Embark on an unforgettable journey to the Grizzly Bear Refuge in Banff, Canada. This 10-hour tour, priced at €200.40 per person, promises a unique blend of adventure and education. Delight in a scenic gondola ride to a stunning viewpoint at 7,700 feet, savor a gourmet lunch, and come face-to-face with Boo, the resident grizzly bear. With a perfect 5/5 rating for guides and customer service, this tour offers a memorable experience exploring breathtaking landscapes and learning about wildlife conservation. Discover what makes this Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour a must-do activity in Banff.

This experience made our list of the 3 Best Lunch Experiences In Banff.

Key Points

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch - Key Points

  • The full-day Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour in Banff includes a scenic gondola ride, visit to Canada’s second-highest waterfall, and gourmet lunch at the Eagles Eye Restaurant.

  • The tour provides a small-group experience with a professional certified guide and an opportunity to meet Boo, the resident grizzly bear at the refuge.

  • Customers have consistently praised the tour’s organization, transportation, and the knowledge and enthusiasm of the guide, with an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5.

  • Flexible pickup and drop-off options are available, including hotel pickup, ensuring accessibility for all visitors.

  • The tour emphasizes both adventure and education, fostering appreciation for wildlife and conservation efforts in the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch - Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour from Banff is likely to sell out, with a price starting from €200.40 per person and a duration of 10 hours.

Customers can choose a convenient hotel pickup or meeting point, and the tour includes a professional certified guide for a small-group experience.

Highlights include a scenic gondola ride to 7,700 feet in the Purcell Mountains, a visit to Canada’s second-highest waterfall, and lunch at the Eagles Eye Restaurant, the highest in the country.

The tour also provides the opportunity to meet Boo, the resident grizzly bear, and learn about his behavior and habitat.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts visiting Banff.

Itinerary Highlights

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch - Itinerary Highlights

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch

Itinerary Highlights

The tour’s itinerary highlights an immersive experience, beginning with pickup from designated locations or the Mt Royal Hotel.

Visitors will witness the awe-inspiring Takakkaw Falls, Canada’s second-highest waterfall, before embarking on an enclosed sightseeing gondola ride to the lofty heights of 7,700 feet in the Purcell Mountains.

The tour culminates with a visit to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge, the largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat, where guests can meet Boo the grizzly bear and learn about his behavior and habitat.

Along the way, guests will enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Eagles Eye Restaurant, Canada’s highest restaurant.

The tour also includes a brief stop at the stunning Emerald Lake on the return journey.

Tour Inclusions

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch - Tour Inclusions

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch

This comprehensive Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour includes a hotel pickup and drop-off service upon request, led by a professional certified guide in a small-group format.

Guests can look forward to a gondola ticket, providing stunning views from 7,700 feet in the Purcell Mountains.

The tour also includes a gourmet lunch at the Eagles Eye Restaurant, Canada’s highest eatery, with a variety of menu options. Gratuities are complimentary, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience.

Visitors will have the unique opportunity to meet Boo, the resident grizzly bear, and learn about his behavior and habitat at the largest enclosed grizzly bear refuge in the world.

Customer Experience and Ratings

Customers’ overwhelmingly positive reviews reflect the tour’s exceptional quality, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 39 reviews.

Travelers praised the tour guide’s enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge, awarding a perfect 5/5 rating.

The transportation also received high marks at 4.7/5, with customers noting the smooth and efficient service.

Reviewers were equally impressed with the tour’s organization and customer service, both earning a flawless 5/5 score.

From the scenic gondola ride to the unforgettable encounter with Boo the grizzly bear, customers described the experience as memorable and highly enjoyable, underscoring the tour’s ability to deliver on its promises.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Reviews Summary

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch - Customer Reviews Summary

Overwhelmingly positive reviews underscore the tour’s exceptional quality, with customers hailing the guides’ enthusiasm and wealth of knowledge.

Travelers were captivated by the scenic splendor of the stops, particularly the breathtaking Takakkaw Falls and the serene Emerald Lake.

