Bears and Lynx and Pikas! Oh my!

Planning on heading up the Gondola? Deepen your connection to this stunning place by joining a guided interpretive walk. Our local interpreters will share captivating stories about the local wildlife, along with insights into the ski resort's history and its future plans.

Discover the exciting guided walk options we offer below:

Grizzly Bear at Lake Louise

Trail of the Great Bear

Discover a day in the life of a bear in Banff and how they thrive in the rugged Canadian Rockies. This unique expedition occurs within the serene Whitehorn Wildlife Corridor and is permitted only with a ski resort interpreter.

Interested in learning the accepted behaviours for hiking and travelling in bear country? Explore our Base Area Educational Programs.

Difficulty: Easy (0.5 km round trip; elevation gain: 45 meters).
Duration: 45 minutes.
Dates: Closed for the 2024 summer season.
Times: Tours start every hour from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm. If you want a tour at a different time, please send an email to guides@skilouise.com. Private tour prices may apply.
Group Size: 2 to 12 (ages 6 & up). If you have a larger group please send an email to guides@skilouise.com.
Cost: Adult (18-64): $24.

Senior (65+): $20.

Youth (13-17): $17.

Child (6-12): $6.

Please note: A valid gondola ticket or lift pass is required to attend this program. Click here for gondola ticket prices.

Arrival details

Please arrive at the front desk of the Wildlife Interpretive Centre at least 10 minutes prior to your program's start time. Located at the Whitehorn Lodge, the centre is a brief, ten-minute stroll from the top of the sightseeing gondola.

What to wear & bring: We recommend wearing a hat, sunglasses, and closed-toed, sturdy shoes. Mountain weather can change quickly, so consider bringing a rain jacket and a small backpack for your camera, water, and snacks.

RESERVATIONS

Reservations are recommended due to limited spaces. To make a reservation, please book online, email us at guides@skilouise.com, or call 1 (403) 522-1385.

Private Guided Gondola Tour

Private Guided Gondola Adventure

Experience the ultimate Gondola adventure by adding a local interpreter to your small group (1-3 people) for the ride and trail walk to the Whitehorn Wildlife Centre. They'll assist in wildlife spotting, share local stories, and manage your group photos.

Meet your interpreter at the base, who will accompany you on the gondola ride to the summit. There, after a photo session, you'll be guided on a scenic trail to Whitehorn Lodge, where the interpreter will share insights and stories. At Whitehorn Lodge, explore the Wildlife Interpretive Centre at your leisure before returning down on the gondola at your preferred time.

Difficulty: Easy (0.5 km to the Wildlife Centre; elevation loss: 50 meters). Your group will return on their own to the gondola via the same trail.
Duration: 45 to 60 min.
Dates & Times: Please contact us for availability. Visit the Guides Cabin,  email guides@skilouise.com, or call 1 (403) 522-1385.
Group Size: 1 to 3. If you have a larger group please send an email to guides@skilouise.com.
Cost: $49 per group up to 3 people.

Please note: A valid gondola ticket or lift pass is required to attend this program. Click here for ticket prices and purchase options.

Arrival details

Please arrive at the Guides’ Cabin at least 15 minutes prior to your program's start time. Located in our resort base area, the Guides’ Cabin is located between the Lodge of Ten Peaks and Whiskeyjack Lodge.

What to wear & bring: We recommend wearing a hat, sunglasses, and closed-toed, sturdy shoes. Mountain weather can change quickly, so consider bringing a rain jacket and a small backpack for your camera, water, and snacks.

RESERVATIONS

Please contact us for availability. Visit the Guides Cabin,  email guides@skilouise.com, or call 1 (403) 522-1385.

Cancellation Policy

Changes to reservations can be made based on availability. Within 24 hours of the program time, refunds will not be issued. There will be no refunds for extreme weather conditions or wildlife activity cancellation. Rates shown above do not include tax (5%GST). Pricing subject to change without notice. Dates/times are subject to change as the conditions of hiking trails are weather dependent. Due to the natural grade of the mountain trails, all participants of guided walks should be of moderate fitness ability and should wear proper walking footwear (no high heels or flip-flops) and dress for all weather conditions. We recommend bringing sunglasses, water, snacks, jacket and a camera.