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
145 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Great tour in general
eileen658,
Oct 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful tour. We visited the beautiful Takakkow waterfalls first. then we went and crossed the Golden Sky Bridge where we had lunch (Fabulous burger and fries). Then we went to the Bear sanctuary, we took the Gondola up to see Boo the Bear, which was great in itself. The visit to the Sanctuary, was superb. The knowledge of the keepers was excellent. And we saw so much of Boo, including him enjoying his own private pool! Great tour and great guide to boot!
Great day with Jake our driver/guide
Coastal788430,
Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent trip Jake was a good driver/guide ,lot of history & local information supplied(the man can talk 🤣) Reversing up the mountain road👏 well done
Great guide!
Gail R,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Evie was excellent, very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. A great way to find out lots about the national park whilst going on some great trips. We were lucky enough to meet Boo and the team there were also very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. Lovely food at the bridges. Highly recommend.
Great day but not a grizzly bear tour!
Go738051,
Sep 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00A fabulous way to see the highlights of Banff and Yoho national parks. Eve our fantastic guide was full of really interesting history and wildlife facts! Go knowing this is a site seeing day out not a grizzly bear tour. Eve and the content get 5 stars dropped one as it’s totally misnamed !!! Perhaps highlights of Banff and Yoho is more appropriate
We all went on a bear hunt! …. And it was great 😊
JOHN M,
Sep 21, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Had a brilliant day, visiting Takakka Falls, skywalk, Emerald Lake and the big event, the grizzly bear refuge via the sky lift, to see Boo the bear. Emma, our guide and driver for the day, was great. Very friendly, helpful and knowledgeable about the bears and providing a very informative commentary throughout the day. We were lucky to see lots of Boo to top-off a great day.
Boo and Jake
tinapM2224JF,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Boo was great. He posed for us for 15 minutes. Jake was a great guide with an amazing personality and beard! His interpretive dance at Emerald Lake drew such a huge audience we're sure he has a new side gig!! Thank you Jake, you're the best!!
Best tour in banff
U4746OGcarmines,
Sep 19, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Jake was the best guide we’ve had in years. We spent a full day going to see boo the grizzly bear followed by emerald lake. Jake was Knowledgeable fun and accommodating. I would highly recommend his tour
Great tour with Ella!
annabellem601,
Sep 18, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Did the Grizzly bears tour with Ella and she was fantastic! She was very funny, told some great stories and put a lot of effort into making it a memorable experience.
Fabulous
sandradeem2025,
Aug 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely fabulous tour. Our guide Michaela was excellent, informative, friendly and went above and beyond. We were a small group of 5 and she came along with us to all the scenic spots and took photos for us ( which for a solo traveller is wonderful) Every stop was amazing and the Grizzly Bear sanctuary was awesome. We were really lucky Boo put on a show for us, it was magical. Emerald Lake was breathtaking. An absolute gem of a tour and our guide made it even more special. Don’t miss this tour!
Excellent full day adventure
Y7567JRthomasm,
Aug 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A full day trip with lots to see. Boo the bear was incredible to see. The van was clean and comfortable. Our guide Chloe was very knowledgeable and an excellent guide.
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Operated by Discover Banff Tours