From Banff: Snowshoeing Tour in Kootenay National Park
ID: GYG303208-530048
Category:
Country: Canada
Duration:
04:00 hours
Description
Hike through fresh, deep snow in the Canadian Rockies on this beginner-friendly snowshoeing tour. Wind along a snowy path through a forest of pine trees to the Paint Pots, a cultural treasure in Kootenay National Park, and learn about the area's history.
Once your guide has picked you up from the meeting point, take a scenic drive in a modern minibus along Highway 93 South from Banff into the neighboring Kootenay National Park. Upon arrival at the Paint Pots trailhead, your guide will show you how to put on snowshoes over your winter boots and give you an introduction to the art of snowshoeing.
Then, start down the easy 3-kilometer (1.86-mile) winding forest trail, perfect for beginners as it covers a mainly flat terrain with minimal elevation gain. Cross a bridge over the frozen Vermilion River to the fascinating Paint Pots, mineral deposits once used by First Nations people for rock painting. As you explore this cultural treasure within the Kootenay National Park, learn about the history of the fur trade with your guide.
Throughout your snowshoeing tour, hear stories of Banff’s indigenous people, explorers, and fur traders who lived in and traveled through the Rockies. After the crisp winter walk, enjoy hot chocolate and a uniquely Canadian treat: hot maple taffy poured into snow to make a sweet frozen dessert.
What's more, try a crazy carpet slide down the hill while the maple taffy is being made - kids and adults alike love this part of the tour! After your snowshoeing adventure, your guide will transport you back to Banff and drop you at your hotel.
Highlights
- Experience the fun of snowshoeing through deep powder with a guide showing you the ropes
- Learn about the Paint Pots mineral spring pools, one of Kootenay National Park's top attractions
- Taste a real Canadian treat - maple taffy made by your guide in the snow
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• Dress in winter clothing for this trip including a winter jacket, snow pants, hats, mittens, and waterproof winter boots.
• Safety is the first priority: if the guide thinks your attire or footwear isn’t appropriate and compromises your safety on the tour, you may not be able to participate
• Children aged 15 and under must have someone 18 years and older with them
• The minimum age for this tour is 8 years
• All adults must sign a waiver prior to the tour
• A waiver must also be completed by the parent or guardian of any child under the age of 18
Wait at the public bus parking spot located behind the Mount Royal Hotel at 138 Banff Ave. You must be ready 5 minutes prior to the 1:12pm pick-up time.
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
