From Banff: Snowshoeing Tour in Kootenay National Park

Exploring the serene winter wonderland of Kootenay National Park is an unforgettable experience. Set out on a guided snowshoeing tour from the charming town of Banff, where you’ll traverse a scenic trail through enchanting snow-covered forests. Along the way, discover the rich cultural history of the region, from the indigenous peoples to the fur traders of the past. Marvel at the stunning natural attractions, such as the Paint Pots and the frozen Vermilion River, while indulging in hot chocolate and maple taffy treats. This small-group adventure is a perfect blend of nature and culture, leaving you with memories that will…

Key Points

• Scenic 4-hour snowshoeing tour from Banff to Kootenay National Park, with a maximum of 12 participants and starting from €69.32 per person.
• Easy 3-kilometer hike through snow-covered forests, exploring the Paint Pots and frozen Vermilion River, with cultural insights and treats like hot chocolate and maple taffy.
• Includes professional certified guide, snowshoes, hiking poles, and round-trip transportation to Banff.
• Open to ages 8-99, with children under 15 requiring adult supervision and all participants needing to be prepared for winter outdoor conditions.
• Highly rated tour with outstanding 5/5 customer reviews praising the guide’s expertise, value for money, and overall experience enjoyment.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Details

The snowshoeing tour in Kootenay National Park provides an immersive 4-hour experience for a maximum of 12 participants, with prices starting from €69.32 per person.

Guests will meet the group at the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel in Banff, 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. The tour is conducted in English, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

During the tour, you will learn snowshoeing techniques, explore the Paint Pots and frozen Vermilion River, and enjoy hot chocolate and maple taffy.

The experience is suitable for ages 8-99, and participants must wear appropriate winter attire to ensure safety and participation.

Experience Highlights

Participants can look forward to hiking through deep snow with a knowledgeable guide, exploring the Paint Pots and learning about the local history. Along the easy 3-kilometer trail through the forest, adventurers will cross a bridge over the frozen Vermilion River, all while gaining historical insights into the indigenous peoples and fur traders who once traversed these lands.

As an added treat, the tour includes hot chocolate and maple taffy made freshly in the snow. For those seeking extra fun, there’s an optional crazy carpet slide down a nearby hill.

Experience	Emotion Evoked
Snowshoeing through a winter wonderland	Excitement
Discovering indigenous history	Wonder
Indulging in warm, sweet treats	Comfort

Tour Itinerary

The tour begins with a scenic drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park, where guests receive an introduction to snowshoeing techniques. Then, they embark on an easy 3-kilometer trail through the forest, crossing a bridge over the frozen Vermilion River while learning about the area’s indigenous history and fur trading past.

The tour itinerary includes:

1. Experiencing the serene beauty of the snow-covered wilderness

2. Discovering the Paint Pots, a series of mineral spring pools

3. Enjoying a hot chocolate and maple taffy treat made in the snow

4. Optional fun on a crazy carpet slide down a nearby hill

After exploring the park, guests are transported back to Banff, having gained a deeper appreciation for the natural wonders of Kootenay National Park.

Inclusions

This snowshoeing tour includes a professional certified guide to lead the excursion. Participants also receive the use of snowshoes and hiking poles, as well as a hot chocolate and maple taffy treat during the experience. The tour’s inclusions are designed to enhance the overall enjoyment and comfort of the winter adventure.

Inclusions
Professional certified guide
Use of snowshoes and hiking poles
Hot chocolate and maple taffy treat
Gratuities
Return transport to Banff post-tour

The inclusions ensure that participants can focus on seeing the stunning Kootenay National Park landscape without worrying about the necessary equipment and logistics.

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Important Information

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience, participants must wear appropriate attire.

Thermal and warm clothing, a winter jacket, snow pants, hats, mittens, and waterproof winter boots are required. Inappropriate attire may prevent participation in the tour.

The tour is open to participants aged 8-99, though children under 8 aren’t permitted. Adults must sign a waiver, and guardians must sign for minors. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.

Key considerations include:

1. Participants must be prepared for outdoor winter conditions.

2. Waivers are required for all participants.

3. Children under 8 aren’t allowed on the tour.

4. Children 15 and under must have adult supervision.

Customer Reviews

According to the reviews, participants have consistently praised the snowshoeing tour in Kootenay National Park, awarding it an outstanding 5/5 rating based on 14 reviews.

Positive feedback highlighted the guide’s knowledge, the convenient transportation, and the great value for money.

Reviewers were awed by the beauty of the untouched wilderness, enjoyed the tasty treats like hot chocolate and maple taffy, and found the snowshoeing itself to be an easy and enjoyable experience.

Scenic Drive and Snowshoeing

The scenic drive from Banff to Kootenay National Park sets the stage for an immersive outdoor adventure, where participants embark on an easy 3-kilometer snowshoeing trail through a picturesque forest.

Along the way, the guide provides historical insights about the indigenous peoples and fur traders who once traversed this land.

The snowshoeing experience offers a chance to:

1. Explore the serene, snow-blanketed landscape

2. Cross a bridge over the frozen Vermilion River

3. Learn the proper techniques for navigating the deep snow

4. Enjoy a well-earned hot chocolate and maple taffy treat

With the guidance of a professional certified guide and the use of provided snowshoes and hiking poles, guests can fully enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Kootenay National Park.

Exploring Kootenay’s Attractions

Beyond the serene snowshoeing trail, the tour also explores Kootenay National Park’s renowned attractions, including the captivating Paint Pots and mineral spring pools.

At the Paint Pots, hikers will discover vibrant ochre-colored pools bubbling from underground mineral springs. These unique formations, which have been used by indigenous peoples for centuries, offer a fascinating glimpse into the park’s geological history.

The tour also crosses a bridge over the frozen Vermilion River, where participants can learn about the area’s rich fur trading past and the indigenous communities who’ve called this land home for generations.

With these engaging stops, the snowshoeing adventure provides a well-rounded exploration of Kootenay’s natural and cultural highlights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Snowshoes?

Yes, participants can bring their own snowshoes. However, the tour provides snowshoes and hiking poles for use during the tour, so bringing one’s own equipment is optional. The choice is up to the individual participant’s preference.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this snowshoeing tour. The tour can accommodate up to 12 participants, allowing for a personalized experience in the wilderness. The tour will run regardless of the final group size.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration for an Additional Fee?

The tour duration cannot be extended for an additional fee. The tour is a 4-hour experience with a fixed itinerary. Any requests to extend the duration would need to be discussed with the tour operator, who may or may not be able to accommodate.

Do I Need to Have Prior Snowshoeing Experience?

No prior snowshoeing experience is necessary for this tour. The guide provides an introduction to snowshoeing techniques at the start, allowing participants to quickly become comfortable on the snow. Beginners are welcome and will receive the support they need.

How Do I Get to the Meeting Point From My Hotel?

The meeting point is the public bus parking behind the Mount Royal Hotel on 138 Banff Ave. Guests should arrive 5 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time. They can take a local bus, taxi, or walk to the meeting point.

Recap

This snowshoeing adventure in Kootenay National Park offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and history.

Guests will traverse scenic trails, discover the Paint Pots, and learn about the region’s indigenous and fur-trading heritage.

With hot chocolate and maple taffy treats, this small-group tour promises an unforgettable winter experience in the Canadian Rockies.

You can check if your dates are available here: