Banff National Park Self-Guided Driving Tour

Banff, CA

Included

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    Easy-to-use app: download action’s tour guide app onto your phone
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    Great value: purchase per car, not per person. more affordable than bus or guided tours!
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    Engaging storytelling: uncover unique tales and thrilling history for a memorable journey!
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    Perfect narrator: nothing can beat listening to a great voice. proven with tons of rave reviews!
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    Offline maps: no signal, no problem! works perfectly without cellular or wifi.
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    Comprehensive route and stops: see it all, miss nothing, leave no stone unturned!
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    Go at your own pace: start anytime, pause anywhere, enjoy breaks for snacks and photos freely!
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    Hands-free: audio stories play on their own based on your location. easy to use!

Excluded

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    Attraction passes, entry tickets, or reservations

Meeting Point

After booking the tour, search your email for the phrase "Set up your self-guided tour now." Follow these instructions NOW to finish setting up the tour while you have Wi-Fi/data. Do NOT wait until you are onsite.

Meeting point

43 Prestwick Place Southeast, Calgary, AB ,

End point

End Point

The self-guided driving audio tour will come to a close at the Norquay Lodge, located directly ahead.

Meeting point

2 Mt Norquay Rd, Banff, AB T1L 1B4 , Canada

End point

What to expect

1

Surprise Corner Viewpoint

Surprise Corner Viewpoint offers great views of the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Note: This 22+mile-long tour covers the essentials of Banff Townsite in 2-3 hours.

Duration 5 minutes
2

Tunnel Mountain Trail

Park just ahead for Tunnel Mountain Trail, a moderate 3-mile hike which leads to the summit of Banff’s smallest mountain.

Duration 10 minutes
3

Bow River

Bow River is the lifeblood of this region. In pre-colonization times, the First Nations people drank from it, hunted along its banks, and even crafted bows from the reeds which grow alongside the river!

Duration 10 minutes
4

Hoodoos Viewpoint

What’s a hoodoo, you ask? Great question! A hoodoo is a tall thin spire of rock formed by erosion.

Duration 10 minutes
5

Johnson Lake

It’s a lake beloved by locals which is typically less crowded than other spots. There’s an easy walking trail that’ll take us around the lake, too.

Duration 10 minutes
6

Lake Minnewanka

For thousands of years, people have flocked to its shores for hunting and camping.

Duration 10 minutes
7

Mount Norquay Lookout

This spot is great for a postcard-perfect panoramic view of the Bow Valley, the Canadian Rockies and the town of Banff! Keep an eye out for the parking area on your right if you’d like to stop.

Duration 10 minutes
8

Bow Falls Viewpoint

Bow Falls Viewpoint offers a splendid look at a tumbling waterfall. If you’re eager to get up close to the Falls, there’s a 1.7-mile trail that should take about 45 minutes to complete.

Duration 45 minutes
9

Banff National Park

Nestled in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, Banff National Park enchants with its pristine alpine landscapes, turquoise lakes, and rugged mountain peaks, offering a haven for outdoor adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike.

