocks by the shoreline. In Winter (From Oct 15 to May 31), we will arrive [Emerald Lake], the place where the amazing blue-green color is caused by the sunlight reflecting off the "marl" layer. Before ending our tour, you will be amazed by the waterfall cascading over [Natural Bridge]. Enjoy the sounds of nature as you stroll along the frozen path that leads to the Bridge.

From Calgary: Kootenay National Park Day Trip

From Calgary: Kootenay National Park Day Trip

Discover the unique contrasts of Kootenay National Park, from icy mountain rivers to steamy hot springs, on this day trip from Calgary. Meet your guide at the centrally-located meeting point and travel to Marble Canyon. Along the way, stop at the Great Divide which marks the border between Kootenay National Park and Banff National Park for a photo and some incredible views. Upon arrival at the canyon, take the self-guided trail which leads along this ice-caved canyon and through the remains of a forest destroyed by wildfires in 2003. Next, continue to the Kootenay Valley View Point. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mitchell and Vermillion mountain ranges and the Kootenay River far below. Watch the river wind through the mountain forest following an ancient route to the great Columbia River. If you feel like relaxing after all that walking, enjoy a dip in the naturally heated, mineral-rich hot pool of Radium Hot Springs. Finally, follow a scenic trail through the open Douglas-fir forest along the edge of Sinclair Canyon. Enjoy views of the Columbia Valley and verdant Sinclair Canyon falls before returning to Calgary in the evening.

Winter Tour From Calgary Johnston Canyon,Marble Canyon,Banff

Winter Tour From Calgary Johnston Canyon,Marble Canyon,Banff

Experience the magic of winter in the Canadian Rockies with our Winter Wonderland Tour. Discover the breathtaking beauty of Banff, Johnston Canyon, and Marble Canyon as they transform into enchanting winter landscapes. From Calgary, Banff, or Canmore. Banff: Explore the charming town of Banff, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and pristine winter scenery. Enjoy free time to wander through the town, take in the stunning views, and perhaps indulge in some local cuisine. Johnston Canyon Icewalk: Trek through Johnston Canyon’s icy pathways and marvel at the frozen waterfalls and sparkling ice formations. This guided walk offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Banff's most beautiful winter trails. Marble Canyon: Journey to Marble Canyon, where you’ll be greeted by awe-inspiring ice formations and dramatic winter scenery. The frozen canyon walls and serene atmosphere make for a truly unforgettable experience. Embark on a guided ice walk through the Johnston Canyon and Marvle Canyon. After a day of exploration, relax on the return journey to Calgary, Canmore, or Banff.

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What people are saying about Kootenay National Park

Overall rating

4.4
(49 reviews)

Our trip with Rhonda was absolutely majestic and spectacular! From the breathtaking landscapes to the hidden gems she guided us through, every moment was unforgettable. Each destination offered awe-inspiring views, and an enchanting atmosphere that left us speechless. Rhonda’s expertise and passion for travel truly made the journey exceptional, ensuring we didn’t miss a single highlight. It was the perfect adventure!

Great trip overall. Jackson was a great guide. Luckily most of the fellow passengers were on time so we were able to get the max allocated time for each spot. Only suggestion would be to extend the overall duration of the tour so that you get longer at each spot, especially Emerald Lake.

Rhonda was the best guide ever. The ride was comfortable and we were given ample time to enjoy the places we went to.

An amazing trip, our guide Rebecca was really good! We also learn about mushrooms and trees. The views are stunning!

we loved our trip. Rhonda is very nice and understanding especially we have 2 little kids