The opportunity to meet Boo, the refuge’s resident grizzly bear, was a highlight for many, providing a unique and memorable encounter with these majestic creatures.

Guests consistently praised the tour’s organization and transportation, emphasizing the seamless flow of the experience.

Pickup and Dropoff Options

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch - Pickup and Dropoff Options

For the convenience of participants, the tour offers flexible pickup and drop-off options. Guests can choose to be picked up from designated locations around Banff or directly from the Mt Royal Hotel, ensuring a seamless start to the day’s adventure. This flexibility allows travelers to easily access the tour, no matter their starting point within the Banff area.

The tour provides three distinct pickup options:

  1. Designated locations around Banff
  2. Pickup at the Mt Royal Hotel
  3. On-request hotel pickup (available upon request)

This range of choices ensures that the Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour is accessible to all visitors, allowing them to begin their unforgettable experience with ease and convenience.

Gondola Ride and Lunch

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch - Gondola Ride and Lunch

After exploring the scenic Banff area, the tour takes guests on an enchanting gondola ride to soar over the Purcell Mountains. Reaching an impressive elevation of 7,700 feet, the enclosed sightseeing gondola provides breathtaking vistas of the surrounding peaks and valleys. Once atop the mountain, tour-takers will enjoy a gourmet lunch at the Eagles Eye Restaurant, Canada’s highest eatery.

Menu Item Description Price
Grilled Salmon Locally-sourced salmon, served with seasonal vegetables $29.95
Beef Tenderloin Tender cuts of Alberta beef, served with roasted potatoes $34.95
Wild Mushroom Ravioli Handmade pasta filled with a savory mushroom blend $24.95
Vegetable Curry Aromatic curry with seasonal vegetables, served over basmati rice $22.95
Chocolate Mousse Cake Rich, decadent cake with a smooth chocolate filling $8.95

Grizzly Bear Refuge Visit

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch - Grizzly Bear Refuge Visit

Banff: Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour With Lunch

The tour culminates with a visit to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge, North America’s largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat. Here, guests have the unique opportunity to:

  1. Meet Boo, the resident grizzly bear, and learn about his fascinating behavior and natural habitat.

  2. Observe the bear’s natural movements and interactions within the expansive refuge, providing an up-close and personal wildlife experience.

  3. Gain insights into conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these majestic creatures from the knowledgeable guide.

This captivating stop showcases the tour’s commitment to both adventure and education, leaving visitors with a deep appreciation for the grizzly bear and its role in the Banff ecosystem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour itinerary is generally pre-set, but some operators may allow limited customization requests. Customers should inquire about the possibility of modifying the itinerary when booking the tour, though availability and additional fees may apply.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements?

The tour doesn’t have any specific age or fitness requirements, but participants should be able to walk around the grizzly bear refuge and gondola areas. Children are welcome, and the tour is suitable for most fitness levels.

What Should I Bring on the Tour?

When going on a tour, it’s recommended to bring comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing for varying weather conditions, sun protection, a camera, snacks, and any personal necessities. Check with the tour provider for any additional suggested items.

Is the Tour Suitable for Solo Travelers?

The tour is suitable for solo travelers as it offers a small-group format, transportation, and guided experiences. Solo travelers can enjoy the scenic views, wildlife encounters, and gourmet lunch without the added responsibility of planning the logistics.

Can I Request Special Dietary Accommodations for Lunch?

Yes, the tour provider can accommodate special dietary requests for lunch. Travelers can notify the company of any dietary restrictions or preferences when booking, and the restaurant will prepare a suitable meal option.

Recap

The Banff Grizzly Bear Refuge Tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in the stunning mountain landscapes of Banff and encounter the majestic grizzly bear Boo.

With a seamless itinerary, impressive customer ratings, and the chance to savor a gourmet lunch, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure that blends natural wonders, wildlife conservation, and exceptional service.

It is a must-experience for anyone visiting the Canadian Rockies.

You can check if your dates are available here: