Banff and Yoho National Parks | Off the Beaten Path
Overview
Escape the crowds and witness nature's breathtaking fall transformation. September is the best time to experience an already beautiful landscape of mountains, rivers, and valleys turning into a picturesque display of autumn colors. Where your well-being is top of my mind.
The itineraries for this tour are based on the cultural heritage and history of these National Parks and follow the route of the first Trailblazers of the Canadian Rockies who blazed the trails from Banff to Kootenay Plains, from the 1880s to the 1950s when the tourism industry in Canada was in its beginnings.
An essential part of this tour is taking short and easy hikes. Travelers with all abilities can manage these hikes.
Inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private transportation
- Private Guide
- Small private group maximum 2-3 travelers
- Entry/Admission - Herbert Lake
- Entry/Admission - Peyto Lake
- Entry/Admission - Bow Lake
- Entry/Admission - Natural Bridge
- Entry/Admission - Emerald Lake
What to expect
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Peyto Lake, Icefield Parkway, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Before named Peyto the lake was known as Doghead Lake—exactly what it resembles from any high point near its south end looking north. It was renamed for guide/outfitter, Bill Peyto, who would later become one of Canada’s first Banff National Park warden.
The panoramic lookout is insanely beautiful.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Bow Lake, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Bow Lake sits at an elevation of 1920 meters and spends most of the year locked away in ice. The lake acts as the source of the Bow River that flows through Banff, Canmore, and Calgary.
At this location, we will go for a lovely hike that traverses the shores of Bow Lake, travels through an interesting gorge, and then ascends an outwash plain to the base of stunning Bow Falls tumbling down a rugged cliff.
Don't forget to bring with your lunch for an amazing picnic at an elevation above 7, 000 feet.
Hiking Difficulty Level: easy-moderate
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Herbert Lake, Columbia Icefields Parkway, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Herbert Lake is a small glacial lake situated on the Icefields Parkway. It’s such a peaceful and calm lake. This is an awesome and far less-traveled trail with great mountain views.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Emerald Lake Road, Yoho National Park, British Columbia Canada
Emerald Lake – The Most Stunning Lake in the Canadian Rockies. The turquoise blue of its water, bordered by pine forests and snowy peaks, is one of the most characteristic images of the Canadian Rockies.
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Stop At: Natural Bridge, Yoho National Park, British Columbia Canada
The Natural Bridge at Yoho Natural Park in British Columbia is a wonder that will keep you wondering. It is a naturally-formed stone bridge that connects one side to the other side of the Kicking Horse River. When the ice and glaciers melt in its surrounding area, the sounds of the cascading water can be heard almost like, well, a kicking horse?
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Lake Louise, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta
Visiting this lake as a last stop.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Banff, Banff, Banff National Park, Alberta
Canada's first national park - Banff - is also one of its most scenic, offering stunning views of snowcapped peaks, blue-green lakes, alpine meadows and even some glaciers.
Duration: 1 hour
Additional information
- Not recommended for travelers with back problems
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Not wheelchair accessible
- This private tour will have a maximum of 3 travelers
- Free pick up/drop off from Hotel and Airbnb
- Face masks required for travelers in public areas
- Face masks required for guides in public areas
- Face masks provided for travelers
- Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
- Social distancing enforced throughout experience
- Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
- Gear/equipment sanitized between use
- Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
- Guides required to regularly wash hands
- Regular temperature checks for staff
- Temperature checks for travelers upon arrival
- Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
- Contactless payments for gratuities and add-ons
- Proof of COVID-19 vaccination required for travelers
- COVID-19 vaccination required for guides
- This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
- This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Ticket delivery
Cancellation
We had a fantastic day out to the ice fields and part of Jasper National park, even though it was snowing for part of the journey it was made really great because of the driver’s Jerzy knowledge of the whole area, and his flexibility we saw so many fantastic views and scenes, especially as there...
We had a fantastic day out to the ice fields and part of Jasper National park, even though it was snowing for part of the journey it was made really great because of the driver’s Jerzy knowledge of the whole area, and his flexibility we saw so many fantastic views and scenes, especially as there was just the two of us with Jerzy in his jeep, plenty of room in the front but limited leg room in the back, I couldn’t stretch my legs out I am 5 foot 6 inches. But a small price to pay for a fantastic day out and value for money. Would recommend.Jerzy is the best guide I’ve ever had! He is so patient, passionate and full of knowledge about the surroundings. His custom tours covered most of what we want to visit and added several surprises due to his carefully planned route according to the current weather. This is a trip that you don’t w...
