Banff and Yoho National Parks | Off the Beaten Path
Ready for some leaf-peeping but not sure where to go in Banff and Yoho National Park in September or October? This private guided Banff and Yoho National Park tours may be just what you need.
This is the type of tour when the bus or van of tourists turn left... I turn right! Escape the crowds and witness nature's breathtaking fall transformation. September & October 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.
Description
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta T0L 1E0 Canada
Born in Ontario in 1859, Tom Wilson made his way west to become one of the most respected guides in the Canadian Rockies and he is credited with discovering Lake Louise
Winter in Lake Louise is vastly different to the famous image we see of its sunlight-reflecting turquoise blue glacial waters, on which people glide through on canoes. In winter, Lake Louise becomes a giant ice-skating rink and hockey pitch when its 90m deep waters freeze over to match the white cloak of the rocky wall formations and the Mount Victoria backdrop.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Moraine Lake Rd off Great Divide Hwy, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
Available as a June 15, 2023. This tour carries special entry permit to Moraine Lake.
Starting 2023, personal vehicles will no longer be permitted at Moraine Lake in Alberta. Parks Canada will start offering Moraine Lake Shuttle bus from June to mid-October. Booking your shuttle in advance is required.
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: 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.
Difficulty level: easy-moderate
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Peyto Lake, Icefield Parkway, Lake Louise, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
The lake was known as Doghead Lake—exactly what it resembles from any high point near its south end looking north. Wilcox renamed it for guide/outfitter, Bill Peyto, who would later become one of Canada’s first national park wardens
Afternoon an easy hike to Peyto Lake viewpoint. The panoramic lookout is insanely beautiful.
Duration: 2 hours
Stop At: Mistaya Canyon, Banff National Park, Alberta Canada
The Mistaya River originates in Peyto Lake and joins the North Saskatchewan River a couple of miles downstream at Saskatchewan River Crossing.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Saskatchewan River Crossing, AB T0L, Canada
The Crossing has long been identified as a strategic location in the history of the Canadian West. At this location, the Mistaya and Howse Rivers meet the North Saskatchewan River. In the early 1800’s, this was the route of the Fur Trade and at this location, the Fur Traders crossed the North Saskatchewan River, following the Howse River to the Howse Pass which breeched the Rocky Mountains into what is now the province of British Columbia.
Duration: 1 hour
Inclusions
- All Fees and Taxes
- Private transportation
- Private Guide
- Small private group maximum 2 travelers
- Entry/Admission - Mistaya Canyon
- Entry/Admission - Lake Louise
- Entry/Admission - Herbert Lake
- Entry/Admission - Peyto Lake
- Entry/Admission - Moraine Lake
- Entry/Admission - Bow Lake
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
- Not wheelchair accessible
- This private tour will have a maximum of 3 travelers
- Most travelers can participate
- 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
You can present either a paper or an electronic voucher for this activity.
Operates
See Availability
Cancellation
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start time of the experience.
Culture Outdoor Activities Sightseeing Tours 4WD Tours Private Sightseeing Tours Cultural Tours Tours & Sightseeing Full-day Tours
Checkout these other experiences on Plan Harmony
- Discover Trang An Natural World Heritage, Bich Dong Pagoda, Cycling Day Tour
- Learn to Surf at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast
- Nashville VIP Style Private Tour with Local Singer/ Songwriter
- 3-Day Andes Adventure Visiting Cotopaxi, Quilotoa and Baños
- Heritage Tour of Mysore,Srirangapatana & Somanathpur with Breakfast & Lunch
- Hilo Shore Excursion: Active Volcano, Lava Tube, Waterfall and Gardens
- Essential Madrid Tour, Historic Center, Plaza Mayor, Royal Palace
- Dolphin Jet-Ski Tour - No. 1 Tour in 2021!
- Northern Lights by Minibus. Photos Under the Lights included. Tromso
- Boreal Couple Massage