Two standout BBQ experiences await in Banff, both combining hearty meals with mountain adventure. The Kicking Horse River rafting tour pairs whitewater thrills with a riverside BBQ lunch – perfect for active travelers who appreciate good food. For a more relaxed pace, the Bow River wagon ride delivers classic Western charm, ending with an authentic cowboy cookout featuring perfectly grilled steaks and home-style sides.
We love these tours for their intimate group sizes and consistently high-quality meals. The rafting adventure wins points for its excitement-to-satisfaction ratio, while the wagon ride excels in authentic atmosphere and mountain views.
Let’s explore our favorite BBQ tours in Banff.
Key Points
- Kicking Horse River Rafting offers a thrilling 5-hour adventure, including a 2.5-hour rafting tour with rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV+.
- The BBQ lunch served after the rafting experience has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, combining a hearty meal with a post-adventure setting.
- The Wagon Ride Experience provides a 3-hour journey along the Bow River and Sulphur Mountain trail, culminating in a cowboy-style BBQ meal.
- The scenic return journey along the Sulphur Mountain Trail offers stunning vistas, and the authentic cowboy cookout atmosphere immerses guests in the local culture.
- The combination of adrenaline-pumping rafting and a relaxing wagon ride, coupled with high-quality BBQ meals and small group sizes, makes these experiences highly recommended for visitors to Banff.
Kicking Horse River: Rafting Trip With BBQ
The Kicking Horse River rafting trip with a BBQ lunch offers adventurous visitors to Banff an exhilarating and scenic way to experience the region’s natural beauty. Priced from $153.44 per person, the 5-hour tour includes 2.5 hours on the water, where participants can expect to navigate 14 sets of rapids ranging from Class II to Class IV+.
The small group size is limited to 7 guests, ensuring a personalized experience led by world-class professionals. After a safety briefing, guests will enjoy a thrilling ride featuring bouncy waves, scenic float sections, and big whitewater rapids.
The tour provides all the necessary gear, including wetsuits, booties, and life jackets. Following the rafting adventure, guests will be transferred back to the base for a BBQ lunch. With overwhelmingly positive reviews, this Kicking Horse River experience is a must-try for adrenaline-seeking visitors to Banff.
Read our full review: Kicking Horse River: Rafting Trip With BBQ Review
Book now: Check availability
Banff: Wagon Ride With Cowboy Cookout BBQ
For those seeking a more leisurely BBQ experience in Banff, the Wagon Ride with Cowboy Cookout BBQ offers a scenic and authentic adventure.
The 3-hour experience begins with a 1-hour wagon ride along the Bow River and Sulphur Mountain trail, culminating in a BBQ lunch at the 3 Mile Cabin. Guests can enjoy lassoing, horseshoes, and a hearty meal of cooked-to-order steak, roasted potato, cowboy baked beans, coleslaw, and dessert.
The return journey follows the Sulphur Mountain Trail, allowing participants to soak in the stunning mountain vistas. Priced from €96.55 per person, the activity includes hotel pickup and drop-off, free parking, and gratuities.
Reviewers praise the professionalism of the guides, the quality of the meal, and the overall value. Participants must wear long pants and closed-toed shoes, and children under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, this wagon ride and BBQ experience is a great way to take in Banff’s cowboy culture.
Read our full review: Banff: Wagon Ride With Cowboy Cookout BBQ Review
Book now: Check availability
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Vegetarian/Vegan Options for the BBQ Menu?
Vegetarian and vegan options on BBQ menus often include grilled portobello mushrooms, veggie skewers, and plant-based burgers. Many establishments also offer creative sides like roasted vegetables, corn on the cob, and vegan coleslaw to satisfy plant-based diners.
Can I Bring My Own Beer or Wine to the BBQ Event?
While the BBQ event may have a liquor license, guests are generally not permitted to bring their own beer or wine. It’s best to check with the organizers ahead of time to understand the event’s policies regarding outside alcohol.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the BBQ Experiences?
The BBQ experiences generally don’t have age restrictions, but some may have policies limiting alcohol consumption to those of legal drinking age. It’s best to check with the event organizers for specific details on their age requirements.
Is There a Dress Code for the BBQ Activities?
There’s generally no strict dress code for BBQ activities, but visitors are advised to dress comfortably and appropriately for the outdoor setting. Casual, weather-appropriate attire is recommended to ensure an enjoyable and relaxed experience.
Can I Request Specific Dietary Accommodations for the BBQ Meals?
Yes, you can typically request specific dietary accommodations for BBQ meals. Most providers are happy to accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs with advance notice. Just be sure to inquire about the options when booking your BBQ experience.
Recap
Banff offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the great outdoors with its two best BBQ experiences. Adventurers can enjoy a rafting trip with a BBQ along the Kicking Horse River, while those seeking a more leisurely experience can partake in a wagon ride with a cowboy-style cookout BBQ. These activities provide an immersive and unforgettable way to savor the natural beauty of Banff.