This Banff safari tour gives you a chance to spot wildlife in the Rockies

If you’ve ever spent time in the Rocky Mountains and wondered where all the wildlife actually is, this is your chance to find out.

This Evening Wildlife Safari Tour with Banff Tours takes advantage of one of the best times to see wildlife in Banff National Park, right as the sun sets and wildlife becomes more active.

As the light fades and temperatures drop, animals move more freely through the landscape, creating some of the best viewing conditions of the day.

About the experience

Don’t worry, this isn’t some off-road adventure situation. According to Banff Tours, it’s a relaxed evening bus tour along the paved mountain roads that takes you right into the spots where wildlife show up.

What makes this safari possible is the timing and the guides. They know exactly where animals tend to move depending on the season, so instead of driving around and hoping for the best, you’re going straight to the hotspots.

On any given night, you might spot elk, bighorn sheep, or even a grizzly bear! And this isn’t just luck either, according to Banff Tours, wildlife sightings occur on around 95 percent of tours, which is why it has such a strong reputation.

Along the way, you will also gain insight into how Banff National Park protects its wildlife and why these animals thrive in this environment. It’s informative and a great opportunity to learn about wildlife while being immersed in their natural habitat.

Plan your next adventure

The Wildlife Safari Tour runs from April until October, with departure time shifting slightly depending on sunset. Most tours leave around 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. and run for about two hours.

It’s also super accessible. The tour is open to all ages, which makes it a great option whether you’re going with family, friends, or just trying to squeeze in something different during your trip. Hotel pick-up and drop-off are included as well, so you don’t have to worry about figuring out logistics.

If you’re in the Rocky Mountains and want a low-effort way to see wildlife instead of just hopping for a quick roadside moment, this is one of the easiest ways to do it. It’s relaxed, it’s scenic, and even if you don’t tick off every animal on your list, the sunset drive alone is worth it.

When: Runs from April until October
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Where: 138 Banff Ave., Banff, Alta. (behind Mt Royal Hotel)
Cost: Starts at $72

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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