Discover Grizzly Bears from Banff
Overview
Available languages
10 hours
Mobile ticket
Discover a wilder side of the Rockies on this small-group adventure that connects you with some of the region’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders. Visit Takakkaw Falls—one of Canada’s highest waterfalls—explore the emerald waters of Emerald Lake, and view the historic Spiral Tunnels in Yoho National Park. Stop at the Golden Skybridge, Canada’s highest suspension bridge, with stunning views and a relaxing lunch. Then continue to the Kicking Horse Grizzly Bear Refuge to meet Boo, a rescued grizzly bear living in a 20-acre sanctuary. It’s not just where you go—but how you experience it.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Early and late season bookings may be subject to itinerary changes, the Takakkaw Falls Road typically opens late June. Alternative stops are usually the Spiral Tunnels and Natural Bridge..
Infant rates do not include food.
Group bookings of 9 or more guests have a 7 day cancellation period.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Golden Skybridge — A suspension bridge 130 metres (426 feet) high (Only available for 2025)
Professional guide
Return transport from Banff
Visit to a grizzly bear refuge
Chairlift ride
Gondola ride at Kicking Horse Mountain Resort (Not available until 2026)
Small group size (up to 24 guests per guide)
Optional gratuities
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Takakkaw Falls
Visit Takakkaw Falls in Yoho National Park (when access permits), to see Canada's second highest waterfall tumbling 254m (830 feet) in one stretch and 384m (1,260 feet) in total. The falls can be admired from the parking area or from an optional short 0.5km (¹⁄₃ mile) walk on a paved trail from the parking area to the base of the impressive falls.
Kicking Horse Mountain Resort
Ride a four-person open-chairlift chairlift partway up the mountain to the Grizzly Bear Refuge, the largest enclosed grizzly bear habitat in the world. At the refuge you'll meet Boo, a bear with paws the size of hubcaps, a mouth full of sharp teeth and enormous muscles moving beneath his shaggy fur, in his 20-acre habitat in the Rocky Mountain bush. You’ll hear his personal story and learn about grizzly bear behaviour from the knowledgeable guide while you watch him explore, hunt and forage just like his wild cousins. After the tour, you'll descend back down the open-air chairlift.
Options
8:30am Departure
Departs at 8:30am
Pickup included
Reviews
137 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Loved it
Terra L,
Jul 10, 2025
- Viator
5.00It was a great tour and we did get to see Boo, it was a brief sighting but still awesome. The sanctuary is beautiful with plenty of area for that beautiful bear to roam. It was cold and wet but we were literally up in the clouds. Great trip.
Amazing trip!!!
Natalie H,
Jul 1, 2025
- Viator
5.00Would recommend this trip. Brianna was a very good tour guide! Amazing trip. We were fortunate on our trip to see black bears. We also saw Boo the grizzly bear at the Kicking Horse. The weather was really good which also adds to the experience. As an advisory the Golden Skybridge had a lot of uneven terrain and steep areas which can make it difficult for those with mobility issues.
Grizzly tour
Elizabeth M,
Jun 5, 2025
- Viator
5.00Roz was a brilliant guide, full of local knowledge which made the drive interesting and nothing was too much trouble for her. Emerald lake was beautiful and the change in schedule to Golden was very good. Lots of activities to do there. Disappointed that we didn’t get to see Boo at Kicking Horse reserve but we did get to see a black bear and her cubs on the way up to the resort. Roz carefully positioned the vehicle to allow us to watch the trio for some time which was fantastic and made up for not seeing Boo. I would recommend this tour but perhaps a little later in the season as it was opening week at the sanctuary when we went.
Grizzly bear tour
Kimberly L,
Sep 17, 2024
- Viator
5.00Cameron was a great guide, so knowledgeable about the area and shared lots of tips and information to make the drive and the stops enjoyable. Offered to take pictures of us at each stop and really welcomed us to Banff! This was our first tour of our vacation and a great way to start the trip. Boo the grizzly Bear was our favorite.
Great Excursion
Dawn M,
Aug 23, 2024
- Viator
5.00We really enjoyed everything. Brook was very knowledgeable and made it so nice for all of us. The Bear exhibit was amazing and the Gondola views were so magestic
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Operated by Discover Banff Tours