Duration 10 minutes
Admission Admission Not Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
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    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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    How to access: Once you book a tour, you’ll get a confirmation email with instructions. Follow the instructions right away: • Download the separate app • Enter the password • Download the tour • MUST DO while in strong wifi/cellular.
  • Additional information
    How to start the tour: Open Action’s separate audio tour guide app once onsite. • If there is just one tour, launch it. • If multiple tour versions exist, launch the one with your planned starting point and direction. • Go to the starting point. (Note: no one will meet you at the start. This tour is self-guided). • The audio will begin automatically at the starting point. If you face audio issues, visit the FAQ. • Stick to the tour route & speed limit for the best experience.
  • Additional information
    Amazing Savings: why pay for an expensive, crowded, and limited bus tour — priced per person! — when you can have ONE amazing audio guide on your OWN phone for your WHOLE group?
  • Additional information
    Flexibility and Convenience: • Use the tour app anytime, on any day, and over multiple days. It's perfect for tailoring your exploration and revisiting your favorite spots on future trips. • Start and pause the tour whenever you like, taking breaks and exploring side excursions at your own pace, free from the constraints of a group.
  • Additional information
    Comprehensive Tour Experience: •The app provides a full itinerary, travel tips, narrated audio stories, scripts, images, videos, and recommendations for additional activities. • Enjoy a private experience without the crowds, ideal for personalized stops and photo opportunities.
  • Additional information
    Ease of Use and Accessibility: • The app is hands-free and activates stories via GPS, offering support through call, chat, or email. • There is no need for a continuous cell or Wi-Fi connection as the GPS map works offline.
  • Additional information
    Memorable Keepsakes: • Utilize the app’s images to create a photo book or share on social media, ensuring you have high-quality, crowd-free memories from your trip.
  • Additional information
    Preparation: • After booking, download the app and the tour using a strong Wi-Fi connection. • Review the tour at home before your trip for a better experience.
  • Additional information
    Starting the Tour: • Open the app upon arrival at your destination. • Select the appropriate tour based on your starting point. • Head to the starting location; the audio will begin automatically. • Follow the suggested route and adhere to the speed limit for an optimal experience. • By following these instructions and taking advantage of the app's features, users can enjoy a personalized, flexible, and in-depth exploration of their destination at their own pace and convenience.

What our experts say

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    Visit Johnson Lake for fewer crowds.
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    Check out Surprise Corner for views.
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    Consider hiking Tunnel Mountain Trail.
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    Stop at Bow Falls for great photos.
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    Wrap up your tour at Norquay Lodge.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Welcome to the Banff Townsite Self-Guided Driving Tour - Explore the Rockies! Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Banff National Park, located in the heart of the Canadian Rockies. With its enchanting hot springs, breathtaking vistas, serene lakes, and abundant wildlife, Banff is a destination that captures the essence of Canada's beauty.

What to expect?

Embark on a 2-3 hour adventure that will take you to the most captivating spots in Banff Townsite. Experience the magic of Surprise Corner Viewpoint, where you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views of the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel. Hike Tunnel Mountain Trail and conquer the summit of Banff's smallest mountain, offering you panoramic views that will leave you breathless. Explore the banks of Bow River, learning about its significance as the lifeblood of the region. Marvel at the fascinating rock formations known as hoodoos and discover a hidden gem, a tranquil lake beloved by locals. Engage your senses with the beauty of Lake Minnewanka, steeped in thousands of years of history. Capture postcard-perfect photos at a scenic viewpoint overlooking the Bow Valley and the town of Banff. Lastly, savor the sight of Bow Falls, a cascading waterfall that will mesmerize you.

Who is this for?

This self-guided driving tour is perfect for anyone seeking an unforgettable exploration of Banff and its breathtaking surroundings. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a photography enthusiast, or simply seeking a captivating adventure, this tour caters to all interests. Families, couples, and solo travelers alike can embark on this journey, immersing themselves in the wonders of Banff National Park.

Why book this?

Embarking on the Banff Townsite Self-Guided Driving Tour grants you the freedom to discover Banff's hidden gems at your own pace. With the convenience of an audio guide, you'll receive insider knowledge and fascinating stories about each location. Capture stunning photos, breathe in the fresh mountain air, and create lifelong memories as you immerse yourself in the beauty of Banff. This self-guided tour ensures flexibility and convenience, allowing you to explore with your own group, providing an intimate experience that cannot be replicated in a larger tour setting.

Good to know

Please remember that this tour is a self-guided driving experience and does not include entrance tickets. Prior to your visit, make sure to check the opening hours of each location. The tour comes with lifetime validity, allowing you to enjoy it whenever it suits your schedule.

Reviews

Visitors who have embarked on the Banff Townsite Self-Guided Driving Tour have praised its immersive and picturesque nature. They have expressed their satisfaction with the informative audio guide, which enhanced their understanding and appreciation of each site's significance. Travelers have particularly enjoyed the flexibility and freedom to explore according to their own preferences. The tour has been described as an excellent way to experience Banff National Park's natural splendor, highly recommended for those seeking an intimate and memorable adventure.

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