Local Voices: Discover Banff Tours

Banff is one of Canada’s most iconic destinations, known for its crystal-clear turquoise lakes, dramatic mountain peaks, and incredible wildlife. From scenic drives and gondola rides to peaceful lakeside strolls and glacier-fed waterfalls, Banff offers a postcard-perfect experience at every turn.

Many of our Rockies itineraries include exploring time in Banff, on unique excursions such as tours with Discover Banff Tours.

Fresh Tracks Canada spoke with Beth Ridgewell at Discover Banff Tours, who shared what makes Banff a must-visit destination, when to take a tour, and insider tips to help you make the most of your time in the heart of the Canadian Rockies.

What's the best season to take a tour in Banff and how does it differ by season?

Beth Ridgewell (BR): The best time of year to visit Banff really does depend on what guests are looking to get out of their trip with us. In the winter, we have a ton of snow, so it's ideal for frozen lakes, waterfalls and skiing. In the summer it can get quite hot, so it's perfect for hiking, camping, and seeing wildlife. My favourite season in Banff is summer because I love going camping. Last year, I saw about 30 bears in a three-month time span, which is very uncommon! Although there are a lot less people during the off-season, you'll never find yourself short of things to do.  

What are some tips for first-time visitors to make the most the most of their time in Banff?

BR: I would suggest booking everything in advance to avoid disappointment, especially in the summer. Everything from tours to restaurants and hotels get booked up quickly. I would also tell first-time visitors to bring a camera with them wherever they go, because you never know when you're going to spot wildlife.

What would you say is the most common wildlife they'll see?

BR: Banff has a lot of elk, deer, bighorn sheep and mountain goats. Of course, we do have bears, but they’re not as common as the other animals. Last year I saw two moose, which was pretty cool, but again, moose are not commonly spotted in Banff.

What's the most popular experience in Banff  why do guests love it?

BR: In the summer, our most popular tour is our Lake Louise and Marine Lake Tour. Guests love the beauty of the lakes and the convenience this tours offers. Lake Louise has very limited parking and Moraine Lake is not accessible unless you are going by bus or visiting by tour. 

In the winter, our Johnson Canyon Ice Walk is really popular. Guests get to walk across icy landscapes until arriving at the frozen falls and then we'll stop there for hot chocolate and maple cookies. Many times the guests will see ice climbers, which is really cool.

Do you see a difference in tour popularity from the younger and older guests?

BR: Honestly, no. We say our tours are good for all ages and all abilities. We have a tour where you can snowshoe to the paint pots, but that tour also includes activities like playing games in the snowshoes to get used to wearing them, making maple taffy in the snow or doing crazy carpeting. While it’s fun for younger people, older guests find many of these activities very nostalgic.

What makes your tours different from anywhere else?

BR: We've been doing this since 1999, so we have a lot of experience under our belt. Something else that makes us unique is that we've been carbon neutral since 2019. It’s something that I love about us since I work on the company's sustainability and carbon offsetting. Aside from becoming carbon neutral, we’ve reduced greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by almost a third, and have installed solar panels on two of our buildings to reduce electricity emissions. Also, all our tours contain an educational element regarding conservation of landscape, wildlife and the importance of national parks.

What's a hidden gem in Banff that most tourists don't know about?

BR: One of my favorite hidden gems in Banff is Surprise Corner. This is where you get the best view of the Fairmont Banff Springs and it’s perfect for photographs. There are however, a lot of other hidden gems around town and we take our guests to a few of them.

Do you have any favorite brunch spots or cafes in Banff?

BR: While there are a lot of great food choices in Banff, my favourite spot for brunch would have to be Bluebird — they do really good pancakes. For cafes I would recommend Sudden Sally, because their almond croissants are amazing! While those are my favourites, we have a lot of great Asian restaurants. In one of them, you sit down and a conveyor belt brings out the sushi for you!

What do you think the best Canadian souvenir is?

BR: I would say the best Canadian souvenir would have to be maple syrup — it’s something I always take back to England when I go and visit my family. They love Canadian maple syrup because it tastes so good and you can get them in fun maple-leaf shaped bottles.

Feeling inspired to explore Banff and take a tour? Many of our trips include this stunning mountain town. Learn more about our Banff train tours here or schedule a call with one or our Canadian Insiders.