Exploring Banff & Jasper could keep you busy for days maybe even weeks, literally with all of the off grid spots to check out. The must see tourist spots and then filling up an itinerary with cool locations with Pursuit Collection Banff and Jasper. It sounds like an amazing trip right?
Last year we had the chance to visit the Banff Gondola. It was a lot of fun and seeing the incredible views of Banff was just the cherry. This year we managed to sneak in everything that Pursuit Collection has to offer in the Banff Location along with mid-way to Jasper the Columbia Ice-field. We checked it all off of our bucket list. The trick is to make sure you visit while the season is still mostly open and we totally recommend visiting in the Fall.When you can create the best itinerary with Pursuit to make sure you catch all these attractions before they close for the season.
It made it so much more peaceful as well I have to admit with fewer travellers at this time of the season. We didn’t run into huge crowds and taking photos everywhere was much more easier to do while it was so much more quiet. I recommend also calling Pursuit Collection and get their wonderful help in creating your families full itinerary to organize a fun filled trip!
Our first day we took our time and drove a few hours from Emerald Lake Lodge to the Columbia Icefields Skywalk.…
Columbia Icefield Skywalk
Even if you only just stop and look this drive is totally worth it. Heading up into Jasper through Jasper National Park you’ll find the Columbia Icefield Tour and Skywalk. We had the opportunity to go to the Skywalk. The four of us jumped on a tour bus that lead us up the road for about 10 minutes to the skywalk. Where we got out and enjoyed our own self-guided tour through the walk. The skywalk is made up very thick glass that you walk across. I’m talking super super thick. It’s an incredible sight to see everything below your feet, Drew was a little nervous only if he looked down hahaha.
But honestly a once in a lifetime experience to be able to see just how far up you are and the surrounding views of nature.
We took every chance to stop and read as much as we could and taking it all in. Learning everything we could about how it was made and the history of the location. The Ariel mountain views and river below. It was really such a cool thing to experience with the little ones. I recommend dressing for cooler weather and bringing along your mask and hand sanitizer! And a full camera card for photos!
Ages 5 & under ride for free but require a ticket. Book online for the best price and to avoid line-ups!
Open Season Schedule
May 1st to October 10th
Open Top Touring Bus
One of our next spots to visit was the brand new attraction, Open Top Touring Bus.
Taking you back to the 1930’s Banff style. Back where it all began. This bus is so exciting to be on with the open top and windows all around. It made for the most scenic ride we’ve ever had through Banff. Plus, we learnt so much and had so much fun. Our tour guide was amazing and took us all along Banff to the most must see places.
Banff really has a long history and it’s so interesting to step inside the magical place we love to visit and we are history buffs. We love to learn more about the places we visit. Old history and new. What makes the place what it is. We do recommend layering up if you are visiting in the Fall. The open top can be deceiving and there is a spot of the tour where it does take the highway. So it may get chilly. It is also open rain or shine.
You’re allowed to pop up out of the open top when the bus is stopped and they let you know you can pop up for a few minutes to take in the views.
PRICES
Adult $41 Child (Ages 6-15) $23
*When booked up to 48 hours in advance.
Tours 10am to 6pm lasting 90 minutes
Classic Tour Departure Location
Departs from the Mount Royal Hotel Location
Lake Minnewanka Cruise
Each of us were totally excited for this Pursuit attraction the Lake Minnewanka Cruise! It has been around since foreverrrrr. One of the oldest attractions in Banff and on one of the largest lakes in the National Park. We dressed for the weather because it was a little chilly. Our tour guide was also another amazing one filling us in on all the fun things that has happened over the years in and around this lake. It has so much history with it.
It was about an hour long cruise on a covered boat. Which if you wanted you could sit on the back which was open a little bit. We did that with the kids but it was mighty chilly out! It was so beautiful to see all the Fall coloured trees in the mountains and the fog rolling in!
Season Open Dates
May – October
Prices
Classic Cruise (1 hour)CA$59.00 / adultCA$29.50 / child
Ages 5 & under ride for free but require a ticket
Banff Gondola
Another favourite the Banff Gondola!
We did get the chance to do this last year when we went in the Winter and had to go again this time for Fall. It was as equally beautiful. The views are endless. The town can be seen all around. There is a boardwalk that is about 30 minutes-45 minutes to walk with the little ones up to the weather station.
With a few great choices inside for meals and coffee. A patio that is open and glass all around to see. There is also a great exhibit inside for little ones to check out and adults can read some fun facts! Outside is a warming tent and lots of fireplaces and chairs to warm up by. You could really spend a long time up here checking out so much making this trip up well worth it! This is defiantly a must visit when in Banff!
The ride is a short one up and down. They are very on top of clean protocols as well. I was very much impressed.
Banff Gondola AdmissionCA $55.00 / adultCA $27.50 / child
| BANFF GONDOLA DAYTIME HOURS | |
| January 14 – January 27 | Daily, 11 AM – 4:30 PM |
| January 28 – February 17 | Daily, 11 AM – 5 PM |
| February 18 – March 12 | Daily, 11 AM – 5:30 PM |
| March 13 – April 14 | Daily, 10 AM – 8 PM |
This road trip of ours was not boring nor did we have a hard time finding fun things to do. I loved our trip and I always love how wonderful Pursuit Collection puts together attractions. They always have the best employees and never disappoint in not only teaching us some great history but also making sure were amazed and see the sights that they offer!
Nothing like seeing it through your own eyes with Pursuit Collection Banff Jasper!
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{Disclosure this post was sponsored post as part of an collaboration program, however all opinions are my own}