Jerzy is the best guide I’ve ever had! He is so patient, passionate and full of knowledge about the surroundings. His custom tours covered most of what we want to visit and added several surprises due to his carefully planned route according to the current weather. This is a trip that you don’t what to miss. And our experience was the experience of a life time. He will take photos, care for you and talk with you along the way, it just feels like traveling with a friend! Jerzy 是我见过最好的导游!他非常耐心,充满热情,也对于周围人文和地理环境有很深的了解。他的个人定制旅行包括了我们想去的绝大部分地方,而且因为他对于气候的了解,变更后的旅行顺序更是充满惊喜,比如在云雾正好退散时到达冰川。你绝对不应该错过这个旅行。我们得到的体验是永生难忘的。他会在一路上给你拍照,关心你的情况,也会一路上与你聊天。就像和一个朋友旅行一样。Ah this is a late review but the day is still so clear in my mind. I had booked a tour with another company but unfortunately it was cancelled and so I found and booked Jerzy's tour last minute and boy am I glad i did. Communication was top notch prior to the day and for pick up, he even arrived...
Ah this is a late review but the day is still so clear in my mind. I had booked a tour with another company but unfortunately it was cancelled and so I found and booked Jerzy's tour last minute and boy am I glad i did. Communication was top notch prior to the day and for pick up, he even arrived earlier than expected. His jeep is awesome!! The day was tailored to what we wanted and he also explained what he thought were worth seeing. I dont want to ruin the day for you but I will say we wish there were more hours in the day. The icefields are simply spectacular. The lakes were so so beautiful, we did a mini hike with cleats provided and there was enough time at each site. We laughed, he told great stories and we talked about life and it was incredible. He event went so far as to get me reservations for dinner and took photos during the entire trip which were emailed soon after the end of the trip. I want you to experience this for yourself, so I won't spoil it for you but it you are looking for a unique, private tour with a great history of the area, you are booking the right one!! Thank you for such an awesome experience which I will never forget. i cant wait to come back when the snow melts for a different kind of experience.Jerzy was a really thoughtful, attentive, knowledgeable and passionate tour guide who took care of us well all the way from the start to the end of the tour, from pick-up right by our hotel to drop-off. Thanks to him, we had a great time exploring Banff and Jasper, and got to cover the destinatio...
Jerzy was a really thoughtful, attentive, knowledgeable and passionate tour guide who took care of us well all the way from the start to the end of the tour, from pick-up right by our hotel to drop-off. Thanks to him, we had a great time exploring Banff and Jasper, and got to cover the destinations in the itinerary in a comfortable and exciting manner. Jerzy was an amazing guide throughout, and is an excellent photographer as well, so dedicated in helping us capture absolutely beautiful pictures for our keepsake. Can’t recommend touring with him highly enough! Thank you Jerzy for the absolutely great day and experience :)There's so much to see and one day is not enough. I'll have to come back to see other areas as well. Jerzy knows a lot about the area and really showed me places that will never be covered by tour companies. We started early to get away from crowds in some areas and also managed getting away from...
There's so much to see and one day is not enough. I'll have to come back to see other areas as well. Jerzy knows a lot about the area and really showed me places that will never be covered by tour companies. We started early to get away from crowds in some areas and also managed getting away from rain and snow that was following us. I also learnt a lot about the history of Banff National park and how it all started.Thank you Jerzy for great trip through the mountains!!! Everything was scheduled, planned and went on time, starting from the pick up at Calgary hotel to the dropp off. It was first( hopefully not the last) visit to Calgary amd Rockies. Jerzy is highly informative, explaining history of natio...
Thank you Jerzy for great trip through the mountains!!! Everything was scheduled, planned and went on time, starting from the pick up at Calgary hotel to the dropp off. It was first( hopefully not the last) visit to Calgary amd Rockies. Jerzy is highly informative, explaining history of national park, natives traditions and settlements. Jerzy planned custom trip based on my preference- avoiding busy time and line ups. It was great opportunity to see nature without many people around! I highly recommend Jerzy to everyone, he is truly amazing guide and great person!!!! Tha k you Jerzy for great trip, time , it was a pleasure meeting you!!!!!