Voyageur Canoe Tour
Voyageur canoe tours are a fun way to explore the Bow River that anyone can join.
Every tour includes all the safety equipment for the trip plus instruction on how to paddle as a team before you get on the water. Your Voyageur guide will be dressed in period costume and throughout your tour will tell about what life was really like for early explorers using these large canoes. Not only did Voyageurs in these boats map out Western Canada but they also drove the majority of trade and communications during this era.
Going for a paddle in a 14 passenger Voyageur Canoe is easy, fun and interactive. Voyageur Canoe trips can be enjoyed by everyone including families with children, and no paddling experience is necessary.
Bow River Experience
Enjoy the sheer beauty of the Bow River while you enjoy a one-hour paddle in a Voyageur Canoe. Meet a creatively inspired Voyageur guide who will engage you with stories of the past: When our waterways were our nations highways and the Fur Trade was the significant force in the exploration of our western lands. Be inspired by the power of water and how this glacier fed river system continues to be of utmost importance in Banff National Park.
Going for a paddle in a 12 passenger Voyageur Canoe is easy, fun and interactive. Voyageur Canoe trips can be enjoyed by everyone including families with children, and no paddling experience is necessary.
Tours depart daily:
11am, 1pm and 3.30pm* (*in peak season)
Duration:
1.5 hours
Prices:
$39.00 (Adult)
$15.00 (Child 6-12 years)
Free (Infant 2-5 years)
Grand Voyageur Tour
Discover the history of Canada’s intrepid explorers, the “Voyageurs” on this fun and easy guided canoe tour.
Paddle to our secluded landing dock along the Bow River and then enjoy a nature walk to the new Cave & Basin National Historic Site and Welcome Centre. Guests will be given a private tour by Parks Canada interpretive staff including; the underground cave and hot springs, where plumes of sulphurous steam still billow into the air and catch a glimpse of the rare and endangered Banff Springs Snail.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the birthplace of Canada’s National Parks and now offers a brand new interactive and interpretive media presentation on 4 giant HD screens. The discovery of thermal waters here changed Canada’s history forever and the new Story Hall is an inspiring room full of images and artifacts and fun photo booths.
An easy downstream paddle will take guests back to the downtown Blue Canoe docks.
Tours depart:
Sat, Sun, Tues & Thurs
3pm
Duration:
3 hours
Prices:
$54.00 (Adult)
$29.00 (Child 6-12 years)
Free (Infant 2-5 years)
Where to meet:
- At Blue Canoe on the corner of Wolf Street and Bow Avenue
Itinerary and Highlights:
- Voyageur Canoe: Paddle a replica voyageur canoe
- Themed tour experience: Your guide will be dressed in voyageur clothing and teach you the voyageurs salute and song!
- Local mountain views: See Mt. Rundle, Sulphur Mountain and Cascade from a unique perspective
- River life: In only a short time you’ll be away from roads and crowds, in the wilderness and nearer to wildlife
All tours include:
- Friendly, certified canoe guide
- Dryland paddling and safety instruction
- Small personalized group size
- Hands on interpretive tools
- Grand Voyageur Tour includes private tour and admission to Cave & Basin Site
Remember to bring:
- Proper clothing. Dress for the weather, we will be outdoors
- Your camera, during breaks you will have the opportunity to take photos while we float
