Meet Boo, a rescued grizzly bear, and explore the wilder side of the Rockies on a scenic tour to Golden, BC. Includes Yoho National Park highlights like Emerald Lake, Takakkaw Falls, and a gondola ride with lunch.
Included
Hotel pick up and drop off
Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour: guaranteed grizzly bear sighting! *If you don't see Boo, go on the tour again for free!
Kicking Horse Sightseeing Gondola
Lunch at Eagle's Eye Restaurant
Hands-on interpretive tools
Professional guide
Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Important information
How long is the tour?
The tour is a 10 hour tour, which will begin in Banff at 8:30am and Lake Louise 9:15am. The tour will return to Lake Louise just after 5pm and to Banff at 6:30pm.
What does the tour include?
The full day tour includes transportation from most hotels in Banff on a guided bus tour and an open-air chairlift ride to visit the Grizzly Bear Refuge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort. The tour also includes a gondola ride up the hill for lunch at the Eagle’s Eye Restaurant (Thurs – Mon) or Double Back Cafe (Tuesday & Wednesday), with your choice of lunch options that you will select on the day of the tour. There are also scenic stops at Takakkaw Falls (when access permits, generally from late June onwards) and Emerald Lake.
What should I bring with me?
We recommend bringing your camera, and warmer clothes depending on the weather on the day of your tour. Wearing layers including a jacket is a good idea, as you will be getting on and off the bus during the tour and it tends to be cooler up the mountain. You may wish to wear sneakers or other sturdy footwear, as some of the pathways are unpaved.
Can you guarantee seeing a bear?
We almost always guarantee you will see Boo, the orphaned bear who lives in the Refuge at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort.
What happens if you don't see a bear?
Although Boo is generally always out foraging or playing in his refuge, there is a rare chance he may not be visible when you visit. You can take the tour again for free to see Boo.
Highlights
More information
This small-group tour offers a deeper connection to the wild beauty of the Rockies—highlighted by one of its most awe-inspiring natural wonders, Takakkaw Falls. Standing 373 metres tall, this thundering waterfall in Yoho National Park is one of Canada’s highest, and seeing it up close is an unforgettable experience.
The adventure continues with visits to other Yoho gems, including the emerald waters of Emerald Lake and a stop to view the Spiral Tunnels, a feat of railway engineering that winds through the mountains.
Your journey continues to Golden, British Columbia, where you’ll meet Boo, a rescued grizzly bear who lives in a 20-acre mountainside sanctuary. This isn’t a zoo—it’s a one-of-a-kind conservation facility that offers the chance to observe one of Canada’s most iconic animals in a natural habitat, all while learning about bear behaviour, ecology, and conservation.
Your adventure includes a ride up the Golden Eagle Gondola at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, with time to take in panoramic alpine views from the summit. You'll also enjoy a relaxing lunch at the resort—adding a taste of local flavour to the day.
What makes this tour special isn’t just where you go—it’s how you experience it. You’ll return with not just photos, but a deeper understanding of the Rockies and the remarkable creatures who live here. Discover a wilder side of the Rockies.
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